This puzzle game features two player co-op, and the B button can be used to launch a bomb! These features helped the title stand out from other block-breaking puzzle titles. Utilizing a branching stage system, players are able to enjoy multiple different progressions and outcomes over the course of the game. The graphics feature a rather mysterious look, and the music is also a highlight.
GHOX
Japanese title: GHOX
| Release | 1991 |
| Genre | Vertically Puzzle |
| Platforms | Arcade |
Story
Determined to seize control of the continent, the evil magician Jagula imprisons the Goddess of Light, Luchia, within the Gates of the Netherworld, thereby ushering in an age of darkness upon the world. Fearful of what is to come, King Zidane of the Aclia Empire asks two brave heroes from the east to defeat Jagula. The heroes are forced to traverse a den that has been sealed away by evil. Possessing the ability to wield the magic orbs, Acshis and Briass's battle is about to begin...
Controls & How to Play
The game is played with a dedicated paddle controller (moves up, down, left, right; rotate the paddle like a dial to move left and right), a Shot button, and a Bomb button.
Ghox is a brick-breaking game, and you are able to launch two balls upward at an angle when the stage starts.
The balls bounce off colored blocks, treasure chests, enemies, and the terrain, as well as destructible obstacles.
You must strike the ball with your ship in order to prevent it from getting past you.
When a ball bounces off a colored block, treasure chest, enemy, or destructible obstacle, it will inflict damage upon them until they are destroyed.
The goal is to destroy all of the colored blocks and clear the stage.
During boss stages, you can clear the stage by defeating the boss.
You can use the Bomb button to split the ball off into 16 different directions.
Once a ball has been bounced off enough objects, its speed will increase.
If all of the balls get past your ship, you will lose a life.
When you restart after losing a life, your power-ups will be reset except for the jewel effects, and you will begin the stage with three bombs equipped.
The game is over if you lose all of your lives.
【Items】
Various items appear when you destroy treasure chests.
Purple fairy
Increases the width of your ship slightly.
This makes it easier to bounce the ball back.
Red fairy
Allows the ball to penetrate blocks and certain enemies and obstacles.
Blue fairy
Decreases the ball's movement speed.
Green fairy
Splits all of the balls on the screen.
Golden crest
Adds one bomb to your inventory.
Heart icon
Gives you an extra life.
Bag of coins
You will earn bonus points for each one that you pick up.
Jewels and their effects
When you get a jewel, it will be added to the jewel gauge at the bottom of the screen. Acquiring five jewels of the same color provides you with various effects. The effects of the jewels are not lost even if you die.
Acquire five purple jewels
Adds an attachment to your ship.
You can add up to two attachments.
Acquire five green jewels
Increases the number of balls launched at the start of the stage.
You can launch up to four balls.
Acquire five red jewels
Allows your ship to fire shots by pressing the Shot button.
You can fire up to four consecutive shots.
Acquire five blue jewels
Enables all of the balls split off by a bomb to pierce their targets.
This effect can be powered up as well.
Acquire five yellow jewels
Gives you 10,000 bonus points.
From the second time onward, you will receive 20,000 bonus points.
- POINT1
- You can play special bonus stages upon completing certain conditions.
These stages may contain special items other than the ones listed here.
Impressions
This is no ordinary block-breaking puzzle game! This is likely the first thought players had when they saw the striking visuals and mysterious soundtrack. Naturally, as a block-breaking game from Toaplan, you can boost the speed of your ship and also launch bombs! The game also features shoot-'em-up style bosses, which gave rise to unique settings and content that proved irresistible to players. Due to the unusual graphics and soundtrack, there were likely many Japanese players who mistakenly thought the game was developed overseas. Check out the game for yourself and experience a thrill ride worthy of the most famous amusement parks! At the time, this popular title showed everyone a completely different side to the Toaplan that they were used to.