The Blaster Mark II "Phoenix" is the main protagonist of the 1990 PC Engine shoot 'em up Final Blaster, the final installment of Bosconian universe. It is a starfighter developed by the United Galaxy Space Force in order to destroy the Bosconians, who are threatening to invade the Earth. The fighter gives its nickname from its signature charging weapon.
History[]
In the year 2290 AD, another great war breaks out (other previous wars being Bosconian and Blast Off) between the Galaxians and the Bosconians, a hostile alien fraction that is affiliated with the Galaga. With an impending invasion of Earth imminent, the United Galaxy Space Force initiates "Operation: Final Blaster", a project that seeks to construct a space fighter to combat the formidable enemy; their result is the Blaster Mark II "Phoenix", which was directly developed by reverse engineering the remains of the Hyper Drive used by the Galaga in a pervious war. Once the fighter is completed, it is launched to destroy Planet Bosconian and avert the invasion of Earth.
The Phoenix travels through various environments ranging from a moon base to an inhabitant space colony, and even a factory overrun by the Bosconians. In each location, the fighter cripples the Bosconians whilst destroying their commanders. Eventually, the fighter reaches Planet Bosconian, where it infiltrates its breeding ground and destroys its fledgling army in waiting, after which it confronts the Bosconian Queen and engages in a prolonged battle. Though highly durable, the Bosconian matriarch proves no match against the Phoenix who eventually eliminates it, destroying the planet in the process.
Following the victory, the remaining Bosconians retreat across the galaxy in fragments. The Phoenix, alongside its surviving squadron returns back to the hanger of its mothership; there, the pilot (the player) is awarded a medal of valor by the United Galaxy's princess for their heroism. With the war over, the Earth returns to a peaceful state that lasts for more than a century.
Specifications[]
| Overall Length | 14.4 m |
| Weight | 6.7 t |
| Overall Height | 3.08 m |
| Width / Wingspan | 10.2 m ~ 16 m |
| Crew | 1 |
| Maximum Speed | 12.5 mach |
| Maximum Horsepower | 20000 h.p |
Weapons[]
The Blaster Mark II "Phoenix" is armed with a multitude of weapons, each with their strengths and weaknesses. All weapons can be powered up by means of collecting red "power pods" that are occasionally dropped by certain enemies. Another power-up in the form of a blue "power pods" can be obtained to switch the weapon in use by the fighter.
- Vulcan Gun - the default weapon of the Blaster Mark II "Phoenix", it fires twin vulcan shot straght forward that can destroy most small Bosconians easily, but requires extra firepower on larger enemies. When upgraded, the number of shots increases to a maximum of six.
- Laser - creates three options that rotate around the Phoenix, each of which fires a powerful penetrating laser forward. The Phoenix meanwhile will fire a twin vulcan gun.
- Ring Shot - fires three ring shots in "Y" pattern, with two shots traveling at a 45 degree angle to the left and right of the fighter, and a third shot fired directly behind it. An additional vulcan gun, as well as a single homing missile will be fired directly in front of the Phoenix.
- Free Way Shot - creates two options that flank the sides of the Phoenix, each one will fire a twin vulcan gun in front and behind of it that can be aimed to fire in the direction that the Phoenix is traveling. An additional twin vulcan shot that is not affected by the craft's movement will be fired directly in front of the Phoenix, alongside twin homing missiles. Though hard to use, it is the most versatile weapon.
Phoenix Charge - when the fire button is held, the Phoenix will begin to charge up power and transform into its namesake bird. When the button is released, it launches a powerful phoenix-shaped blast that destroys anything within its path and severely damages bosses.
Gallery[]
