Gyruss

Summary

Gyruss is a vertical scrolling shooter arcade game developed by Konami and launched in 1983. It was crafted by Yoshiki Okamoto, who had previously worked on Time Pilot for the company. In the U.S., the game was licensed to Centuri and later adapted for various game consoles and home computers. It fits within the classic space shooter genre, following in the footsteps of titles like Space Invaders and Galaga. Gyruss marked the second and final project Yoshiki Okamoto designed for Konami after Time Pilot. Due to disagreements over payment, he was let go after the game’s release and soon joined Capcom, where he went on to create 1942 and the original Street Fighter. The game features an electronic, high-energy version of J. S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565. This arrangement is reminiscent of "Toccata," a rock-style adaptation by the British instrumental band Sky. Gyruss is recognized for its use of stereo sound, accomplished through the use of separate audio circuits, as noted in the bonus content of Konami Arcade Classics. The system was powered by three microprocessors: two Z80s and one 6809, along with an 8039 microcontroller. For audio, it utilized five AY-3-8910 PSG chips and a DAC. The game was available in both upright and cocktail table arcade cabinets. R.Hirst "KOO," M.Jones, "BOX," and the Elliott Brothers are often regarded as some of the top Gyruss players of the 1990s.

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