Yet another excellent free shmup from the inimitable Kenta Cho, Titanion (Windows) is a new take on the classic arcade game Galaga. Cho has seriously sped up the pace and intensity, but was considerate enough to leave the player a gift: the dreaded tractor beam is now in your hands.

Similar to Galaga, the action takes place entirely on one screen, with endless waves of enemies descending towards your ship. Press Z to attack, and press X to appropriate to up to ten enemy ships with your tractor beam for added defense and firepower. After using the tractor beam you'll need to refill the power meter by destroying enemies before you can use it again. The speed at which the meter fills is dependent on how many ships you currently control, which means that the meter will fill quickly when you need it the most.

Analysis: Titanion is simple and familiar, but one of the most impressive offerings from ABA Games yet. Even Cho's trademark techno soundtrack is a little more diverse than usual. I especially appreciated the buffer zones on either side of the screen, which makes hanging on to your captured ships a lot easier than in TUMIKI Fighters, an earlier ABA Game.

Windows:
Download the free full version

Mac OS X:
Not available.
Try Boot Camp or Parallels or CrossOver Games.