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"Avoid all obstacles and seek out the enemy's headquarters!!"
— Back Page of the Shock Troopers 1997 flyer.

Shock Troopers is a Vertical Scrolling run 'n' gun Shoot 'Em Up game developed by Saurus and published by SNK for the Neo Geo arcade platform in 1997. A sequel, Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad, came out a year later. A third title was planned but never materialized. The gameplay is similar to games like Commando and Ikari Warriors, and both games feature two-player co-op.

Both games have become available to download on the Wii's Virtual Console, the PlayStation Store for the PS3, PSP and PS4, XBox One and the Nintendo Switch. The first game was also included in SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for the Wii and PS2.

The duology consists of:


Both games provide examples of:

  • Heal Thyself: Health pickups abound. These take many forms, such as obvious medkits, but also food like bananas and the occasional Rice Ball.
  • Innocent Bystander: Often seen fleeing for their lives or cowering in fear. D.I.C. troops in 2nd Squad are seen gunning them down in droves.
  • Kill It with Fire: The above mentioned flame guns, as well as napalm grenades employed by Milky in Shock Troopers and Angel in 2nd Squad.
  • Sliding Scale Of Linearity Versus Openness: Level 2. Shock Troopers has a choice of three routes with the option to switch routes mid-game. 2nd Squad has a simple level select at certain points.
  • Spin to Deflect Stuff: The dodge button sends you into a roll or somersault, and gives you a precious second or two of invulnerability.
  • Spread Shot: The aptly-named "3-Way" PowerUp in the first game. Lulu's basic attack in 2nd Squad also is this, while Angel has a "wide shot" which hits in a column, without gaps in the spread like Lulu. A few characters in the first game, namely Southern Cross, Maru and Big Mama, had smaller "wide shots." 2nd Squad also has the "Round Charger", which fires in all eight directions.
  • World of Action Girls: Many, thanks to a surprisingly gender-equal cast.
    • In the first game, we have Marie Bee, Big Mama and Milky.
    • In 2nd Squad, there is Angel and Lulu.

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