Life Force (1988). Play online

Summary

Life Force is a fast‑paced NES shooter that blends side‑scrolling and vertical stages across six zones, each ending with a powerful guardian.

Blasting enemies releases power‑ups that give stronger weapons, extra speed or a protective shield; unlike the Japanese version's three options, the North American release offers two.

The game supports solo play or simultaneous two‑player co‑op, a feature retained from its Salamander origins, and a hidden Konami Code boosts the starting lives from three to thirty.

First shipped in 1988, the title resurfaced on Nintendo’s Virtual Console for Wii (2009), 3DS (2014) and Wii U (2014). The European box carries the subtitle “Life Force: Salamander.”

Storyline

Life Force drops you back into the Viper Pilot’s universe, this time facing the planet‑eating menace Zelos. After rescuing the Gradius colonies from the Bacterions, you and a wing‑mate from the planet Latis—piloting a RoadBritish space destroyer—plunge into the alien’s massive, bacteria‑infested body. Each stage is announced with labels like “Enter stomach muscle zone” or “Bio‑mechanical brain attack,” turning the star‑field backdrop into a tour of organs and systems. Your ship must weave through deadly traps, using ripple lasers, plutonic missiles and a temporary force field to survive.

The goal is to reach the creature’s core and destroy its heart, ending the infection that threatens the galaxy. Power‑ups are scattered throughout the organic corridors, rewarding aggressive play. The narrative frames every blast as a fight against the internal infection, giving the classic side‑scroll shooter a visceral, biological twist. Good luck, Commander—the galaxy is counting on you.