Imperium (1992). Play Free Online

Summary

Imperium is a vertical-scrolling shooter that swapped the typical high‑score table for an experience‑point counter. Killing enemies nets XP, and every set amount upgrades your weapons, while taking a hit not only shaves away one of five health segments but also demotes your current armament until you earn enough XP to restore it. You can tweak your mech’s velocity across five speed settings, but the game forgoes lives entirely—when you die it’s Game Over, though you may continue from that stage up to four times via the menu. The Western release strips the Japanese version’s richly layered backgrounds—especially the construction‑beam‑laced seaside in level 2—and swaps the original large fireball “Wave” weapon for a simpler shot. Critics noted the novel power‑up system and solid challenge but complained the visuals felt bland, resulting in mixed scores like 40 % in Super Play and a modest 60 % from Super Gamer.

Storyline

In 2027, Earth is suddenly assaulted by the planetoid space fortress Zektron, which razes cities and establishes a brutal occupation. Humanity’s surface defenses crumble under the alien onslaught, leaving the planet on the brink of annihilation.
An underground military squadron and secret laboratory respond by constructing a compact but powerful mecha named Dion—released as Imperium in the US version—onboard the mothership Leinoa. The craft is engineered to channel massive firepower despite its small frame, serving as humanity’s last hope.
The mission is clear: after the Zektron forces are driven from Earth’s surface, Dion/Imperium must be launched into the heart of the fortress to destroy Zektron once and for all, ending the threat and securing humanity’s survival.

Edited by Maya Carter