Varth: Operation Thunderstorm is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up (shmup) arcade game released by Capcom in 1992 for the CPS-1 (Capcom Play System-1) board. It is widely considered a high-quality “shmup” in the Capcom library, known for its challenging gameplay and weapon system.

Story and Setting

• Plot: In the year 2667, the mother computer “Delta-7,” which manages all machinery on the planet Varth, is possessed by a sentient, malicious entity known as “DUO” (Dimension Unbody Offender).
• Conflict: DUO turns the planet’s automated defenses against the human population, destroying 80% of the planet within 24 hours.
• Mission: Players control pilots in two “4th generation” fighters—old-style planes not controlled by the compromised computer—to fight back and destroy DUO.

Gameplay Mechanics

• Core Gameplay: Similar to the 1942 series, players destroy waves of enemy units while dodging bullets to complete stages.
• Weapon System (Pods): A defining feature of Varth is the “pod” system. Players can pick up items to equip two indestructible pods that can block bullets.
• Pod Types:
  • Fuzzy: Pods orbit around the player’s ship.
  • Front: Pods are fixed in front of the player’s ship.
• Weapon Upgrades: Players can pick up different weapon types (Missile, Napalm, etc.) to upgrade their firepower.