Forgotten Worlds (known as Lost Worlds in Japan) is a classic side-scrolling shoot-’em-up that holds the distinction of being the very first game released on Capcom’s CP System (CPS-1) arcade hardware in 1988. 

Key Features and Gameplay

The game is notable for its innovative controls and gameplay features that utilized the power of the new CPS-1 board: 

Mega Crush Attack: Rapid firing allows players to execute a powerful screen-clearing “mega crush” attack, but this reduces their vitality bar. 

Rotary Control: The original arcade cabinet featured an 8-way joystick for movement and a unique 360-degree rotary control (often called a “spinner”) to aim and fire in any direction. This control scheme allowed for precise aiming that was a novelty at the time.

Shop System: Players collect currency called “zenis” from defeated enemies. These can be spent at shops that appear in levels, run by a character named Sylphie, to purchase weapon upgrades, increased health, and armor.

“Satellite” Options: Each player character is accompanied by a small satellite (or “pod”) that can also fire and block enemy projectiles, adding a layer of strategic defense.