Thunder Spirits hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1990 on the Super Nintendo, this retro classic from Technosoft is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
It was then retooled into an arcade game named Thunder Force AC. In 1991, Thunder Force AC was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System under the title Thunder Spirits.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Select | V | Select |
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The Story Behind Thunder Spirits
In 1991, Thunder Force AC was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System under the title Thunder Spirits. Thunder Force III takes place about 100 years after Thunder Force and directly after Thunder Force II. Thunder Force III was released on June 9, 1990, in Japan.
With Sega buying the rights to the series in 2016, Thunder Force AC was re-released on Nintendo Switch worldwide in May 2020 as part of the Sega Ages line. Also, ORN has built a remote defense system to protect itself named Cerberus, which is especially efficient at neutralizing large ships and fleets. Ported to Sega's System C-2 hardware, Thunder Force AC is almost graphically identical to its Mega Drive counterpart, with only very minor and often unnoticeable differences.
How Thunder Spirits Plays
With Sega buying the rights to the series in 2016, Thunder Force AC was re-released on Nintendo Switch worldwide in May 2020 as part of the Sega Ages line. Thunder Force AC was also ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991 as Thunder Spirits, by Toshiba EMI. ORN has installed cloaking devices on five major planets in their space territory that conceal their main base, making it difficult for the Galaxy Federation to locate and attack their headquarters.
For Thunder Force III, the free-directional, overhead stage format featured in the previous two games is removed and replaced entirely by the horizontally scrolling stage format. In 1991, Thunder Force AC was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System under the title Thunder Spirits. Due to the success of the game for the Mega Drive/Genesis, it was decided that the game would be brought to the arcade scene under the name Thunder Force AC.
Why Players Still Load It Up
The original Genesis version received much praise. Thunder Force III was released on June 9, 1990, in Japan. Thunder Force AC has been described as a retooling of Thunder Force III because it borrows enemies and stages from the earlier Thunder Force II as well as adding some original content.
In 1991, Thunder Force AC was ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System under the title Thunder Spirits. Thunder Force AC was also ported to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991 as Thunder Spirits, by Toshiba EMI. They described it as extremely difficult, most suited for hardcore shooter fans.
Thunder Spirits — Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Thunder Spirits support?
This browser version of Thunder Spirits handles 1 player(s).
Can I play Thunder Spirits online for free?
Yes — Thunder Spirits runs directly in your browser on this page. There is nothing to download or install; the game boots in the player above.
Do I need a controller to play Thunder Spirits?
A gamepad is optional. The keyboard mapping shown on this page works immediately, and plugging in a USB or Bluetooth controller switches the player over on its own.
Who developed Thunder Spirits?
Thunder Spirits was developed by Technosoft and published by Technosoft.