On the Dreamcast, the "A" button shoots and the "X" and "B" buttons plant a rotation marker around which your copter circles to shoot at enemies all around the screen. The "Y" button serves to unleash a short burst of firepower to take out masses of birds or to throw a knockout punch to a stubborn boss. The rotation element of the game requires a bit of a learning curve but once you get the hang of it, you'll be rotating, shooting and rotating some more on the fly.

Three copters are available for the choosing at the outset of the game: Apache, Comanche and Hokum - We usually choose Hokum because it blows out vulcan fire as well as homing missiles which are useful during blistering levels when enemy air forces fill the screen. All of the copters move at the same speed as far as we can tell and the only differing factor is the type of firepower each one carries.

Destroying any enemy makes them drop little bonus jewels which may be collecting as well as power-up capsules. Flying after all the bonuses would be a tedious and dangerous affair especially when there's flitting fighters shooting at you so Psikyo has afforded gamers one convenience. When you cease all firing, your copter magically draws in any bonuses on the screen into itself. Resume firing and the bonuses continue on their normal trajectory whatever that may be.