Gunhawk by Skyboy Games

Gunhawk is lightgun game for the original Nintendo Entertainment System that can be played with either the NES Zapper or a standard NES controller.
In Gunhawk, you will control the eponymous mech as you shoot your way through 5 multi-stage sectors to escape the enemy base. Between levels, you will have the opportunity to upgrade the Gunhawk’s capabilities and become more powerful. 
As you clear each sector, the story of the game will unfold through dialogue cutscenes. Optional events give you a chance to tap into enemy communications for additional upgrades, but this will not be without risk.
The zip file on this page contains an NES rom file of the game as well as a copy of FCEUX, a NES emulator, with which to play the game on Windows. Double-click on PlayGame.bat to run the game in the included emulator.

Physical NES Copies #

Physical copies of Gunhawk that can be played on real NES hardware are in the works. They will be available at  https://skyboygames.com/store once they are ready.

Created by Skyboy Games
Music, HUD and City Graphics by DV-i ( https://dv.dvihypermedia.net/)

Screen Guide #

Controls #

Gunhawk features two control schemes: Zapper and Cursor. You can choose to use either of these control schemes whenever you start the game.

Zapper Aim #

Zapper – Line-up your target with the Zapper’s gunsights and pull the trigger to fire.
D-Pad – Press Left or Right on the D-Pad to move the Gunhawk left or right.
Alternatively, you can turn the gamepad 90 degrees and use Down or Up to move the Gunhawk left or right.

Cursor Aim #

D-Pad – Move the targeting reticle around the screen.
B-Button – Fire at target under reticle.
A-Button – Hold to make D-Pad move the Gunhawk left or right instead of moving the targeting reticle.

Upgrades #

Every time you clear a stage, you will get a chance to upgrade the Gunhawk. If the Gunhawk is damaged, one of the upgrade options will be replaced by a chance to repair damage in lieu of taking an upgrade.

Hacking and Branches #

At certain points of the game, you will have the opportunity to hack into enemy communication lines. Doing so will allow you spy on an enemy conversation and potentially get extra data to upgrade the Gunhawk. There is a chance, however, that your hacking attempt will be detected and the Gunhawk will take damage instead of getting an upgrade.

Secret Intel
Choosing to hack at some parts of the game will allow you to take alternate routes and encounter different enemies.

Game Over #

If the Gunhawk takes too much damage, the game will end. At this point, you will see your final score and can return to the title screen.

Secret Intel
You can hold the A button while pressing Start to continue from the stage where you were defeated. However, your score will be reset.

Story Overview #

On a distant planet under military control, a mysterious pilot, Nue, has commandeered a powerful prototype mecha codenamed ‘Gunhawk’. Using the Gunhawk, Nue must escape the enemy’s base by blasting his way through legions of foes. 
While escaping, Nue is contacted by Emma, a leader in the local resistance. She offers to help him escape, but can she truly be trusted…

Characters #

Nue #

A mysterious pilot who has taken control of the powerful prototype mecha known as ‘Gunhawk’. 

Emma #

A leader in the local resistance. She offers to guide Nue and help him escape the enemy base.

Secret Intel
Intelligence suggest the Gunhawk can hack into enemy communications at certain locations, revealing our adversaries.

Special Techniques #

Charge Shot #

Between shots the Gunhawk charges weapon energy. When the energy meter is full, the next shot will do much higher damage. Firing a charged shot completely discharges the weapon meter.

Dash #

Double-tap left or right movement to make the Gunhawk quickly dash in that direction. While dashing, the Gunhawk will be briefly immune to damage but will lose any accumulated weapon charge.

Attack Interrupt #

Some enemies will show a brief spark before they attack. If these enemies are hit at this moment with a charged shot, their attack will be interrupted. Mastering this technique will allow you to defend against enemy attacks while inflicting damage.

Upgrade List #

Max HP #

This upgrade increases the maximum amount of damage the Gunhawk can take.

Charge Speed #

Increase the speed at which the Gunhawk’s weapon charges to allow more frequent charged shots.

Charge Damage #

Increases the damage inflicted by the Gunhawk’s charged shots.

Dash Charge #

Taking this upgrade allows the Gunhawk to keep weapon charge even when dashing.

Safe Dash #

Increases the invincibility window while dashing.

Fire Rate #

Increases the rate at which the Gunhawk can fire.

Shield Damage #

Increases damage against shields, allowing the Gunhawk to break them faster.

Score #

Choosing this upgrade will immediately reward you with points. The more times you select this upgrade, the higher the point reward becomes. Are you willing to forego upgrading the Gunhawk for a high score?

Enemy List #

Scouts  #

Scouts rarely attack directly, but they send intel back to the enemy and can waste your time.

Light Attacker #

An agile attack mech that uses hit-and-run tactics.

Suppressor #

   
Combat mechs that use rapid-fire weapons to attack foes and limit their movement options.

Secret IntelSome Suppressors carry large shields. You can attempt to shoot around the shield or destroy it with repeated attacks.

Gunboat #

A large assault vehicle equipped with highly damaging cannons.

Secret IntelIntel reports seeing multiple variants of the Gunboat. Some with incredibly high firepower.

Dragonship #

A unusual assault vehicle that weaves with surprising agility for such a heavily equipped vehicle.

Secret IntelThere seem to be multiple Dragonship variants on patrol. Unfortunately, details on their capabilities is sketchy.

Danger Level #

When you clear the game, you will start again from the beginning but with all acquired upgrades and score. However, enemies attacks and behavior will be more aggressive. Complete the game multiple times in a row for the ultimate challenge.

Secret Intel
You can no longer continue from Game Over once the Danger Level has been increased.

Secret Intel
If you hold A+B down while pressing Start or Shooting the Title screen, you will start the game at Danger Level 1. Be ready for a challenge!