Stargunner is a side-scrolling arcade shooter developed by Apogee Software and released in 1996 for DOS, with later availability on Windows, Linux, and Mac. Set in the Andromeda galaxy, the game follows an elite squad of Stargunners dispatched by the planet Ytima to launch a preemptive strike against the aggressive Zilion civilization before their war fleets can attack. Across 34 levels, players pilot a craft through space, the alien terrain of Zile, and underwater wreckage environments. Destroyed enemies drop credits and power-ups, which can be spent between missions on upgraded weapons and engines. The enemy roster includes 75 distinct craft types and 33 bosses, keeping combat consistently varied throughout the campaign. Partial Xbox 360 controller support is included. The game emphasizes fast-paced combat and incremental ship upgrades within a straightforward mission-based structure.
