Pulstar (NEOGEO AES+)

The difficulty curve ramps up fast but fair, and the power-up system keeps each run feeling fresh. The sprite work on the boss battles is incredibly detailed, especially when the screen fills with enemy fire.

The scrolling backgrounds have so much detail that it feels like you're flying through a living alien world, and the challenge is brutal but fair. I've lost count of how many times I've restarted a level just to see what comes next.

The weapon upgrade system is incredibly satisfying, and the screen-filling explosions never get old. This is easily the most intense shooter I’ve played on the system; it felt like my thumbs were on fire after the first level.