Barunba
↗ 3.0%
(PC Engine - JP, Shoot'em Up)
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Complete
$44.29
Loose $20.03
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Developed_By:
Zap
Published_By:
Namco
Released On:
27 Apr 1990
Barunba , a shoot'em up game in comic style, allows you to control a spacecraft with a ring of weapons around it. You can shoot in various directions using these weapons, which can be upgraded by collecting pods that may change their properties.
The levels scroll and move automatically in all directions, each with its own unique theme and length. You'll need to defeat two bosses: a mid-level boss and an end boss – defeating both is necessary to progress through the level or continue on to the next one. The game features a status bar at the bottom of the screen displaying your ship's energy bar. If this bar depletes, the game ends.
EAN-13:
4907892031135 (Japan)
Part #:
NC90003 (Japan)
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Number of Players Supported:
1 Player
Prices as of 09 Oct 2026
Typical $44.50–$44.50 (last 90 days)
New
Complete
Loose
Box
Manual
Smoothed
Log · Auto
Medians
Market activity: active · about 16 sales a year
Activity is a 12-month sales count. Dashed segments rest on two sales a year or fewer.
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Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
In a sci-fi setting where Japan is in turmoil following a villainous coup, you pilot the highly maneuverable Spherical Fighter "Balumba," an anti-gravity aircraft originally built for racing. As the enemy's ultimate weapon nears completion, your task is to utilize the craft's superior agility to engage Dr. Doppel's forces in aerial combat.
Story
Urgent Situation Report
Agent X has infiltrated Dr. Doppel's fortress and reports that the ultimate weapon is complete. Our army lacks heavy weapons to rival it, creating a critical situation.
•
Scramble the Spherical Fighter "Baryuba."
Cockpit
Assorted types of monitors cover blind spots to ensure well-equipped visibility.
Spherical Fighter Balumba
•
Overall Length: 3.00m
•
Overall Height: 2.70m
•
Overall Width: 2.80m
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Weight: 500kg
•
Crew: 1
•
Max Speed: 200km/h
•
Range: 300km
•
Ceiling: 4,000m
The aircraft was originally designed for competition, so combat endurance is not particularly high. However, inertia-free flight via anti-gravity propulsion allows for extremely high maneuverability and agility.
Flight Capabilities
•
Two combinations enable vertical ascent and hovering
•
Direction control booster
History of Balumba
•
1999: Dr. Jiro Hida publishes the "Anti-Gravity Theory."
•
2001: Dr. Hida hands research over to his son, Henry.
•
2007: Henry Hida's eldest son, James, is born.
•
2013: Henry Hida completes the anti-gravity device and immediately enters practical application development.
•
2018: Manned flying boat "Valen Flyer" utilizing anti-gravity propulsion is completed.
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2022: 1st Valen Flyer Championship held; winner is James Hida. Same year, Dr. Dospel's coup is revealed; Japan plunges into a state of internal turmoil.
•
2023: Valen Flyer is modified into a tactical fighter; named Spherical Fighter "Balumba."
Enemies & Characters
James Tobiwata
A 16-year-old former world champion Balloon Flyer with unique piloting skills that made him the natural choice to pilot the armed Balloon-Ba for the Defense Force.
Doppel
The owner of a fortress that the protagonist must infiltrate to aim for the mysterious ultimate weapon.
Ballenba
The pilot who courageously aims for the summit of a mountain area amidst a downpour of volcanic bombs.
How to Play
Overview
Dr. Doppel, an evil genius scientist, is plotting world domination. The protagonist, James Hida, must drive the 'Varenba' to thwart Doppel's ambitions.
Gameplay Features
The 'Varenba' is an omni-directional shooting game set in a dazzling 360° world. The screen scrolls forcibly in every direction, including up, down, and diagonal. Enemies attack from all sides to keep the player engaged.
Basic Techniques
Managing Rotating Turrets
•
Stick to rotating in just one direction, either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
•
This approach may cause some time loss but makes controls significantly easier for beginners.
•
Once you are accustomed to this method, try challenging yourself with both buttons again.
*If you can aim accurately with one shot, you're a pro!*
Weapons and Power-ups
•
Use weapons appropriately depending on the situation.
•
Save high-power options like lasers and Vulkans for boss fights.
•
Utilize the Shield to get through intense enemy attacks.
•
Take out enemies hiding in rock shadows with Naperm shells.
*Time to use the strongest laser you've been saving!*
Controls
Run switch
Starts the game and begins play
Run switch and Select switch simultaneously
Engages pause
Run switch and Select switch (held down)
Resets the game
Select Switch
Selects the type of weapon
Direction Keys
Movement
Switch I
Tilts the turret to the right
Switch II
Tilts the turret to the left
Up Direction Key and Run switch simultaneously
Continues playing from the beginning of that area
Items & Weapons
Vulcan Cannon
This weapon fires shells with the greatest power in rapid succession, and when powered up, the shells become larger and more powerful.
Napalm Bomb
Fired by holding Switch I to aim in a straight line and releasing to explode, this moderate-power weapon can fly over obstacles.
Shield
Generated at the muzzle by holding down Switch I, this item blocks enemy attacks and can be fired with mediocre power upon release.
Laser Cannon
This moderate-power weapon pierces enemies and, when powered up, expands its attack range in four directions.
LIFE
An item that recovers one life point.
Energy Ball
These items change weapon types cyclically after a certain time; collecting four of the same type powers the weapon up to level 2, and two more to level 3, though the level gradually decreases with use.
Tips & Maps
Float Island Area
Drifting between floating islands while battling the Bioteca army, you must learn to operate gun turrets and use weapons effectively.
Lake Area
Lakes possess buoyancy that pushes you upward and sweeps you with currents, so be cautious to avoid getting stuck between rocks.
Shoot the Boss Enemies!
Boss enemies found at intermediate and final points have weak points that flash brightly when hit; focus attacks on these spots to defeat them.
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