BLAZING STAR

Action

Ratings

Age

9+

Action

Languages

English

Latest Version 1.3.1

Tue Apr 19 2022

Compatible with iOS14 or higher

BLAZING STAR is a perfect conversion of the legendary NEOGEO shooting game. Known for its unique game system and gorgeous pre-rendered graphics, this version includes the classic ARCADE MODE and a MISSION MODE for stage practice. Players can choose from 6 different spaceships with unique 'Charged Shots' and compete for high scores on global leaderboards via Game Center.

Dinsun Expert Review

Our Expert Score

88/100

As a long-time fan of the NEOGEO era, seeing Blazing Star ported to iOS is nothing short of a dream come true. This isn't just a simple emulation; it's a meticulously crafted conversion that respects the original 1998 arcade masterpiece while making it feel right at home on a touch screen. The pre-rendered 2D graphics, which were groundbreaking at the time, still hold a unique charm and aesthetic that sets it apart from modern bullet hell shooters.

The gameplay remains as tight as ever. You have six distinct spaceships to choose from, each with its own firing patterns and 'charged shot' mechanics that completely change your approach to the stages. The inclusion of a 'Mission Mode' is a genius move for mobile, allowing you to jump into specific stages for practice without committing to a full arcade run. The controls are surprisingly smooth; whether you use the virtual pad or the 'Fast Touch' system, navigating through dense enemy waves feels responsive. For purists, the support for external MFi controllers makes this the definitive way to play a legendary shmup on the go. It’s an essential piece of arcade history in your pocket.

Dinsun reviewed on: Tue May 14 2024

Features

Perfect NEOGEO arcade port

6 Unique playable spaceships

Arcade and Mission modes

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Multiplayer support

Game Center leaderboards and achievements

Tips & Walkthrough

Choosing Your Ship

Pick the Hell-Hound if you want a balanced start, or the Windina for high-score potential. Each ship's 'Charged Shot' is activated by holding the shot button; mastering the timing of when to release or burst these shots is key to clearing bosses.

Gameplays

The Point Scaling System

To maximize your score, focus on the 'point scaling' mechanic. Destroying enemies in specific sequences or using power-ups effectively will multiply your earned points, which is essential for climbing the Game Center leaderboards.

Screenshot

Q&A

Yes, the app supports MFi controllers for a more traditional arcade experience.

Ratings & Reviews

So much fun

Wed Aug 31 2022 Boatguy2002

In the 90’s I dreamed of one day having a neo geo system to play these arcade games at home, and now we can do it anywhere. This game is fantastic, a brilliant side-scrolling shooter with guts and charm. Some reviews say it’s not perfect and maybe those folk had the OG system or played it endlessly at the arcade but none of that matters if you’re just looking for a great arcade shooter for iOS. It’s worth the price and your time.

Exceptional Port - Exceeded My Expectations

Sun Aug 10 2025 Eisbrook

I bought this game for 0.99 US thinking that it would be a small loss if it played poorly. However, it runs great and is an absolute blast. I am running it on a standard iPad 10 with an 8bitdo SN30 Pro controller, which to my surprise is fully supported in-app. There’s really no reason to pass this one up if you enjoy scrolling shooters.

Great game, great port

Sun Nov 22 2015 Bluthhousing

SNK made some fantastic games back in the day, this game blows many modern games out of the park. Dotemu did a great job porting as everything flows nicely, controls are smooth, and there are many options.

ios version 13 makes the game unplayable

Sat Dec 14 2019 Theewhiteknight1

when playing the game on ios version 13 on an iphone 7 plus the games buttons cover the whole screen blocking out the ability to move around the screen and actually getting a good look where the enemies are. Please update this to be compatible with the current ios version.

Great port.

Sun May 10 2015 D MCCreedy

Another great SNK game on my iPhone! Keep the classics coming guys. Controls seem a little sluggish on touch but manageable. Much better when using my icade jr. Still a great overall game to have on the go.

Favorite SNK Shooter!!!

Tue Sep 19 2017 teel

Please update to current version of iOS. It's the one game I spend the most time playing!

One of the best shmups ever made, but...

Sun Jan 05 2020 Kazrog

The emulation is not cycle exact, and the level 2 parallax scrolling flickers horribly. It’s distracting and almost unplayable that way. How did this pass QC? Plays better on my Raspberry Pi 3 than on my much more powerful iPhone, ironically.