Ironclad

About

Ironclad is a 1996 horizontal shooter where you pilot a high-tech ship defending the Chop Kingdom from the Iron Mask Republic. The game blends fast-paced scrolling shooter mechanics with brief fighting sequences during boss battles. Players control a vessel armed with basic weapons while an onboard robot handles automated defense systems. The campaign unfolds across multiple stages of increasing difficulty, with optional co-op support for a second player joining via split-screen. The game stands out for its straightforward yet addictive gameplay loop and unexpected co-op feature rare for shooters of its era. Though largely forgotten outside retro circles, it maintains a niche following among fans of 90s arcade-style action. Its availability on modern platforms like PC and Linux has reintroduced it to newer audiences, with community forums noting its surprisingly smooth co-op mode as a highlight. Some players compare its pacing to classic Neo Geo titles, praising the challenge without excessive difficulty spikes.

Storyline

The peaceful Chop Kingdom is suddenly facing a invasion from the forces of the Iron Mask Republic. The Kingdom's resistance force develops a set of new high tech ships which come equipped with the autonomous Ironclad Robot for support. The ships are then sent to fight back the invaders.