Phelios [PS4/ACA] One Life Clear [Auto On]

Button Config: [15hz] [Small Charge] [Full Charge] [Manual]. Full default DIPs, with save and pause disabled, as per Hi Score mode hardcoding. All credit to @user-jf6rq1gb1h for the st4 boss exploit, and RingoStarr39 for the thumbnail logo!
Phelios is a solid and beautifully-produced STG, combining Salamander's Options with R-Type's charge shot for some pleasingly tactical-yet-rip-roaring action. Fans of Dragon Spirit & Saber will feel right at home. Unfortunately, the steep Rank dints one-life play a bit; specifically, at the fourth and final bosses. The former seems un-killable sans exploit, with his Ranked-up HP and cruelly tiny gaps - and while the latter can be killed at max power with careful handling, it's a very close shave, making two-Option play tempting. A shame, as the fully-powered arsenal is great fun. Powering up to max here was a last-minute nervous mistake, which could've very easily gotten me killed - AFAIK, he doesn't get the full Rank HP boost, but he seems tougher. Let's call it a little added drama. ^__^
I'm considering this an unfinished project for now, pending further research. Super cool and satisfyingly hard-hitting STG, regardless.

[@Bloodreign1]

Look at all that lovely scaling, and sprite rotation, truly a game of beauty. Namco were on fire during this period.

[@msk33]

Great 1 CC !
Got the pcb of this and Saber last year.
Possible to beat the last boss with 3 options (I did it).
Which game do you like the best between this and Saber ?
Saber is longer with more musics. Also much more difficult with the default settings.
But the pace is better in Phelios compare to Saber. It is a tie for me I think.

[@BIL0471]

Thanks! I've not played Saber seriously for the 1CC yet, but I came away from Phelios thinking Saber must be a bit harder. Saber's last stage reminds me not just of Image Fight, but R-Type II.😄
I like both games, but If I could have only one, it'd be Dragon Saber. Hosoe's OST is on my Top 10 STG soundtracks, even before considering it includes Dragon Spirit's too!

[@cps1247]

Namco's Phelios: love me some bondage
Konami's Xexex: love me some bondage AND ryona too UwU

[@BIL0471]

NMK's Black Heart: love me some bondage, spent the art budget on furry handcuffs ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@drivelikej9962]

Ah, you magnificent bastard - you did it! I didn't realize the options had such an impact on rank. Why 'unfinished project' though? Score run? Going to make your life harder on St. 4 and Final bosses for shits n' giggles?

[@BIL0471]

Haha, thanks ^__^ Yeah, I want to see if it's possible to kill that Axelay-lookin' bastard cleanly, at max Rank. As for the final boss, I had several runs end in double KOs and eventually just cut n' run with a 2-Option game... I figured it was better to save a bit of sanity in the short term and move onto other arcade projects. Honestly feels like if they'd let you stock just one more hitpoint, the balance would be largely corrected, but the defaults are what they are. 😎