Technosoft developed horizontal scrolling shoot-em-up Thunder Force III for the Sega Mega Drive home console in 1990. Adapted for arcades, Thunder Force AC soon followed, along with Super Nintendo port "Thunder Spirits." Both III and AC were featured in "Thunder Force Gold Pack" compilations for Sega Saturn.
Music for the game is by Tomomi Otani, Toshiharu Yamanishi, and various artists. Two arrangements are contributed by Kei Takanishi. Sega Ages: Thunder Force AC is available for Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.
From the product page:
Wield devastating weapons to blast your way through the armada of the evil ORN Empire. Change your ship’s speed to deftly navigate the treacherous terrain of five diverse alien planets on your way to the destroy the menacing ORN Base, all the while fueled by an epic chiptune soundtrack.CDJapan - Technosoft Music Collection: THUNDER FORCE III & AC
Originally released in arcades, the SEGA AGES version lets you relive those memories with an optional arcade cabinet display replete with ambient sounds. There are some surprises for seasoned Galaxy Federation pilots though, as you can now unlock ships from other Thunder Force games, and test your top scores in the online rankings. Rookie pilots need not fear though: this version also boasts save states and a Kids Mode to help you on your mission.
本日6/8は、MD『サンダーフォースIII』の35周年です。
— TFIV_25th_Anniv (@TFIV_25th_Anniv) June 7, 2025
多数のX68000(開発用パソコン)とメガドラ+TV、プログラマのとこにはPC-9801(ICE用)。
ファイルのやりとりは5インチフロッピーディスク。
それが当時のテクノソフトの開発室の風景でした pic.twitter.com/Ke2RmYIiuA