Rolling Thunder Arcade Walkthrough

Rolling Thunder is a classic arcade game developed by Namco, released in 1986. This walkthrough will guide you through each stage of the game, offering tips and strategies to help you succeed. The game is a side-scrolling shooter where players assume the role of an agent named ALF, tasked with rescuing hostages from the criminal organization, the Goolus. The following guide will cover all stages, enemies, and useful tips to make your gameplay experience more enjoyable.

Stage 1: The Streets of Chicago

• Objective: Rescue hostages and eliminate enemies.
• Enemies: Basic thugs, some armed with guns.
• Strategy: Keep moving and use cover. Pay attention to enemy patterns and use your powerful machine gun effectively. Hostages are often in plain sight, but some are hidden. Look for clues like enemy behavior or hidden areas.

Stage 2: The Alleyway Ambush

• Objective: Navigate through narrow alleys and rescue more hostages.
• Enemies: Tougher enemies with more advanced weapons.
• Strategy: Use the environment to your advantage. The narrow spaces make it harder to dodge bullets, so use quick reflexes and precise aiming. Avoid staying in one place for too long.

Stage 3: The Warehouse Assault

• Objective: Infiltrate the warehouse and defeat the bosses.
• Enemies: Heavily armed foes and tougher mini-bosses.
• Strategy: Keep an eye out for environmental hazards. Use grenades and special weapons to deal with large groups of enemies. The warehouse is large, so explore thoroughly to find all hostages and secret items.

Stage 4: The Factory Frenzy

• Objective: Sabotage the enemy’s operations and rescue more hostages.
• Enemies: Mechanized enemies and advanced foes.
• Strategy: Avoid the moving machinery and use it as cover when possible. The factory setting can be confusing, so take your time to navigate and remember the location of important items.

Stage 5: The Goolus Headquarters

• Objective: Final showdown with the Goolus leader.
• Enemies: Elite guards and the Goolus leader.
• Strategy: This stage is the toughest. Use all the skills and items you've collected throughout the game. The leader has multiple attack patterns; learn them to dodge and counter effectively. Aim for weak spots to defeat the leader quickly.

General Tips:

• Keep an eye on your ammo: Regularly check and replenish your ammunition.
• Use cover wisely: Move from cover to cover to avoid taking damage.
• Learn enemy patterns: Each enemy has a predictable attack pattern. Learning these can help you avoid damage and defeat them more efficiently.
• Explore: Sometimes, hidden areas contain power-ups or extra lives that can make a big difference.

Advanced Strategies:

• Save Hostages First: Prioritize rescuing hostages as they are often in the path of heavy enemy fire. This will prevent you from being overwhelmed.
• Use Special Weapons Wisely: Save special weapons for tough encounters or bosses. They can be a game-changer in difficult sections.
• Practice Boss Fights: Learn the attack patterns of each boss. Practice makes perfect, and knowing when to attack or dodge is crucial.

Rolling Thunder offers an exciting challenge with its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay. By following this walkthrough and employing the strategies outlined, you'll have a better chance of completing the game and rescuing all the hostages. Enjoy the game and good luck!