Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
8-way joystick | Move the aircraft |
|---|---|
Shot button | Fire the aircraft's weapon |
Bomb button | Use a bomb |
Control notes
Button labels can vary between arcade cabinets.
How it plays
How does Air Duel play?
Air Duel uses a vertically scrolling perspective. The objective is to survive each stage, destroy enemies and targets for points, and defeat the end-of-stage boss before advancing.
The aircraft moves freely within the play area while firing continuously or manually, depending on the cabinet setup. Bombs provide a powerful emergency attack. Stages contain aerial enemies, ground targets, hazards, weapon items, and increasingly aggressive boss encounters; losing all lives ends the game.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Air Duel?
Stay near the lower portion of the screen, but avoid hugging the edge because enemies and bullets can leave little room to escape. Make small, deliberate movements rather than sweeping across the entire playfield.
Save bombs for dense bullet patterns, difficult enemy waves, or bosses. Learn the timing of stage entrances and destroy dangerous targets early; scoring is secondary to preserving lives and bombs for later sections.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use short horizontal movements to keep an escape route open.
- 2
Prioritize enemies that fire aimed or fast-moving shots.
- 3
Do not spend every bomb on ordinary formations; later stages are substantially more demanding.
Community discussion
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