Harrier
The game's flying hero, armed with a projectile weapon and tasked with defending Dragon Land.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move Harrier in eight directions |
|---|---|
A | Fire |
B | Fire |
C | Fire |
Start | Pause or begin the game |
Control notes
The three face buttons use the same basic firing function in the 32X version.
How it plays
How does Space Harrier play?
The camera follows Harrier from behind as the scenery advances automatically. The objective is to survive each stage, destroy enemies, avoid projectiles and terrain hazards, and defeat stage-end threats.
The player moves in eight directions and fires the shot button. Enemies approach from the horizon, sides, and foreground, while trees, pillars, and other scenery can also cause collisions. Stages alternate between enemy waves and landmark areas, and the game ends after the final confrontation or when all lives are lost.
Progress is primarily score-based. Extra lives and continues depend on the selected settings and performance, while repeated play improves pattern recognition and reaction timing.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Space Harrier?
Keep Harrier moving, but avoid crossing the screen without a purpose; controlled lateral movement makes incoming attacks easier to read.
Prioritize enemies that fire or approach rapidly, and destroy threats before they reach the foreground. Learn the timing of recurring formations and use the open space between attacks to line up shots.
Watch the ground as carefully as the horizon. Trees, pillars, and other obstacles can defeat Harrier even when no enemy is nearby.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use short directional taps to make precise adjustments instead of holding one direction for too long.
- 2
Memorize enemy entrances and landmark hazards; pattern knowledge is more valuable than constant firing.
- 3
Save continues for later stages, where enemy density and obstacle timing become more demanding.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0