Moon Cresta

Moon Cresta is a classic arcade shooter game developed by Nichibutsu and released in 1980. It is a vertically scrolling shoot ’em up game where players control a spaceship tasked with defending the Earth from waves of enemy alien ships.

Moon Cresta was developed by Nichibutsu, a Japanese video game company known for its arcade games during the golden age of arcade gaming. The game was conceptualized and designed by Shigeki Fujiwara. It was first released in arcades in Japan in 1980 and later made available internationally. Moon Cresta was notable for its innovative gameplay mechanics and challenging levels, which contributed to its popularity during the early 1980s arcade scene.

Moon Cresta was well-received by both players and critics upon its release. Its challenging gameplay, addictive nature, and vibrant visuals captivated arcade-goers around the world. The game’s innovative “dock and combine” feature, where players could merge their spaceship with a docked module for enhanced firepower, added depth to the gameplay and further enhanced its appeal.

Moon Cresta inspired several sequels and spin-offs, including Terra Cresta and Moon Quasar. These games expanded upon the original’s gameplay mechanics while retaining its core elements. Additionally, Moon Cresta was ported to various home gaming platforms, further extending its legacy.

Moon Cresta arcade cabinets are considered rare collectibles among arcade enthusiasts. While precise production numbers are unavailable, surviving cabinets are sought after by collectors. Depending on condition and other factors, the value of a Moon Cresta arcade cabinet can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Moon Cresta arcade cabinets typically feature the following hardware specifications:

CPU: Zilog Z80 running at 3.072 MHz
Sound Chip: General Instrument AY-3-8910
Graphics: Custom hardware
For repairs, enthusiasts may require the following parts:

Zilog Z80 CPU
General Instrument AY-3-8910 sound chip
Replacement buttons and joystick components
Capacitors and resistors for circuit board maintenance
Additionally, resources such as schematics and repair guides are available online to assist with troubleshooting and restoration efforts.