SWiV GBC box art

Game Boy Color · Shoot 'em Up

SWiV

SystemGame Boy Color
Released2001
GenreShoot 'em Up
DeveloperCodemasters
PublisherCodemasters
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut

Developed by Codemasters, SWiV arrived on the Game Boy Color in 2001 as a shoot 'em up.

It landed about 3 years into the GBC's life. Other notable GBC releases from 2001 include Pokémon Crystal, Resident Evil Gaiden and Mega Man Xtreme.

Codemasters also made No Fear: Downhill Mountain Biking, Micro Machines 1 and 2: Twin Turbo and TOCA Touring Car Championship for the GBC.

SWiV is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you've played the GBC hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing SWiV is like

Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.

Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.

SWiV gameplay screenshot on GBC
In-game screenshot (GBC)

SWiV cheats & codes

1 codes on file (GameShark). Here are a few GameShark codes to start with:

Invincibility010567DF

See all SWiV cheats

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Playing GBC games today

GBC games are compact and colorful, and many are available on Nintendo Switch Online. Cartridges also play on the Game Boy Advance.

SWiV FAQ

When did SWiV come out on the GBC?

SWiV was released for the Game Boy Color in 2001.

Who made SWiV?

It was developed by Codemasters.

Is SWiV multiplayer?

No. SWiV is a single-player game.

How long does SWiV take to play?

As a shoot 'em up, SWiV typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you