SideArms TurboGrafx-16 box art

TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine · Action

SideArms

SystemTurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine
Released1989
GenreAction
DeveloperCapcom
PublisherRadiance Software
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyDeep cut

SideArms is an action game released in 1989 for the TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine, developed by Capcom and published by Radiance Software.

It belongs to the TurboGrafx-16's earliest wave of games. Other notable TurboGrafx-16 releases from 1989 include Vigilante, Volfied and Dungeon Explorer.

Capcom also made Street Fighter II: Champion Edition and Side Arms Hyper Dyne for the TurboGrafx-16.

SideArms 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 an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you've played the TurboGrafx-16 hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing SideArms is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

SideArms gameplay screenshot on TurboGrafx-16
In-game screenshot (TurboGrafx-16)

SideArms cheats & codes

4 codes on file (Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Emulator memory codes codes to start with:

Infinite Lives1f006c:90
Invincibility1f0625:14
Max Gun Upgrade1f0636:03
Infinite Credits1f0070:09

See all SideArms cheats

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Playing TurboGrafx-16 games today

The TurboGrafx library is a shmup fan's dream and full of games most Western players never tried. The TurboGrafx-16 Mini and Nintendo Switch Online have brought many of them back.

SideArms FAQ

When did SideArms come out on the TurboGrafx-16?

SideArms was released for the TurboGrafx-16 / PC Engine in 1989.

Who made SideArms?

It was developed by Capcom and published by Radiance Software.

Is SideArms multiplayer?

No. SideArms is a single-player game.

How long does SideArms take to play?

As an action game, SideArms typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. 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