A likable Taito vertical shooter with an insect theme and a light tone. Dated but charming, pleasant for short sessions.
Your verdict
Category
Shooter1 player7+
Description
Space insects battle enemy formations in this KID vertical shoot'em up for Mega Drive. Published by KID, released in Japan and Korea in December 1990. Vertical shoot'em up with varied playable insects with distinctive attacks, progressive levels and imposing bosses.
Insector X, a KID vertical shoot 'em up published by Taito, where space insects face enemy formations, released in Japan and Korea. A conversion of an arcade title with a singular entomological bestiary, it stands out in a crowded genre through its theme and atmosphere. Its desirability lies in the scarcity of the Korean edition and in vertical-shooter fans' regard for the lesser-known Taito ports.
Is Insector X still worth playing in 2026?
A vertical shooter from KID, Insector X has a ship face swarms of space insects and organic bosses across colourful, atypical settings. The entomological bestiary, the power-ups and the brisk pace give a pleasant visual identity to otherwise classic shooting. The decent production and readability hold up, with no great risk taking. For a fan of retro shmups or someone curious about themed shooters on the Mega Drive, the title keeps a direct arcade pleasure and a singular charm.
