Phalanx is a side-scrolling shooter developed by ZOOM Inc. and published by Kemco. It first launched in Japan for the Sharp X68000 in 1991, then came to the Super Famicom in Japan on August 7, 1992, and released in North America and Europe the same year. Set in 2279, players take on the role of pilot Wink Baufield, flying the experimental A/144 Phalanx fighter on "Operation Climax" to investigate and fight alien invaders on the planet Delia. The game features multiple weapons like lasers, charge blasts, and tracking orbs; players can carry three weapons at once and switch freely in battle. It also lets players adjust the ship’s speed to suit different combat scenarios. Notably, its North American cover art is iconic: it shows an elderly man in overalls and a hat playing a banjo, with a futuristic spaceship in the background, designed to stand out and grab players’ attention. Overall, Phalanx has left a lasting impression on shooter fans with its rich weapon system, flexible controls, and unique cover design.