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Zero Wing is a shoot ‘em up video game developed by Toaplan and published by Taito for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console. It was released in Japan in 1989 and in North America and Europe in 1990. The game is a horizontally scrolling shooter, where the player controls a spacecraft as it moves through various stages, shooting or avoiding enemies, collecting power-ups and other items, and eventually facing off against a boss at the end of each stage.

The game’s story follows the journey of protagonist CATS, a pilot of an advanced fighter craft called the Zero Wing, as he embarks on a mission to save his home planet from alien invaders known as the Bacterion Empire. Along the way he must battle through hordes of enemy ships while rescuing survivors scattered across different planets. As CATS progresses through each stage, he can acquire new weapons and upgrades to use against tougher foes.

The game features seven levels that take place across multiple star systems. During each level, players will encounter various types of enemies such as bombers, fighters, tanks and more that they must destroy or avoid in order to progress. The objective for each level is to reach the end while surviving any hazards along the way and defeating any bosses encountered. Power-ups are scattered throughout levels which can increase CATS' ship's firepower or grant him special abilities like increased speed or invincibility for short periods of time.

Each level has its own unique theme such as futuristic cities, deserts or space stations, with varied backgrounds accompanied by music appropriate to each setting. Upon completion of all seven levels (or when all lives are lost) players are treated to an ending sequence featuring an anime-style cutscene depicting CATS' victory over the Bacterion Empire before being returned home safely.

Zero Wing is considered one of Toaplan's finest works during its time due to its detailed graphics, immersive soundtrack and challenging gameplay which makes it enjoyable even today after more than 30 years since its initial release. The game has been praised for its visuals which feature colorful sprites set against detailed backgrounds; its sound effects which accurately convey weapons fire and explosions; and its tight controls making movement around enemies fun yet challenging at times. Finally Zero Wing also made history with it's now famous (albeit mistranslated) ending line "All your base are belong to us" becoming one of gaming's most iconic catchphrases that continues to be referenced today in popular culture decades later