Overview
Uchuu Keiji Gyaban is a well-regarded tokusatsu (superhero) Japanese TV show known in the West as Space Sheriff Gavan, Space Cop Gabin and - in the case of this licensed game - Cosmo Police Galivan.
Nihon Bussan created an Arcade game based on the TV show in 1985 and then followed it up with a slightly different take on the license for the Nintendo Famicom. It would later be followed with a Super Famicom sequel, Cosmo Police Galivan II: Arrow of Justice. Neither console game would be released outside of Japan.
Gameplay
Cosmo Police Galivan puts the player in control of a human being armed with a beam blade, which is only able to attack monsters in close proximity. As the game continues, the player character can use different powers - some ranged - to take out enemies and progress further. Eventually, the player will have the option of becoming a metal-armored officer with considerably more fire-power, though this power-up state will vanish if too much damage is taken. The player character will also level-up after destroying so many enemies, improving their health and "cosmo points" - a stat similar to mana that is used to power the player character's special attacks.
The game's world is a network of caves that the player can explore for necessary items and bonus areas. The NES version expands this aspect, providing some Metroidvania-esque exploration. Some impediments are in place to restrict further exploration until the right item is found, as well.
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