Tarantula Hawk

The tarantula hawk is a bastard of a wasp that can paralyze a tarantula, then lay eggs in the body so the forthcoming larvae can consume it. It's gross and amazing.

Combining this idea with other influences (R-Type, U.N. Squadron, Einhander, etc.), I made a side-scrolling shooting game where the best tactic is to paralyze enemies and turn their weapons against them. 

Currently the download is a single-level demo, but there could be a more substantial product down the road...

There are several canned game pad configurations that should do the job. With a dual analog pad, you can rotate the turret optionally with shoulder buttons or the right stick in a twin-stick manner if you like, as the latter will also shoot.  The right stick isn't required; Type E or F is probably best for a typical arcade stick layout if you prefer. 

You can view keyboard controls under Options => Keyboard.

Thanks to Mark Statkus for the killer tunes, Kevin Lane for creating the title image all that time ago, and Jason Flannery for additional art and feedback!