[PULSE ARROW] How to play guide & explanation of all elements
- Amagirasu
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
"table of contents"
🌀 PULSE ARROW Overview
PULSE ARROW is a brain training and rhythm action game where you align the flowing "arrow blocks" in time with the rhythm. It's not just about timing; each block has its own unique gimmick. Figure out these and use your thinking and reflexes to clear the stage!
🎮 How to operate
Keyboard Controls
Keys to rotate the arrows of each lane to the right:
S ...0 lane (left end)
F ... 1 lane (center left)
H ... 2nd lane (center right)
K ... Lane 3 (far right)
It can also be used in Zero-Direct Mode.
Left rotation key (auxiliary operation)
This can be used to return the orientation to the previous position. This is a more advanced operation for advanced users.
X ...0 lane (left end)
V ... Lane 1 (center left)
N : 2nd lane (center right)
< (comma key) ... 3rd lane (right end)
Mouse operation
You can use your mouse (or tap) to control the UI:
Difficulty selection
Change settings (high speed adjustment, AUTO / Zero-Direct Mode switching, etc.)
⚡ Arrow Mode (Normal Mode)
This is the basic mode of PULSE ARROW, where judgment is made based on the direction of the flowing arrow blocks.
The higher the difficulty level, the more difficult it becomes to make a decision.
Since clearing the game is determined solely by determining the direction, judgment and memory are more important than a sense of rhythm.
Each tap on the orientation rotates 90 degrees.
⚙️ Music settings
You can set this using the "⚙️Gear" button at the bottom right of the song selection screen.
High Speed
Adjusted the speed of the flowing arrow blocks.
Can be set in increments of 0.25 between 0.25 and 5.00 .
The faster the speed, the more exhilarating it feels.
AUTO mode
ON: All arrow blocks are automatically judged as OK.
OFF: Manual play (score reflected) *When in AUTO mode, the game is treated as cleared and the score is not reflected.
Zero-Direct Mode
ON: Switch to rhythm game mode .
OFF: Normal Arrow Mode. We recommend Zero-Direct Mode , which has a stronger rhythmic element.
🔍 Song search function
It can be accessed by clicking the "➡" button at the bottom right of the song selection screen.
Sort
By name
Difficulty order (highest/lowest)
The difficulty order is determined by the total score, which is the sum of all the difficulty values. Example:
SongA (N2+H4+E6+D10)=22
SongB (N1 + H5 + E6 + D11) = 23 ➡ If the difficulty level is "High", the order will be SongB → SongA.
Refine search
You can filter by the following criteria:
File name
Arrow Block Type
Song title (enter initials)
Select the check mark under the arrow block to display only songs that use that block (multiple selections allowed).
⚡ Voltage Gauge
This is the gauge required to clear a stage. If it reaches 0, the game will be marked as "Failed" and the game will be forced to end.
OK judgment: +1
NG score: -3 (The reduction amount differs in some blocks)
Even if you do OK in the extra stage , the gauge will not recover.
Gauge color change
100% ... Rainbow light
30% or less: glows red and the entire stage is dyed red
🧩 Arrow Block Types (9 types in total)
name | Abbreviation | explanation |
Normal Arrow Block | NAB | Basic blocks. No gimmicks. |
Reverse Arrow Block | RAB | It needs to be aligned in the opposite direction to how it looks. |
Long Arrow Block | LAB | Maintain orientation until the end of the check. |
Stealth Arrow Block | SAB | It becomes transparent halfway through. |
Trick Arrow Block | TAB | The direction changes randomly for a certain period of time. |
Dark Arrow Block | DAB | If you make a mistake, the screen will go dark and you will take heavy damage. |
Faux Color Arrow Block | FAB | It appears disguised as another block. |
Trap Arrow Block | TRAB | Only available in Zero-Direct Mode. Tap to reject immediately. |
Zero Gravity Arrow Block | ZAB | When you make a mistake, the screen flips upside down. |
🏆 Rank and Score
Rank | Score Conditions |
SS | Over 980,000 |
S | Over 900,000 |
A | Over 800,000 |
B | Over 700,000 |
C | Over 500,000 |
D | Over 300,000 |
E | Gauge remaining 0 (failed to complete) |
🌙 Hidden Elements
Zero-Direct Mode
This mode eliminates the concept of direction and allows you to play as a pure rhythm game . Tap the keys in front of the judgment arrow to earn points.
Unlock condition: Clear all songs in File Name OST01 on Normal difficulty.
Extra Stage
A high difficulty stage that can be challenged after being unlocked.
The gauge starts at 100%.
It decreases when you miss and does not recover .
The only difficulty level is "Danger."
Conditions for unlocking: Clear all songs on Danger difficulty in File Name OST01. *We recommend trying this after unlocking Zero-Direct Mode!
Unlock Event
Limited events are held irregularly. New songs can be obtained by fulfilling certain conditions.
Gift event : Enter gift code to unlock songs
Unlock Event : Collect tickets to unlock songs
Login event : Log in 7 times during the period to unlock songs
💾 About saving
Save data is stored in the PC browser , so it may be lost if you clear your cache, etc.
Data storage and restoration
Press "⚙️Gear" → SAVE in the upper left corner of the title screen to download the data as a JSON file.
You can restore it by uploading a JSON file using "LOAD".
You can play safely by backing up your data regularly. *You are responsible for any data tampering.
✅ PULSE ARROW is more than just a rhythm game; it's a brain-training, rhythm-game experience that tests your reflexes, memory, and creativity all at once. Challenge yourself to conquer all stages!
"table of contents"