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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11piu-piu is a retro horizontal shooter that runs in a terminal and is written in Bash. You move with W/A/S/D and shoot or select with P; the campaign sends a boss after 100 aliens. On Ubuntu, install it with sudo apt install -y piu-piu. Network multiplayer supports team and duel play through netcat.
What is piu-piu?
Project author Ivan Marov describes it as: “This is an Old School horizontal scroller ‘Shoot Them All’ game in bash.” Rather than using conventional graphical rendering, piu-piu draws its action in ASCII characters inside a terminal. The upstream project and Debian package describe a boss encounter after 100 aliens.
Steve Emms’s LinuxLinks review, published in 2018 and updated in 2019, describes a single-player mode, seasonal color palettes, and bonuses including extra lives, extra ammunition, and a gun upgrade. The review also notes options for changing the hero and symbol colors.
How to install piu-piu on Linux
Ubuntu package
The upstream README gives this installation command for Ubuntu:
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sudo apt install -y piu-piu
Upstream cautions that the Ubuntu package may not be the latest release. Package availability and versions can change; check your configured repositories if apt cannot find the package. Debian sid lists piu-piu version 1.0-2 as of October 8, 2026.
Other Linux distributions
The 2018 LinuxLinks review says piu-piu is a single Bash script that can be copied into a directory on your PATH. That is historical guidance, not a current installation procedure guaranteed by the project: check the current upstream repository for the script and its present requirements before using this approach.
Rank #2
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What are the controls?
The Debian manpage for piu-piu 1.0-1 documents these controls. Its source was last updated on December 28, 2017, so consult the current upstream README or in-game help if the mapping differs in your installed version.
| Key | Documented action |
|---|---|
| W | Move up |
| A | Move left |
| S | Move down |
| D | Move right |
| P | Shoot or select |
Can you play piu-piu with a friend?
Yes. The project describes team and duel multiplayer using netcat, with one player hosting and another connecting as a client. Both players’ terminals should have equal dimensions for the intended experience. Debian recommends installing a netcat provider for network play.
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The available project and package descriptions do not establish that every network setup or modern netcat variant behaves identically. They also do not promise seamless Internet matchmaking: treat multiplayer as a client/server connection you configure, not an automatic online lobby.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can affect how it plays?
Terminal rendering speed and readability matter because the game is displayed as text. LinuxLinks reviewer Steve Emms warned that GPU-accelerated terminal emulators could make piu-piu run very quickly. That is an observation from a 2018 review updated in 2019, not a universal compatibility rule or a ranking of terminal apps. If the action feels too fast, try a different terminal environment and check the project’s current guidance.
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For the documented controls, see the Debian piu-piu manpage. For the game description, installation notes, and multiplayer details, see Marov’s upstream repository and the Debian sid package listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 🎯 [Exclusive Solution for Modern TVs] Say goodbye to bulky CRT TVs. This light gun is specifically engineered to work with HDMI modern televisions. It is the only solution on the market that enables you to play classic PSX/PS2 shooting games on LED/LCD/OLED TVs with full accuracy. Note: Requires connection via HD Cable for PSX/PS2 (sold separately) to function.
- 🔫 [Seamless Compatibility & Easy Setup] Designed for retro consoles including PSX and PS2. Enjoy a plug-and-play experience with wirelss freedom. Simply pair the light gun with your console, install the sensor on your TV, and calibrate the light gun. For detailed setup instructions, please refer to the included user manual or our video tutorial on the product page.
- 🎮 [Precision Accuracy & Zero Lag] Experience arcade-level precision with advanced infrared tracking technology. Unlike original light guns that failed on modern screens, this updated version offers highly responsive, lag-free tracking, ensuring every shot registers exactly where you aim, whether you're playing Time Crisis or Point Blank.
- 🕹️ [Ergonomic & Authentic Design] Relive the nostalgia with a comfortable, ergonomic grip designed for long gaming sessions. The design provides the authentic feel required for immersive gameplay. Features a standard trigger, pump-action reload, and start/select buttons for full in-game control.
- 📦 [What You Get] 1x Wirelss Grey Light Gun, 1x Receiver for PSX/PS2 Console, 1x Sensor Bar with Stand (TV Receiver), 1x User Manual, and necessary installation accessories. *HD Cable for PSX/PS2 is not included—it can be purchased separately on Amazon, or contact us on Amazon and we may offer it as a complimentary gift.*
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