Fired the Planet Defense Cannon using the real control panel from "PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander"! The passphrase is "Don't change it, don't skip it, follow the procedure!" [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/813/G081312/20250927020/
Writer: Hayashi Yuki | 2025/09/27 04:24 (UTC)
At the Tokyo Game Show 2025’s “Selected Indie 80” area, one booth that drew exceptional attention was for “[PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander].” It featured a massive, highly realistic controller replicating the cockpit control panel seen in the game, allowing visitors to experience firsthand what it feels like to serve as a cannon operator for the planet defense cannon.
PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander is located at the far back of Selected Indie 80, but its large control panel makes it easy to spot Thumbnail image No.001 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
When visiting the booth, we saw a maintenance staff member laying out tools and performing checks Thumbnail image No.005 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander is a first-person puzzle adventure scheduled for release in summer 2026. Set during an interplanetary war, the game takes place within the Antos Common State, where players take on the role of defending a bunker and using a massive planetary defense cannon to shoot down enemy spacecraft approaching from space.
The control panel displayed at this booth is a faithful recreation of the cockpit found inside the defense bunker.
Recreated control panel Thumbnail image No.004 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
At first glance, one might think only parts were recreated—but in fact, every button and lever functions properly, allowing visitors to experience the entire process leading up to firing. The control panel includes detailed descriptions of each button and lever’s function, very specific indeed—many require actual trial and error to fully understand.
Detailed explanations for buttons Thumbnail image No.006 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
When we asked someone knowledgeable at the booth, they mentioned that “after seeing team members get overly excited and having a bit of fun with it, we ended up entering some strange dimension altogether.”
The demo involves shooting down incoming weapons as quickly as possible. If you exceed a certain threshold, it’s game over. For first-timers, start by following tutorials: the target is initially a stationary balloon, and staff will guide your operation during your first attempt.
The demo screen was customized to match the control panel perfectly. The piping layout in front serves as a natural visual flow line, while the rugged metallic sheen provides satisfying aesthetic appeal Thumbnail image No.003 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
Firing the cannon follows a five-step process:
(1) Generate energy via steam engine
(2) Lock onto target using radar
(3) Load ammunition
(4) Operate turret and fire
(5) Clean chamber after cooldown
After firing the first round, repeat steps (2) through (5) to shoot down successive incoming targets. However, each step involves detailed actions—remembering them all is tough, and missing even one task prevents progression. As the game advances, players must perform efficient movements and make quick decisions; single-player operation becomes extremely challenging. It’s much more effective to team up with a partner—one handling cannon operations, the other managing auxiliary tasks.
Let’s now walk through each step while keeping in mind the slogan: “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure.” Interestingly, this phrase was originally seen at a factory in Kamigō Town, Gifu Prefecture.
After receiving the government’s order to intercept incoming objects, here’s how the process from launch preparation to ammunition loading unfolds:
Receiving the government directive Thumbnail image No.007 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
Move the lever to load coal, increase output, and power on the system core. This section appears simplified—pressure, heat, battery levels, fuses, etc., weren’t monitored—but this may hint at a full-spec version with more complex controls Thumbnail image No.008 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
The turret begins to move. The small target balloon appears at the top of the screen Thumbnail image No.009 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
Adjust the target using sliders and dials. Since auto-lock isn’t enabled, once a lock is possible, you must press the “Lock Target” button in the lower-right center Thumbnail image No.010 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
Ammunition loading consists of four steps: First, set the shift knob to KWG and pull the lever. Then press the Prime switch three times, followed by pressing Chamber to advance loading. After firing, cleaning involves setting the shift knob to Clear Chamber and pulling the lever again. Cleaning is required after every shot—so immediately follow up with reloading Thumbnail image No.011 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
Once loading completes, the actual firing begins—but this is where more work comes into play.
The Aiming Calculator allows you to input necessary values so that firing occurs precisely at the moment of impact. Adjust the turret angle while monitoring three values: Ideal Angle (ideal angle), Set Angle (targeted angle adjustment), and Current Angle (current angle).
Input Target Identification from radar and Projectile Speed (projectile velocity) into the Aiming Calculator. At TGS2025, projectile speed was fixed at 480 Thumbnail image No.012 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
For a stationary target, the Ideal Angle and Current Angle values should match. After moving the lock lever to the left to engage locking mode, you’re ready to fire.
Lower switches Arm 1 through 4, then press Fire. The timing must align with the Aiming Calculator’s countdown—but depending on the target’s movement, you may skip the countdown entirely and fire immediately Thumbnail image No.013 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
For moving targets, the Ideal Angle constantly changes. You must adjust for the lag between when Set Angle is reflected in Current Angle and when deviation correction occurs. The indicator lamp below Ideal Angle helps—but under one-person operation, there’s no time to even look at it.
After firing, you can observe the shell’s trajectory. With a telescope, you could confirm target hit accuracy—so perhaps in the full-spec version, players will notice details like slightly insufficient angles. Upon closer inspection of photos, I realize I missed my shot on the stationary balloon. Oops! Thumbnail image No.014 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
Though we rushed through the process, this is how firing unfolds. There’s just so much to do—especially when playing solo—that one quickly feels their limits. If you want to enjoy it thoroughly, consider inviting someone nearby to join while waiting your turn. The importance of dividing tasks will become crystal clear.
As gameplay progresses, it’s common for cannon fire to fall behind. To help with this, there’s a missile system—essentially an intelligent block of civilization that automatically targets incoming threats—but only four shots are available.
The missile launch switch is covered by a protective cover: removing the cover and flipping the switch offers a wonderfully romantic action Thumbnail image No.015 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.016 / Fired the planet defense cannon using the real control panel from “PVKK: Planet Defense Cannon Commander.” The slogan? “Don’t change it. Don’t skip it. Follow procedure!” [TGS2025]
According to the staff, “we assumed missiles would always hit—but we’ve seen them miss multiple times. They’re not infallible.” When they fail, they just fail.
The immersive experience of firing a real-life control panel is outstanding. Each play session takes around 10 minutes—so if many people want to try it during TGS, whether you’ll get a chance remains uncertain. But even just viewing the control panel makes visiting this booth worthwhile. After touring Halls 1–8, be sure to also explore Halls 9–11.