Can't remember the name of an old shmup

[oranda]

There's a really old shmup I'm trying to find for a friend. These are the features he remembers:

Arcade release
Vertical scroll
Top down perspective
Made in ~1988-1992
As at least part of the upgrade path you get three options (bits). One on both sides of your ship and then one in front. After you have all three options, you turn into a flaming phoenix or eagle, reddish-orange in color.

I know it's not a lot of info to go on, but I doubt there are many games where you turn into a flaming bird either. If anybody knows what game this is and could tell us, it would be awesome!

[DMC]

Didn't nostradamus have some similar phoenix feature?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUSwRecCFQw

[Klatrymadon]

Unless that description is definitely accurate, it might be Phelios. You have three options and control a winged creature, only it's Pegasus rather than a phoenix.

[TodayIsForgotten]

Don't you turn into a phoenix in Legendary Wings? I don't recall there being options, though.

[Klatrymadon]

Yeah, I was thinking of Legendary Wings, too. Pretty sure you don't get options in that'un.

[BIL]

Terra Cresta is an 80s vert which involves bolting stuff onto your ship and turning into a flaming bird-thingy.

[oranda]

Terra Cresta is an 80s vert which involves bolting stuff onto your ship and turning into a flaming bird-thingy.

YES! This is it exactly! Thank you!

And to the others, thank you too . Even the long shots were much appreciated, as it could have been any of them.