Earlier this year, Taito threw its hat into the mini-console ring with the announcement of the Taito Egret II mini, a miniature version of one of Taito’s most popular arcade cabinets. At that time, only a Japanese release was on the cards, but it’s now confirmed for North America and …
I write a lot about game preservation when reviewing re-releases, remasters, and the like. I’d say that’s arguably more important than the nostalgia or simple entertainment value—in an industry that’s so bad at preserving its own history, these kinds of releases are one of the better options we have for …
Space Moth DX was already an accomplished CAVE-style shoot-’em-up that put a unique risk/reward twist on the familiar dichotomy of the rapid-fire spread shot and a high-power, focused laser. With a remixed scoring system and new mechanics, Space Moth: Lunar Edition —1CC Games’ answer to CAVE’s Black Labels—takes those same …
As a throwback to the shmups of the early 90s, there’s a certain appeal in Crisis Wing. Its colourful yet moody pixel art and looming, detailed enemy ships call to mind Toaplan classics like Truxton, and it’s got the challenge to match. But it’s also a game that feels a …
I wish I’d been as into shmups in 1997 as I am today, because playing G-Darius when it was brand new must have been absolutely mind-blowing. Even as I play it for the first time in 2021, in the form of a fairly rudimentary HD remaster on a little handheld …
Alfa Team’s classic shoot-’em-up Castle of Shikigami 2 is making its way to Nintendo Switch and Steam this December, with two new game modes and a new English translation, thanks to Degica Games. Originally released for arcade in 2003, Castle of Shikigami 2 is a dark fantasy shmup set in …
Button City might just be the quintessential “wholesome game”. It’s got the low-poly graphics, the cute, anthropomorphised characters, and the hyper-saturated pastel colour scheme. It’s got a simple but moving story about making friends and finding a sense of belonging, told through an assortment of quirky loveable misfits, pop culture …
Cotton isn’t exactly a household name, and that’s a damn shame. “Cute-’em-ups” are a delight, with their blend of super-cute presentation and classic shooter action, and 1991’s Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams and its handful of sequels more than earned their place alongside the TwinBees and Fantasy Zones of the world. …
A standalone release of DariusBurst: Another Chronicle EX+ is making its way to Switch and PlayStation 4 on June 11 with both digital and physical releases, Taito and ININ Games have announced. DariusBurst: Another Chronicle originally came out in arcades in 2010, building upon the PSP game DariusBurst and taking …
You’re a witch living in the middle of a poisonous swamp, minding your own business making dubious potions. When a group of bandits raids your home and steals your most precious jewel, what do you do? If your answer is “jump on your broom and chase the bandits down, blasting …
