Taito Milestones 2, the latest offering from the iconic arcade game developer together with ININ Games, takes players on a nostalgic journey through another curated selection of ten classic titles. This collection caters to a wide range of gaming tastes, offering a mix of shoot ’em ups, platformers, and fighters. While some titles may be unfamiliar, each game brings a unique charm and, for those with a penchant for retro (arcade) gaming, it’s a walk down memory lane on the Nintendo Switch.
One standout gem in this collection is The NewZealand Story. This platformer, often overlooked in discussions of classic games but a classic on many home computers, surprises players with its engaging gameplay. Controlling Tiki the kiwi, armed with an array of weapons, the player navigates maze-like stages while rescuing a kidnapped friend. With tight controls and a satisfying gameplay loop, The NewZealand Story shines as a testament to Taito’s legacy, and platforming fans will also love Liquid Kids.
Metal Black, a side-scrolling shoot ’em up not many people will remember, distinguishes itself with a unique power-up system. Instead of cycling through weapons, players gather Newalone molecules to enhance their beam weapon. This mechanic adds depth and challenges players to adopt a distinctive playstyle, making for a fun twist.
The other shoot ’em ups in the collection, Darius II and Gun Frontier, are solid entries in the genre as well. Each brings its own flavor, whether it’s the awe-inspiring boss fights in Darius II or the vertical-scrolling action of Gun Frontier. These titles showcase Taito’s prowess in crafting captivating shooter experiences.
Kiki Kaikai (also known as Pocky & Rocky to Nintendo fans) introduces players to a formidable shrine maiden armed with projectile cards and a melee wand. This title combines elements of a multi-directional shooter with arena-style battles against unique bosses. The result is an enjoyable action game with a distinctively Japanese touch.
While the collection boasts a range of enjoyable titles, it’s not without its misses. Games like Solitary Fighter and Dinorex demonstrate the technical limitations of their time, with clunky controls and simplistic gameplay mechanics. These fighters, though interesting from a historical perspective, may not resonate with contemporary gamers as they’re worse than some of the classics of that era.
Presentation-wise, Taito Milestones 2 follows a familiar retro compilation format, with straightforward menus and standard graphic options. It offers minimal extras, unfortunately opting for a focus on gameplay value rather than an extensive showcase of the games’ histories – which would have been very interesting.
In conclusion, Taito Milestones 2 serves as a commendable compilation of arcade classics. It successfully captures the essence of Taito’s diverse portfolio, appealing to both nostalgic gamers and those seeking to explore gaming history. While some titles may feel dated, the standout gems like The NewZealand Story, Liquid Kids and Metal Black make this collection a worthwhile addition to any retro gaming enthusiast’s library.
Score: 7.5/10
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