Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Taito’

Berlin, Germany – August 31, 2023 – Rediscover gaming legends with TAITO Milestones 2: a timeless collection of arcade classics available now for Nintendo Switch, both physically and digitally!

As a celebration of gaming history, this collection offers something for every type of gamer, whether you’re seeking the heart-pounding challenges of the shoot’em ups and fighters or simply looking to relive the classics. It’s not just about the games; immerse yourself in pixel-perfect graphics, fully configurable controls, including turbo buttons for certain games,  that honor the original gameplay and modern features like leaderboards and achievements, for an old-school challenge with the gems that started it all. Don’t just play games, preserve a legacy!

TAITO Milestones 2 includes:

• The NewZealand Story (1988)
• Kiki Kaikai (1986)
• Darius II (3 Screen Arcade Version) (1989)
• Gun Frontier (1990)
• Ben Bero Beh (1984)
• The Legend of Kage (1985)
• Liquid Kids (Mizubaku Adventure) (1990)
• Solitary Fighter (1991)
• Dinorex (1992)
• Metal Black (1991)

Price 39.99 $/Euro

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of gaming history. TAITO Milestones 2 is available now, ready to bring you back to the era where the arcades reigned supreme.

And for everyone who has already got to experience the first TAITO Milestones, ININ prepared a few bundle options that will allow you to expand your personal arcade collection, as often before, available through their partner store Strictly Limited Games. Twenty games, each representing a specific breakthrough in the development and gaming history and spanning a variety of genres. Platform, sports, shooting, puzzle and more. All will be available to you on Nintendo Switch!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – May 23, 2023 – ININ Games, together with TAITO Corporation, announces that Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! – the latest instalment of the family-friendly Puzzle Bobble / Bust-A-Move franchise – is AVAILABLE NOW!

This highly anticipated game is now available for purchase digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch, offering a delightful and addictive puzzle experience for players of all ages.

Is your couch big enough? For the very first time, you can enjoy it with up to four players locally, in exciting multiplayer matches but also as cooperative gameplay inside the rich story mode. Play together or against each other, individually or as teams – or challenge the whole world in the online mode with 1vs1 battles.

To celebrate the launch, TAITO Corporation and ININ Games are releasing a Free Online Demo of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! on the same day. Available in the Nintendo eShop, this demo provides access to the online game mode until June 30th. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a sneak peek into the world of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! and engage in bubble-popping 1vs1 online matches! Players can keep the progress when upgrading to the full version of the game later. A subscription to “Nintendo Switch Online “ is required to play the Free Online Demo.

All editions of the title can be found at ININGames.com.

The launch of Puzzle Bobble Everybobble! is accompanied by the release of the 16-bit version of Puzzle Bobble. This classic title, which has captivated nostalgic fans for years, can now be downloaded separately on the Nintendo eShop at the price of Euro 7,99 – ensuring that you can relive the cherished memories this timeless gem has to offer. The original game was released in 1995 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and was internationally known as Bust-A-Move.

Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is already receiving a lot of love, with Famitsu awarding the game an impressive score of 8/8/8/7 [31/40], confirming its status as a must-play title for puzzle enthusiasts and fans of the series alike.

Key features of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble!:

• For the first time in the series, up to four players can play together in the Story Mode!
• You can compete with players worldwide for high scores in online rankings!
• Local battles feature 2vs2 team battles for the first time in the series!
• Climb the ranks in online leaderboards in 1vs1 battles against players from around the world!
• Create your own password-protected online matches and invite your friends
• Aliens incoming! To commemorate the 45th anniversary of TAITO´s famous brand SPACE INVADERS, you have to defend the planet in the “PUZZLE BOBBLE VS SPACE INVADERS” mini-game.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this latest bubbly entry guarantees hours of addictive fun and challenging puzzles, when playing alone or with your friends.

For more information about Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! and the Puzzle Bobble / Bust-A-Move series, please visit ININ Games or TAITO’s official website.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – May 16, 2023 – One more week until the latest entry in TAITO’s Puzzle Bobble / Bust-A-Move series makes its debut: Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! releases on the 23rd of May, digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch!

For nostalgic fans of this timeless franchise, ININ Games decided to make the original SNES version of Puzzle Bobble (Japanese) and Bust-A-Move (US) available separately for download at launch, at the price of Euro 7,99 so that even those who purchased the retail edition have the chance to relive these endless gems.

As a solo quest or with your friends, jump into the latest title of the Puzzle Bobble series and restore peace to Rainbow Islands, which has been invaded (..literally) by bubbles!

In this new adventure, you will also be able to play one vs. one online battles against players from all over the world. Ratings and classes will go up or down depending on the results of your wins and losses, so improve your skills and aim for a higher class!

Already know who you want to pop those bubbles with? No problem! Using the “Password Matching” function, you’ll also be able to play online with your friends– as long as they, too, have set up the password!

Please note – Online play requires a (paid) subscription to “Nintendo Switch Online.”

Bubbly Features:

• For the first time in the series, up to four players can play together in Story Mode!
• Enjoy a scenario where you can feel the character’s individuality and their view of the world in a title that is more voluminous than the previous ones in the series!
• You can compete with players worldwide for high scores in online rankings!
• Local battles feature 2vs2 team battles for the first time in the series!
• Test your skills in 1vs1 online battles against players from around the world!
• You can even play online against friends far away from you with the “Password Matching” function!
• Includes “PUZZLE BOBBLE VS SPACE INVADERS,” a collaborative mini-game to commemorate the 45th anniversary of SPACE INVADERS!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – October 27th, 2022 – ININ Games together with TAITO Corporation is proud to announce that Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is coming in Spring 2023, exclusively for Nintendo Switch! The game that started it all comes back to you for another adventure with new enhanced features, which will be announced soon.

Only one we couldn’t wait to share with you: for the very first time in the history of the franchise, Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! will include a story mode playable with up to 4 players, and a 2 vs. 2 co-op battle mode.

The game will be published by ININ and can already be pre-ordered at certain retailers around the world: an ever-growing list of all participating retailers can be found at Iningames.com.

For nostalgic fans of this timeless franchise, ININ decided to make the original SNES version of Puzzle Bobble (Japanese) and Bust-A-Move (US) also available separately for download, so that even those who purchased the retail edition have the chance to relive these endless gems.

The first 2 vs. 2 co-op game in the series!

In the versus mode, players can play against either the computer or other players, and even send bubbles to their opponent’s board and disturb them by erasing or tearing off a large number of bubbles at once.

In this title, players can enjoy not only the traditional 1 vs. 1 battle but also, for the first time in the series, 2 vs. 2 cooperative battles between teams of two players, who can cooperate to erase each others awkward-to-aim-at bubbles and enjoy a more thrilling and faster-paced experience. Players can also play alone against the computer team, or team up with a friend to battle.

Source: PR Email

Paris, September 16th 2022 – Tokyo Game Show 2022 – Microids is delighted to announce Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission with a handful of screenshots. Discover or rediscover Operation Wolf, the cult classic arcade game developed and published by TAITO in 1987, one of the very first games to offer side scrolling rail shooting action.

Developed by the French studio Virtuallyz Gaming, Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission remains faithful to the original game whilst offering a brand new art style. Players are invited to experience the mood of an 80’s action movie thanks to a non-stop frenetic gameplay!

In the game campaign, play solo or co-op locally as special agents tasked to fight a criminal organization. In addition to drug and weapon trafficking, the organization lead by the mysterious General Viper seems to have developed a weapon of mass destruction! Following the discovery of several of the group bases, the agents are sent on location to dismantle the consortium, eliminate the weapons and free the hostages from various prisoner camps.

Game facts:

• Comeback of the 1987 cult arcade game!
• New art style
• Non-stop action
• A campaign for one or two players
• A survival mode (endless waves of enemies)
• A full blown arsenal (smg, shotgun, grenade launcher…)
• A leaderboard

Operation Wolf Returns: First Mission will be released fall 2022 both digitally and in retail with a Day One Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 & Nintendo Switch and digitally only on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

The VR version of the game for Meta Quest 2 will launch in 2023.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 01 August, 2022 – ININ Games announce today that they will bring the legendary Ray-series of vertical shooters to the West, in partnership with TAITO, both digitally and boxed for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (PS4), with the release planned for 2023.

As one of the most iconic vertical shoot ‘em ups (shmup), the Ray-series is a popular brand of legendary developer TAITO. First introduced in February 1994, with the release of RayForce for the TAITO F3 arcade, the series quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of its time. Also known as Gunlock or Galactic Attack outside of Japan, it was followed by two sequels with RayStorm and RayCrisis, both featuring polygon-based 3D graphics instead of sprite-based ones.

To honour this shoot ‘em up icon’s legacy, there will be not only one, but two special collections heading to the West with pre-orders starting shortly.

The RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection was devised by ININ Games, to combine the best the Ray-series has to offer, for shoot ‘em up fans around the world at an affordable price point of 39,99 EUR/USD. RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection includes the original RayStorm and RayCrisis and their respective HD versions, known for their exciting gameplay. This exclusive Western compilation will be available as a boxed retail edition and for download.

On top of that, ININ Games is also bringing TAITO’s original Japanese Ray’z Arcade Chronology to the West. This collection further adds the classic game that started it all, RayForce, and will be available to download for 49,99 EUR/USD.

RayStorm x RayCrisis HD Collection (available as boxed edition and for digital download)

• RayStorm
• RayStorm NEO HD
• RayCrisis
• RayCrisis HD

Ray’z Arcade Chronology (available for digital download)

• RayForce
• RayStorm
• RayStorm NEO HD
• RayCrisis
• RayCrisis HD

Once again involved in the porting of the games to modern consoles like for previous TAITO classics, are the masters of remastering at M2! The games will come with HD graphics, a great soundtrack and additional features and gadgets.

A limited Ray-series collection for the biggest fans out there with an exclusive extra never been released on cartridge before!

As a special way of honoring this great series, Strictly Limited Games have created an exclusive Limited and Collector’s Edition for Ray’z Arcade Chronology containing several physical collectibles – a great addition to every collection of video games or for those who love the classic shmup! These editions will also include the previously unreleased prototype “R-Gear”, the original planned successor of RayForce! Pre-orders for these exclusive editions are already live and only at strictlylimitedgames.com!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, Germany – 24 June, 2022: Grab your Gohei and ready your Tanuki magic because Pocky & Rocky Reshrined is now available boxed and digital on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (PS4)! ININ Games, together with Natsume Inc., under license from TAITO, are happy to bring a brand-new adventure of this classic franchise to all the fans and newcomers alike.

Features:

• Classic 16-bit style graphic & sound for a nostalgic retro feeling
• Five adventurous characters to choose from! Besides the beloved duo Pocky and Rocky, you can also play as: Ame no Uzume, Ikazuchi and Hotaru Gozen
• Master the stages in the single-player Story Mode or battle your enemies together with a friend in the local 2-player co-op Free Mode
• Collect coins to unlock the Easy Mode to reduce the difficulty and play more smoothly to the end
• Challenge yourself and master various unique stages with lots of different enemies
• Compare your scores with others and climb to the top of the Online Leaderboard

Pocky & Rocky Reshrined (Nintendo Switch/PS4) is now available at selected stores. An overview of all participating retailers can be found at iningames.com.

In need of some special Tanuki Attention? ININ Games got you!

As a special way of appreciation for the awesome Pocky & Rocky series, ININ Games also created special editions for the game, which are extremely limited. Those Limited and Collector’s Editions, also available bundled with an awesome Rocky plushie, can be ordered via Gamesrocket – only while stock lasts.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, 1 June, 2022: ININ Games together with TAITO are pleased to announce a major update, available for free for G-Darius HD (Nintendo Switch/PlayStation 4) releasing today! The update comes with three new versions of the game and loads of features and gadgets that fans should not miss out on.

Three new versions

In addition to the two versions that are already part of G-Darius HD – which are 1997’s G-Darius and its high-resolution version G-Darius HD – TAITO’s major update adds three new awesome versions that will delight retro fans and owners of the game for both, Nintendo Switch and PS4.

• G-Darius Ver.2 was first released in 1998 and is an updated version of the original G-Darius which was initially published one year earlier. While the story remains the same, G-Darius Ver.2 comes with a beginner mode, rapid-fire function and a lot of adjustments to the gameplay.
• G-Darius Ver.2 HD comes as an HD version of G-Darius Ver.2
• G-Darius for consumer adds the 1998 Japan-released console port of G-Darius

New gadgets, modes & settings

Besides the three new complete versions of G-Darius, there are several new gadgets, modes and settings that will be implemented in G-Darius and G-Darius Ver.2 that improve your gaming experience. Learn more about the weaknesses of the enemy bosses with the Boss Gadget, improve from an overall Zone Map and keep track of the remaining time until YAZUKA appears with the Yazuka Timer!

Customize your parameters to train for the real battles in a newly added Training Mode and check out your most glorious fights in the Replay Gallery.

For a detailed list of all the amazing new features and content, check out the G-Darius HD gamepage.

This major update will be available for G-Darius HD (Nintendo Switch/PS4) which is sold as a single game available in the US via amazon.com and at selected retailers in the EU, a full list of which can be found on iningames.com. The update is also available as part of Darius Cozmic Revelation (Nintendo Switch/PS4) that is available in limited stock via Strictly Limited Games.

About G-Darius HD

Developed by the masters of remastering at M2, the side-scrolling shooter G-Darius HD is a beautiful port of the original game from the late 90s, that was well known for its epic, boss versus player beam-battles, a superior soundtrack and the aquatic creature-based enemies like FIRE FOSSIL and G.T. Experience the rise of the Silver Hawk in glorious HD – available since 2021 for modern consoles.

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, April 1st, 2022: ININ Games together with TAITO are excited to announce TAITO MILESTONES for Nintendo Switch launching April 15th in Europe and North America! The special retro compilation of some true TAITO classics will be available through selected retailers and the Nintendo eShop.

Soon retro fans can dive into a nostalgic gaming experience to replay the classics that represent TAITO’s legacy. Celebrate the company’s milestones! Defeat the monsters deep inside the castle as witch Ptolemy in The FairyLand Story, strike your enemies in the sci-fi shooter SPACE SEEKER or collect the hearts from the thieving Monsta in Chack’n Pop! With this collection there will be something for every retro game enthusiast!

1981 – QIX

1983 – Chack’n Pop

1981 – SPACE SEEKER

1983 – ELEVATOR ACTION

1982 – ALPINE SKI

1985 – The FairyLand Story

1982 – FRONT LINE

1986 – HALLEY’S COMET

1982 – WILD WESTERN

1987 – THE NINJAWARRIORS

The boxed edition and the digital download version of TAITO MILESTONES for Nintendo Switch will launch on April 15th, 2022. Get ready for a true retro flashback – heading straight for your home screens!

Source: PR Email

Stuttgart, March 30th, 2022 – ININ Games together with Natsume Inc., under license from TAITO Corporation, are excited to announce the pre-order start of special limited editions of Pocky & Rocky Reshrined for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 (PS4) on March 31st! Limited and Collector’s Edition as well as exclusive bundles will be available at Strictly Limited Games and Gamesrocket.

The iconic shrine-maiden is back!

The roots of Pocky and Rocky reach back to the ‘80s when TAITO’s arcade game Kiki Kaikai was first released and delighted gamers of all ages. And now, the heroic shrine maiden is finally back for new adventures together with her raccoon companion Rocky and three other playable characters in Pocky & Rocky Reshrined.

The third and latest addition to the legendary series takes the shape of a multi-directional scrolling shooter with fantastic retro-style graphics, awesome sound design and lots of additional features and content!

Features:

• Classic 16-bit style graphic & sound for a nostalgic retro feeling
• Five adventurous characters to choose from! Besides the beloved duo Pocky and Rocky, you can also play as: Ame no Uzume, Ikazuchi and Hotaru Gozen
• Master the stages in the single-player Story Mode or battle your enemies together with a friend in 2-player co-op Free Mode
• Collect coins to unlock the Easy Mode to reduce the difficulty and play more smoothly to the end
• Challenge yourself and master various unique stages with lots of different enemies
• Compare your scores with others and climb to the top of the Online Leaderboard

Limited & Collector’s Editions

While ININ Games and Natsume are bringing this brand-new adventure to retailers and digital stores in North America and Europe, Limited and Collector’s Editions (Nintendo Switch / PS4) will be available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Store and via Gamesrocket!

The Limited Edition is limited to 2,500 individually numbered copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,500 copies for PS4, at a price of 29.99€/$34.99, including a special cover artwork and a colourful game manual.

The Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies for Nintendo Switch and 1,000 for PS4. It costs 69.99€/$79.99 and comes with exclusive physical collectibles:

• Special Rocky-style Collector’s Edition Box
• Colourful Game Manual
• Original Soundtrack CD
• Acrylic Pocky & Rocky Standee
• Pixel-style Omamori (Japanese-style amulet)
• 2-sided Collectible Coin
• Reversible Artwork Poster
• Logo Enamel Pin
• Leaf Eraser
• Bookmark
• Postcard Set of 4
• Character Sticker Sheet

Both the Limited and the Collector’s Edition will also be available bundled with a cute ~27cm / 10.6in Rocky plushie!

The Limited Edition Bundle is limited to 999 units for Nintendo Switch and 499 units for PS4, at a price of 59.99€/$69.99. The Collector’s Edition Bundle is limited to 999 Nintendo Switch and 499 PS4 units, available for 99.99€/$109.99.

All editions will be available for pre-order on Thursday, March 31st 4pm CEST at Strictly Limited Games and Gamesrocket.

Source: PR Email