ININ Games presents TAITO Milestones 3, a thrilling assembly of 10 classic games for the Nintendo Switch. The latest compilation of gaming nostalgia offers a fresh chance to dive into these timeless gems. Let’s explore what TAITO Milestones 3 has in store for us in this review.
After the initial release of TAITO Milestones in 2022, highlighting legendary titles from TAITO’s diverse game library, ININ Games continued to feed retro gaming enthusiasts with TAITO Milestones 2 the following year. Now, as we step into 2024, the third installment hits the scene, promising hours of nostalgic entertainment on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Let’s take a look at the classics included in TAITO Milestones 3:
- Bubble Bobble
- Rainbow Islands
- Rastan Saga
- Dead Connection
- Cadash
- Rastan Saga 2
- Champion Wrestler
- Runark
- Warrior Blade
- Thunder Fox
Starting with Bubble Bobble, this iconic 1986 arcade game is a single-screen platformer where you venture through levels with Bub and Bob, two charming dragons on a quest to rescue their kidnapped girlfriends from the sinister Baron Von Blubba. Known to many in its NES iteration, the game involves outwitting foes by trapping them in bubbles and popping them to collect rewarding items and power-ups.
Next up is Rainbow Islands, the direct sequel, where Bub and Bob, who’ve been turned back into humans, battle adversaries using magical rainbows. These rainbows serve dual purposes: vanquishing enemies and enabling vertical progression through the increasingly submerged Rainbow Islands, as they confront the malevolent Dark Shadow.
The journey continues with 1987’s Rastan Saga, known in the West simply as Rastan. This side-scrolling hack-and-slash game sees you controlling Rastan, the reigning ruler of a kingdom, as he recounts heroic escapades from his past. Across six challenging levels, you’ll face various adversaries, boosting your arsenal with weapons and power-ups that often have temporary effects.
Moving to a tale from the 1950s, Dead Connection, released in arcades in 1992, echoes the atmosphere of classic gangster movies like The Untouchables. In this chaotic shooter, players battle wave after wave of enemies across different stages, strategizing to balance ranged and melee combat effectively.
In a fantasy world lies the 2D action-RPG blend, Cadash, where you and up to three allies embark on a daring rescue mission to save Princess Salassa from a two-headed dragon and its nefarious cohort, the Balrog. The mission is dire—preventing an unholy ritual that ties the Balrog to the Princess, threatening to render it invincible.
Fans of Rastan will be thrilled with Rastan Saga 2, also known as Nastar Warrior in North America. This sequel enriches the storytelling experience with another thrilling hack-and-slash adventure, fending off an evil wizard and their minions to liberate Rastania.
Champion Wrestler, spotlighting the wild world of 1989 professional wrestling, lets you embody unique fighters, each boasting distinctive statistics and signature moves like power, technique, speed, and resilience as you climb the ranks to glory.
Venture into the nature-defending theme of Runark, also known as Growl outside Japan, released in 1990. As a vigilant park ranger, undertake brawls against villainous poachers, pulling out all stops, from fists to grenade launchers, to safeguard wildlife.
1991’s Warrior Blade, part of the Rastan Saga series, is reminiscent of Golden Axe’s allure, featuring substantial character sprites for allies and foes alike. Players can journey with Rastan the Bandit, Dewey the Hireling, or Sophia the Thief, choosing different paths for varied, replayable fun this game, previously unavailable outside Japan, brings.
Finally, battle terrorism in the 1990 run-and-gun action of Thunder Fox. In a world plagued by terrorism in 199X, the warriors Thunder and Fox, armed with diverse weapons, fight through formidable challenges to restore peace.
TAITO Milestones 3 brings a delightful assortment of games, suitable for both nostalgic trips and fresh experiences. Titles like Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands, Rastan Saga, and more provide a wide spectrum of entertainment, ensuring something for all tastes. This collection lands on the Nintendo Switch on December 10, retailing at $39.99.
This overview of TAITO Milestones 3 is informed by a Nintendo Switch evaluation copy from ININ Games.
