Overview
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Latest Reviews of Taito Games
Mini Review Touhou Spell Bubble (Switch) - A Puzzle Bobble Sequel In All But Name
Taito hops onto the Touhou Project
The Touhou Project is one of the most noteworthy success stories of independent game development there has ever been. Since 1995, creator Jun'ya "ZUN" Ōta has self-published 22 games in the series – and over the course of that period, there have been numerous spin-off games created by fans of the series who want...
Review Space Invaders Invincible Collection (Switch) - 40 Years Of History In One Package
Invaders Must Die
Considering we have been shooting them out of our virtual skies for entertainment over the past forty-two years, any sentient extra-terrestrial life form might not be too keen to drop in to say “Hello!” these days, and with good reason – Tomohiro Nishikado's original 1978 Space Invaders didn't just kickstart a cultural...
Review Darius Cozmic Collection (Switch) - Swimming With The Fishes
M2 works its magic once more
Editor's note: This review is for the Japanese version of Darius Cozmic Collection. The game has since been released in the west in two versions: Darius Cozmic Collection Console and Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade. Close your eyes. Now think about “classic shmups.” What titles immediately spring to mind? Gradius
Review Groove Coaster Wai Wai Party!!!! (Switch) - Unashamedly Japanese Rhythm Action Brilliance
P-A-R-T-Wai? Because we gotta
The Switch has become the go-to system for all manner of genres, and rhythm action is no different. You can’t move for rhythm games on the system, and even if you could, you would have to move to some sort of beat, because that’s the rule now. Groove Coaster: Wai Wai Party!!!! is the umpteenth example to make its...
Review Bubble Bobble 4 Friends (Switch) - A Timely Update That Proves Classic Gameplay Never Ages
One of the great arcade classics makes a welcome return
Since the release of the original arcade classic Bubble Bobble by Taito in 1986, the core of the series has pretty much stayed with its well-proven formula. The biggest deviations being Rainbow Islands and Parasol Stars, two sequels which returned Bub and Bob to their human forms. However, it's...
Review Densha de Go! 64 (Nintendo 64)
Lost in "trainslation"
The massive surge in the number of simulation games over the past few years has been nothing short of baffling. Years ago, Microsoft Flight Simulator was essentially the sole attraction in this specialist genre, but now it seems virtually anything can and should be turned into a simulation. Road Works Simulator, Farming...
Review Darius Twin (Virtual Console / Super Nintendo)
Double the monotony
The Darius series has long taken a backseat to some of the more prominent shoot 'em up series, despite featuring some absolutely amazing releases on the various 32-bit game consoles. Darius Twin still features much of the aquatic-themed shooter action of its brethren, but for some reason the game comes off feeling very...
Review Puzzle Bobble Galaxy (DS)
A worthy entry in the classic puzzle series
Known by the less-than-cool moniker of "Bust-a-Move" in North America, Puzzle Bobble has been a fixture of the puzzle genre for over a decade, appearing on every console and handheld since the NEO GEO and Gameboy Colour. Puzzle Bobble Galaxy isn't the first Puzzle Bobble game on the DS, but it is...
Review Arkanoid Plus! (WiiWare)
Another breakthrough for Taito?
Taito's doing a fine job reviving its classic franchise on WiiWare - Space Invaders was revived with a completely different, fun gameplay style, while three games from the Bubble Bobble series all got decent to great remakes. This one's more like the Bubble Bobble games, in that it's a straight-up remake of the...
Review Space Invaders: Virtual Collection (Virtual Boy)
They’ll port it to anything.
It’s highly likely that you will have encountered the simple fun addictiveness that is Space Invaders at some point, even if you missed it in the arcades. Ports, slight updates and compilations have appeared on a wide variety of systems over the years - Atari 2600, Spectrum, NES, Master System, Game Boy, Playstation,...
Latest Taito Articles
News Taito's 1983 Western Shooter The Tin Star Is This Week's Arcade Archives Release
Take out a gang of thugs as the town sheriff
Hamster's retro release this week is The Tin Star. It's an old western-themed shooting originally released by Taito in arcades in 1983. You take control of the town sheriff who must take out a gang of thugs. Here is a description from the PR: Skillfully utilize features in the main stages, such as...
More details coming soon
Taito has announced Bubble Bobble 4 Friends will be receiving a new free update that adds additional content to the game. This includes new stages and the character, Baron von Blubba. Here's a bit from the PR about it: Taito are currently developing and expanding the game’s content to deliver everything fans wish for,...
News Hamster Adds Taito's 1986 Action Shoot 'Em Up KiKi KaiKai To The Arcade Archives
Save the Seven Lucky Gods
This week's Arcade Archives release by Hamster is Kiki KaiKai. This Taito action shoot 'em up title was first released in arcades in 1986 and is all about a young Shinto shine maiden named Sayo who must rescue the Seven Lucky Gods after they're kidnapped by monsters. The game is available now on the Switch eShop, supports...
News Darius Cozmic Collection 2 Confirmed, Existing Collection Getting New Games Today
New content is approaching fast!
Taito has revealed that it is working on Darius Cozmic Collection 2, with a release expected this winter. No games have been confirmed at present (one would assume 1997's excellent G-Darius will make the cut), nor has it been specified which consoles it will be launching on. The company has also revealed that the...
News Strictly Limited Is Bringing Darius Cozmic Collection To The West In Three Different Forms
And they're strictly limited editions, of course
German publisher Strictly Limited Games is marking its second birthday with a pretty special announcement – it's bringing Taito’s Darius Cozmic Collection to the west. Previously only available in Japan, where it was initially released in physical form only, Darius Cozmic Collection brings...
News Taito's Action Game Time Tunnel Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives Series
All aboard!
That was quick! After teasing a number of upcoming Arcade Archives games last weekend at the 2019 Tokyo Game Show, Hamster has already released one of them: Taito's 1982 title, Time Tunnel. This is an action game that requires players to pass each stage and then pass through the time tunnel! You'll have to connect train carriages,...
News The Ninja Saviors: Return Of The Warriors Gets A Delay In North America
Due to "unforeseen logistical challenges"
It has been revealed that The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors will be subject to a delay in North America, while the European release remains unaffected. The game – which is a sequel to the brilliant SNES title – hits Europe on August 30th, as was originally planned. However, the North American...
News Darius Cozmic Collection Is Finally Getting An eShop Release On Switch
Only in Japan, though
Darius Cozmic Collection was an odd release in that it was limited to Japan and didn't get an eShop version. Thankfully, that situation is about to change as it has been revealed that the collection is getting a digital version next month. As was the case with the physical version of the collection, there will be two editions...
News Taito's The Ninja Saviors Will Release The (Ninja) Warrior Within On Switch This August
The warriors are back
If you were a fan of Taito's arcade classic The Ninja Warriors then you are in for a treat, as it's getting a reboot under the name of The Ninja Saviors - Return of the Warriors, which we can now reveal is headed to the Switch on 30th August. Let's find out a bit more from publisher ININ Games: In THE NINJA SAVIORS –...
News Mega Drive Mini Port Of Darius Is "Totally New" And Not Based On "Fan Work", Says Sega
A new conversion is approaching fast!
Update: A few eagle-eyed Darius fans have noticed a striking similarity between the new version of Darius included on the Mega Drive / Genesis Mini and an unofficial port created by 'bedroom coder' Hidecade. This has led to some assuming that Sega and M2 have used Hidecade's work as the basis for this port...
News Taito's Ninja Warriors Will Once Again Hit Our Screens This July
In Japan, at least
Remember that Ninja Warriors sequel we reported on a while back? We've not heard anything about it for a while, but last month (sorry, we must have been asleep) Taito confirmed that the game – which is being developed in conjunction with Natsume Atari – will hit Japanese PS4 and Switches in July of this year. Taito has also...
News Classic Sega And Taito Music Coming To KORG Gadget As DLC In 2019
Retro goodness
KORG Gadget made its debut on the Switch eShop earlier this year in April. As you might have previously heard, the music maker came bundled with a stack of synthesisers and drum machines. It even had unique features like real-time pitch control and piano roll editing using Joy-Con motions. In our review, we gave KORG Gadget seven out...
News Taito's Ninja Warriors Revival On Switch Gets The Most Literal Title Ever
And again and again and again...
Not so long ago, we revealed that Taito is in the process of reviving some of its key franchises, starting with Darius. The publisher is also developing a new Ninja Warriors entry - with the help of Natsume Atari - which is due to launch on Switch next year. Amusingly, the game's title is Ninja Warriors Once Again,...
News Game Boy Title Sagaia Coming To Darius Cozmic Collection As Amazon-Exclusive DLC In Japan
Shooting heaven
We won't dwell too long on the fact that the Virtual Console isn't part of Nintendo's plans for Switch, but the desire for retro games on the console remains as high as ever - which is why the news that a Game Boy game is coming to the system is such big news for the wears of rose-tinted specs. However, before you get too excited,...
News Warning! Darius Cozmic Collection Is Approaching Switch Fast!
Something fishy is going on here
Shooter fans, rejoice - Taito is bringing its classic Darius series to the Switch in the form of Darius Cozmic Collection. It's expected to launch in Japan on February 28th 2019 and will cost 5,200 Yen. The collection includes four of the arcade entries, but a limited edition - costing 16,800 Yen - will add five...
News Zuntata Now Playing In Your Music Streaming Service Of Choice
Over 3,000 tracks ready to rock your world
You may not know them by name, but with over three decades of Taito video game music under their belt you must have heard Zuntata's work in the past. From the memorable melodies of Bubble Bobble to the epic electronic/jazz fusion soundscapes of the Darius series, the prolific group founded by Hisayoshi...
News Stretchy And Sticky Splatoon Squid Toys Are Coming To Japan, Thanks To Taito
Easy squeezy
Video game veteran Taito is producing a series of stretchy, goo-filled Splatoon squid toys. Now there's a sentence we didn't think we'd be typing when we woke up this morning. Due for release in Japan (where else?) on April 5th, the toys can be seen in action in the teaser video below. You can squeeze 'em, splat 'em and throw 'em in a...
News Hardcore Gaming 101's Next Book Focuses On Taito's Arcade Legacy
From Elevator Action to Liquid Kids
Video game site Hardcore Gaming 101 has become something of a goldmine for retro gamers, with its staff tirelessly uncovering gems from the past that everyone else has all but forgotten about. The site also produces a line of excellent books which feature both new and re-written content, and the latest offering...
Video Say Hello To The SNES Game Which Ships Inside A Game Boy Cartridge
Invading a 16-bit home console near you
One of the really cool things about the Super Game Boy adapter - besides the fact that it allowed you to play your portable titles on SNES - was that it added embellishments to certain titles, like two-player modes, additional colours and even attractive borders around the screen. However, there's one title...
News Unseen64 Digs Up Some Screens of Brimstone, a Cancelled SNES JRPG From Taito
A lost classic
Over the course of its life, the SNES hosted several legendary RPGs, such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Earthbound. These are just a few examples of how the RPG genre really came into its own in this generation, stepping out of the rather awkward and simplistic experiences that were available on the NES and creating games...
News Taito's Trademark Applications Suggest the Return of SNES Titles
Darius Twin, and two Lufia games if you must know
If Taito's latest filings at the United States Patents and Trademarks Office are anything to go by, we might well see a number of its Super NES titles on their way to the Wii Shop Channel. Darius Twin, Lufia & The Fortress of Doom, and Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals have all had trademarks...
News Space Invaders Extreme Z Hits Japanese DSiWare
Remember: short, controlled bursts.
Taito shocked and awed Japanese DSiWare aficionados today with the release of a miniature entry of its bat****-crazy Space Invaders Extreme series: Space Invaders Extreme Z. For 500 pointy points, Earth defenders get Fever and Bingo modes, whatever that means, from Extreme 2 playable over three courses. If you're...
News Europe Getting Second Extreme Space Invasion
Set to hit DS early next month.
Those invaders, they never learn. First they tried to invade back in '78 and we fought 'em off. They took the fight to us, but then we whooped 'em back. Then they went all psychedelic on us and we still shot 'em in the face. Well, now they're gonna try some more of that whole trippy thing in Europe on October 2 on DS...
Nintendo Download Popstars, WiiWare Remakes and Clay Fighting (US)
Finally North America gets Bubble Bobble and Adventure Island on WiiWare
This week the US Nintendo Download is playing catch-up with Europe except for a DSiWare app which is new. As a result we have already reviewed these games so you can get stuck right in if you like what you read! First up on DSiWare today is American Popstar: Road to Celebrity...
Nintendo Download 26 May 2009 (Japan)
Four for WiiWare
A little bit of madness and some exciting Arcade Classic surprises coming to the Japanese Wii next week, whilst the Japanese DSiWare service comes out of a dry spell. On the WiiWare front we have four titles coming out next Tuesday: Muscle March from Namco Bandai for 800 points features body builders and a...polar bear...trying to...
News Taito's 1983 Western Shooter The Tin Star Is This Week's Arcade Archives Release
Take out a gang of thugs as the town sheriff
Hamster's retro release this week is The Tin Star. It's an old western-themed shooting originally released by Taito in arcades in 1983. You take control of the town sheriff who must take out a gang of thugs. Here is a description from the PR: Skillfully utilize features in the main stages, such as...
More details coming soon
Taito has announced Bubble Bobble 4 Friends will be receiving a new free update that adds additional content to the game. This includes new stages and the character, Baron von Blubba. Here's a bit from the PR about it: Taito are currently developing and expanding the game’s content to deliver everything fans wish for,...
News Hamster Adds Taito's 1986 Action Shoot 'Em Up KiKi KaiKai To The Arcade Archives
Save the Seven Lucky Gods
This week's Arcade Archives release by Hamster is Kiki KaiKai. This Taito action shoot 'em up title was first released in arcades in 1986 and is all about a young Shinto shine maiden named Sayo who must rescue the Seven Lucky Gods after they're kidnapped by monsters. The game is available now on the Switch eShop, supports...
News Darius Cozmic Collection 2 Confirmed, Existing Collection Getting New Games Today
New content is approaching fast!
Taito has revealed that it is working on Darius Cozmic Collection 2, with a release expected this winter. No games have been confirmed at present (one would assume 1997's excellent G-Darius will make the cut), nor has it been specified which consoles it will be launching on. The company has also revealed that the...
News Strictly Limited Is Bringing Darius Cozmic Collection To The West In Three Different Forms
And they're strictly limited editions, of course
German publisher Strictly Limited Games is marking its second birthday with a pretty special announcement – it's bringing Taito’s Darius Cozmic Collection to the west. Previously only available in Japan, where it was initially released in physical form only, Darius Cozmic Collection brings...
News Taito's Action Game Time Tunnel Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives Series
All aboard!
That was quick! After teasing a number of upcoming Arcade Archives games last weekend at the 2019 Tokyo Game Show, Hamster has already released one of them: Taito's 1982 title, Time Tunnel. This is an action game that requires players to pass each stage and then pass through the time tunnel! You'll have to connect train carriages,...
News The Ninja Saviors: Return Of The Warriors Gets A Delay In North America
Due to "unforeseen logistical challenges"
It has been revealed that The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors will be subject to a delay in North America, while the European release remains unaffected. The game – which is a sequel to the brilliant SNES title – hits Europe on August 30th, as was originally planned. However, the North American...
News Darius Cozmic Collection Is Finally Getting An eShop Release On Switch
Only in Japan, though
Darius Cozmic Collection was an odd release in that it was limited to Japan and didn't get an eShop version. Thankfully, that situation is about to change as it has been revealed that the collection is getting a digital version next month. As was the case with the physical version of the collection, there will be two editions...
News Taito's The Ninja Saviors Will Release The (Ninja) Warrior Within On Switch This August
The warriors are back
If you were a fan of Taito's arcade classic The Ninja Warriors then you are in for a treat, as it's getting a reboot under the name of The Ninja Saviors - Return of the Warriors, which we can now reveal is headed to the Switch on 30th August. Let's find out a bit more from publisher ININ Games: In THE NINJA SAVIORS –...
News Mega Drive Mini Port Of Darius Is "Totally New" And Not Based On "Fan Work", Says Sega
A new conversion is approaching fast!
Update: A few eagle-eyed Darius fans have noticed a striking similarity between the new version of Darius included on the Mega Drive / Genesis Mini and an unofficial port created by 'bedroom coder' Hidecade. This has led to some assuming that Sega and M2 have used Hidecade's work as the basis for this port...
News Taito's Ninja Warriors Will Once Again Hit Our Screens This July
In Japan, at least
Remember that Ninja Warriors sequel we reported on a while back? We've not heard anything about it for a while, but last month (sorry, we must have been asleep) Taito confirmed that the game – which is being developed in conjunction with Natsume Atari – will hit Japanese PS4 and Switches in July of this year. Taito has also...
News Classic Sega And Taito Music Coming To KORG Gadget As DLC In 2019
Retro goodness
KORG Gadget made its debut on the Switch eShop earlier this year in April. As you might have previously heard, the music maker came bundled with a stack of synthesisers and drum machines. It even had unique features like real-time pitch control and piano roll editing using Joy-Con motions. In our review, we gave KORG Gadget seven out...
News Taito's Ninja Warriors Revival On Switch Gets The Most Literal Title Ever
And again and again and again...
Not so long ago, we revealed that Taito is in the process of reviving some of its key franchises, starting with Darius. The publisher is also developing a new Ninja Warriors entry - with the help of Natsume Atari - which is due to launch on Switch next year. Amusingly, the game's title is Ninja Warriors Once Again,...
News Game Boy Title Sagaia Coming To Darius Cozmic Collection As Amazon-Exclusive DLC In Japan
Shooting heaven
We won't dwell too long on the fact that the Virtual Console isn't part of Nintendo's plans for Switch, but the desire for retro games on the console remains as high as ever - which is why the news that a Game Boy game is coming to the system is such big news for the wears of rose-tinted specs. However, before you get too excited,...
News Warning! Darius Cozmic Collection Is Approaching Switch Fast!
Something fishy is going on here
Shooter fans, rejoice - Taito is bringing its classic Darius series to the Switch in the form of Darius Cozmic Collection. It's expected to launch in Japan on February 28th 2019 and will cost 5,200 Yen. The collection includes four of the arcade entries, but a limited edition - costing 16,800 Yen - will add five...
News Zuntata Now Playing In Your Music Streaming Service Of Choice
Over 3,000 tracks ready to rock your world
You may not know them by name, but with over three decades of Taito video game music under their belt you must have heard Zuntata's work in the past. From the memorable melodies of Bubble Bobble to the epic electronic/jazz fusion soundscapes of the Darius series, the prolific group founded by Hisayoshi...
News Stretchy And Sticky Splatoon Squid Toys Are Coming To Japan, Thanks To Taito
Easy squeezy
Video game veteran Taito is producing a series of stretchy, goo-filled Splatoon squid toys. Now there's a sentence we didn't think we'd be typing when we woke up this morning. Due for release in Japan (where else?) on April 5th, the toys can be seen in action in the teaser video below. You can squeeze 'em, splat 'em and throw 'em in a...
News Hardcore Gaming 101's Next Book Focuses On Taito's Arcade Legacy
From Elevator Action to Liquid Kids
Video game site Hardcore Gaming 101 has become something of a goldmine for retro gamers, with its staff tirelessly uncovering gems from the past that everyone else has all but forgotten about. The site also produces a line of excellent books which feature both new and re-written content, and the latest offering...
Video Say Hello To The SNES Game Which Ships Inside A Game Boy Cartridge
Invading a 16-bit home console near you
One of the really cool things about the Super Game Boy adapter - besides the fact that it allowed you to play your portable titles on SNES - was that it added embellishments to certain titles, like two-player modes, additional colours and even attractive borders around the screen. However, there's one title...
News Unseen64 Digs Up Some Screens of Brimstone, a Cancelled SNES JRPG From Taito
A lost classic
Over the course of its life, the SNES hosted several legendary RPGs, such as Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Earthbound. These are just a few examples of how the RPG genre really came into its own in this generation, stepping out of the rather awkward and simplistic experiences that were available on the NES and creating games...
News Taito's Trademark Applications Suggest the Return of SNES Titles
Darius Twin, and two Lufia games if you must know
If Taito's latest filings at the United States Patents and Trademarks Office are anything to go by, we might well see a number of its Super NES titles on their way to the Wii Shop Channel. Darius Twin, Lufia & The Fortress of Doom, and Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals have all had trademarks...
News Space Invaders Extreme Z Hits Japanese DSiWare
Remember: short, controlled bursts.
Taito shocked and awed Japanese DSiWare aficionados today with the release of a miniature entry of its bat****-crazy Space Invaders Extreme series: Space Invaders Extreme Z. For 500 pointy points, Earth defenders get Fever and Bingo modes, whatever that means, from Extreme 2 playable over three courses. If you're...
News Europe Getting Second Extreme Space Invasion
Set to hit DS early next month.
Those invaders, they never learn. First they tried to invade back in '78 and we fought 'em off. They took the fight to us, but then we whooped 'em back. Then they went all psychedelic on us and we still shot 'em in the face. Well, now they're gonna try some more of that whole trippy thing in Europe on October 2 on DS...
Nintendo Download Popstars, WiiWare Remakes and Clay Fighting (US)
Finally North America gets Bubble Bobble and Adventure Island on WiiWare
This week the US Nintendo Download is playing catch-up with Europe except for a DSiWare app which is new. As a result we have already reviewed these games so you can get stuck right in if you like what you read! First up on DSiWare today is American Popstar: Road to Celebrity...
Nintendo Download 26 May 2009 (Japan)
Four for WiiWare
A little bit of madness and some exciting Arcade Classic surprises coming to the Japanese Wii next week, whilst the Japanese DSiWare service comes out of a dry spell. On the WiiWare front we have four titles coming out next Tuesday: Muscle March from Namco Bandai for 800 points features body builders and a...polar bear...trying to...