Latest news with #arcadegames
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Operation Night Strikers' Switch Review: Light Gun Shmup Nostalgia
In a nice set of classic arcade light gun shmup games from Taito, Operation Night Strikers certainly delivers and even has a nice M2 sheen to it. Operation Night Strikers contains three typical light gun games and a special addition of sorts that technically fits into the genre. Specifically, this collection contains Operation Wolf, Operation Thunderbolt, Space Gun, and Night Striker, with the latter being closer to Space Harrier than a typical light gun game. Operation Wolf and Thunderbolt are pretty much classics in the genre, and had a massive following all over the world back when they hit the arcades in the 80s. Taking an almost Commando-esque approach to one-man body counts, Operation Wolf and Thunderbolt laid the groundwork for the more free-hand light gun games of Virtua Cop and Time Crisis that would follow. Space Gun was a much harder and more technical light gun game, with references to the Alien movies throughout. Even with its increased difficulty and complexity, the game was still a hit both in Japan and abroad. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Then we get to Night Striker. This was more akin to a crossover between Space Harrier and Outrun, as the car you piloted could also fly, and you had multiple routes through the game. Later stages also had the player's car transform, either into a mecha or a bike, so there was a lot going on. While the arcade version of Night Striker is regarded rather fondly in Japan, its Mega CD port was notoriously terrible, which this collection inexplicably includes, although as part of a separate DLC pack. That's the only real criticism of this collection: while the various arcade versions of these four games are included as standard, the various console ports of each are a separate paid DLC pack. I'm not sure why this route was taken, as it's the only thing that really holds this collection back. It would have made more sense to just include the console ports alongside the original arcade games for an increased price. So the extra DLC feels a bit off. That aside, M2 has done a gloriously good job with this collection. Having worked with M2 myself on Assault Suits Valken Declassified, I can testify to their passion and diligence when it comes to classic games such as these, and it's very much apparent here. Each game has built-in achievements and is highly customizable in terms of controls, regular stick or motion, and all sorts of screen options. Each of the games also have sidebars with all sorts of extra data on how you're doing, which is very handy on games like Operation Wolf. Night Striker also gets some special treatment with all the extra information thrown at you, which makes sense as M2 is in the process of making a proper sequel to Night Striker entitled Night Striker GEAR. Overall, Operation Night Strikers is an excellent collection of shmups from Taito's glory days in the arcades. It's a shame that the console ports are an additional DLC pack, but the core collection of games is still handled excellently by the retro game masters at M2. Operation Night Strikers Platform: Switch (Reviewed), PC Developer: M2 Publisher: Clear River Games Released: 7th August 2025 Price: $24.99 (DLC $19.99) Score: 9/10 Disclosure: Clear River Games sent me a copy of this game for the purposes of this review. While I have worked with M2 in the past, I have had no involvement with their work on this release. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘TOAPLAN Arcade Collection Vol 1 & 2' Switch Review: Shmup Excellence
Back in the 80s and 90s, TOAPLAN was one of the top arcade shmup developers in Japan, and these two game collections certainly do justice to that. These two collections are split across 8 games apiece, with Volume 1 containing Flying Shark, Fire Shark, Tiger Heli, Twin Cobra, Out Zone, Fix Eight, Batsugun, and Dogyuun, and Volume 2 including Zero Wing, Hell Fire, Slap Fight, Grind Stormer, Truxton, Truxton 2, Vimana, and Twin Hawk. In addition to local co-op play on some of these games, you also get the different arcade variants released around the world, as well as the Japanese originals. The follow-on console ports of these arcade games are sadly not included, as this is meant as a purely arcade game collection. That aside, TOAPLAN's history was a bumpy one, but it birthed multiple game studios after its closure, most notably that of Cave. This is noteworthy, as much of the 'bullet hell' debauchery Cave became known for is seen in many of these earlier games, which makes this collection fascinating in a historical sense. The other two major additions here are Hellfire and Zero Wing. While the latter is known for its legendarily terrible English localization, both of these were highly innovative horizontal scrolling shmups for their time. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Hellfire afforded various ways for your ship to fire its ordinance, something that later games like Radiant Silvergun utilized. However, for its time, it was quite a shocking evolution. Zero Wing also had some fascinating elements, namely the tractor beam you could use to grapple enemies to the front of your ship and use as a shield. Again, this was later adopted as a major feature in games like G-Darius. The other great thing about these classic TOAPLAN shmups was that they just looked gorgeous and paved the way for some of the prettiest 2D pixel art games ever created. So this collection has a lot to offer to people, not only those new to shmups, but also veterans who miss playing some of the classics of the genre. As for various quality of life features, you have a rewind option and save states as well as a lot of other customization options, and all the games run very smoothly on the Switch. Overall, TOAPLAN Arcade Collection Vol 1 & 2 covers the heyday of TOAPLAN's arcade shmup output. It's also a comprehensive collection, including the international variants for each of these classic arcade games. Although I suspect Zero Wing's appalling localization will still be a draw for some of the old school fans. TOAPLAN Arcade Collection Vol 1 & Vol 2 Platform: Switch (Reviewed), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S Developer: Bitwave Games Publisher: Clear River Games Released: 14th August 2025 Price: $34.99 (Each) Score: 8/10 Disclosure: Clear River Games sent me copies of these games for the purposes of this review. Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chuck E. Cheese is opening arcades for adults
Chuck E. Cheese isn't just for the kids anymore. The arcade chain is opening a spin-off aimed at adults, called 'Chuck's Arcade,' which the company describes as a 'modern-day love letter to the games and people who made Chuck E. Cheese great.' Similar to the kiddie version, Chuck's Arcade has a mix of nostalgic arcade games, like Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat; and newer titles such as Halo and Connect Four Hoops. Plus, each arcade is 'overseen' by one of the chain's iconic animatronic characters, including Chuck E. Cheese himself or other characters from his Munch's Make Believe Band. Ten are open so far at malls across the United States, with arcades in St. Petersburg, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; El Paso, Texas; and St. Louis. Each location looks different, decorated with original artwork that celebrates the brand's past, according to a release. Of course, there will also be prizes for adults to win and arcades will have 'old-school merch' available for purchase. Some arcades will serve food, with the Kansas City location having a pizzeria that also serves a small selection of beer and wine, a spokesperson told CNN. David McKillips, CEO of Chuck. E. Cheese, said that the spin-off is a 'natural evolution' for the company following the remodel of its 500 locations and sees it as an 'opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.' The company's expansion comes five years after it filed for bankruptcy during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chuck E. Cheese spent $350 million in remodels over the past few years as well as introducing new pricing tiers to attract budget-focused families. The launch of Chuck's Arcade comes amid troubles for its chief rival Dave & Buster's. The latter is publicly traded and recently reported a 9.4% decline in same-store sales, with its new management trashing 'ill-advised changes' implemented by its previous leadership that included too many adjustments at once.
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Chuck E. Cheese is opening arcades for adults
Chuck E. Cheese isn't just for the kids anymore. The arcade chain is opening a spin-off aimed at adults, called 'Chuck's Arcade,' which the company describes as a 'modern-day love letter to the games and people who made Chuck E. Cheese great.' Similar to the kiddie version, Chuck's Arcade has a mix of nostalgic arcade games, like Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat; and newer titles such as Halo and Connect Four Hoops. Plus, each arcade is 'overseen' by one of the chain's iconic animatronic characters, including Chuck E. Cheese himself or other characters from his Munch's Make Believe Band. Ten are open so far at malls across the United States, with arcades in St. Petersburg, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; El Paso, Texas; and St. Louis. Each location looks different, decorated with original artwork that celebrates the brand's past, according to a release. Of course, there will also be prizes for adults to win and arcades will have 'old-school merch' available for purchase. Some arcades will serve food, with the Kansas City location having a pizzeria that also serves a small selection of beer and wine, a spokesperson told CNN. David McKillips, CEO of Chuck. E. Cheese, said that the spin-off is a 'natural evolution' for the company following the remodel of its 500 locations and sees it as an 'opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.' The company's expansion comes five years after it filed for bankruptcy during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chuck E. Cheese spent $350 million in remodels over the past few years as well as introducing new pricing tiers to attract budget-focused families. The launch of Chuck's Arcade comes amid troubles for its chief rival Dave & Buster's. The latter is publicly traded and recently reported a 9.4 per cent decline in same-store sales, with its new management trashing 'ill-advised changes' implemented by its previous leadership that included too many adjustments at once. Article written by Jordan Valinsky, CNN
CNN
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Chuck E. Cheese is opening arcades for adults
Chuck E. Cheese isn't just for the kids anymore. The arcade chain is opening a spin-off aimed at adults, called 'Chuck's Arcade,' which the company describes as a 'modern-day love letter to the games and people who made Chuck E. Cheese great.' Similar to the kiddie version, Chuck's Arcade has a mix of nostalgic arcade games, like Donkey Kong and Mortal Kombat; and newer titles such as Halo and Connect Four Hoops. Plus, each arcade is 'overseen' by one of the chain's iconic animatronic characters, including Chuck E. Cheese himself or other characters from his Munch's Make Believe Band. Ten are open so far at malls across the United States, with arcades in St. Petersburg, Florida; Tulsa, Oklahoma; El Paso, Texas; and St. Louis. Each location looks different, features a full menu and is decorated with original artwork that celebrates the brand's past, according to a release. Of course, there will also be prizes for adults to win and arcades will have 'old-school merch' available for purchase. A press release didn't mention if it will sell adults-only drinks, like alcohol. (The company didn't immediately respond for comment about that.) David McKillips, CEO of Chuck. E. Cheese, said that the spin-off is a 'natural evolution' for the company following the remodel of its 500 locations and sees it as an 'opportunity to extend our arcade legacy into new formats that engage both lifelong fans and a new generation through a curated mix of retro classics and cutting-edge experiences.' The company's expansion comes five years after it filed for bankruptcy during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chuck E. Cheese spent $350 million in remodels over the past few years as well as introducing new pricing tiers to attract budget-focused families. The launch of Chuck's Arcade comes amid troubles for its chief rival Dave & Buster's. The latter is publicly traded and recently reported a 9.4% decline in same-store sales, with its new management trashing 'ill-advised changes' implemented by its previous leadership that included too many adjustments at once.
