Latest Reviews of ININ Games Games
Review Shadow Of The Ninja - Reborn (Switch) - A Beautiful, Brutal Return To 8-Bit Basics
Stepping out of the shadow
Though Ninja Gaiden occupied the spotlight on the NES back in the day, there was another similar ninja action game called Shadow of the Ninja which proved to be just about as good and featured two-player co-op. Due to publisher issues, a planned Game Boy version was repurposed as a Ninja Gaiden prequel and a sequel was...
Review Rainbow Cotton (Switch) - The Definitive Version Of This Dreamcast Shooter
I can sing a rail shooter
Developer Success’s flagship franchise since 1991, Cotton's enigmatic Halloween world and cutesy-witchy theme struck a chord with fans of the shoot-'em-up genre. Its zany premise of broomsticking across badlands in search of delicious candy, coupled with a magical mix of coloured gem grabbing, weapon power-ups, flashy...
Review The Legend Of Steel Empire (Switch) - A Classic Steampunk Shmup Gets A Lick Of Paint
Full steam ahead!
We believe it quite impossible to be a shoot-'em-up lover and not have stumbled upon HOT-B’s cult classic Steel Empire, the 1992 Mega Drive-exclusive horizontal shmup that mesmerised players with incredible steampunk aesthetics, an epic soundtrack, and a stiff challenge. Far from forgotten, there have been in the past two...
Review Irem Collection Volume 1 (Switch) - Three Great Games, But One Slim Package
After image
Founded in 1974, Irem, then known as IPM Co. Ltd, began as a distributor and assembler of arcade machines for general stores and other small independent businesses. It wasn’t until 1978 that the relabelled company released its own software. Despite being shoot-'em-up focused, the Irem Collection Volume 1 sidesteps R-Type, the obvious...
Review Air Twister (Switch) - An Arcade Blast From Yu Suzuki's Past, And A Missed Opportunity
Like we did last summer
Back in 2010, the Wii's Sin & Punishment: Star Successor inadvertently informed how, in various ways, the Space Harrier model could be revitalised in a contemporary fashion. In Air Twister, director Yu Suzuki, famous for creating Space Harrier, Out Run, and After Burner (not to mention Shenmu
God Forgives… I Don’t
There’s going out on a limb and then there’s blind faith, and while the Bud & Terence games fall into the latter of the two, they are at least a labour of love. If you don’t know — and there’s a good chance you don’t — Bud Spencer and Terence Hill were a movie duo popularised in the '60s and '70s for their...
Review Taito Milestones 2 (Switch) - A Better Selection With The Fabulous Triple-Screen Darius II
Score a point over
For the avid retro gamer, the Arcade Archives series has been one of the Switch’s greatest boons. Hamster Corporation has, to date, released 280 titles, and another 108 specific to the Neo Geo hardware, all with a commitment to emulating arcade originals at affordable prices. Taito Milestones 2 is a collection featuring 10...
Review Ray'z Arcade Chronology (Switch) - M2 Delivers Fine Ports Of Taito's Trilogy
Confounded by the Rayz
The limited edition retailers are getting out of hand again. The Ray'z Arcade Chronology, originally released in Japan back in March, and published by Taito for Switch and PlayStation 4, is receiving a European release courtesy of ININ games. Bizarrely, ININ Games are releasing two different compilations: this, the Ray’z...
Review Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! (Switch) - Bubbles Over With Charm (And Useless Bots)
PAYONPAH!
One of the biggest games to dominate the scene of the golden age of arcades was Bubble Bobble, a cute Japanese action platformer centered around little dinosaurs that could shoot bubbles out of their mouths. While that original game eventually went on to spawn a ton of sequels and ports that iterated on the concept, it also led to the...
Review Cannon Dancer - Osman (Switch) - The Bold, Concise Strider Sequel You Always Wanted
Strider Too
Following his departure from Capcom, director Kouichi Yotsui was burdened with expectation following Strider's success. Sadly, despite his inventive, risk-taking approach to game development, he would never again win the limelight. In the mid-'90s he had a fling with Mitchell Corporation, a studio formed of ex-Capcom staff that coaxed...
Latest ININ Games Articles
Exclusive Shadow Of The Ninja - Reborn's Legendary Devs Reveal Details In New Mini-Doc
"Looking back, it feels like my dream has come true"
As we gear up for the release of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, a remake of Natsume's classic NES action platformer, today we can exclusively reveal a new behind-the-scenes look at the development story behind the reimagined version. As put together by publisher ININ Games, the mini-documentary...
News Shadow Of The Ninja - Reborn Is Getting A Demo On Switch
Update: And it's out now!
Update [Thu 15th Aug, 2024 19:15 BST]: Aaaaand it's here! The Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn demo is available to download now from the Switch eShop. If you like what you see from the demo, you can also pre-order the game so it's ready to download on launch day, which is 29th August 2024. Check out our original story below...
News Rainbow Island Sequel 'Parasol Stars' Finally Gets Modern Console Release For Bargain Price
And it's out now
ININ Games has brought us a digital release of the third game in TAITO's Bubble Bobble series — Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. The game launched on the Switch eShop yesterday, 11th July 2024, and marks the first time the game has been ported to modern consoles. This modern port of the 1991 classic has many things...
News Taito Milestones 3 Coming Winter 2024, First Batch Of Games Revealed
"Get hype for over 7 classic TAITO games"
Last year, it was revealed Taito Milestones 3 was on the way to the Switch and it's now been confirmed it will be arriving locally on the eShop in Winter 2024. The third retro collection will feature "over seven classic Taito games" between the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hamster Corporation, known for its...
News Dreamcast Shooter 'Rainbow Cotton' Is Getting A Remake On Switch
Launching in May
The classic Dreamcast shooter Rainbow Cotton is getting a full remake on the Nintendo Switch, and it's launching soon on 9th May, 2024. Boasting revamped visuals, improved game mechanics, and a new 2-player local multiplayer mode, the remake is said to be a faithful recreation of the original while bringing it in line with modern...
News Irem Collection Volume 2 "Currently Postponed" While Dev Fixes Issues With First Game
The next patch is coming ASAP
ININ Games has shared an official statement about its upcoming Irem Collection Volume 2 via social media, confirming the release has been postponed. The developer wants the sequel collection to be released in a state "that's as flawless as can be" rather than repeat the Volume 1 launch which was released with "several...
News Shadow Of The Ninja Remake Locks In 'Summer 2024' Switch Release
Strictly Limited physical pre-orders "available now"
ININ Games has today revealed Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn will be arriving on the Switch and other platforms in Summer 2024. This information was revealed in a new comparison trailer earlier today, which you can view above. When it does arrive, players can look forward to both digital and...
News The Gorgeous Switch Revamp Of 'Steel Empire' Drops Next Week
Legend reborn
Remember Steel Empire for the Sega Mega Drive? What about the GBA release? 3DS? Well, whichever one you've experienced, if any, you'll be happy to know that an updated version dubbed The Legend of Steel Empire is about to drop for the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, 2024. Boasting updated visuals and improved controls, The Legend of...
News Yu Suzuki's Rail Shooter 'Air Twister' Is Full Of Unlockable Features In New Trailer
Out next month
Ys Net's Air Twister, the once-Apple Arcade exclusive rail shooter from veteran game developer Yu Suzuki, dropped a brand new trailer last week showcasing a myriad of features which will be included in the game at launch. Swooping onto Switch on 10th November, you'll be able to unlock additional modes by acquiring stars and tickets...
News Yu Suzuki's 'Air Twister' Is Space Harrier With Swans, Coming To Switch November
Takes flight from Apple Arcade
In 2022, renowned creator and industry figure Yu Suzuki revealed that his development studio Ys Net was creating an arcade-style shooter exclusively for Apple Arcade. Now, publisher ININ Games has revealed that the very game — which is a love letter and spiritual successor to Suzuki's Space Harrier — is coming to...
News Ray'Z Arcade Chronology Brings A Trio Of Classic Taito Shmups To Switch This Month
No sign of R-Gear in the digital edition
The three main shmups in Taito's 'Ray' series will be flying onto Switch as a part of a special digital collection titled Ray'z Arcade Chronology from 30th June. Not to be confused with the RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection that was revealed back in April, this co
News Taito Milestones 2 Collects Even More Arcade Archives Titles On Switch This August
Back at it again
Publisher ININ Games has today announced that it will be releasing Taito Milestones 2 — the follow-up to last year's Taito Milestones — worldwide on Switch on 31st August in both digital and physical form. Much like the former game, this collection will bring together a series of the studio's classic arcade titles, many of...
News Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! "Limited-Time" Demo Arrives On Switch eShop
Pop some bubbles while you can
As part of the release of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! on the Nintendo Switch this week, a free "limited-time" trial has been made available on the eShop. This special demo is playable from now until 30th June and can be played as many times as you like during this period, as long as you have access to an NSO...
News RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection Brings Two Taito Shmup Masterpieces To Switch
Out June
ININ Games is bringing two Taito all-timers to Switch in the form of RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection. Confirmed for a western release last year by the publisher, an eShop listing for 30th June 2023 has appeared, suggesting that we won't have to wait too long to get our hands on this classic bundle. RayStorm and RayCrisis (also known as...
News After 30 Years, Cannon Dancer Will Finally Be Out On Consoles Next Week
The unofficial sequel to Strider is almost here
Cannon Dancer - Osman — affectionately dubbed "the unofficial sequel to Strider" — will finally be playable on consoles from 13th April 2023 with both a physical and digital launch. After its original eShop release date slipped from both January and March to April (spotted by gosokkyu, via Tim
Hands On Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! - A Warm, Cuddly Return (Except For The Space Invaders)
It's a Taito blowout
It's hard to argue that Bub and Bob aren't the most adorable video game dinosaurs of all time (sorry, Yoshi), so we were delighted when the dynamic duo returned with the Switch-exclusive Bubble Bobble 4 Friends back in 2019. It was exactly as we remembered their pixels back in the dusty halls of the arcade growing up, just a...
News Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! Will Get Popping On Switch This May
Bub's your uncle
Taito's Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is launching on the Switch eShop on 23rd May, ININ Games has announced. You'll also be able to snap up a physical edition over at ININ Games' website. Bringing four-player co-op to the beloved spin-off series, ININ Games also revealed a brand new mode coming to the new game — One vs. One Online...
News Japanese Best-Seller 'Ninja JaJaMaru' Gets Multiple Collections On Switch
Out February
Jaleco's classic Ninja JaJaMaru series makes its grand return in February, bursting onto the Switch with three different collections that will be available on 21st February! Published by ININ Games, all three collections will be available on the Switch eShop, along with some physical releases. Many of the games on these collections...
Feature "Arcade Games Are Poetry" - 'Strider' Director On The Return Of 'Cannon Dancer'
"Now you can enjoy the miracle of a timeless classic of the past"
One of 2023's biggest surprises is the return of Cannon Dancer - Osman. Developed by Mitchell Corporation and released in arcades in 1996, thanks to a limited run of arcade machines for the game in the west, this side-scrolling gem was once lost to time. But very soon — 9th March...
News Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection To Get Switch eShop Release Next Year
21 Wonder Boys abound!
ININ Games is giving Wonder Boy Collection a little bit of a boost. An expanded digital release of this year's compilation, called Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection, is coming to the eShop on 26th January 2023. Now, if you're a little bit confused, there are a fair few differences compared to June 2022's Collection — at...
News Cannon Dancer, The Strider 'Spiritual Successor', Officially Confirmed For Switch
Physical release also coming
Just a few weeks ago we caught wind that Cannon Dancer — often referred to as the unofficial sequel to the Capcom classic Strider — would be coming to the Switch. With no official announcement nor Western confirmation, we kept our excitement tightly under wraps. But the wrapper is off now, folks! We now have a brand...
News The 'Unofficial Strider Sequel' Cannon Dancer Is Finally Coming To Consoles
Step and stride
As we're only weeks away from this year's Tokyo Game Show, we're starting to find out what games developers and publishers will be showing off at the annual convention. And amidst Konami's line-up — which includes multiple Yu-Gi-Oh! games, Super Bomberman R 2, and Coffee Talk Episode 2 — is the surprise return of a forgotten...
News We're Getting A New Four-Player 'Puzzle Bobble' Exclusively On Switch Next Year
Everybubble celebrate!
Puzzle Bobble — once known as Bust-A-Move in the west — is one of our favourite Taito franchises, so we're always happy to see more entries in this Bubble Bobble spin-off series. And Taito has today revealed the next new entry, coming exclusively to Switch in 2023. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! doesn't just come with an...
News Chaotic Animal Beat-'Em-Up 'Jitsu Squad' Coming To Switch Later This Year
Feel the paw-er
The Switch is having a good year for animal-based beat-'em-ups (Kaiju! Turtles! Uh... Girls?), and Jitsu Squad, the upcoming release from ININ Games, looks set to add
News It's Official, Wonder Boy Collection Is Out On 3rd June
Wonderful news!
ININ Games has revealed that the upcoming Wonder Boy Collection is indeed launching on 3rd June. Containing four iconic Wonder Boy titles — Wonder Boy, Wonder Boy in Monster Land (both arcade), and two Mega Drive/Genesis titles Wonder in Monster World
Exclusive Shadow Of The Ninja - Reborn's Legendary Devs Reveal Details In New Mini-Doc
"Looking back, it feels like my dream has come true"
As we gear up for the release of Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, a remake of Natsume's classic NES action platformer, today we can exclusively reveal a new behind-the-scenes look at the development story behind the reimagined version. As put together by publisher ININ Games, the mini-documentary...
News Shadow Of The Ninja - Reborn Is Getting A Demo On Switch
Update: And it's out now!
Update [Thu 15th Aug, 2024 19:15 BST]: Aaaaand it's here! The Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn demo is available to download now from the Switch eShop. If you like what you see from the demo, you can also pre-order the game so it's ready to download on launch day, which is 29th August 2024. Check out our original story below...
News Rainbow Island Sequel 'Parasol Stars' Finally Gets Modern Console Release For Bargain Price
And it's out now
ININ Games has brought us a digital release of the third game in TAITO's Bubble Bobble series — Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. The game launched on the Switch eShop yesterday, 11th July 2024, and marks the first time the game has been ported to modern consoles. This modern port of the 1991 classic has many things...
News Taito Milestones 3 Coming Winter 2024, First Batch Of Games Revealed
"Get hype for over 7 classic TAITO games"
Last year, it was revealed Taito Milestones 3 was on the way to the Switch and it's now been confirmed it will be arriving locally on the eShop in Winter 2024. The third retro collection will feature "over seven classic Taito games" between the late 1980s and early 1990s. Hamster Corporation, known for its...
News Dreamcast Shooter 'Rainbow Cotton' Is Getting A Remake On Switch
Launching in May
The classic Dreamcast shooter Rainbow Cotton is getting a full remake on the Nintendo Switch, and it's launching soon on 9th May, 2024. Boasting revamped visuals, improved game mechanics, and a new 2-player local multiplayer mode, the remake is said to be a faithful recreation of the original while bringing it in line with modern...
News Irem Collection Volume 2 "Currently Postponed" While Dev Fixes Issues With First Game
The next patch is coming ASAP
ININ Games has shared an official statement about its upcoming Irem Collection Volume 2 via social media, confirming the release has been postponed. The developer wants the sequel collection to be released in a state "that's as flawless as can be" rather than repeat the Volume 1 launch which was released with "several...
News Shadow Of The Ninja Remake Locks In 'Summer 2024' Switch Release
Strictly Limited physical pre-orders "available now"
ININ Games has today revealed Shadow of the Ninja: Reborn will be arriving on the Switch and other platforms in Summer 2024. This information was revealed in a new comparison trailer earlier today, which you can view above. When it does arrive, players can look forward to both digital and...
News The Gorgeous Switch Revamp Of 'Steel Empire' Drops Next Week
Legend reborn
Remember Steel Empire for the Sega Mega Drive? What about the GBA release? 3DS? Well, whichever one you've experienced, if any, you'll be happy to know that an updated version dubbed The Legend of Steel Empire is about to drop for the Nintendo Switch on January 23rd, 2024. Boasting updated visuals and improved controls, The Legend of...
News Yu Suzuki's Rail Shooter 'Air Twister' Is Full Of Unlockable Features In New Trailer
Out next month
Ys Net's Air Twister, the once-Apple Arcade exclusive rail shooter from veteran game developer Yu Suzuki, dropped a brand new trailer last week showcasing a myriad of features which will be included in the game at launch. Swooping onto Switch on 10th November, you'll be able to unlock additional modes by acquiring stars and tickets...
News Yu Suzuki's 'Air Twister' Is Space Harrier With Swans, Coming To Switch November
Takes flight from Apple Arcade
In 2022, renowned creator and industry figure Yu Suzuki revealed that his development studio Ys Net was creating an arcade-style shooter exclusively for Apple Arcade. Now, publisher ININ Games has revealed that the very game — which is a love letter and spiritual successor to Suzuki's Space Harrier — is coming to...
News Ray'Z Arcade Chronology Brings A Trio Of Classic Taito Shmups To Switch This Month
No sign of R-Gear in the digital edition
The three main shmups in Taito's 'Ray' series will be flying onto Switch as a part of a special digital collection titled Ray'z Arcade Chronology from 30th June. Not to be confused with the RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection that was revealed back in April, this co
News Taito Milestones 2 Collects Even More Arcade Archives Titles On Switch This August
Back at it again
Publisher ININ Games has today announced that it will be releasing Taito Milestones 2 — the follow-up to last year's Taito Milestones — worldwide on Switch on 31st August in both digital and physical form. Much like the former game, this collection will bring together a series of the studio's classic arcade titles, many of...
News Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! "Limited-Time" Demo Arrives On Switch eShop
Pop some bubbles while you can
As part of the release of Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! on the Nintendo Switch this week, a free "limited-time" trial has been made available on the eShop. This special demo is playable from now until 30th June and can be played as many times as you like during this period, as long as you have access to an NSO...
News RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection Brings Two Taito Shmup Masterpieces To Switch
Out June
ININ Games is bringing two Taito all-timers to Switch in the form of RayStorm X RayCrisis HD Collection. Confirmed for a western release last year by the publisher, an eShop listing for 30th June 2023 has appeared, suggesting that we won't have to wait too long to get our hands on this classic bundle. RayStorm and RayCrisis (also known as...
News After 30 Years, Cannon Dancer Will Finally Be Out On Consoles Next Week
The unofficial sequel to Strider is almost here
Cannon Dancer - Osman — affectionately dubbed "the unofficial sequel to Strider" — will finally be playable on consoles from 13th April 2023 with both a physical and digital launch. After its original eShop release date slipped from both January and March to April (spotted by gosokkyu, via Tim
Hands On Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! - A Warm, Cuddly Return (Except For The Space Invaders)
It's a Taito blowout
It's hard to argue that Bub and Bob aren't the most adorable video game dinosaurs of all time (sorry, Yoshi), so we were delighted when the dynamic duo returned with the Switch-exclusive Bubble Bobble 4 Friends back in 2019. It was exactly as we remembered their pixels back in the dusty halls of the arcade growing up, just a...
News Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! Will Get Popping On Switch This May
Bub's your uncle
Taito's Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! is launching on the Switch eShop on 23rd May, ININ Games has announced. You'll also be able to snap up a physical edition over at ININ Games' website. Bringing four-player co-op to the beloved spin-off series, ININ Games also revealed a brand new mode coming to the new game — One vs. One Online...
News Japanese Best-Seller 'Ninja JaJaMaru' Gets Multiple Collections On Switch
Out February
Jaleco's classic Ninja JaJaMaru series makes its grand return in February, bursting onto the Switch with three different collections that will be available on 21st February! Published by ININ Games, all three collections will be available on the Switch eShop, along with some physical releases. Many of the games on these collections...
Feature "Arcade Games Are Poetry" - 'Strider' Director On The Return Of 'Cannon Dancer'
"Now you can enjoy the miracle of a timeless classic of the past"
One of 2023's biggest surprises is the return of Cannon Dancer - Osman. Developed by Mitchell Corporation and released in arcades in 1996, thanks to a limited run of arcade machines for the game in the west, this side-scrolling gem was once lost to time. But very soon — 9th March...
News Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection To Get Switch eShop Release Next Year
21 Wonder Boys abound!
ININ Games is giving Wonder Boy Collection a little bit of a boost. An expanded digital release of this year's compilation, called Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection, is coming to the eShop on 26th January 2023. Now, if you're a little bit confused, there are a fair few differences compared to June 2022's Collection — at...
News Cannon Dancer, The Strider 'Spiritual Successor', Officially Confirmed For Switch
Physical release also coming
Just a few weeks ago we caught wind that Cannon Dancer — often referred to as the unofficial sequel to the Capcom classic Strider — would be coming to the Switch. With no official announcement nor Western confirmation, we kept our excitement tightly under wraps. But the wrapper is off now, folks! We now have a brand...
News The 'Unofficial Strider Sequel' Cannon Dancer Is Finally Coming To Consoles
Step and stride
As we're only weeks away from this year's Tokyo Game Show, we're starting to find out what games developers and publishers will be showing off at the annual convention. And amidst Konami's line-up — which includes multiple Yu-Gi-Oh! games, Super Bomberman R 2, and Coffee Talk Episode 2 — is the surprise return of a forgotten...
News We're Getting A New Four-Player 'Puzzle Bobble' Exclusively On Switch Next Year
Everybubble celebrate!
Puzzle Bobble — once known as Bust-A-Move in the west — is one of our favourite Taito franchises, so we're always happy to see more entries in this Bubble Bobble spin-off series. And Taito has today revealed the next new entry, coming exclusively to Switch in 2023. Puzzle Bobble Everybubble! doesn't just come with an...
News Chaotic Animal Beat-'Em-Up 'Jitsu Squad' Coming To Switch Later This Year
Feel the paw-er
The Switch is having a good year for animal-based beat-'em-ups (Kaiju! Turtles! Uh... Girls?), and Jitsu Squad, the upcoming release from ININ Games, looks set to add
News It's Official, Wonder Boy Collection Is Out On 3rd June
Wonderful news!
ININ Games has revealed that the upcoming Wonder Boy Collection is indeed launching on 3rd June. Containing four iconic Wonder Boy titles — Wonder Boy, Wonder Boy in Monster Land (both arcade), and two Mega Drive/Genesis titles Wonder in Monster World