Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection
- $19.99
- £15.99
- €19.99
- Buy Now on eShop
- Buy Now on eShop
- Buy Now on eShop
- Add to Cart
About
KONAMI starts its 50th anniversary celebration with this first installment of the Anniversary Collection series of the all-time classics!
This collection includes 8 arcade masterpieces of the 80s, from Nemesis to Haunted Castle, but also a bonus eBook packed with new information about the titles, including interviews with the development staff, behind-the-scenes insights, and sketches and design documents never before revealed to the public!
New Features
For the first time, these classic titles support mid-game saves, difficulty levels, and display options which provide a fresh experience to longtime fans.
Bonus Book
Also includes a bonus eBook packed with new information about the titles, including interviews with the development staff, behind-the-scenes insights, and sketches and design documents never before revealed to the public!
Lineup:
Scramble
The side-scrolling shooting game which started it all. It could be considered to be the original game which inspired the creators of the Gradius series.
TwinBee
The first game of the TwinBee series loved for its cute graphics.
Nemesis (also known as Gradius)
The smash-hit first installment in the Gradius series, known for its unique power-ups and enemies.
Salamander (also known as Life Force)
The second entry in the Gradius series which took the series to the next level with its upgraded gameplay and improved graphics.
Typhoon (also known as A-Jax)
The timeless shooting game that introduced ground-breaking sprite zooming and rotation effects that added depth to the graphics.
Haunted Castle
The arcade version of Castlevania which bewitched the fans with its haunting graphics.
Vulcan Venture (also known as Gradius II)
Considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Gradius series, memorable for its beloved music and top-notch level design.
Thunder Cross
The game that introduced many players to the shoot'em up genre, thanks to a more inclusive difficulty and unique design.
©Konami Digital Entertainment
Reviews 1
Nintendo Life said:
At only a couple of bucks per game it’s hard to complain too much about this compilation, especially when there’s only really one stinker in the pack. If you aren’t a fan of classic arcade shoot ‘em ups then there isn’t really much for you here: you may want to hold fire and see if the upcoming Castlevania or Contra collections are more to your taste. If you like your shmups though, there are seven iconic vintage examples of the genre here and they perform flawlessly. You’ll still have a decent time playing through them all, even though the lack of online leaderboards, lack of high score saving and general lack of options certainly make its budget price feel justified.
6/10
User Reviews 1
JJtheTexan said:
I find it curious Konami left its own name out of this game's title, as "Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection" doesn't really tell an eShop user at first glance whose games are collected, or for what anniversary.
It doesn't really matter, though, as what's here is a decent if not stellar collection of some great arcade shoot-'em-ups from the once-great developer.
It should be noted all of these games are available for individual purchase on the eShop, though buying them separately would be far more expensive than this collection, so it represents a good value in that sense. Unfortunately, both the individual releases and this collection are all ported by Hamster's Arcade Archives, which means there are few extra features to be found. There is a severely limited ability to use save states, no rewind, and minimal difficulty features, so some of these games are as excruciatingly difficult here as they were in the arcade. In other words, this collection is not for beginners.
Here's how I would rate each game in the collection:
- Scramble 5/10
- TwinBee 6/10
- Nemesis 8/10
- Salamander 8/10
- Typhoon 7/10
- Haunted Castle 3/10
- Vulcan Venture 7/10
- Thunder Cross 7/10
_
My only other gripe is the absence of a couple of other sequels which are sold separately, namely Gradius III and Thunder Cross II.Recommended for hardcore arcade shmup fans.
8/10
Leave A Review
Have you played Arcade Classics Anniversary Collection? If so, we'd love to know what you thought of it. Submit a user review to help other people decide if this game is for them.
You need to login to leave a review