Triangle Service's debut title for the Switch is a fairly safe option for the small developer, which compiles three of their previously-published arcade titles – along with a unique 2012 version of Sega's Pengo – into a single package. But is it worth investing in Arcade Love: Plus Pengo!, which remains (at the time of writing) a Japan-only oddity, given the extensive choices already available on the Switch's library?
The first of the packaged offerings is also the weakest of the lot: Action Game Skill Test is a kusoge-level, over-the-top collection of scrolling beat'em up clichés, such as fighting packs of enemies or barrel-busting bonus stages along with some random oddball scenarios like ringing enemy's doorbells and running away, wack-a-mole and even a Track and Field-style sports event (with an admittedly funny twist).
The overall aesthetics are severely outdated and controls are often clunky and feel a bit too floaty for a fighting game. Don't take it too seriously and it still snuggly fits in the "so bad its good" category of video games you boot up to have a couple of laughs when your friends come over.
The second game is the very aptly-named Shmups Skill Test. Like the previous title, it presents the player with several scenarios that are commonplace in shooting games, like score multiplier streaks, Danmaku-style bullet pattern dodging, boss fights, spacial awareness and even some oddball curios like saving the Earth by shooting cans into a recycle bin.
It may sound simplistic and superficial, but there is no denying the addicting allure of this title and repeat plays will sharpen the skills being tested here – which could come in handy when you choose to tackle some of the hardest entries the Switch library has on offer. Simplistic visuals and audio take second stage to precise controls, making this title a very appetizing option for shmup fans.
Putting what you learned to the test is the third game in this package. Combat Zeal gives you a tate slice of screen and challenges you with different stages that need to be conquered using the skills you honed in the previous game. This Switch version is the first time that up to four players can compete at the same time, each within their own individual piece of the screen, vying for the most efficient way and highest score to clear each stage.
Last, but certainly not least, is the inclusion of Sega's delightful Pengo!, the same eight-player widescreen version of the ice-block sliding game that was released on Arcade and Xbox 360 back in 2012. Like the rest of this package, this one is best enjoyed with friends rather than CPU opponents, and quickly escalating to Bomberman-levels of fun. Sadly, a proper conversion of the original 1982 game remains absent, so there's no ear-worm friendly rendition of "Popcorn" present. Boo.
Conclusion
Arcade Love: Plus Pengo! is a rather unique bundle of Japanese zaniness that will quickly find a spot in the heart of arcade gamers anywhere. Despite a few flaws in some of the art assets and gameplay of the assembled offerings, it can’t be denied that these titles are perfect for quick pick-up-and-play sessions and are a sure-fire hit when played with friends. While certainly not an essential purchase, Switch players looking to bolster their collection with choice imports need look no further than this oddball offering. Even the lack of English text support is a non-issue thanks to intuitive menus and the straightforward nature of the games.
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Comments 23
Wait, you're randomly reviewing Japanese games now? >.<
Is that a racist Japanese eyes symbol at the end of the comment above me? Time to get the pitchforks and our pantys in a bunch.
@sanya_exe You never know what you will see me do next at NL. It's a secret to everybody!
@Shiryu Do Battle Cats next! That game needs more attention, and maybe Ponos will FINALLY localize it. I dunno why they're taking forever, I heard the 3DS version didn't take this long. >.<
How is a 7 "good" when a 70 in school is a C, average? smh
@sanya_exe Eh? Don't have it... will investigate. ¬_¬
@pullmyfinger Hmmm...you new here, sir? This isn't school, this is Nintendo Life, we hand out grades from 0 to 10 and each has its own name equivalent. If the numbered scale confuses someone, all they need to do is understand what each figure translates in the reality of a video game product. Thus a 7 is not a straight the mathematical 70%, but instead a "Good Game" that doesn't quite reach the 8 ("Good Game") tier. It certainly isn't a 6 ("Not Bad Game") but it is head and shoulders above 5 ("Average Game") and equally distant from the brilliancy of a 9 ("Excellent Game"). You gotta be either really impressive to get a 10 ("Outstanding Game") or mess everything up to get a 3 and below.
Do remember that reviews are subjective and as such you should read the whole thing where we try to clarify why we are awarding a game a certain figure. If you just head straight to the conclusion and final score, some confusion might be natural.
Hope that helped.
@Shiryu Yeah, it's a popular free to play mobile game that got a version on the 3DS. Then last December the Switch version happened, it's not free but all that stuff has been balanced out quite a bit even though the Energy mechanic is still there.
Anyways yeah, I enjoyed the mobile version. Switch version is still fun, but...eh, I get lost sometimes because it's Japanese only. xD
@pullmyfinger And yet at the same time, 70 would get you a first class degree with honours from Oxford University. It’s almost if as a single scoring system used at school can’t be applied to the entire universe.
Is this a port of the arcade version of Love+ ? (Troll face)
Triangle Service and their putting "-ZEAL" at the end of everything, even when it means completely retitling a game (turning XII Stag into XIIZEAL, and G-2020 into DELTAZEAL).
I'd love to get this just for the 8 player version of Pengo that's on it. But getting this from PlayAsia, along with paying for shipping and customs, it suddenly becomes a pricey investment!
It's almost as bad as getting imports from the nineties!
Popcorn on repeat? Glad that's not anywhere anymore, apart fron YT. Too catchy >_>
That bird is my sleep paralysis demon
@sanya_exe They already did it with Gal metal and Dead or alive xtreme 3.
@tobibra .....What?
@sanya_exe They already have reviwed random Japanese games, they did Gal metal before it came out in Europe and US, amd they have a review of Dead or alive xtreme 3.
Loved it on the 360, it's a bit expensive on the Switch for an old game.
@tobibra Gal metal was released on Steam five years ago, it isn't a Japanese game.
@YANDMAN Not sure what game you're thinking of but Gal Metal is a Switch exclusive and it's definitely Japanese.
@Dogorilla You're entirely right, i apologise. I was thinking of 'METAGAL'
Nice to see this one getting a review on NL, it definitely deserves some attention. It's a really good fit for the Switch, both because the Switch is the new king of shoot'em ups and because of the great 8 player local multiplayer experience Pengo! provides.
I imported it from Play-Asia when it launced and i'm having a good time with it i personally would rate it 8/10.
WHAAAAaaaaaaaartttt?? Popcorn was my favorite song as a kid, and Pengo was one of my favorite games on our 386 DOS-only computer as a kid. But as far as I know we didn't have sound, so I never knew that game combined two of my favorite things, and now I feel utterly cheated! Then again... I was like 6 at the time so maybe I just forgot. Kind of like how I totally forgot about Pengo until reading this review.
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