Tag: Hamster
News Arcade Archives Nintendo Collection Goes On Sale For The First Time Ever, 30% Off
Grab a bargain
We've extensively covered the Switch's Arcade Archives series over the years, and November 24th marks the 300th week (5 years and 9 months, to be precise) of Hamster Corporation rolling out these updated retro releases. To celebrate this milestone, the Nintendo Switch eShop is hosting a special sale. All 20 Nintendo titles from the...
News Surprise! Hamster Is Bringing The Hardest Tetris Series To Switch eShop Next Week
Tetris: The Grand Master joins Arcade Archives
If you think you've played all the Tetris games, think again! The Japan-only 1998 title Tetris: The Grand Master will be receiving a Switch eShop release next week on December 1st. Hamster Corp will be adding this Arika title to its well-known Arcade Archive series, so there's a good chance there'll be...
News Namco Shmup Dragon Saber Is This Week's Arcade Archives Game
Dragon flight
If you love a good vertical shoot 'em up - Hamster's Arcade Archives collection has you got covered this week. The latest release for this library on the Switch is the 1990 Namco title, Dragon Saber. It's a sequel to Dragon Spirit, released in arcades back in 1987. In this game, the Huey and Siria, who have been transformed into...
Review Taito Milestones - An Oddly Meagre Collection Of Coin-Op Classics
A muted celebration of an important developer
A small "Powered by Arcade Archives" message sits in the corner of Taito Milestones' dual-purpose title/game select screen, a subdued seal of quality there to let players know the emulation within is of the same standard we've come to expect from Hamster's prolific series, with all the usual features...
But it needs to know what you think...
Right before the end of 2021, during one of Hamster's Arcade Archives streams, Hori revealed a special "retro game controller" designed for old-school gaming and Arcade Archives titles. So far they've come up with a bunch of concepts - including a modular one, which would allow plays to change the controller...
News Hamster's Final Arcade Archives Release Of 2021 Is Mutant Night
Out December 30th
Hamster Corporation has once again made it to the end of another year, so how is it ending it? It's final Arcade Archives release of 2021 is UPL's 1987 arcade platform shooter Mutant Night. Here's a bit about it, along with a look: "Players will control a mysterious character named "Mutron-kun" who will power up using various...
"An adventure of danger and excitement"
Hamster's made it to the final month of the year and it's started out with Taito's action-platformer arcade title, Liquid Kids. This game made its debut in the arcades in 1990 and was followed by a number of home console ports. Here's a bit more about it, along with a look - courtesy of Nintendo Life...
News Another Namco Title Has Joined Hamster's Arcade Archives On Switch
Download it from the eShop today
This week's Arcade Archives release on the Switch eShop is the 1983 Namco release, Phozon. It's described as an action game where the player controls a nucleus called 'chemic' and must merge with molecules to complete specified formations. "Control a nucleus called CHEMIC and merge with MOLECULES to complete...
News Another Taito Game Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives Collection On Switch
A blast from the past
If you're looking for some more retro action on your Switch, then why not check out Raimais when it arrives on the Switch eShop later this week. It's the latest addition to Hamster's Arcade Archives collection and is an action game released by Taito back in 1988. Here's a brief rundown, along with some screenshots:...
News Hamster Adds Another Namco Title To Arcade Archives On Nintendo Switch
More retro goodness
Hamster has been slowly bolstering the Namco Arcade Archives offerings and the latest game to be added to the collection is the 1983 action-puzzle game, Libble Rabble. Here's a bit about it and some screenshots: “LIBBLE RABBLE” is an action puzzle game released by NAMCO in 1983. Control Libble and Rabble to “bashishi”...
News Hamster Adds Another Namco Classic To Arcade Archives On Nintendo Switch
Mappy is back
In recent times, Hamster has been releasing Bandai Namco games for its Arcade Archives collection on the Nintendo Switch. This week, the trend continues with the release of the 1983 action title, Mappy. "Players control MAPPY, an enthusiastic, committed police officer on a mission to reclaim stolen goods from a mansion. Avoid getting...
News Arcade Archives Publisher Hamster Has Filed A Trademark For 'Console Archives'
Is even more retro goodness on the way?
Hamster Corporation has been pumping out enhanced arcade releases since the Nintendo Switch arrived on the scene in 2017, but it might finally be time for it to take the next big step in retro preservation. According to a story over on Gematsu, the Japanese company filed a trademark for "Console Archives" in...
News Another Classic Namco Title Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives This Week
Rally-X returns
This week's arcade archives release from Hamster Corporation is the 1980 Namco "maze chase" classic, Rally-X. Here's some PR and screens: “RALLY-X” is an action game released by NAMCO in 1980. Players control a car and dodge pursuing red cars while collecting flags. Stall the red cars using a smokescreen when they get too...
News Two Namco Classics Join Hamster's Arcade Archives This Week
A double serve of retro games
Hamster Corporation joined in on the Nintendo Direct celebrations earlier this week, with not one but two Namco game releases on the Switch eShop. First up we've got the original PAC-MAN title, released in arcades in 1980. The same rules apply here - players must clear stages by eating all the dots in each round...
News Jaleco's Original Fairy Puzzle Game Soldam Joins The Arcade Archives
Not to be confused with the updated version
Following on from the release of Pop Flamer last week, Hamster's now made another Jaleco arcade classic available. This one is a puzzle game known as Soldam, which was originally released in 1992. If you feel like you might have already played this on the Nintendo Switch before, then you've likely played
News Arcade Archives VENDETTA Starts The Fight On Switch This Week
Better known as Crime Fighters 2 by eager fans
HAMSTER continues to serve up frequent classics on the Switch eShop, and this week it's releasing Arcade Archives VENDETTA. This was a Konami arcade from the early 1990s that was actually a sequel, known as Crime Fighters 2 in Japan. A couple of members of the Nintendo Life team are particularly pleased...
News No Joke, PlatinumGames Is Releasing Sol Cresta On The Nintendo Switch
Update: "It's not an April Fool's joke"
Update [Fri 2nd Apr, 2021 06:35 BST]: Well, if you had any doubts about yesterday's announcement, PlatinumGames has now published another tweet - this time on April 2nd, Japan time. It reconfirms the Sol Cresta will arrive on Switch, PS4 and Steam at some point this year. Here's the official tweet from...
News Select Arcade Archives Games Are Currently On Sale On The Switch eShop
Get 'em while you can
If you feel like some retro gaming action this weekend, there's currently a sale taking place on the Switch eShop (in both North America and Europe) that features a number of Hamster's Arcade Archives releases. There are SNK Neo Geo games along with some standard Arcade Archive classics. Each one will set you back $3.99 /...
News Step Aside FIFA, Soccer Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives This Week
Meet the "father" of all football games
Before EA's annual FIFA releases, there was a Nintendo title known as Soccer. It didn't include card packs, online play, or even in-game ads - instead it was a simple but "exciting" take on the beautiful game starring a bunch of international teams. This week the classic football game joins Hamster Corp's...
News Taito's 1984 Action Platform Game Ben Bero Beh Joins The Arcade Archives
Save the day
Hamster's latest Arcade Archives release is Taito's 1984 game, Ben Bero Beh. It's filled with plenty of unique characters such as the enemy from Elevator Action and Chack'n from Chack'n Pop (another Taito game). This action platform arcade title requires you (a superhero) to avoid obstacles and put out fires to rescue NAO-Chan (your...
News Hamster Announces More Than 15 Games For The Arcade Archives Series On Switch
Gradius III and much more
Hamster Corporation is arguably the biggest support of the Nintendo Switch (outside of Nintendo), so far releasing hundreds of retro titles with additional modern enhancements on the hybrid system. There is no sign of it stopping production of these releases, either - with the Japanese publisher announcing another 18 games...
News Earth Defense Force Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives Collection This Week
Save the day
Hamster's weekly Arcade Archives release is Jaleco's 1991 scrolling shooter, Earth Defense Force. This original version of the game allows you to take control of an XA-1 space fighter as you fight to save the earth. Here's the backstory along with some information about the gameplay and some screenshots: Control your XA-1 space...
News Two More Nintendo Games Are Coming To Hamster's Arcade Archives Range
Seibu Kaihatsu is also joining the series
Japanese emulation expert Hamster has revealed during a Niconico livestream that it is adding two more Nintendo coin-op titles to its Arcade Archives range. Super Punch-Out!! and VS. Baseball – both from 1984 – are the two titles in
News Hamster Corporation Celebrates 100 Arcade Archives Titles On Nintendo Switch
Here's to many more!
One company that's shown support for the Nintendo Switch since the very beginning is Hamster Corporation. By now, you probably have at least one of its Arcade Archives games on your HOME Menu. So far, it has released titles made by Nintendo, Taito Corp, Jaleco and many others. As you might have heard, this week's latest release...
News Action Shooter Radical Radial Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives Series
Out today
This week's Arcade Archives game is another Nichibutsu release. This time around it's the 1983 title, Radical Radial. It's an action shooter game where you control a tire-shaped vehicle and must make your way to the goal. Along the way, you'll have to speed through dangerous courses filled with aliens and enemy vehicles, while...
News Hamster's Latest Retro Offering For Switch Is The Horizontal Shooter Magmax
Another blast from the past
This week's Arcade Archives release is the 1985 horizontal shooter, Magmax, by Nichibutsu. Here's a bit about this classic re-release, directly from Hamster's PR: The player can power up by combining with the parts falling on the stage in order to defeat the Strange Mechanism Babylon. With 4 different stages,...
News Nintendo's 1984 Release VS. Wrecking Crew Joins The Arcade Archives This Week
Level entire buildings as Mario and Luigi
The CERO rating board might be suspended, but Hamster doesn't appear to be showing any signs of slowing down on its weekly retro releases. This week's game might interest more than usual, as it's a Nintendo release. Presenting the 1984 arcade title, VS. Wrecking Crew. If you haven't played the game itself,...
News Hamster Is Adding A Handful Of Data East Classics To The Arcade Archives
More retro goodness
In recent weeks, Hamster Corporation has experienced some minor setbacks due to the suspension of the CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Agency) in Japan. Apart from a reshuffle in its development schedule, it appears to be business as usual for the company. In the coming months, it will be adding a handful of Data East...
News Hamster Adds A Slice Of Gaming History To The Switch eShop This Week
"the first game circuit board to have a 3D rotation function"
Tube Panic is this week joining Hamster's Arcade Archives collection on the Nintendo Switch eShop. The 1984 arcade shooter was originally released by Nichibutsu (long before Hamster Corporation acquired its entire library in 2014) and is considered to be the first game circuit board to...
News Hamster's Arcade Archives Release Record Might Be Disrupted By CERO Ratings Suspension
160 weeks and counting
Earlier this week, the Japanese video game rating organisation CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Agency) announced a temporary closure, which at the time was expected to have a significant impact on the release schedules of many upcoming games – including Nintendo ones. It seems the first company that could be affected by...
News Take To The Skies In Hamster's Latest Arcade Archives Release MX5000
A Konami shmup
Hamster has added another Arcade Archives game to the Switch eShop. This time around, it's Konami's 1987 shoot 'em up, MX5000 (otherwise known as FLAK ATTACK). Like previous releases, this one will set you back $7.99 / £6.29 and supports up to two players. You'll take control of "the latest fighter aircraft" of the Roufanis...
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...
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 P.O.W. Prisoners Of War Is This Week's Arcade Archives Release On Switch
"Experience an intense jailbreak"
Hamster's Arcade Archives release on the Nintendo Switch eShop this week is P.O.W. Prisoners of War. It's a side-scrolling action beat 'em up by SNK that was originally released in arcades in 1988. It followed with a home console release on the NES a year later. This standalone Switch version will be available on...
News Hamster Reveals Upcoming Lineup Of Arcade Archives Switch Games
13 games confirmed in total
If you're looking for your next retro fix on Nintendo Switch, you'll probably want to keep an eye out for the next batch of games coming our way from Hamster. The studio has shared a list of upcoming Arcade Archives titles headed to Nintendo Switch. The list comes from a livestream hosted by Hamster on Niconico, and...
News Tecmo Bowl Brings American Football To Hamster's Arcade Archives Series This Week
More retro goodness
This week sees the release of the retro sports title Tecmo Bowl on the Nintendo Switch eShop. As usual, it supports 1-2 players and will set you back $7.99 / £6.29. Here's the rundown: "TECMO BOWL" is an American football game released by TECMO in 1987. Experience matches as a player of either the WILDCATS or BULLDOGS...
News UPL's Top-Down Shmup XX Mission Is This Week's Arcade Archives Release
More retro goodness
This week Hamster has added the top-down Shmup XX Mission to its Arcade Archives collection on the Switch eShop. The arcade title was originally released by UPL in 1986 and sees you swapping between ground and air attacks to destroy incoming craft and fleets. If you power-up, you'll be able to use different and much stronger...
News Another One Of Konami's TwinBee Games Joins The Arcade Archives Series
This shmup has all the bells and whistles
Towards the end of last year, Hamster added Konami's vertical side-scrolling shoot 'em up TwinBee to its Arcade Archives collection on the Nintendo Switch. Now, to follow this up, it has decided to release Bells & Whistles. Although the two titles sound like they have nothing in common, Bells &...
News Hamster Is Bringing VS. Balloon Fight To The Switch eShop Next Week
Likely to be the last Arcade Archives release of 2019
Like many other companies, Hamster looks like it'll be working right up until the end of 2019. Its next classic game (arriving in all regions next week on 27th December) is likely to be the final Arcade Archives release of the year. It's Nintendo's 1984 arcade release VS. Balloon Fight. This...
News Get 50% Off The First Three Samurai Shodown Games On The Switch eShop
Slashed prices
If you love old school SNK fighters, there's a sale happening right now on the North American and European Switch eShop that you might want to check out. You can get the Arcade Archives versions of Samurai Shodown, Samurai Shodown II and Samurai Shodown III for 50% off the regular prices. Thanks to the price cut, each one is £3.14 /...
News TwinBee Is Hamster's Latest Arcade Archives Release
Konami's classic shmup returns
The year might be winding down, but the emulation experts at Hamster sure aren't. To kick off the month of December, the talented team has now released Konami's vertical side-scrolling shoot 'em up TwinBee. This latest entry in the extensive Arcade Archives series was first released in 1985 as a coin-op video game...
News Hamster Is Bringing Konami's Hyper Sports To The Switch eShop Next Week
On your marks, get set, go!
Hamster is next week releasing Konami's 1984 title Hyper Sports on the Switch eShop for $7.99 / £6.29. The title arrives on 28th November and will allow up to four players to participate in seven events. These sports include swimming, skeet shooting, long horse, archery, triple jump, weight lifting, and pole vaulting...
News Metal Slug Forerunner In The Hunt Is Coming To Switch
Thanks, Hamster!
Japanese company Hamster has been doing sterling work of late bringing classic arcade titles to the Switch via its Arcade Archives line, and it's lining up a release for one of Irem's most loved shooters. In The Hunt – known in Japan as Kaitei Daisensō – was originally released in 1993 and was developed by the same core team...
News Hamster Corporation Is Now 20 Years Old
Getting better with age
If you love old school video games, you're probably a fan of Hamster Corporation. In recent years, the talented emulation experts at this company have spent their time re-releasing classic titles on modern systems, under the 'Arcade Archives' banner. As of yesterday, the Japanese publisher turned 20 years old. To celebrate...
News SNK's T.N.K III Brings Tank Warfare To The Arcade Archives Series This Week
Destroy everything
This week, it's been a celebration of all-things SNK, with the release of Terry Bogard in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and select fighting games on the eShop currently half price until 20th November. To go out with a bang, Hamster has now added one of the company's top-down vertically scrolling shmup to the Arcade Archives...
News Nintendo's Golf Joins The Arcade Archives Series On Switch eShop
Fancy a round?
There's no stopping Hamster – with the talented developer this week releasing the Nintendo classic Golf on the Switch eShop. This latest Arcade Archives release first arrived in 1984 and allows you to play across 18 holes, as you aim for the lowest score possible while factoring in the wind direction and speed. You can even take on...
News Train Up And Compete In Hamster's Latest Arcade Archives Release Karate Champ
Or wrestle cows on the beach
After being announced much earlier this year, Karate Champ is now finally being added to Hamster's Arcade Archives series this week on the Nintendo Switch. This is an action game that was originally released by Data East in 1984. Here's some additional information about it, courtesy of the official press release:...
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 Hamster Is Bringing Balloon Fight, VS. Castlevania And More To Switch eShop
Retro revival
If you love playing retro games on your Nintendo Switch, you've probably tried out at least one of Hamster's games from its Arcade Archives collection over the past few years. The series does a wonderful job faithfully reproducing classic arcade experiences and enhances this era of gaming with a number of modern features. At the Tokyo...
News Konami's Track & Field Joins Hamster's Arcade Archives This Week
On your marks, get set, GO!
If you've been craving some more classic video game experiences on your Switch, Hamster has got you covered. This week's Arcade Archives release is Konami's 1983 sports game, Track & Field. It's a game that's easy to control and can be played by up to 4 people at once! Use the RUN button and JUMP button to aim for...
