Review of TAITO Milestones 3 for Nintendo Switch

TAITO Milestones 3 has landed on the Nintendo Switch, courtesy of ININ Games, offering up 10 exciting vintage titles for gaming enthusiasts to enjoy. Join us as we delve into TAITO Milestones 3 in this review!

Two years ago, in 2022, we experienced the launch of the first TAITO Milestones collection, introducing many timeless classics from TAITO’s extensive lineup. The series continued its journey with the aptly named TAITO Milestones 2 last year, adding another batch of 10 memorable games to enjoy on Nintendo’s hybrid console. Fast forward to 2024, and here we are, eager to dive into the third installment of this thrilling series.

Curious about which iconic TAITO games are part of TAITO Milestones 3? Here’s what you can expect in this immersive Nintendo Switch collection:

– Bubble Bobble
– Rainbow Islands
– Rastan Saga
– Dead Connection
– Cadash
– Rastan Saga 2
– Champion Wrestler
– Runark
– Warrior Blade
– Thunder Fox

Let’s first revisit Bubble Bobble, the 1986 arcade classic and beloved 2D platformer. Players take on the roles of Bub and Bob, two dragons on a mission to rescue their kidnapped girlfriends from the evil clutches of Baron Von Blubba. The duo uses their bubble-blowing abilities to entrap foes, who then transform into items to collect for additional points and power-ups. A significant hit on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), this game remains a fan favorite.

Following Bubble Bobble, we have Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 from 1987. In this sequel, Bub and Bob appear as their original human forms, wielding magical rainbows instead of bubbles. Their mission? To thwart the Dark Shadow’s plans of chaos on Rainbow Islands. Players will use these rainbows not just as weapons, but also as platforms to climb and avoid the rising sea.

Next up is Rastan Saga from 1987, a side-scrolling hack-and-slash adventure. Gamers step into the shoes of Rastan, now a ruler, as he recounts the tales that led him to the throne. As they journey through six treacherous levels, players face numerous foes and bosses, collecting weapons and power-ups along the way. However, most power-ups are temporary, so time is of the essence!

Dead Connection, a vibrant arcade experience from 1992, places players in a 1950s-themed “big city.” Up to four players can battle it out in this game inspired by cinematic legends like The Untouchables and The Godfather. Each level challenges players to combat waves of enemies using various weapons and to cleverly dodge attacks—sometimes resorting to melee as a last resort.

Meanwhile, Cadash combines platforming with RPG elements in a fantasy world. When the Princess is captured by a menacing two-headed dragon, four heroes step up to rescue her before it’s too late. Players must face off against evil minions and ultimately confront the Balrog to thwart its sinister ritual aimed at gaining invincibility.

Rastan Saga 2, or Nastar Warrior as known in North America, is another gripping side-scrolling adventure. As players navigate through the storyline, they battle against the evil wizard’s minions, striving to free Rastania from evil clutches and secure its place as a prosperous kingdom.

Champion Wrestler, released in 1989, offers players a chance to delve into the thrilling world of wrestling, featuring 8 unique wrestlers. Each character boasts distinct stats—Power, Durability, Technique, Speed, and Resilience—that can alter the match.

Runark, recognized worldwide as Growl, is a 1990 beat ‘em up that casts players as a forest ranger defending wildlife against poachers. With everything from fists to grenade launchers at their disposal, players work through seven stages, rescuing animals along the way.

The collection continues with Warrior Blade, part of the Rastan Saga series, launched in 1991. Similar to Golden Axe, it offers three characters to explore: Rastan, Dewey, and Sophia. Though it never reached the Western markets, its inclusion in this series allows new players to engage in its captivating graphics and branching storylines.

Rounding out the collection is Thunder Fox, an intense run ‘n’ gun game from 1990. In a world plagued by terrorism, the heroic duo, Thunder and Fox, battle across various environments to restore peace. Previously unavailable outside Japan, this game offers an intriguing glimpse into the past.

TAITO Milestones 3 delivers a solid lineup of classic games for the Nintendo Switch, ideal for both home and portable gaming. From the bubble-bursting antics of Bubble Bobble to the action-packed Thunder Fox, this collection has something for every gaming fan. Scheduled for release on December 10, TAITO Milestones 3 can be yours for just $39.99.

Please note, this review of TAITO Milestone 3 is based on a Nintendo Switch copy provided by ININ Games.