Sorry, Christopher Lloyd. We no longer need a bulky nuclear reactor built into an unreliable DMC DeLorean to time warp back to the ’80s (though the goggles and neon yellow hazmat suit were a pretty nice touch). I mean, don’t get me wrong – there’s undeniable style to your methods, but courtesy of legendary game studio TAITO, it just got so much easier to make that particular trip into history, via TAITO Milestones – an upcoming retro collection.
Plus, more convenient, as it’s coming to the Switch. Can’t exactly bring Mr. Fusion on the train with you in your pocket, can you? No hard feelings, Doc. Give Einstein a pat for me.
TAITO Milestones
As GamesPress reports, TAITO have banded together with ININ Games to put together a nostalgia-tickling compilation of some of their most beloved blasts from the past. It’s called the ‘TAITO Milestones‘ collection, and it “includes ten awesome games for Nintendo Switch, each representing a breakthrough in development and gaming history.”
It’ll be presented in such a way as to allow players to appreciate the significance of each title in terms of how they affected the industry landscape upon their debut; a museum of sorts, you might say. See, and people tell you video games can’t be educational. Obviously, those schmucks never picked up Reader Rabbit. There’s a deep-cut reference for ya, but for those who got it: you’re welcome for the abruptly unlocked repressed memories.
“While TAITO themselves will release the collection in Japan, the Western release will follow through publisher ININ Games,” continues the report. The game “will be available for pre-order as a Limited and Collector’s Edition,” starting as I type this, actually, followed by “the boxed edition at retail stores and the digital version soon after.”
Basically, however you choose to consume yer digital media, you’re covered.
What TAITO Milestones offers
As for what’s included, the showcased games run the gamut from sports to puzzles, to platforming and more. There’s even a war game, just for the fun of it. Check out the full list below, complete with TAITO’s official descriptions:
- 1981: QIX – Draw lines as the “Marker” and capture areas by encircling them. Watch out for enemies while moving around!
- 1982: ALPINE SKI – Enter the stage of the world of snow and take part in three competitions: Downhill ski, slalom and ski jump!
- 1982: FRONT LINE – Push forward to the enemy camp as a foot soldier! Drive tanks and armored vehicles!
- 1982: WILD WESTERN – Defeat the gangs attacking from all directions with your trusty rifle! You are the law!
- 1983: CHACK N’ POP – Hang in there, Chack’n! Get back the hearts from the thieving Monsta.
- 1983: ELEVATOR ACTION – Infiltrate a building as a spy on a solo mission, get all secret documents and make your escape!
- 1985: THE FAIRYLAND STORY – As the witch Ptolemy, you have to defeat the monsters deep inside the castle!
- 1986: HALLEY’S COMET – Halley’s comet is headed for the planets of our solar system. Destroy the computer at its center!
- 1987: THE NINJAWARRIORS – Advance into enemy territory as an android ninja to crush the evil Banglar’s ambitions!
- SPACE SEEKER – A hybrid of strategy and shooting, 1981’s Space Seeker has you battling for victory against ever-approaching waves of enemy air forces in 3D, and mobile fortresses in 2D. Use the map to track your foes, but stay in one place too long and your bases will be overrun, losing you a life!
What’s in the ‘TAITO Milestones’ box?
If you’re at all fussed about picking this one up, I’d be quick; the Limited Edition is to be limited to 2,000 copies, and I’d imagine the regular physical release won’t be too different. It’s certainly an intriguing bit of gaming history, so anyone even remotely curious should consider it for sure.
Bits? Where we’re going we don’t need… bits.
Strictly Limited Games has listed the game for pre-order on its website:
Will you be buying the collection? Are you a classic TAITO fan? Let us know!
