A number of legendary arcade classics from Taito have been reissued over the past few years by the Arcade Archives. This is the third collection of those games, with 10 titles bursting to get out.
As you may know, Arcade Archives releases include enhancements, such as visual tweaks for a more authentic look, and online scoreboards. This makes the collection worth checking out, as you could be playing for a place on a global chart for some (or all) games.
Before I look at the games, an observation: the implementation of the Arcade Archives enhancements is good, but too easy to accidentally activate during gameplay. It would be good to see this changed in future.
Rather than individual scores for each game, I’ve summarised my experience and scored the collection at the end.
Bubble Bobble (1986)
One of the first standup arcade cabinets I remember playing (aside from Star Wars), it was only recently that I discovered that Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands were part of a series.
Apparently designed to appeal to girls (learn more in our Bubble Bobble retrospective), this is one of the most memorable Taito titles of the late 1980s. While I didn’t particularly enjoy playing it with a cola and fag-ash clogged joystick in 1990-whatever, it plays superbly on the Switch.
Think of it this way: nearly 40 years ago, I couldn’t get off the first level, and now can get to level 12!
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 (1987)
Wayyy back in 1990, I saw a screenshot of Rainbow Islands in an Amiga magazine, and was awestruck at how close it was to the arcade version. That one photo was the beginning of my desire for an Amiga!
Rainbow Islands feels similar to Bubble Bobble, but the mechanics are quite different. For example, rainbows replace bubbles, and the aim is to climb the screen and defeat the boss. FACT: In 35 years or so, I gave never made it beyond the first level boss. That’s something I hope can change with this release!
Cadash (1989)
Of all the games on this collection Cadash is probably the most disappointing. Having never played it previously, I cannot put it down to poor controls. I’m yet to find a classic game that doesn’t have responsive controls on the Nintendo Switch.
It’s possible that Cadash just isn’t that great a game. It is certainly frustrating in places, with the character getting “caught” on the landscape.
Rastan Saga (1987-1992)
The entire Rastan Saga trilogy is included, in which you play as Rastan the Thief, battling enemies and conquering powerful foes, and having adventures.
Clearly, this is another hack-and-slash. I’d rate it ahead of Cadash, and the improved graphics of the later title pleasing enough.
Champion Wrestler (1989)
Incredibly, Rastan turns up in this one too. Offering 1v1 or tag-team wrestling, I’m a bit of a wuss and don’t generally like fighting games.
However, this is a two-player game, which means you’re going to get the chance for some good Switch multiplayer with this classic Taito arcade title.
Runark (1990)
You probably know that animals are afraid of loud noises and explosions and rapid fire guns. Well, in this game, you assemble a team of up to 4 players, aiming to tackle poachers who are keeping animals in wooden crates.
No, I’m not making this up. Of course, it’s a flimsy premise, but gameplay is quite enjoyable.
Warrior Blade (1991)
No, YOU thought this was Golden Axe!
In fairness, aside from a more refined graphic style, the games are very similar. Only this one has Rastan. You can choose him or one of two friends and team up with a friend to co-op your way through the adventure. Hack, slash, and use special powers.
Thunder Fox (1990)
This is the obligatory run-and-gun title, in which you are charged with taking down a terrorist organization as part of the elite Thunder Fox team. Best played with a friend, Thunder Fox has guns and vehicles, including tanks, mini helicopters, jet skis, and plenty of ways to end up dead.
Dead Connection (1992)
This game stood unloved in one of my local arcades for years until someone discovered that it could be played free by jamming a finger into the 10p slot. I was never really taken with it, however (as related earlier, popular games tend to attract dirt), but having given it another chance with this collection, I quite like it.
You basically play as a detective fighting the mafia in 1950s America. It has heavy Untouchables/Al Capone vibes, however, and is worth looking at.
Should You Buy Taito Milestones 3?
Hell, yes. This is a great collection, with plenty of multiplayer options. Taito’s library is so deep that they saved Bubble Bobble AND Rainbow Islands for the third compilation of the series!
Head over to the ININ website for more details on both physical and digital copies. You can also order the TAITO Milestones 3 on Amazon.
TAITO Milestones 3: A great collection of arcade classics are squeezed into this third TAITO Milestones bundle. While Warrior Blade might seem very close to Golden Axe and Runark seems oddly tricky to control, this is a great way to boost your retro gaming collection on the Nintendo Switch. – Christian Cawley
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
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