No, that’s not Jetfire, and Macross II is not a Transformers game… but, you know, it is if you want it to be…
My toy of Jetfire, bought in 1986, is slightly broken. His chest plate — which would sit behind the fuselage in jet mode — snapped off. He was, after all, an unusual creation, essentially a triple changer, with a robot, plane, and in-between mode, without ever being marketed as such.
In my attempts to find a repair or replacement for it in the early days of the web, I discovered the world of Robotech, and the craft’s original name, Valkyrie. Like many Transformer toys, it seemed that Jetfire was one of several disparate creations dragged into a US-controlled range of Japanese toys.
Naturally, I was impressed and intrigued by this, while also frustrated that access to this astonishing world of TV shows and figures and models was closed off to me. Still, I had Transformers, even if their video games left a lot to be desired (and the TV show was on satellite TV so I couldn’t watch it)…
Which brings me to Macross II, in a roundabout sort of way. Super Dimension Fortress Macross II, to use the full title, is a side-scrolling 16-bit shooter from 1993. In terms of gameplay mechanics, you’ve probably seen it before, although the graphics are superb and the audio is pretty hot too.
How do you play Macross II?
Collecting letters floating in the remains of the destroyed enemies provides the chance to change modes. So, B for Battroid (the humanoid shape), G for Gerwalk (a sort of chicken-walker), F for Fighter (self-explanatory).
What with Tatakae! Big Fighter and this, it seems like western Transformers fans were seriously underserved…
OK, here is the synopsis:
The arcade game “Super Dimension Fortress Macross II” is a shooter released by BANPRESTO (Bandai Namco Entertainment inc.) in 1993.
The game follows the story of the original video animation “The Super Dimension Fortress Macross II -LOVERS AGAIN-“.
Set around 80 years after “The Super Dimension Fortress Macross,” Earth is faced by a new threat that players must defeat – the Marduk. Clear each stage by achieving the designated “CLEAR SCORE” within the time limit.
As an Arcade Archives release, the game is heading to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. It will feature adjustable game difficulty and arcade display settings, which you can use to enjoy a more authentic experience. Plus, players can also compete on a global high score table.
Dropping into online stores on July 10, 2025, keep an eye on Hamster’s Arcade Archives website for details.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
