Re-Releases You Should Play Part 4

This sister series of Much Needed Re-Releases is finally back after a break that lasted far too long. With all the great new releases coming in 2018, make sure you don't forget to revisit these old favorites. Or in some people's cases, they just might be playing these games for the first time.

Dangun Feveron (PS4, XBO)

A shooter with disco music? No way something like that can be real. And yet it is. Released way back in 1998, Cave's Dangun Feveron has finally be released outside of Japan via digital distribution. Just as the case was with Battle Garegga Rev. 2016, Dangun Feveron comes loaded with M2 Gadgets and four soundtracks, allowing you to customize your experience. It isn't a long game by any means (most games in this genre are quite short after all) but Dangun Feveron is so engaging that you're more than likely to do several play throughs in a single setting. You can choose from three fighter types and three power shots. For ships, I prefer type-B for the wide shot since there is rarely a moment where something in this game isn't trying to kill you and there is no shortage of bullets on the screen. Lock on is also a good choice for obvious reasons and while bomb and roll are interesting, they take some skill and patience to use. Regardless, I do like the weapon variety and that they can be paired up anyway you see fit. At $34.99 this might be a bit too pricey for some. Personally, I've been having a blast with this game so it was worth every penny.

Also available on: ARC

Danmaku Unlimited 3 (NS)

This was my first entry into the Danmaku Unlimited games and I came away very pleasantly surprised. As much as I love SHMUPs, bullet hell shooters tend to make me a bit uneasy. This one caters to both newbies and vets, with a modes for beginners as well as more experienced players. Even on the easy setting, Danmaku Unlimited 3 throws a lot of bullets at you but evading them isn't nearly as difficult as you might think. With the graze mechanic that gives you extra points for placing yourself in harms way, there's some incentive to go in the direction the bullets are flying. This is the only SHMUP were I constantly try to get as close to enemy fire as I can. There are no power ups to collect so you never have to worry about your ship being in a weakened state. You can mix and match between different two different weapon setups and while you beam is way powerful and great against bosses, it slows down your ship considerably. The Switch is already full of SHMUPs and Danmaku Unlimited 3 stands among the cream of the crop.

Also available on: PC

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (NS)

This outstanding 2D platformer sold like mud cakes on the Wii U. Given the runaway success of the Switch, it is no surprise that the sales for the later version have already surpassed that of the former version. If you've never played Tropical Freeze, prepare yourself for vibrant, imaginative, challenging levels and bosses. Some folks are miffed at the $60 price tag considering you can get this on the Wii U for $20. By all means, snag Tropical Freeze if you didn't have a Wii U or if you want to play this amazing platformer anywhere.

Also available on: Wii U

#Breakforcist Battle (NS)

You can pay a little less to play this on your iOS or Android device, but the Switch version comes with four player multiplayer. #Breakforcist is another Arkanoid Clone but with the blocks you have to break descending upon you faster with each passing wave, there's more pressure to destroy them before the end your run. Certain blocks yield different power ups. Hit a bomb and it will send the blocks back upwards a bit, buying you more time. Get a bacon laser to blast blocks with ease. This a simple, fun game that is tough to master and will make you yearn for the return of a trackball controller. Still, even without one, #Breakcorcist Battle is well worth having in the morning or whatever time you prefer to have breakfast.

Also available on: iOS, AND

Favorite Tunes #225: Some Techno Soft Love

Three of the six games featured in this week's Favorite Tunes come from Techno Soft games. If you've never heard of them, they are famous for the Thunder Force SHMUP series, among other franchises. 

Ray of Hope - Thunder Force II (X68000)

Thunder Force II isn't the game most fans think of when they think of the Thunder Force series due to it being quite different from the rest of the games in the series. Even so, the music is just as good as the other games. The Genesis version of Thunder Force II's soundtrack is really good but when it comes to the song Ray of Hope, I have to give the nod to the X68000 version.

Hello Mr. Cyborg - Dangun Feveron (ARC)

Stage 2 - Gate of Thunder (TG16)

The system did little to put a dent in the sales of The Genesis and SNES, the PC-Engine still enjoyed a host of quality titles and thanks to the Wii's Virtual console service, a few of those games were brought to a wider audience. The soundtrack is sure to have you headbanging in no time at all.

Hello Mr. Cyborg - Dangun Feveron (ARC)

If it weren't for the swarms of bullets on the screen, I'd be cutting a rug to this game's outrageously good tunes. Dangun Feveron is a Cave bullet hell shooter with a disco soundtrack. Several tracks will remind you of famous western disco hits. Under the M2 Shot Triggers line, Dangun Feveron was released for the first time outside of Japan digitally on the PS4 and XBO. 

There is No Time to Lose - Herzog Zwei (GEN)

Now here's a track that sounds like it could be in a Thunder Force game. Not only is Herzog Zwei a Techno Soft title, but it also shares a composer, Tomomi Otani, who is known for his work on the Thunder Force titles.

Acid Hues - Splatoon 2 (NS)

I finally started playing Splatoon 2 and it has taken me some time to adjust. The map on the Game Pad is something I really miss but I love the new gear and the Autobomb is one of my new favorite sub weapons. Since I started playing just in time for a new Splatfest, I got to hear a few of the new Splatfest jams and as much as I love Ink Me Up from the first Splatoon, I can't knock the Splatfest beats in Splatoon 2.

The Stars - Thunder Force IV (GEN)

Also known as Lightening Force over here in America, which is odd since Thunder Force II as well as Thunder Force III were brought over here to the Genesis under their original names. If you missed the chance to play this excellent shooter, it is one of the games that will be releases on the Switch version of the SEGA Ages collection. There are a number of great tracks I could have selected but I chose to go with this one, which is the demo ranking theme. Since I was terrible at Thunder Force IV, I would watch the demo and it was always followed up by this tune. 

Favorite Tunes Database