Aero Fighters 2 (ARC)
The NEO-GEO was a killer home console, powerful enough to deliver arcade perfect versions of coin-op SNK games. Unfortunately, the cost of the system ($650) and the games (usually $200) meant that very few people could actually afford it. Getting your hands on SNK games these days won't break the bank and that's a very good thing because they've made some outstanding titles. While the Samurai Showdowns and Fatal Furys may be the ones that pop into your mind first, Aero Fighters 2 is certainly one to pay attention to.
Known as Sonic Wings 2 in Japan, Aero Fighters 2 is an old-school shoot 'em up that isn't quite bullet hell, but there are times when there are a moderate amount of bullets on the screen to make you sweat. There are a total of 10 stages, more than most shooters (even for 1994), but the levels are pretty short so they never overstay their welcome. While not revolutionary by any means, Aero Fighters 2 gets tons of replay points by offering you a whopping eight playable characters to choose from, each with their own abilities. Robo Keaton is a beast when it comes to rapid firing, Hi-En has an aircraft that comes equipped with guided missiles, Mao-Mao is the speediest of the bunch, you get the idea. The cast of characters is also quite the diverse bunch. We've got ninjas, cyborgs, dolphins and apparently, even babies can pilot a fighter jet. They all have something to say after clearing a stage, giving them a bit of personality.
Aero Fighters 2 is good, retro SHMUP fun that isn't too frustrating. Hamster has brought it to the Arcade Archives line so you can play both the English and Japanese version of the game, Sonic Wings 2. Being an ACA title, you can also adjust the difficult settings, input scan lines and all the perks that come with ACA games. It makes for an excellent Switch title.
Available On: PS4, NS
Undertale (PC)
By now, pretty much everyone on the planet has heard of this game. It is a game that is popular to hate due to the toxic community, but you shouldn't let that deter you from playing it. Undertale is filled with loads of lovable characters, innovative combat and a story that you'll ponder long after you've completed it. You can kill every opponent you encounter or not harm a soul, leading to different endings. The soundtrack is a mix of modern music and chiptunes with a main theme that is arranged so often in different ways that you'll never tire of it. After being on PC for two years, Undertale finally got a console release.
Available On: PS4
Mega Man 9 (Wii, PS4, 360)
When Mega Man 9 was originally announced in 2008, it was no small thing. At this time, there had not been a brand new classic Mega Man adventure since 1997's Mega Man 8. The game was returning to it's 8-bit NES roots, which delighted fans that were turned off by the differences Mega Man 7 and 8's visuals style brought about. Mega Man plays the same as any other Classic title in the main line series. There are 8 Robot Masters to battle, you can go to them in any order you wish and after you emerge victorious, you get their weapon. This game actually has some of the most useful weapons of the entire Classic series. Black Hole sucks up enemies, Tornado Blow elevates Mega Man and blows enemies off screen and Laser Trident is a pretty damaging weapon, even capable of going through the shields of those pesky Sniper Joes.
While Mega Man 9 is pretty awesome for the most part, it isn't without it's faults. Sure, Mega Man games have always been designed to be tough, but this game really lays it on thick, a title too thick. There is an over reliance on spikes for difficulty and by "over reliance," I mean they are everywhere. Some enemies can come out of nowhere, catching you off guard, resulting in some cheap deaths. Mega Man 9 also wears it's love for Mega Man 2 on it's chest. Jingles are ripped straight from Mega Man 2 and the remove of the Slide and Charge Shot was done to make the game more in line with the second entry. This makes Mega Man 9 feel like it's trying to be another Mega Man 2, rather than it's own thing. But even though it might be trying to be another game, Mega Man 9 is still more than worth your time. After nearly a decade, Mega Man 9 was finally given a physical release in the form of the Mega Man Legacy Collection 2.
Available On: PS4, XBO, PC
The Ninja Warriors (ARC)
The story goes that Mulk is sick and tired of the President's less than idealistic rule of the world. To combat this, he builds two robots, Ninja and Kunoichi and sends them out to eliminate the President. Mulk's approach may seem like overkill but the President is being a real jerk, what with issuing nation wide Martial Law and letting the military run wild. Dude pretty much has that well deserved shanking comin'. Besides, I'm not gonna turn down the chance to play as a pair of badawesome ninjas and robot ninjas, no less!
Other beat 'em ups occasionally let you arm yourself from time to time. In The Ninja Warriors, you always carry a weapon on you, kunai, meaning you always get to cut someone and there are no shortage of fools to slice and dice. For long range attacks, you have a limited amount of ninja stars. Unlike a lot of other games in the genre, you don't have eight way movement. Instead, you can only move left and right. This may seem a bit limiting but you do get some more attack and defense options. You can crouch for low attacks both with the kunai and shuriken. You can also block, a features most beat 'em ups don't even give you and this is essential for certain enemy types.
While pretty much all of the mooks head straight for you, which may lead you to get cozy in your attack style, but after a while, they get a bit smarter and change their approach. More often than not, you'll attack the dogs by crouching. Do this too often and they'll start leading their attacks by jumping. Do standard high attacks too much and soldiers will attack by crouching. Try to block everything they throw at you and the game will start sending out Kite Man wannabes, forcing you to get on the offensive.
The Ninja Warriors can be very repetitive, even by beat 'em up standards, but it is still an aboslute thrill to play. For 1987, the sprites look really dang good and it feels great to dish out cyborg ninja justice on the world's oppressors. There's nothing quite like the feeling of your kunai connecting with an enemy soldier, ending his pitiful existence. Hamster delivers some of the best arcade versions of old games, making the Arcade Archives versions of The Ninja Warriors the best one available. Move over Sega CD version, you've been replaced.
Available On: PS4
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