[Review] TAITO Milestones 3 for Nintendo Switch

ININ Games offers up TAITO Milestones 3, a fresh collection featuring ten classic games ready to be rediscovered on the Nintendo Switch. With these timeless gems, let’s dive into our review and see what this release has in store.

Last year, ININ Games revisited nostalgia by giving us the second installment of this retro series, celebrating TAITO’s rich gaming legacy. Now in 2024, we’re gearing up for another round with TAITO Milestones 3, delving into yet another selection packed with retro wonders.

So, which TAITO treasures can you expect to find in this collection for Nintendo Switch? The lineup includes:

– Bubble Bobble
– Rainbow Islands
– Rastan Saga
– Dead Connection
– Cadash
– Rastan Saga 2
– Champion Wrestler
– Runark
– Warrior Blade
– Thunder Fox

Let’s kick things off with Bubble Bobble, a beloved arcade classic that first hit the scene in 1986. The game stars Bub and Bob, two dragons on a mission to save their partners from the notorious Baron Von Blubba. The duo uses bubbles to capture foes, popping them to collect power-ups and increase their score. Fans of the Nintendo Entertainment System might find this version particularly familiar.

Following closely is Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2, released a year later. This sequel unveils Bub and Bob’s true human forms, as they employ magical rainbows to fend off enemies and ascend the rising sea levels while aiming to defeat the Dark Shadow.

Next up is Rastan Saga from 1987, a side-scrolling adventure where players embody the titular character, now a kingdom ruler. You’ll traverse various levels, battling foes and gathering temporary power-ups, all while unraveling tales of his past.

Dead Connection, a 1992 arcade game set in an indistinct 1950s metropolis, allows up to four players to engage in intense combat. Drawing inspiration from iconic movies like The Untouchables, this game requires strategic dodging and weapon collection to outmaneuver your adversaries.

Then we have Cadash, a rich blend of platforming and RPG elements where heroes embark on a quest to rescue a princess from a menacing dragon. Confronting the Balrog and its minions, the journey is filled with magical battles and epic confrontations.

Adding to the lineup is Rastan Saga 2, the continuation of Rastan’s adventures. Known as Nastar Warrior in North America, this side-scrolling journey pits you against an evil wizard, striving to save Rastania from sinister forces.

Champion Wrestler, released in 1989, puts players in the shoes of aspiring pro wrestlers aiming for glory. Choose from eight unique characters, each boasting distinctive skills and attributes, and fight to secure the championship title.

Runark, also known as Growl, is a beat ‘em up game released in 1990 where players step into the boots of a forest ranger. Armed against a slew of poachers threatening wildlife, the game challenges you through seven action-packed stages.

Warrior Blade, the third game in the Rastan Saga series, draws parallels to the famed Golden Axe games. Initially exclusive to Japan, this release features multiple characters and captivating pixel art, enhancing the replayability with its branching paths.

Wrapping up the collection is Thunder Fox, a run ‘n’ gun arcade game from 1990, where an anti-terrorism duo battles threats across land, air, and sea. The game introduces players to the titular heroes, Thunder and Fox, on their mission to defeat menacing foes.

TAITO Milestones 3, retailing at $39.99, debuts on December 10 for Nintendo Switch, offering a diverse batch of retro classics that can be enjoyed at home or on the go. From Bubble Bobble’s charming adventures to Thunder Fox’s adrenaline-fueled escapades, there’s something to captivate every gaming enthusiast.

This review reflects upon a Nintendo Switch copy of TAITO Milestones 3, kindly provided by ININ Games.