The top-notch breakfast-themed shooter comes to Arcade Archives.
…did you really expect Ridge Racer-level releases from now on?
ARCADE ARCHIVES
Spinal Breakers
- Available on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (globally)
- Cost: $7.99 / €6.99 / £6.29
- Publisher: Hamster / Video System
What’s this? An amusing auto-scrolling shooter with a sci-fi twist, originally created by Video System and released in arcades by Taito and Sammy in 1991, now finally making its return. Play solo or with a friend as the whimsically named Captain Waffle and his drone, fighting against a horde of rogue “Hildroids” that gained sentience after a nuclear disaster. Besides shooting enemies and demolishing the environment for items and points, players can roll to dodge attacks.
Why should I be interested? If you remember Captain Waffle from later installments of the Aero Fighters/Sonic Wings series, or if you enjoy this niche of shooting games inspired by titles like Cabal and NAM-1975, you’ll want to check out one of the lesser-known gems of the genre. Keep in mind, the game has multiple endings, with a couple being darker than its otherwise light-hearted premise suggests…
Helpful tip: In this re-release, some minor content edits have been made, including the removal of certain offensive graffiti and Auschwitz-related imagery from the first level. Concerns about potential modifications to the unfortunate ending seem unfounded, as it appears unchanged.
EGG CONSOLE
Egg Console, Revival Xanadu Easy Ver. (PC-98)
- Available on: Nintendo Switch (globally)
- Cost: $7.16/ ¥880
- Publisher: D4 Enterprise / Nihon Falcom
What’s this? This is a remake celebrating the 10th anniversary of Falcom’s acclaimed action-RPG, Xanadu, which first launched on PC98 in 1995 and later appeared in the Falcom Classics collection for Sega Saturn in 1997. Specifically, this version is the “Easy Version” bonus included with Revival Xanadu Scenario 2, released shortly after the original. While it offers a visual enhancement and a richer soundtrack compatible with various 98-series audio systems, the Easy Version also includes an in-game map and minor adjustments to various in-game metrics.
Why should I care? While there might be a significant gap between “easier than the original” and “accessible for a newcomer in 2025,” this version does provide a friendlier experience. Additionally, the audio upgrades are definitely a highlight.
Language barrier? Outside of a few plot-related text segments, everything is in simple English.
OTHER
- Available on: PC via Steam (globally)
- Cost: $8.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: Strategy First
What’s this? An arcade-style truck driving game, initially developed by Eutechnyx and published by THQ for PlayStation 2, Gamecube, Xbox, and PC in 2002, with sequels and portable adaptations following closely. This reissue by Strategy First appears to be the original PC version adapted for modern systems.
Why should I care? I haven’t played it, nor do I recall seeing it in action, and I’ve heard little positive feedback about it (at least on consoles — the GBA version is a surprising transformation). Still, mentioning it as a crass version of 18 Wheeler: American Pro Trucker, created by the developers of Ride to Hell: Retribution, is sure to pique the interest of a few of you (to which I must pre-emptively say: you absolute degenerate.).
Useless fact: In my research, I discovered that this game at one point had a slightly higher Metacritic score than Gran Turismo 7.
Original article by retronauts.com
