Snake Reheater.
I can’t help but mention the recent launch of a legacy revival game: Shinobi: Art of Vengeance. This new side-scrolling addition to the Shinobi franchise comes from the talented team behind Streets of Rage 4 and is the second part of the ninja revival duo alongside the recent Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Sadly, like its counterpart, it won’t be available on the Switch. It’s 2025 — isn’t it time for a change?
ARCADE ARCHIVES / ARCADE ARCHIVES 2
Scrambled Egg
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X (worldwide, ACA2) / Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (worldwide, ACA)
- Price: $9.99 / €8.99 / £7.39 (ACA2), $7.99 / €6.99 / £6.29 (ACA), $2.99 / €2.99 / £2.49 (ACA-to-ACA2 upgrade)
- Publisher: Hamster / Technos Japan
What is this? An overhead maze game about hatching and freeing baby chicks, originally made by Technos in 1983 and later reintroduced by Universal as Eggs. Players dodge enemies and kick open eggs to liberate chicks while on the lookout for a red chick that can assist in cracking more eggs and distracting foes.
Why should I care? While it may not fit the mold of a typical dot-eater, this game offers a surprising depth that cleverly disguises itself behind its playful graphics and quirky enemies, like TUNA HEAD and SUKIYAKI BROTHERS.
Helpful tip: Hamster’s ongoing expansions for ACA2 releases come with upgrades to the ACA framework, introducing features like rewind functionality that were previously exclusive to ACA2.
EGG CONSOLE (POSSIBLE)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch (worldwide)
- Price: $7.19 / ¥990
- Publisher: D4 Enterprise / Compile / Sega
What is this? A re-release of Compile’s classic competitive puzzle game Puyo Puyo, originally from 1992, now with enhanced graphics designed for the PC-98’s high-resolution mode.
Why should I care? If you don’t own the Sega Ages version or access to various adaptations on Nintendo Switch Online, this could be appealing, especially if you’re keen on the unique version that includes the elusive drunk Arle ending.
“Maybe”? This title was abruptly removed from the Japanese Switch eShop, part of a wave of EGG Console PC-98 delistings. Current speculation suggests legal issues related to the emulator’s underlying OS, so it might not be available indefinitely.
OTHER
- Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC via Steam (worldwide)
- Price: $39.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: Microsoft / The Coalition et al
What is this? A modern remaster of the 2006 classic cover shooter Gears of War, building upon the 2015 enhanced version, Gears of War: Ultimate. It features improved visuals, additional campaign stages, and enhanced performance across platforms.
Why should I care? This is another chance to revisit what you may have overlooked in the past, but be cautious of Microsoft’s current dealings.
Microsoft boycott update: Currently, they are at the stage of collaborating with law enforcement to suppress dissent among their employees — a clear indication of their questionable agenda.
Metal Gear Solid Triangle: Snake Eater
- Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox, PC via Steam (worldwide)
- Price: $69.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: Konami
What is this? A remake of the iconic 2004 title Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, developed using Unreal Engine 5 by Virtuos. This version enhances visuals and adds modern features while restoring previously removed content.
Why should I care? Beyond the usual concerns with remakes, this project aims to retain the essence of the series while training a new generation of developers within Konami.
Helpful tip: A new multiplayer mode is in the works as a replacement for Metal Gear Online, but it won’t be available at launch, so stay tuned.
Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar
- Platform: Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam (worldwide)
- Price: $49.99 or equivalent (Switch/PC), $59.99 or equivalent (Switch 2), $9.99 or equivalent (Switch-to-Switch 2 upgrade)
- Publisher: Marvelous
What is this? A remake of the 2008 game Bokujou Monogatari, known globally as Harvest Moon DS: Grand Bazaar. This new version features updated graphics, voiced cutscenes, and a range of new activities.
Why should I care? The original faced criticism for being formulaic and may have allowed competitors like Stardew Valley to shine. This remake aims to enhance the bazaar concept while modernizing the gameplay experience.
Helpful tips: The physical Switch 2 version includes the game and an upgrade pack for the original Switch, and the performance of the Switch 2 version may be subpar at this time, so choose accordingly.
Telenet Shooting Collection II (Kiaidan 00, Final Zone II, Browning and Legion)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch (Japan)
- Price: ¥7480 (collection) / ¥1980 (individual game)
- Publisher: Edia
What is this? A new collection featuring shooting games from Nihon Telenet’s library, including titles originally available on PC Engine CD. Each game comes with save states, rewind options, custom screen settings, and galleries.
Why should I care? Although these games are lesser-known, the collection offers a unique experience through their emphasis on voice acting and character-driven design.
Helpful tip: Note that the Turbografx-CD version of Final Zone II is not included, so those looking for that specific experience may need to look elsewhere.
Original article by retronauts.com
