A trio of From Software classics return to PlayStation consoles.
Among the many mecha games being reissued this week, don’t forget about Xenoblade Chronicles X, the remaster of Monolith’s open-world mecha sci-fi RPG originally released on Wii U almost a decade ago. Unfortunately, Best Buy isn’t offering their free “e-Pizza Cash” promotion for this remaster. In all honesty, it’s hard to explain why that promotion ever existed.
ARCADE ARCHIVES
Senkyu
- Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 (worldwide)
- Price: $7.99 / €6.99 / £6.29
- Publisher: Hamster / Seibu Kaihatsu
What’s this? A falling-block puzzle game originally developed for Japanese arcades in 1995 by Seibu Kaihatsu. Players must strategically place triangular three-piece blocks on a hexagonally-aligned playfield to create color matches and chain reactions.
Why should I care? Despite the challenging gameplay, Senkyu offers a unique experience with cascading-ball chaining. It’s a game that can be enjoyable even if you don’t fully understand it.
Useless fact: Years after this game, a sub-label of Seibu Kaihatsu used similar mechanics for erotic arcade games featuring live-action footage.
EGG CONSOLE
Gulkave(MSX)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch (worldwide)
- Price: $6.49 / ¥880
- Publisher: D4 Enterprise / Compile
What’s this? A horizontally-scrolling sci-fi shooting game originally developed by Compile. Players collect numbered chips to power up their weapons and advance through the game.
Why should I care? Compile’s signature quality and gameplay elements make Gulkave a standout entry in the developer’s library.
Language barrier? None whatsoever.
PLAYSTATION PREMIUM
March ’25 update: Armored Core, Armored Core: Project Phantasma & Armored Core: Master of Arena
What’re these? The original Armored Core game and its two expansion titles from From Software and Shoji Kawamori. These mecha combat titles were originally released on the Sony PlayStation between 1997 and 1999. This marks the first time the expansion titles have been reissued outside of Japan and in Europe.
Why should I care? These reissues open up the possibility for more early AC games to be reissued. While the controls may be challenging for modern players, the nostalgic charm and mech customization offer a unique gaming experience.
Helpful tips: The save data transfer function is not currently supported, and the controls can be remapped to some extent for modern standards.
SATURN TRIBUTE SERIES
Assault Suit Leynos 2 Saturn Tribute
- Platform: PlayStation 4+5, Nintendo Switch (worldwide)
- Price: $24.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: City Connection / Clear River Games
What’s this? An emulated reissue of the side-scrolling mecha action game Assault Suits Leynos 2. The game features new English localization, gameplay tweaks, and various options to enhance the player experience.
Why should I care? Leynos 2 combines elements from its predecessors to create a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. This reissue is a must for fans of vintage mecha action.
Helpful tip: The game offers “Saturn Tribute” emulator features like save states and button mapping for a more customizable experience.
OTHER
- Platform: PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam (worldwide)
- Price: $9.99 or equivalent
- Publisher: Limited Run Games / Ziggurat Interactive
What’s this? A reissue of Rainbow Arts’ Super Famicom run-and-gun/shooting game Rendering Ranger. This release includes the original game and the unreleased PAL version Targa with various screen and save options.
Why should I care? Rendering Ranger is a technical showcase on the SNES and a great addition to the run-and-gun genre.
Useless fact: The only difference between Rendering Ranger and Targa is the player sprite.
Original article by retronauts.com
