Taito Milestones 3 for Nintendo Switch

They say third time’s the charm, but is that true for Taito Milestones 3? Given how the first two compilations received a lukewarm reception, it wouldn’t be surprising if this one follows suit. Sure, the package offers another set of 10 arcade games, but the chance that they’ll all hit the right notes with everyone is slim. As an experienced gamer who’s fondly nostalgic about the arcade heyday of the mid-80s to early ’90s, only a select few in this lineup kept me coming back for more.

To be fair, depth wasn’t what I expected from these arcade classics. The collection leans heavily toward beat ‘em ups, even featuring the complete Rastan Saga trilogy. Now, if you have a second player around who shares your love for these types of games, it could definitely enhance the experience. For multiplayer titles like Dead Connection and Runark, having friends to join in can add to the fun. However, these aren’t exactly the kinds of games that appeal to my wife. Thankfully, titles like Bubble Bobble and its sequel Rainbow Islands have a universal charm that both of us can enjoy. After all, who doesn’t love the timeless antics of Bub and Bob, whether they’re dragons or in their human forms?

This raises a point worth pondering. As much as we adore Bubble Bobble, do we really need every iteration of it? Most of the games here, aside from a few like Thunder Fox, have been re-released individually or in other anthologies over the years. So, you’ll find that a good chunk of this collection is already available separately through the Arcade Archives series. If you’ve already purchased some of these, investing in this collection might give you pause.

Imagine if, instead of bundling ten games for $40, there was a deal where you could choose any ten Taito Arcade Archive titles for the same price. I think that kind of flexibility would attract more interest since people could tailor their own collections. But here I am, contemplating Taito Milestones 3 as it stands. To give credit where it’s due, many games here impress with their visuals—vibrant colors, intricate details, and more objects on screen than I would have expected. The music is another highlight, with tunes that would have been hard to catch amidst the noise of a bustling arcade. The game designs also stand out, boasting features you’d rarely find in simple quarter-guzzlers of the era, with Cadash—a unique arcade RPG—shining in particular. But ultimately, it’s the gameplay that’s the dealbreaker, and my feelings here are as mixed as they were with previous Milestones entries.

These games are undeniably interesting and often enjoyable to watch. But historically, arcade games aimed for players who would eagerly spend all their pocket money in one go. If you’re getting this collection for your Switch with home play in mind, you’d probably expect to invest more time than just a brief session here and there. That’s not really my scene, but hey, it might be yours.

If Taito intends to keep this series going, slightly lowering the price while introducing a few exclusives could make a world of difference. Adding more historical context, similar to that found in other collections, could further enhance its appeal. However, and this is key—if you already own the top-tier games from this compilation as individual Arcade Archive titles, you might not be the target demographic for this purchase. Think carefully before spending $39.99 on Taito Milestones 3 unless you’re chasing nostalgia.