We have just finished reporting on ININ Games’ latest release, Puzzle Bobble EveryBubble! when another press release landed in our mailbox. The second edition of the Taito Milestones series will be arriving sooner than you think.
We consider the Taito Milestones series to be the spiritual successor to possibly the best retro game collections ever made. We are talking about Taito Legends 1 & 2. Those were released on PS2, Xbox, and PSP in 2005. While those two discs were packed with an almost ridiculous number of 54 arcade classics. Milestones takes a step back with 10 games per release. Milestones 1 was somewhat underwhelming, with highlights including QIX, Elevator Action (please release Elevator Action Returns, ININ, I’m begging you), and Ninja Warriors. The latter was also released individually.
Taito Milestones 2, once again, features 10 games from a slightly later period in Taito’s incredible legacy. The focus here is the late 80s and early 90s.
The games are:
The NewZealand Story (1988)
Embark on an adventure to save Tiki’s lover Phee-phee, and his friends who have been kidnapped by the leopard seal. Strategize using the various balloons and weapons to complete the colourful mazes by defeating enemies and using balloons to float!
Kiki Kaikai (1986)
In Kiki KaiKai, precursor of the universally beloved Pocky & Rocky, you’ll play as Shinto shrine maiden Sayo-chan and fight against Yokai across the Japanese countryside to save the kidnapped seven gods of fortune!
Darius II (3 Screen Arcade Version) (1989)
The mysterious, intelligent creatures, Belser, that once attacked the planet Darius have begun an attack on the solar system, and the Silver Hawk pilots must go to the rescue. Travel through the stars, across planets, and beyond in this beloved action-arcade shooter! This is the very first port of the special, 3 Screen Arcade Edition of Darius II!
Gun Frontier (1990)
Set on the planet Gloria, this vertically-scrolling shooter follows the pilots of the aircraft, Desperado, as they confront the space pirates, Wild Lizard. Don’t miss out on the legendary soundtrack and the challenging, gun-themed bosses!
Ben Bero Beh (1984)
A fire broke out! Play as Dami-chan to extinguish the flames while dodging various obstacles to rescue Nao-chan! This title is jam-packed with wacky and unique characters that appear in later games– will you be able to recognize them all?
The Legend of Kage (1985)
Taking place in Japan at the end of the Edo period, you play as the Iga Ninja Kage in his battle against Yukigusa Yoshiro and his demonic army to rescue the captured Princess Kiri. Backed with an energetic and unforgettable soundtrack, journey through forests, castle walls, and mansions in this action-adventure to save the day!
Liquid Kids (Mizubaku Adventure) (1990)
Flying in on a giant pelican, play as the young hero Hippopo’ and fight to protect the peaceful Hippo country, Woody Lake, from the evil of Fire Satan. Complete with colorful graphics, adorable characters, and loads of action, this platformer promises an enjoyable time.
Solitary Fighter (1991)
In the early 1950s, fighters from all over the United States competed against each other for prizes, money, and the honor of being the “strongest.” Can the young fighter Bud take the No. 1 spot against all odds? In this updated version of “Violence Fight” choose from 6 playable characters instead of the original 4 and enjoy new features and gimmicks.
Dinorex (1992)
Set in a world ruled by the Amazons, where humans and dinosaurs coexisted, this fighting game tells the story of the dino-tamers; young men who pit their tamed dinosaurs against each other in order to win the title of Dinorex, and the hand of the much sought-after Queen of Amazonia!
Metal Black (1991)
Earth is on the verge of collapse due to invading alien forces, and this side-scrolling shooter sees you piloting the Black Fly fighter ship to take the battle to your enemies! Compete for the Newalone energy source with the invaders and defeat them with powerful laser weapons.
Contrary to the first edition, this one is more belanced with three shmups: Darius II, Metal Black, and Gun Frontier. We are incredibly excited about the inclusion of the legendary three-screen version of Darius II, the unique dinosaur fighting game Dinorex, and the predecessor to Pocky and Rocky, Kiki KaiKai. Taito Milestones II is set to release on August 31st. There will likely be a Strictly Limited physical limited release. An Asian physical version is already available for pre-order on Play Asia as well.
In the press release ININ games also hinted at something special for the ‘super’ fans. This sounds to us like collected editions are incoming via Strictly Limited.
Attention all TAITO super fans!
For those who were with us during the release of the first legendary TAITO Milestones collection, and for those who wish they were, we’ve been busy crafting something just for you, and the countdown has begun!
So, gear up, spread the word, and keep your eyes locked on our channels for the upcoming announcement.
