ININ Games and Taito are definitely ‘sitting in a tree’, so to speak, as yet another IP is making its way to current-day consoles. This game is being added to the list, which already consists of re-releases and remakes like Bubble Bobble Everbubble, Parasol Stars, Taito Milestones 1 & 2, the Darius collection, and the Ray’z Collection that came out a month ago. This latest release is one you wouldn’t expect and probably haven’t even heard of. The game we are talking about is Spica Adventure.
Until now, Spica Adventure was a 2005 Japan-only, arcade-exclusive game that has never seen a Western release in any form. Gamers will use their wits and quick reflexes to guide the heroine, Nico, through challenging stages filled with abstract and cartoony dangers.
To navigate the game’s challenges, players will rely on Nico’s trusty umbrella. It’s reminiscent of the iconic yellow parasols from the beloved game Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III. Serving as a spiritual successor, Spica Adventure brings back the importance of the yellow umbrella as a vital device for the player. This versatile tool becomes a true lifesaver in tricky situations. It allows you to charge at enemies, float gracefully through the air, spring off walls with agility. It even reflects incoming bullets. Mastering the parasol’s various functions is essential to progress through the game. Just as it was in the memorable adventures of Parasol Stars.
In Spica Adventure, you’ll race against time. The stages are designed to be traversed quickly as a screen-filling robot will start to pursue our heroine if she spends too long in any one stage.
After completing a stage, players will have a couple of choices for their next destination. Choose your next destination as the stages branch out, offering different challenges and rewards. Players must select their path wisely to lead the heroine to victory.
The game is still a while away with a ball park release estimate of ‘Spring 2024’. The game will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Steam, PS4, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. Pre-order will start on November 14th for the physical edition(s).
