Lately, even the mighty pull of an incredible new version of my favorite game of all time (
Tetris Effect) can't sit me in front of a console for very long. Oh, I want to plop on our comfy recliner and put in a few long hours into the ever-growing stack of excellent games next to the various gaming systems connected to our best gaming TV. I really really do. However with so many daily tasks, back-and-forth travel, and emergency situations happening I just can't block out the time. (I'd say 'lately,' but when topsy-turvy is more common than normal, topsy-turvy becomes the new normal.)
As in the past, Nintendo has swooped in to save the day with a game machine full of stuff I want to play on a system that can ride along with me. As I was combing through the library of games to take along, I looked through the excellent popular titles that bring out the best of the system;
Super Mario Odyssey,
Zelda: Breath of the Wild,
Splatoon 2,
Arms,
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, etc. Unexpectedly, those have stayed on the shelf lately; the majority of what I want to play these days is a compilation of arcade and retro classics that perfectly fit the few minutes at a time I have to spend. I thought it might be fun to share my current carousel of cartridge cavorting!
SNK 40th Anniversary Now this is how you respect the classics. Original arcade AND console versions (where applicable) of every game, free downloads of more titles that nearly double the collection, and a bunch of worthwhile background info, trivia, and lore for each game. Context for a game's history goes a very long way for me and helps me to enjoy and appreciate what I may not get into otherwise. I'm just super impressed with it all.
Psikyo Collection Volume 1
[img width=700 height=700]https://cdn.eglobalcentral.co.it/images/detailed/73/nintendo-switch-game-psikyo-collection-vol-1-english-only.jpg[/img]
Strikers 1945,
SOL Divide,
Samurai Aces,
Gunbird, and all arcade perfect. Such a great shmup compilation, especially with save-states and on-the-go.
SEGA AGES: Lightening Force
[img width=300 height=287]https://media.nintendo.com/nintendo/bin/2r5s1v6icpKZ4beifgTiYW9SAw0BCpjG/mAQKXpiryQK0fibiWxDpKFDyOaSBneWK.png[/img]
This was a pleasant surprise for me. (And not just for Kids Mode!) I have yet to finish the Genesis original, so this is a great chance to finally work on checking it off my 'cleared' list.
Grip: Combat Racing
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/vw/grip-combat-racing-english-chinese-574315.1.jpg?pf8vyg[/img]
OK, not quite in the exact same theme of arcade and classic games, but it is arcadey racing and it is pretty much a sequel to the PlayStation gems
Rollcage and
Rollcage II. I'm sure this looks even better on a PS4, but the quick races and pick-up-and-play design is ideal in portable form.
Raijin
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/vq/-571475.1.jpg?pdwo6v[/img]
A superb new shmup, highly recommended, with a ton of stages and ship progression to keep the hook.
Psyvariar Delta
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/v7/psyvariar-delta-561677.10.jpg?pctamh[/img]
I haven't gotten to play much of the earlier incarnations, so this is a great chance to catch up. I would have by now if it weren't for
Raijin.
Namco Arcade Pac
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/vh/namco-museum-arcade-pac-566939.1.jpg?pb9qe5[/img]
At first I wasn't as interested in another Namco compilation, but this one has a few greats not often found on the other releases. Beyond the normal
Pac-Man and
Galaga etc., we have arcade versions of
Rolling Thunder and its sequel, the under-rated
Galaga '88, and the original
Splatterhouse.
Gal Metal
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/va/gal-metal-563453.10.jpg?pc3oct[/img]
It's like a cross between
PaRappa and
Taiko Drum Master with metal music. Unexpected and delightful.
Ikaruga
[img width=300 height=287]https://media.nintendo.com/nintendo/bin/L0_16bHW8pjQlaTD6J9ng3_wKXffeo0f/HOYnISZxdva70noB8jEQDM0px6JsFi6a.png[/img]
Yet another reason for me to try to keep playing and pretend I'll actually get good at it one day.
Arcade Archives: Punch-Out!!
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Another surprise, as this is the first time the arcade version is officially available. Short and sweet, perfect to play every now and then for a palate cleanser.
And here are a few on the way I'm pretty pumped for:
Atari Flashback Classics
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/w3/atari-flashback-classics-switch-577729.2.jpg?ph6vhr[/img]
150 games. I'm in for
Black Widow,
Centipede Arcade,
Final Legacy 5200, and
Tempest Arcade.Darius Cozmic Collecion
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/vh/darius-cozmic-collection-566925.1.jpg?pb9o65[/img]
Arcade perfect versions of
Darius,
Darius II,
Sagaia, and
Darius Gaiden? Space seafood for everyone!
Capcom Belt Action Collection
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/vw/capcom-belt-action-collection-574001.1.jpg?pf6tlt[/img]
The only physical version I'm aware of, and with English language options. Between couch co-op on the dock and the option to go portable, I'm sold.
Psikyo Volume 2
[img width=180 height=180]https://s.pacn.ws/180/vy/psikyo-collection-vol-2-multilanguage-575241.2.jpg?pfsxat[/img]
Strikers 1945 2,
Tengai,
Gunbird 2, and
Dragon Blaze follow the original compilation. Glad this was announced before I bought more than
Dragon Blaze on the eshop.
So that's what has been home on my Switch. What's in your current gaming carousel?