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![](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6241/6241290_sd.jpg;maxHeight=640;maxWidth=550)
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!!
[img width=300 height=287]https://media.nintendo.com/nintendo/bin/9annlz07jGAsLwta3xzLx6gdbPHmTqcr/d89m5NEdd_xVonZFuoV47mwx1VC2AyPq.png[/img]
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?