Dogyuun Alone Makes This Collection Worth a Look
The Toaplan Arcade 4 collection for Evercade continues the trend of bringing classic arcade titles to modern handheld systems. This latest compilation features six games from the legendary Japanese developer Toaplan, offering a mix of genres with a focus on their renowned shoot 'em ups.The Games
- Dogyuun (1992) - Vertical scrolling shooter
- Grind Stormer (1993) - Vertical scrolling shooter
- Knuckle Bash (1993) - Beat 'em up
- Pipi's & Bibi's (1991) - Platform game
- Snow Bros 2 (1994) - Platform game
- Sky Shark (8-bit version) - Vertical scrolling shooter
Highlights
The standout title in this collection is undoubtedly Dogyuun. This visually stunning vertical shooter showcases Toaplan at the height of their powers. With intricate mechanical designs by Junya Inoue and a unique tractor beam mechanic, Dogyuun alone makes this cartridge worth picking up for shmup enthusiasts.Grind Stormer (also known as V-V) is another solid shooter, featuring an interesting weapon system that changes based on your vertical position. While not as visually impressive as Dogyuun, it offers engaging gameplay and a good challenge.
Snow Bros 2 is a fun multiplayer platformer that builds on the success of its predecessor. It's a great addition for those looking for some co-op action on the Evercade VS system.
Mixed Bag
Knuckle Bash represents Toaplan's attempt at the beat 'em up genre. While it has some interesting character designs (including an Elvis-inspired fighter), it doesn't quite reach the heights of contemporaries like Final Fight or Streets of Rage.Pipi's & Bibi's (also known as Whoopee!) is an unusual platform game with a risqué theme. The Evercade version has toned down some of the more explicit content, but it remains a quirky curiosity in Toaplan's catalog.
The inclusion of the 8-bit Sky Shark might seem odd, given that the arcade version was already featured in Toaplan Arcade 1. However, this NES port is notable for its excellent soundtrack by Tim Follin, making it a worthwhile addition for audio enthusiasts.
Evercade Performance
All games in the collection run smoothly on Evercade hardware. The vertical shooters benefit greatly from the Evercade EXP's TATE mode, though Dogyuun's three-button control scheme can be slightly awkward in this orientation.Verdict
Toaplan Arcade 4 is a solid addition to the Evercade library, especially for fans of classic shoot 'em ups. While the collection might feel a bit uneven in terms of game quality, the inclusion of the excellent Dogyuun makes it a must-have for shmup enthusiasts. The variety of genres also means there's likely something here for most retro gaming fans.Pros:
- Dogyuun is a masterpiece of the shmup genre
- Good variety of game types
- Excellent performance on Evercade hardware
- Only six games might feel light for some players
- Not all titles are of equal quality
For Evercade owners and retro gaming enthusiasts, Toaplan Arcade 4 is definitely worth adding to your collection, if only to experience the brilliance of Dogyuun in a convenient portable format.
