Last year, ININ released Taito Milestones, an exclusive collection of 10 classic arcades, for Nintendo Switch. The low-frills presentation and mundane selection of games resulted in a fairly niche product. Perhaps the developer took feedback into account, for Taito Milestones 2 sounds more exciting. Of the ten games coming in the new compilation, three support 2-player local co-op, and the overall games list should appeal to a wider range of retro gamers.
Taito Milestones 2 will include:
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?
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
The New Zealand 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 colorful mazes by defeating enemies and using balloons to float!
Solitary Fighter (Violence Fight II, 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.
That's a good games list! Only a few are super old, unlike the previous collection. Darius II, Gun Frontier, and Metal Black are all shoot 'em ups that support cooperative multiplayer. Darius II is apparently a unique version, so it should be interesting even for gamers who already own Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade.
Taito Milestones 2 will be released physically and digitally on Switch this August. Preorder the physical version for $39.99 at Amazon.