If you consider yourself a fan of the “shmup” genre, the name Toaplan should ring through your head like a power-up chime. This legendary developer didn’t just make games; they crafted the blueprint for the modern shoot-’em-up. Their influence throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s was monumental, and having spent the last few days diving into Toaplan Arcade Collection Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 on Xbox, I can safely say: these games haven’t aged a day.
Whether you’re a retro veteran or a newcomer looking to see where the bullet-hell craze began, these collections are a masterclass in arcade perfection.
Volume 1: The Foundations of Firepower
The first volume is a heavy hitter, offering eight milestones that defined the genre. From the military-themed grit of Flying Shark and Twin Cobra to the experimental run-and-gun action of Out Zone and Fix Eight, the variety here is incredible.
The standout for many will be Batsugun, the game widely credited with birthing the “bullet hell” subgenre. Seeing those crisp 2D graphics and pixelated explosions on a modern Xbox screen is a thrill ride straight back to the neon-lit arcades of our youth.
Games included in Vol. 1:
- Flying Shark & Fire Shark
- Tiger Heli & Twin Cobra
- Out Zone & Fix Eight
- Batsugun & Dogyuun
Volume 2: Legendary Icons and “All Your Base”
Volume 2 keeps the momentum going with some of the most recognizable titles in gaming history. Yes, this is where you’ll find Zero Wing (home of the legendary “All your base are belong to us” meme), which is a rock-solid shooter.
This collection also features the heavy hitters Truxton and Truxton 2, known for their iconic “Skull Bomber” and their punishing yet rewarding difficulty. Much like Volume 1, the action is “quadruple the intensity” and “a billion times the fun.”
Games included in Vol. 2:
- Zero Wing & Hell Fire
- Slap Fight / Alcon
- Grind Stormer / V-5
- Truxton / Tatsujin & Truxton 2
- Vimana & Twin Hawk
Modern Features for a Classic Victory
What makes these Xbox releases truly special isn’t just the games themselves, but the care put into the porting process. Both volumes come packed with modern enhancements that make these notoriously difficult games accessible to everyone:
- Quality-of-Life Extras: Rewind features and save states let you practice tough boss patterns without burning through “digital quarters.”
- Leaderboards: Compete against the world to prove you have what it takes on the battlefield.
- Visual Customization: Beautiful screen filters let you replicate the classic CRT look or keep things sharp and modern.
Final Verdict
Toaplan’s legacy is one of pure, unadulterated action. These collections aren’t just historical curiosities; they are fantastic games that still provide a genuine challenge and a visual feast of 16-bit artistry. If you own an Xbox and have even a passing interest in arcade history, these two volumes are essential additions to your library.
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