Toaplan Arcade Collection Review: The Ultimate Shmup Classics on Xbox

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.

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Finish Him! Ranking the Best Mortal Kombat Games of All Time

From arcade cabinets to cinematic story modes, Mortal Kombat has evolved into one of the most iconic fighting franchises in the history of gaming. With over 30 years of spine-ripping action, it’s time to spotlight the best titles that have shaped the series and thrilled fans across generations.

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Flawless Victory: Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection Is a Knockout

Few gaming franchises have left a mark as deep as Mortal Kombat, and for me, that mark began on my Super Nintendo. I still remember the thrill of pulling off Sub-Zero’s spine rip or Liu Kang’s bicycle kick in my childhood living room. Later, on my PlayStation, Mortal Kombat 3 and MK Trilogy became staples of my gaming rotation—hours spent mastering combos, unlocking secrets, and battling foes in pixelated arenas. And who could forget the raw excitement of encountering Mortal Kombat 4 in its original arcade cabinet? That machine, with its larger-than-life fighters and 3D graphics, felt like stepping into the future.

Now, decades later, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection brings those memories roaring back with a vengeance. Developed by Digital Eclipse, this collection is more than just a bundle of retro games—it’s a playable museum piece. The Kollection includes four arcade classics, a selection of beloved home console versions, and even some rare releases that fans have long clamored for. Each game is lovingly emulated, preserving the quirks and charm of the originals while adding modern polish where it counts.

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Elvira Returns: Reviewing the Pinball FX DLC on Xbox

If you’re a pinball fan with a taste for the spooky and the campy, Zen Studios has delivered a real treat with the Williams™ Pinball: Elvira DLC packs for Pinball FX on Xbox. This two-table collection brings back two of the most beloved machines from the late ’80s and ’90s—Elvira and the Party Monsters (1989) and Scared Stiff (1996)—faithfully recreated for modern consoles while keeping all the charm, humor, and cheeky horror that made them arcade classics.

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Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary – The Ultimate Xbox Puzzle Game Throwback

Some games are more than just entertainment—they’re time capsules. Boulder Dash is one of them. First released in 1984, it’s been thrilling players for four decades with its perfect blend of quick thinking, strategy, and heart-pounding cave exploration. Now, with Boulder Dash 40th Anniversary on Xbox, Rockford’s diamond-hunting adventures return in a way that’s both faithful to the original and brilliantly modernized.

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Pinball Magic: Why Williams Pinball Volume 8 is a Must-Play

Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 for Xbox delivers an exhilarating trip back to the 80s with three of the most action-packed tables ever created. This collection is a must-have for anyone looking to relive the excitement and nostalgia of the golden age of pinball.

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