If you grew up with a Sega Genesis controller glued to your hands, the name “ZPF” probably sounds like some forgotten 1992 arcade cabinet your cool older cousin told you about. In reality, ZPF is a brand-new release from Mega Cat Studios, and after spending time dodging screen-filling laser beams and banging my head against some seriously tough bosses, I’ve got some thoughts.
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If you grew up in the golden age of arcades—or if you’ve just developed a deep appreciation for quirky Japanese retro gaming—you probably know that developer Taito has a bizarre obsession with turning everyday items into weapons of mass destruction. First, it was bubbles in Bubble Bobble. Then came the magical umbrellas.
Recently, ININ Games dropped a delightful little package on the Xbox Store called the Parasol Superstars bundle. Priced at $23.99, this bundle pairs two incredibly charming, umbrella-wielding platformers: the classic Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III and the rare, formerly Japan-exclusive arcade gem Spica Adventure.
If you bought these separately, they’d run you around $33, so the bundle offers a solid discount. But is it worth your time and hard-earned cash? I spent time shielding myself from cartoon monsters and chucking bad guys across my screen to find out. Here’s my breakdown of what makes this bundle an absolute blast.
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There is something timelessly satisfying about the rhythm of a brick-breaking game. The anticipation of the bounce, the precise movement of the paddle, and that glorious clink as a digital wall slowly disintegrates—it’s a gameplay loop that never gets old.
I’ve been a die-hard fan of this genre for as long as I can remember. In fact, my first ever exposure to the world of brick-breaking was the classic Thunder & Lightning on the NES. I spent countless hours in front of a heavy tube TV, mesmerized by the fast-paced action and the challenge of keeping that ball in play. Since then, I’ve always had a soft spot for any game that puts a fresh spin on the “ball vs. wall” formula.
That brings me to my latest obsession on Xbox: Bob the Brick Breaker.
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If Pinball FX is your digital arcade, then Williams Pinball Volume 9 is the gleaming, neon-lit corner that demands your quarters — or in this case, your attention. This DLC celebrates the golden age of pinball with three wildly different, yet equally iconic tables: PIN·BOT, TAXI, and WHO dunnit. Each one is a time capsule of its era, lovingly recreated with modern flair for Xbox players.
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Remember the days when arcades buzzed with neon lights, and the clatter of coins echoed through dimly lit rooms? Well, the VISCO Collection brings that magic back to your Xbox. This bundle of seven classic arcade games is a time capsule—a chance to relive the pixelated thrills of yesteryears. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a curious newcomer, this collection has something to offer.
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