Jaleco, in collaboration with developer Gravity Game Arise, will release two retro arcade collections for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC this winter. Each collection features 16 titles originally released between the 1980s and 1990s, including modern quality-of-life enhancements such as save states, rewind functions, and customizable controller mapping.
What titles are included in the Jaleco Arcade Collections?
According to the official Steam store page, the collections are divided into two volumes, each offering a distinct library of classic arcade games. Many of these titles previously appeared in the Arcade Archives series by Hamster or via the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol. 1
The first volume focuses on a mix of action and shooter games:
- City Connection: A classic driving game where players dodge police while painting the streets.
- Aeroboto (Formation Z): A mech-based shooter requiring fuel management.
- Field Combat: A strategy shooter featuring a capture beam to convert enemies.
- Pig’s & Bomber’s: A survival game centered on bomb-throwing mechanics.
- P-47: The Freedom Fighter: A WWII-themed side-scrolling shooter.
- Saint Dragon: A shooter where players control a giant, invincible metal dragon.
- Shingen Samurai-Fighter: An action game based on the Sengoku period.
- The Astyanax (The Lord of King): A fantasy action title featuring a giant axe-wielding protagonist.
- Cybattler: A sci-fi shooter featuring humanoid robot combat.
- Naughty Boy: A base-destruction game involving fire and terrain control.
Jaleco Arcade Collection Vol. 2
The second volume offers a wider variety of genres, including puzzle and possession-based mechanics:
- Exerion: A science-fiction shooter utilizing inertia-based flight mechanics.
- Argus: A shooter requiring players to balance separate anti-ground and anti-air weapons.
- Earth Defense Force (E.D.F.): A shooter where weapons level up based on player performance.
- Makai Densetsu: An adventure game featuring RPG-like shop and information-gathering elements.
- Iga Ninjutsu Den: A ninja-themed action game featuring collectible magic scrolls.
- Plus Alpha: A fantasy shooter with a transformable ship and roulette-style power-ups.
- Pop Flamer: An action game where a mouse uses a flamethrower against monsters.
- Rod Land: A platformer where players use magic wands to slam enemies.
- Soldam: A Reversi-style puzzle game with a competitive 2-player mode.
- Avenging Spirit (Phantasm): A unique title where the player possesses enemy bodies to gain their abilities.
Did you know?
What new features are included in these collections?
Gravity Game Arise has integrated modern accessibility and utility features to update these legacy games for contemporary hardware. Players can access Japanese and overseas versions of the titles, providing access to regional variations that were historically difficult to find outside of their original territories.
Key technical additions include:
- Save States: Multiple slots allow players to save their progress anywhere.
- Rewind Function: Enables players to undo mistakes during difficult sequences.
- Customization: Users can reassign button functions and adjust rapid-fire settings to match their preferred playstyle.
What is the future of retro arcade preservation?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will more Jaleco games be released in future collections?
Yes. According to the store listings, additional titles are currently planned for future announcements.
Can I play these games with a friend?
Yes, games like Soldam explicitly feature competitive 2-player modes, though functionality varies by specific title.
Are these games the same as the ones on Nintendo Switch Online?
While some titles, such as City Connection, have appeared on services like Nintendo Switch Online or Hamster’s Arcade Archives, these collections provide a curated, feature-rich bundle with unified menus and modern save tools.
Which of these classic Jaleco titles are you most excited to revisit? Share your memories of playing these in the arcade in the comments below.
