Toaplan Arcade 3 for Evercade is a must-have collection for shoot 'em up enthusiasts, particularly due to the inclusion of Batsugun and Truxton II. This cartridge continues Blaze Entertainment's commitment to preserving classic arcade games while offering excellent value for money.
Batsugun, often considered the grandfather of the bullet hell genre, is the crown jewel of this collection. It represents a pivotal moment in shmup history, setting the standard for future bullet hell games. The game's well-balanced gameplay strikes a perfect chord between reaction-based and pattern-recognition skills, making it accessible yet challenging for both newcomers and veterans.
Truxton II, while not explicitly detailed in the search results, is likely a worthy sequel to the original Truxton (also known as Tatsujin). The Truxton series is known for its intense gameplay and vibrant graphics, and its inclusion in this collection adds significant value.
The Evercade platform proves to be an excellent way to experience these classic Toaplan shooters. The games play great with minimal latency, which is crucial for the demanding nature of bullet hell shooters. Players can take advantage of Evercade's features such as save states, scan lines, and a turbo-fire option (though the latter is described as "rather sad" in the search results).
What sets the Evercade releases apart is their value proposition. Priced affordably, Toaplan Arcade 3 not only offers the games but also comes as a physical cartridge with a case and instruction book. This physical aspect adds to the collectibility and nostalgic appeal of the release.
It's worth noting that while other platforms offer Toaplan collections with more extensive features (such as M2's Shottriggers series), the Evercade version strikes a balance between affordability and quality. It provides a solid compromise for those who want to experience these classic shooters without breaking the bank.
The Evercade ecosystem itself is relatively inexpensive to enter, with the cheapest option (the Super Pocket) priced at just $59.99. This makes Toaplan Arcade 3 an attractive option for both dedicated shmup fans and casual players interested in exploring the genre's history.
In conclusion, Toaplan Arcade 3 for Evercade, featuring Batsugun and Truxton II, is indeed practically essential for shoot 'em up fans. It offers a high-quality, low-latency experience of some of the most influential games in the genre, packaged in an affordable and collectible format. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive re-releases, it provides an excellent way to play these classic Toaplan shooters, making it a valuable addition to any Evercade library.
