Update #2: We were lucky enough to get a pre-release sample of Retro-Bit's gorgeous Toaplan collection, and we have to say, it's pretty impressive stuff.
Not only does this collection come with proper packaging – including instructions and reversible sleeve artwork – it also features neat little extras like stickers and a special interview with former Toaplan staffer Masahiro Yuge.
As you can see from the photos below, we were sent the complete collection in a slipcase, which also comes with a collectable Zero Wing enamel pin and a special "Thank You" card from Yuge.
Update #1 [Tue 15th Sep, 2020 17:05 BST]: pre-orders are live:
Toaplan is a name that will be instantly familiar with seasoned retro gamers. The Japanese company was behind some of the best shmups of the '80s and '90s, and when it eventually closed in 1994, studios like Eighting and Cave would rise from its ashes.
We're already assured of some superb Toaplan action on modern consoles thanks to the efforts on M2, but it's also worth noting that Retro-Bit is republishing a bunch of classic Toalplan shooters for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive.
The company has teamed up with former Toaplan staffer Masahiro Yuge to present special collector's editions of Fire Shark / Same! Same! Same!, Hellfire, Zero Wing and Truxton / Tatsujin. Each title will cost $44.99 / €39,99, or you can buy all four for $159.99 / €144,99.
Each game will include:
- Special interview with developer Masahiro Yuge (specialized per game)
- Full-Color, Individually Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
- Exclusive Vintage 80’s Puffy Sticker Set
- Vivid & Detailed Instruction Booklet filled with artwork and tips to enhance gameplay
- Premium and original art prints
- 16-Bit Cartridge with unique and vibrant colours per game
- Collector’s Embossed Outer Sleeve with colourful and custom design
- Reversible cartridge cover with embellished artwork
- To every person who purchases all 4 shmup games in this collection: a commemorative slipcover, collectable Zero Wing enamel pin, and Thank You Card from Mashiro Yuge
Zero Wing – a game which rose to internet fame by becoming one of the earliest 'memes' in the history of the web thanks to its "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" cutscene – will benefit from 30 alternate endings translated to English for the first time ever.
Pre-orders for these titles will open on Monday – are you interested? Let us know with a comment.
This article was originally published by nintendolife.com on Thu 10th September, 2020.
[source retro-bit.com]
Comments 42
All your base are not worth 45 bucks.
@JimmySpades You might want to check out how much the original version sells for these days.
I loved Truxton as a kid! May have to get that! I wish there was a digital option...
Bring me Low G Man, and then we'll talk.
What you say!!
Wow, have not seen these in forever.
You have no chance to survive! Make your time!
You know what you doing!
@Damo For a chin-droppingly huge amount, I assume.
That’s pretty sweet. Not for me unless they can do an eShop release
$45 for great justice.
I remember stumbling across Zero Wing for the first time because the title sounded interesting, and thinking "OMG! I found the game that the meme is from!! This is hilarious!"
And then I didn't put the controller down for hours, because its actually an enjoyable game, much to my surprise. The article image had me hoping this was a Switch release, honestly.
I'd love to get all of these, but I just can't afford those prices. They may be a lot cheaper than the 2nd hand prices of original copies (although I don't remember Zero Wing being that expensive), but they're still way over what I can pay.
Wow I had three if these on my MegaDrive; Truxton, Hellfire and Zero Wing. The MegaDrive really was a great system for shmups.
I no longer have a MegaDrive ( got the mini though ) so I won't be be getting these unless they come out on Switch.
Played the arcade Hellfire too, good game.
Love the box art for these.
@mattesdude i have pandoras box and truxton still amazing today
Are these for switch?
All I see is repos of a game for a extremely expensive amount.
“ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US...” I haven’t heard that since...
@Damo I agree. I know my CIB copy of Zero Wing is surely worth a lot more. (which unlike the other three, was never released in North America originally)
I suppose it was a lucky 1/8 that the (original) Japanese package designers chose the correct opening screenshot to put on the box. (that would only become significant nine years after the port was released)
I think I still paid just over $45 for a CIB Tatsujin a few years ago. (considering a loose Truxton was higher, but they both use a single international ROM as many early Genesis games did) That doesn't seem like it would be too uncommon a game, though I wonder what effect former youtube show Classic Game Room had on it. The creator Mark was constantly mentioning that game, hyping it up.
How are you, gentlemen?
The only things I know about these games are that Zero Wing has broken English, and brilliant music. Now I'm wondering whether the games are good or not.
@crimsontadpoles I can only speak for myself, and we may not have similar taste, but I think these are very good games. I've never gotten super into Hellfire, but it has its fans. I really liked Zero Wing when I played it. Truxton and Fire Shark are really excellent, in my opinion, and are among my favorite shooters on the Genesis/Mega Drive. Truxton is known for being very hard, but I'm not ashamed to play that one on easy. If you like shooters from that period, these are worth trying out.
Own them all except Zero Wing which never came to the states. Great shooters but I’ll pass being I one them. Rather see what M2 is cooking up for Switch with this line of games from Toaplan and these games here would be a great start!!
I'm in. Eating is overrated anyway. Sigh
E shop release please xxx
Anyone remember the Rhapsody they made about his? ahaha.
Wait they're not part of a collection like what the Jaleco and Data East games were? Will that's lame. This is Retro-Bit screwing Sega Genesis/Mega Drive owners.
bring it on switch in a compilation
Never heard of these titles...
Would’ve been a day one purchase if this was for Switch or any modern console for that matter. Not that interested in retro reproductions. Hopefully whoever picked up the Toaplan licenses can make it happen.
Take off every 'ZIG'!!
...Or you can play them on the MVSX in proper arcade fashion, if you did the super simple hacks for the device. For some reason, Toaplan games have perfect performance on them somehow.
Hopefully this will open the door for a company to redevelop the CAVE shooters. Xbox360 and Steam versions are old now and could do with some action for Switch...
What the hell is this crap?!
@joey302 Yeah I've been wondering about those myself...they were announced quite a while back too.
More stuff designed to be collectible.
Bought zero wing complete boxed for 99p from cash generator thought it was a mistake so quickly took it to the till I sold it 2 years later for £50 it’s a fairly decent game not as good as Hellfire though
Somebody set up us the bomb.
Somebody set us up the Collector's Edition.
Pretty cool!! If I didn’t already own All of them in mint & complete condition for my Genesis except for Zero Wing, I’d be all over this!! I remember Fire Shark and Truxton blew me away!!!
Now how bout porting these all over to modern consoles starting with the Switch??? That would be even more awesome!! 😁👍
@WiltonRoots hopefully they all find their way to modern consoles and they can toss MUSHA in there for us while they’re at it lol 😝
I wish these would show up on the Switch. No interest in the Genesis carts, although it's nice that it's out for those who still have Genesis.
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