Game: Spica Adventure
Genre: Action, Arcade
System: Nintendo Switch (also on PlayStation)
Developer|Publisher: United Games Entertainment GmbH | ININ games
Age Rating: EU 7 | US Everyone
Price: US $19.99 | UK £17.99 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: April 14th, 2026
Review code provided with many thanks to PR Hound.
Spica Adventure – A Retro Arcade Surprise
Every now and then, a retro title pops up that makes you wonder how it managed to pass you by all these years. Spica Adventure is one of those games for me. Despite enjoying plenty of classic arcade titles, I’ll admit this one had completely escaped my radar until now.
Originally released in arcades in Japan, the game is finally making its way to modern consoles, giving players in the West the chance to experience it for the first time. Interestingly, it’s also being released alongside Parasol Stars: Bubble Bobble III, another classic that shares a quirky connection: both games feature parasols as the main “weapon”. That alone already makes it stand out a bit. After all, most arcade heroes rely on lasers, swords, or explosions. Here, you’re tackling enemies with a brightly coloured parasol. It’s unusual, but surprisingly entertaining.
If you want to learn more about Parasol Stars: Bubble Bobble III, read my review here.
Colourful Worlds And Playful Presentation
The first thing that stands out about Spica Adventure is its visual style. The game leans heavily into that bright, exaggerated Japanese arcade aesthetic. The screen bursts with colour, characters, and movement. It’s energetic, a bit over-the-top, and full of personality. You don’t see this particular style appear very often in modern Western releases, so it’s nice to see it finally getting some attention outside Japan.
You play as Nico, a small girl dressed in pink who travels through a wide variety of vibrant stages while fighting off waves of strange enemies. And I really do mean strange.
One moment you might be battling fish or frogs, the next you’re facing giant tanks or strange robotic creatures. Boss fights add even more variety, throwing in everything from robo bears to bizarre mechanical threats. The game isn’t overly concerned with making logical sense; it’s more about delivering colourful, playful action.
Backing all of this is a lively soundtrack from TAITO’s legendary ZUNTATA sound team. The music is upbeat, energetic, and fits the fast-paced arcade gameplay nicely.
Simple Arcade Design Done Right
At its core, Spica Adventure sticks closely to traditional arcade design. The structure is simple: work through short stages, rack up points, defeat enemies, and eventually face a boss encounter. It’s straightforward and very easy to pick up.
What I particularly liked is that the game doesn’t waste the player’s time. Levels are short and focused, meaning you can jump in, enjoy a few runs, and feel like you’ve made progress quickly. In an era where many games stretch themselves out for dozens of hours, something is refreshing about a title that gets on with things.
Another neat feature is the branching stage paths. After clearing certain levels, you can choose where to go next, which adds a bit of replay value. You won’t see every stage in a single playthrough, so there’s always a reason to come back and try different routes.
There’s also some variety in the level design itself. While many stages scroll horizontally like a typical platformer, others lean more toward vertical layouts, encouraging you to climb or descend through the stage in different ways.
The Parasol Is No Gimmick
The parasol mechanic is where Spica Adventure really starts to shine. Naturally, you can use it to attack enemies directly. Swinging the parasol at foes works as your main offensive move, and it’s satisfying enough on its own.
But the parasol has several additional uses that give the gameplay more depth. Holding the parasol open allows Nico to deflect certain projectiles back toward enemies. This becomes particularly useful during boss fights, where reflected attacks can deal significant damage if timed correctly. You can also throw the parasol forward like a temporary projectile, giving you another way to deal with threats from a distance. On top of that, the parasol can interact with parts of the environment. Some platforms allow you to attach the parasol and bounce around the stage, letting you launch yourself to new areas or reposition quickly during hectic moments.
These mechanics are all available from the start. However, early levels demonstrate each move clearly, making the game easy to learn even if you’ve never played the original arcade version. And importantly, many of these advanced techniques are optional. Players can enjoy the game casually without mastering every mechanic, while those who want to optimise their runs and score higher will find more depth to explore.
Arcade Extras And Modern Touches
The package also includes a few additional features. Players can access the original arcade version of the game, alongside the updated release. There’s also a challenge mode focused on chasing high scores and climbing leaderboards, which will appeal to players who enjoy competing for top spots. However, the feature set is fairly basic overall. There aren’t many modern conveniences like rewind systems or extensive save options. For some players, this might feel a little barebones.
Another point worth mentioning is the price. While the game is fun, it is also quite short. Some players may feel the cost is a little high for the amount of content on offer. That said, arcade games were never about massive length. They were designed to be replayed again and again, and Spica Adventure follows that same philosophy.
Conclusion – Spica Up Your Switch
Spica Adventure is a lively throwback to classic arcade design. It’s colourful, fast-paced, and easy to jump into, with mechanics that feel simple at first but reveal a bit more depth once you start experimenting with the parasol abilities. The branching level paths and score-chasing gameplay give it solid replay value, even if the overall runtime is fairly short.
Most importantly, it captures that satisfying arcade feeling of quick runs, improving your skills, and chasing better scores. If you enjoy retro-style action games or have a soft spot for classic arcade experiences, this is definitely worth checking out. It may not be the longest adventure around, but it delivers a lot of fun in a small, energetic package. And honestly, fighting off bizarre enemies with a parasol never stops being fun.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot
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