Game: Taito Milestones 3
Genre: Action, Arcade, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch
Developer|Publisher: Taito, Hamster | ININ Games
Age Rating: EU 12+ | US Teen
Price: US $39.99 | UK £34.99 | EU € 39,99
Release Date: December 10th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to PR Hound.
Taito Milestones 3: Third Time’s the Charm
Taito Milestones 3 brings us yet another collection of classic arcade goodness. It’s the third instalment in the series, continuing the tradition of bundling together iconic Taito titles for modern audiences, courtesy of developer Hamster. This collection focuses on platformers, which gives it a tighter theme compared to the previous mixed-bag entries. If you’re a retro gaming fan, this collection is practically calling your name.
The Games
This package features ten arcade classics, and while the real star is Rainbow Islands, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here’s a quick run-down of the games, included with thoughts:
Bubble Bobble – Bub and Bob blow bubbles and battle monsters through 100 levels. It’s charming, addictive, and a reminder that blowing bubbles can actually be a superpower. Well worth playing with a loved one in a local co-op and is an absolute classic.
Rainbow Islands – A masterpiece. Bub and Bob, now human, weaponize rainbows to take out enemies. It’s pure joy in vertical-platformer form. Rainbows aren’t just pretty; they’re deadly. Disclosure: This is one of my all-time favourite games, so I’m kinda biased with this one. This is more a single-player-focused experience, though players can swap attempts between lives.
Cadash – A side-scrolling RPG where you rescue a princess as one of four character classes, including a Ninja, which is a little different from a fantasy game. Considering this is an arcade game, this is a pretty deep gaming experience that likely had players hogging the cabinet for some time during playthroughs. It’s pretty good. This experience can be enjoyed with two players co-op.
Rastan Saga – A Conan-inspired romp where you swing swords, battle mythical beasts, and learn the hard way that lava burns. I used to play this game on the Master System. It’s simple to the point action and absolutely great. Players alternate play in single-player only.
Rastan Saga 2 – The barbarian’s back, and this time, he’s fighting for Rastania. Expect traps, holy temples, and plenty of “Oops, I didn’t see that coming” moments. Probably don’t love this as much as the first game, but hey, you can gain some cool Wolverine-like claws. However, you can play co-op with 2 players this time.
Champion Wrestler – Body-slam your way to glory in a wrestling game that doesn’t play by the rules. Probably my least favourite game in the collection. It’s a competent wrestling game, but I found myself just mashing buttons and failing miserably against the AI. It will certainly have its fans.
Runark – Also known as Growl. A beat-em-up with a twist: rescue animals while smacking poachers with rocket launchers and your bare fists. Who says conservation can’t be action-packed? It’s up to 4 player chaos, and it’s well worth experiencing if you haven’t done so for its over-the-top action.
Warrior Blade – Or Rastan Episode 3. This time, you can enjoy the action with a friend in a brawler-like design rather than sticking to the 2D perspective. This time, you have levels where you ride on the back of gorgeous dragons, which is awesome.
Thunder Fox – Terrorists, tanks, and gyrocopters. It’s as over-the-top as it sounds, and it doesn’t care if you think it’s realistic. Another fun as-heck, and over-the-top 2D action game where you run around as a dude without a shirt. And the madness can be enjoyed in 2 player co-op.
Dead Connection – A noir-style shooter where you take down the mafia, one gangster at a time. It’s the ‘50s, so expect fedoras and over-the-top drama. This can also be enjoyed in 2-player co-op.
Features
Hamster continues to shine in porting these games. Features include suspended points to save your progress (because we all need snack breaks). Screen filters for that authentic arcade look. Adjustable difficulty settings are available when you realize Rastan is harder than it looks. In-depth instructions for every game, including secrets you’d normally have to dig through the internet to find. Customisable controls so that you can make every button press count.
What’s missing? No rewind or whoopsie buttons or quick save states. Sadly, the collection doesn’t dive into Taito’s rich history. It’s all about the games, which is great but feels like a missed opportunity to celebrate the company’s legacy.
Conclusion: Another Terrific Collection
Taito Milestones 3 delivers another stellar retro bundle. If you loved the previous two collections, this one’s an easy buy. Whether you’re here for Rainbow Islands, the joy of saving animals in Runark, or just some good old-fashioned bubble-popping action, this collection features some of Taito’s best, especially if you’re looking for a nice selection of local co-op games.
It’s a shame there’s no behind-the-scenes content, but when the games are this fun, who’s complaining? Grab your Switch and get ready for some retro nights filled with charm, challenge, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot 
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