When the original Taito Legends came out in 2005, GameDaily ate it up. How could anyone turn a cold shoulder to the likes of Elevator Action and Ninja Kids? Taito Legends 2 delivers 39 additional pieces of Taito's arcade legacy, some of which never made it to the United States.
Sadly, this second collection contains a few rotten eggs that keep it from being as superior as the original. Kuri Kinton's over-the-top combat will probably appeal to Fist of the North Star fans. Bonze Adventure, with its strange bald-headed kid hero and unbearably awful soundtrack, won't hold gamers' interests. Why these were chosen instead of more superior games, like The Ninja Warriors or Superman, no one will ever know. (The Xbox release does feature some extra games, such as Rayforce and Cadash, but Destineer has no plans to bring it stateside.)
Furthermore, the format has changed significantly from the original release. The first game's menu, featuring a rotation of original arcade cabinets, was ditched in exchange for a more plain-looking one. The lack of classic extras, interviews and artwork, further ruin the experience.
Even with the lack of these items, Taito Legends 2 contains plenty of entertaining options. Shooting fans will enjoy familiar favorites like the Darius games (both G-Darius and Darius Gaiden) and Raystorm. Several long-forgotten games also resurface, including Metal Black and Elevator Action II (aka Elevator Action Returns). Fans of beat-em-ups shouldn't hesitate to endure a few rounds of Growl, Arabian Magic and Dungeon Magic, which can be played alone or with friends via multiplayer. Finally, strategists and puzzle fans won't want to miss the maze-twisting Cameltry, the line-drawing action of Qix or the bubble-popping giddiness of Bust a Move Again.
The original Taito Legends continues to be one of the best retro collections on the market, with its superior game selection and extras. However, the sequel deserves a look, presenting numerous must-play games tied together in a cozy, affordable $20 package. Retro fans should grab it without hesitation -- flying robotic fish, bubble projectiles and gravity-defying ninjas can do wonders on a Friday night.
Final Score: 7 (out of 10)
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