Atari to release games from Toaplan!

Hey Arcaders!

In a surprising move Atari is porting several Toaplan games to modern and retro Atari consoles, starting with a new version of Tiger Heli for the Atari 2600+, Atari 7800, and Atari 7800+. A multi-game deal has been signed, and other Toaplan titles are expected to be released for these platforms in the future. 

Toaplan did  some of the great shmups of ALL TIME. check these out!

First- let’s talk about Toaplan.

Toaplan was a highly influential Japanese arcade game developer, known primarily for its innovative and challenging scrolling shoot ’em ups during the 1980s and early 1990s. Though the company went bankrupt in 1994, its legacy and influence continued through several successor studios formed by former employees. Toaplan’s gaming division was founded in 1984 by former employees of the bankrupt developer Orca and its short-lived successor, Crux. Most of Toaplan’s library was released in the states by companies like Taito and Romstar- before starting to release in the states themselves in the 1990s.  This post is about become an episode of Shmup Central! Here’s a short list of their work!

• Tiger-Heli (1985): Toaplan’s first major hit was this vertical-scrolling military shooter, which established the company’s reputation in the genre. The game is known for inventing the “mega bomb” screen-clearing weapon, a feature that became a genre staple. 

• Slap Fight (1986): A vertical shooter with a power-up system reminiscent of Gradius.

Twin Cobra (1987): Known as Kyuukyoku Tiger in Japan, this sequel to Tiger-Heli is celebrated for its punishing difficulty and exceptional music.

• Truxton (1988): The Japanese name for this game, Tatsujin, means “master,” an appropriate title for a game that challenged even the most skilled players.

• Zero Wing (1989): Though not one of its more acclaimed shooters, it gained lasting notoriety for its poorly translated opening cutscene and the “All your base are belong to us” meme. one of only two horizontal shooters they did- and the last video game released by Williams here in the states.

• Fire Shark (1989): Known as Same! Same! Same! in Japan, this was one of Toaplan’s first titles to be self-published rather than licensed to a partner like Taito.

• Out Zone (1990): A top-down run-and-gun shooter featuring a unique energy system and intense, arcade-style action.

 

What does all this mean…

It could mean that Atari has its first real third party software… in over 35 years. and that’s huge. I’m not including Namco for obvious reasons. the games were written (for the most part) during the system’s lifecycle. were talking about games- released after Atari was acquired in 1984!  And starting with Tiger Helli- a game that was released on the NES… and was the first game from Toaplan- that speaks volumes!

Now the agreement says… more games. what games well I think its obvious- all their early works are on the table…  Slap Fight… definitely! It’s my favorite early shooter from them.  Twin Cobra- absolutely!  And it would be a great two player shooter! Fire Shark is a great addition too!

Personally- I’d LOVE to see Truxton or Outzone- but that’s just my wish list!

I think Atari way well become a force to be reckoned with- at least for old school gamers like me!

So- What do you think of this development? are you excited to get you hands on these games?

Are you a fan of Toaplan games?

Let me know in the comments!

Keep Playin’ like it’s 1981!