Developers: QUByte Interactive
Publishers: QUByte Interactive, PixelHeart
Genre: Arcade, Retro Bundle
Price: $19.99
Where to buy: Steam, Nintendo, PSN, Microsoft
The VISCO Collection is a compilation of seven classic arcade games from Visco Corporation, released in October 2023 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox One. The games included are:
- Andro Dunos (1992)
- Bang Bead (1994)
- Flipshot (1998)
- Captain Tomaday (1999)
- Ganryu (1999)
- Goal! Goal! Goal! (1995)
- Neo Driftout: New Technology (1996)
The collection offers a good mix of different genres, including shoot ’em ups, fighting games, platformers, sports games, and simulations. All of the games are faithfully emulated, and they run smoothly and look great.
Detailed Review of each game!
Here is a more somewhat focused review of each of the games included in the VISCO Collection:
Andro Dunos (1992)
is a classic shoot-’em-up (shmup) game released in 1992 for the Neo Geo arcade system. It was later ported to a number of other platforms, including the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and Dreamcast.
The game is set in the year 2202, where the human race is under attack by the evil Andro Dunos Empire. The player takes control of a spaceship and must fight their way through a series of increasingly difficult levels to defeat the Andro Dunos fleet and save humanity.
Andro Dunos features a number of classic shmup elements, such as multiple weapon types, power-ups, and boss battles. The game is also known for its fast-paced gameplay and challenging difficulty.
One of the things that makes Andro Dunos stand out from other shmups is its unique weapon system. The player can switch between four different weapon types on the fly: lasers, missiles, bombs, and a charge shot. Each weapon type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the player must learn how to use them effectively in order to survive.
Andro Dunos also features a number of power-ups that can be collected to improve the player’s ship and weapons. These power-ups include things like shields, speed boosts, and weapon upgrades.
The game’s boss battles are some of the most challenging in the genre. The bosses are all unique and require different strategies to defeat. Some bosses are fast and agile, while others are slow and powerful. The player must learn the patterns of each boss and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Overall, Andro Dunos is a classic shmup that is still enjoyable to play today. The game is challenging but fair, and the weapon system and boss battles are both excellent. If you are a fan of the genre, then Andro Dunos is definitely worth checking out.
Pros:
- Unique weapon system
- Challenging difficulty
- Excellent boss battles
- Classic shmup gameplay
(Overall: 8/10)
Flipshot (1998)
Is a 1998 arcade game developed and published by Visco Corporation. It was ported to the Neo Geo AES and Neo Geo CD in 1999.
The game is a unique blend of breakout and sports games. Players control a character who must deflect a ball and hit targets on the opposite side of the screen. The game features a variety of different characters and arenas, each with its own unique challenges.
One of the things that makes Flipshot stand out from other breakout games is its focus on close-quarters combat. Players can punch and kick the ball in addition to deflecting it with their paddle. This gives the game a more dynamic and physical feel than many other breakout games.
Another unique feature of Flipshot is its special attack system. Each character has a unique special attack that can be used to temporarily disable the opponent or to make the ball more difficult to hit. This system adds a lot of variety to the gameplay and keeps things interesting from beginning to end.
Flipshot is a fast-paced and challenging game that is sure to appeal to fans of breakout and sports games alike. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and special attack system make it stand out from other games in the genre.
Pros:
- Unique gameplay mechanics
- Special attack system
- Variety of different characters and arenas
- Fast-paced and challenging
Overall 8/10
Bang Bead
Bang Bead is a 1994 arcade puzzle game developed and published by SNK. It was ported to the Neo Geo AES and Neo Geo CD in 1995 and to the Neo Geo Pocket Color in 1999.
The game is played in an isometric perspective and features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges. The player controls a bead that must be guided through a series of obstacles and traps to reach the goal.
Bang Bead is known for its challenging gameplay and its unique control scheme. The player controls the bead by using a joystick to move it around the screen and by pressing buttons to rotate it. The bead can also be split into two smaller beads, which can be controlled independently.
This control scheme can be difficult to master, but it allows for a great deal of precision and control. The player must use their skills to navigate the bead through tight spaces and avoid traps.
The game features a variety of different power-ups that can be collected to help the player progress. These power-ups include things like speed boosts, shields, and the ability to shoot projectiles.
The game’s graphics are simple but effective. The levels are well-designed and the bead is animated smoothly. The music is also catchy and upbeat.
Overall, Bang Bead is a challenging and rewarding puzzle game. It is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Pros:
- Challenging gameplay
- Unique control scheme
- Variety of different power-ups
- Well-designed levels
- Catchy music
Overall: 8/10
Captain Tomaday (1999)
Captain Tomaday is a shoot-’em-up game released in 1999 for the Neo Geo and Dreamcast. It stars Captain Tomaday, a tomato-headed superhero who must fight off an invasion of eggplant aliens. The game is known for its cartoony graphics, humorous writing, and unique gameplay mechanics.
One of the things that sets Captain Tomaday apart from other shoot-’em-ups is its focus on close-quarters combat. Captain Tomaday can punch and kick his enemies in addition to shooting them, and he can also use his fists to deflect enemy projectiles. This gives the game a more dynamic and physical feel than many other shooters of the era.
Another unique feature of Captain Tomaday is its transformation system. Throughout the game, Captain Tomaday can collect capsules that will transform him into different forms, each with its own unique abilities. For example, one form gives Captain Tomaday the ability to fly, while another form allows him to shoot fireballs. This system adds a lot of variety to the gameplay and keeps things interesting from beginning to end.
Captain Tomaday is not without its flaws, however. The game’s visuals are a bit dated, and the gameplay can be repetitive at times. Additionally, the game’s difficulty can be quite challenging, especially for new players.
Overall, Captain Tomaday is a unique and enjoyable shoot-’em-up with a lot of charm. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s worth checking out for fans of the genre.
Pros:
- Unique gameplay mechanics
- Humorous writing
- Cartoony graphics
Overall: 7/10
Ganryu (1999)
Ganryu is a side-scrolling hack and slash action-platform game developed and published by Visco Corporation exclusively for the Neo Geo MVS. It is loosely based upon the battle of Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi on Ganryū-jima island against Sasaki Kojirō, who is also known as Sasaki Ganryū, hence the reasons for the abbreviated name of the game. In the game, players assume the role of either Musashi or Suzume on a journey to defeat a resurrected Kojirō and his legion of evil ninjas and monsters terrorizing Kyoto.
Ganryu is a fast-paced and challenging game that features a variety of different enemies, bosses, and platforming challenges. The game’s controls are responsive and the combat is satisfying. Players can chain together combos and use special attacks to take down their enemies.
The game’s visuals are bright and colorful, and the character designs are well-done. The music is also catchy and upbeat.
Ganryu is a solid action-platform game that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. It is a bit short, but it is still a fun and challenging experience.
Pros:
- Fast-paced and challenging gameplay
- Satisfying combat
- Bright and colorful visuals
- Catchy music
Goal! Goal! Goal!
Goal! Goal! Goal! is a football (soccer) video game developed by Visco and published by SNK in 1995 for the Neo Geo arcade system and Neo Geo CD home console. It is a simplified football World Cup, which consists of eliminating 7 teams to win the final victory. The first 3 are announced simulating a group stage prior to the direct elimination stage. The other 4, as part of that stage. In that second stage, all the classified selections are shown and which are advancing and which are staying along the way. Each match lasts 2 minutes, stopping the time each time the ball is not in play, contrary to the official rules of this sport.
The game was praised for its fast-paced and addictive gameplay, as well as its colorful graphics and upbeat music. However, some critics criticized the game’s lack of depth and realism.
Goal! Goal! Goal! was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was followed by two sequels, Goal! Goal! Goal! 2 (1996) and Goal! Goal! Goal! 3 (1998).
Goal! Goal! Goal! is a fun and addictive arcade football game that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is not the most realistic or deep football game ever made, but it is certainly one of the most enjoyable. The gameplay is fast-paced and easy to pick up, but difficult to master. The graphics are colorful and the music is upbeat.
If you are looking for a fun and challenging arcade football game, then I recommend checking out Goal! Goal! Goal!. It is a classic game that still holds up well today.
Pros:
- Simple to learn and play Soccer/Football gameplay
- Addicting
- Nice visuals
Overall: 8/10
Neo Drift Out: New Technology is a top-down racing game released in 1996 for the Neo Geo arcade system and Neo Geo CD home console. It is a sequel to the 1994 game Neo Drift Out, and features a number of new features, including updated graphics, new tracks, and new cars.
The game was generally well-received by critics, who praised its smooth gameplay, challenging AI opponents, and impressive graphics for the time. However, some critics criticized the game’s lack of modes and tracks, as well as its repetitive gameplay.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the game’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Smooth and responsive gameplay
- Challenging AI opponents
- Impressive graphics for the time
- Fun and addictive arcade racing action
Overall, Neo Drift Out: New Technology is a solid racing game that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is a bit dated by today’s standards, but it still holds up well as a fun and challenging arcade racer.
If you are a fan of retro racing games, or if you are simply looking for a fun and challenging arcade racer, then I recommend checking out Neo Drift Out: New Technology.
In Conclusion:
All of the games offer a good amount of fun, having something for everyone. Which for these kind of bundles is pretty good. The pricing felt fair for the trade off, as well as the introduction price tag for entry purchasers, and overtime if twenty dollars seems steep, you can adopt the game later on at a nice discount.
