Taito Milestones 4 Review: Celebrating Arcade Classics on Nintendo Switch
The Taito Milestones 4 collection marks another successful entry in the ongoing effort to preserve and reintroduce the legendary developer's rich legacy of arcade hits for a new generation.
Released for Nintendo Switch and published globally by Clear River Games, this latest compilation continues the series’ tradition of curating ten classic titles, offering both familiar fan favorites and deep cuts from Taito’s prolific history.
For the first time in the West, Clear River Games takes over publishing duties from ININ, a move that maintains the core features while subtly impacting physical release availability and regional pricing. As with previous Taito Milestones releases, players can expect a streamlined user experience: a straightforward game selection menu and slightly simplified adaptations of Hamster’s Arcade Archives line.
Users retain access to key Arcade Archives features such as custom display settings, configurable controls, online leaderboards, and digital manuals.
Each game comes as a single-regional version and omits popular Score Attack and Caravan modes, distinguishing it from individual Arcade Archives releases.
However, USB mouse support remains present for several arcade originals that featured dial and trackball controls, opening new ways to play classic titles like Arkanoid, Sylvalion, and Cameltry.
Notably, the collection does not currently support Nintendo's mouse mode introduced for Switch 2.
All games allow saving and include helpful gameplay manuals, ensuring accessibility for both long-time fans and newcomers. Taito Milestones 4's lineup spans a vibrant cross-section of genres and eras, from the water-skiing action of Water Ski (1983) to the beat ’em up mayhem of The Ninja Kids (1990).
Standouts include: - **Arkanoid (1986):** This iconic brick-breaker innovates on Atari’s Breakout formula, adding power-ups, unique enemy characters, and complex stage designs (some of which have been adjusted here for legal reasons). - **Bonze Adventure (1988):** A whimsical side-scrolling platformer where players navigate haunted environments as a spell-casting monk, offering secret-packed stages and approachable challenge. - **Don Doko Don (1989):** Drawing inspiration from Bubble Bobble, this elimination platformer is best enjoyed in co-op, combining fun enemy design with classic arcade power-ups. - **Cameltry (1989):** Players guide a marble through rotating mazes, leveraging mouse or stick controls to reach the goal in this creatively odd and satisfying title. - **Typhoon Gal (1985), Field Day (1984), Kurikinton (1988), Sylvalion (1988), and Water Ski (1983):** Each showcases Taito’s knack for unusual gameplay mechanics and genre experimentation, from martial arts battles to inventive sports events. While some fans may wish for more robust options or wider localization, the value of Taito Milestones 4 lies in exposing players to obscure gems and rediscovering arcade staples.
The convenience of having ten well-emulated classics in one physical or digital package—especially with leaderboard support and control enhancements—underscores Taito and Hamster’s commitment to video game preservation. Tested on the Nintendo Switch and provided by Clear River Games, this collection scores highly for accessibility and variety.
Whether you are a dedicated retro gaming enthusiast or simply seeking curated nostalgia, Taito Milestones 4 makes it easy to experience the craftsmanship that solidified Taito’s legendary status in arcade history.
Try it for the hits, stay for the hidden treasures.
Released for Nintendo Switch and published globally by Clear River Games, this latest compilation continues the series’ tradition of curating ten classic titles, offering both familiar fan favorites and deep cuts from Taito’s prolific history.
For the first time in the West, Clear River Games takes over publishing duties from ININ, a move that maintains the core features while subtly impacting physical release availability and regional pricing. As with previous Taito Milestones releases, players can expect a streamlined user experience: a straightforward game selection menu and slightly simplified adaptations of Hamster’s Arcade Archives line.
Users retain access to key Arcade Archives features such as custom display settings, configurable controls, online leaderboards, and digital manuals.
Each game comes as a single-regional version and omits popular Score Attack and Caravan modes, distinguishing it from individual Arcade Archives releases.
However, USB mouse support remains present for several arcade originals that featured dial and trackball controls, opening new ways to play classic titles like Arkanoid, Sylvalion, and Cameltry.
Notably, the collection does not currently support Nintendo's mouse mode introduced for Switch 2.
All games allow saving and include helpful gameplay manuals, ensuring accessibility for both long-time fans and newcomers. Taito Milestones 4's lineup spans a vibrant cross-section of genres and eras, from the water-skiing action of Water Ski (1983) to the beat ’em up mayhem of The Ninja Kids (1990).
Standouts include: - **Arkanoid (1986):** This iconic brick-breaker innovates on Atari’s Breakout formula, adding power-ups, unique enemy characters, and complex stage designs (some of which have been adjusted here for legal reasons). - **Bonze Adventure (1988):** A whimsical side-scrolling platformer where players navigate haunted environments as a spell-casting monk, offering secret-packed stages and approachable challenge. - **Don Doko Don (1989):** Drawing inspiration from Bubble Bobble, this elimination platformer is best enjoyed in co-op, combining fun enemy design with classic arcade power-ups. - **Cameltry (1989):** Players guide a marble through rotating mazes, leveraging mouse or stick controls to reach the goal in this creatively odd and satisfying title. - **Typhoon Gal (1985), Field Day (1984), Kurikinton (1988), Sylvalion (1988), and Water Ski (1983):** Each showcases Taito’s knack for unusual gameplay mechanics and genre experimentation, from martial arts battles to inventive sports events. While some fans may wish for more robust options or wider localization, the value of Taito Milestones 4 lies in exposing players to obscure gems and rediscovering arcade staples.
The convenience of having ten well-emulated classics in one physical or digital package—especially with leaderboard support and control enhancements—underscores Taito and Hamster’s commitment to video game preservation. Tested on the Nintendo Switch and provided by Clear River Games, this collection scores highly for accessibility and variety.
Whether you are a dedicated retro gaming enthusiast or simply seeking curated nostalgia, Taito Milestones 4 makes it easy to experience the craftsmanship that solidified Taito’s legendary status in arcade history.
Try it for the hits, stay for the hidden treasures.
