Man, I like what Arc System Works is doing right now. It’s staying devoted to its fan base with brawlers like Guilty Gear Strive. But, at the same time, it’s paying tribute to classics with continuous retro compilations, like Double Dragon Collection. It’s literally the best of both worlds, knowing who your fans are and catering to them. With that, Super Technos World is likely to do the same, even with its strange, frustrating choices.
The compilation features eleven games in all (well, twelve, but two are practically identical), and most of them are a hit. It’s great playing through the awesome Kunio’s Dodgeball Time, getting a first general console release here. And other favorites are also back on the surface, including the tough Xain’d Sleena and the curiously cool China Gate.
That said, Super Technos World is far from perfect. Two of the better RPG games – SugoroQuest++ and DunQuest – lack any kind of U.S. translation. That means unless you have Google Translate on hand, you’ll likely never touch either of them. Also, there’s hardly any historic notes here about each game, nor any interviews. It would’ve been great to get insight into the creation of Shadow Force and China Gate, personally.
But if you can forgive those hefty oversights, Super Technos World has merit. The options are plentiful, letting you play however you wish. And some games are absolute bangers here, particularly the returning Shadow Force and River City Renegade. Plus the emulation is done pretty well to boot. They’re not all bangers, but this World has quite a bit to offer for die-hard fans and casual players.
Prepare To Enter Super Technos World
The collection features the following twelve games:
- River City Renegade
- Kunio’s Dodgeball Time
- Downtown River City Baseball Story
- Kunio’s Oden
- Super Dodge Ball
- The Combatribes (arcade)
- The Combatribes (SNES)
- SugoroQuest++
- DunQuest
- Xain’d Sleena
- China Gate
- Shadow Force
That sounds like a lot for your $30 purchase, but keep some things in mind.
First, the two versions of The Combatribes are practically the same, due to the great SNES port. But they’re both fun, especially if you involve other players into the mix.
And, as I mentioned above, both SugoroQuest++ and DunQuest lack U.S. translation. That means, unless you’re privy in overseas language, you won’t get very far in the games at all. That’s too bad, because I would’ve loved to play them to see what stories they offer.
Now, if you’re a River City fan, you’ll be in heaven here. Along with the awesome River City Renegade, you get Dodgeball Time and Baseball Story. While not the most memorable entries in each genre, they are a good deal of fun.
I really enjoyed Xain’d Sleena, known in some parts as Solar Warrior. It’s a tough-as-nails shooter, but a good one. Likewise, it was great seeing China Gate again, along with the arcade version of Super Dodge Ball.
The gem of the collection for me, however, is Shadow Force. This is a beat-em-up that has been gone for years, only to return in stellar form here. Super Double Dragon it ain’t, but it’s great nevertheless.
The games definitely add value here, especially if you’re a fan of older Technos stuff. However, I would’ve liked more historical details to add weight to the package. Interviews, more behind-the-scenes stuff, anything. As it stands, you do have some decent options, but I think more was needed.
As it stands, however, Super Technos World is a neat little portal back in time. I just wish the decision to translate the two bigger RPG’s went more in our favor. Grrrr.
How Does Super Technos World Perform?
When it comes to presentation, Super Technos World isn’t bad.
The menus look plain, but it makes it relatively easy to access options and games with little problems. Plus the emulation is done significantly well, especially on older titles like China Gate and Xain’d Sleena. I did see hints of slowdown here and there, but I have a feeling the original games had that already. Plus the extra options let you heighten the experience to your liking.
Audio is okay, as far as the games go. Like I said, some in-game music is terrific, while a few sound effects leave much to be desired. But overall, they sound just like the classic games, and that’s all we need.
So, yeah, a fun little package that lets you play whatever you wish. I just hope that, with the next collection, we get more historical context.
You’ll Get Plenty From This World
Super Technos World could’ve been so much more. Had the two big RPG games been translated, and some other historical goodies included, it would’ve been unbeatable. As it stands, however, it’s a solid collection. We see some gems bubbling back to the surface here, and no doubt River City fans will like what they find.
I still recommend this collection, flaws and all, if only because it’s important to pay homage to history like this. That and, well, Shadow Force rocks my socks. How could it not.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to Arc System Works for providing a review code! The game is available now on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam!
Need more retro collection goodness? Check out our review of Riki 8Bit Game Collection!
