The cool thing about some of these smaller game companies is that they choose to explore and celebrate gaming history, rather than take it for granted. We’re seeing a lot more game releases that lift up forgotten titles for a new generation to enjoy. That includes Spica Adventure, a long-lost Taito Japanese arcade game that’s now available for major consoles alongside the Bubble Bobble sequel Parasol Stars. (You can buy it separately as well, if you wish.)
The game is built on a simple platforming concept. You’re Nico, a little girl with a magical parasol, working her way across a number of danger-filled worlds. But it’s here that you’ll discover some unique play mechanics, one that not only build up fun results, but interesting combo techniques. You can also use the parasol for platforming purposes, including gliding and floating across great distances.
Spica Adventure looks really simple, but there’s something charming about the way it’s presented. It looks like a winner with its old-school visuals and bouncy, vibrant soundtrack. And it plays well enough that both dedicated and rookie players alike will get plenty from it.
Some pay balk at the $20 price tag, but you’re getting a fine piece of history here. Spica Adventure shows off Taito in its prime, with ININ Games respecting the material and treating it right. It may not be as instantly recognizable as, say, Elevator Action, but give Spica Adventure a try. It’s a sweet little surprise.
Spica Adventure Brings the Gameplay
Nico is a little girl who finds herself on a journey through space, taking on some abnormal dangers along the way. But she’s more than prepared for it, thanks to the magic of her parasol. That’s right, an umbrella. And it works wonders.
One of the cool things about the long-lost Taito arcade game Spica Adventure is how playable it remains after all these years. I had such a ball getting into this title, working out the techniques with your parasol and also using it for platforming techniques. This includes floating and gliding, making it useful for getting across areas or making precision landings. There are also extensive combat skills to take advantage of.
The game features 28 levels, and it’ll take you a pretty good while to get through them all. Outside of that, there is value with the replay, particularly with just enjoying the old-school bliss of Taito. I do wish more historical features were included, divulging the history of this title and why it didn’t get a chance in the U.S. arcade market.
But as it stands, this is an arcade treasure that certainly deserves the unearthing. It plays really nicely, and offers something to both skilled and newcomer gamers alike. It’s very rare you find a title with that kind of approachable vibe, so, yeah. Spica Adventure just works for us.
Spica Adventures Has Plenty of Beautiful Color and…Zuntata?
This little adventure also serves its purpose when it comes to presentation.
First up, the colorful design of Spica Adventure is undeniable. This thing looks like a treasure through and through. Between its colorful backdrops, its cute animations (the enemies are even adorable) and its smooth pace, everything just looks like a fever dream from the classic Taito days. If you’re a fan, you’ll immediately pick up from its infectious vibes.
For good measure, the sound is also excellent. That’s mainly due to the dedicated soundtrack from Zuntata, catching that Bubble Bobble energy to near perfection. I’m also a fan of the “cute” sound effects, which complement Nico’s heroic actions.
Taito covered this territory well with its arcade games. And it’s great to see and hear it in action with Spica Adventure.
Spica Adventure Up Your Life
Though a bit pricey at $20 (you can buy a combo package with Parasol Stars to save a few bucks), Spica Adventure is a fine piece of gaming history. It shows Taito in its prime, with simplistic yet highly enjoyable gameplay and a presentation that definitely brings the “cute.” And there’s plenty to do, a surprise for an “arcade” title.
I do hope we see more great Taito games like this get their due. The Taito Milestones releases are obviously terrific, but standalones don’t hurt either. Fingers crossed that Pu-Li-Ru-La gets this treatment.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to ININ Games for providing us with a review code! Spica Adventure is available now for Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation.
