The video game industry has seen many companies rise and fall, but some have managed to carve out a nostalgic niche by reviving the classic titles that defined their legacy. Sunsoft is one such company that has left an indelible mark on the annals of video gaming history. The Japanese gaming giant was a dominant force during the era of 8-bit and 16-bit games, with contributions spanning across popular platforms such as the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis / Mega Drive. Despite struggling during the transition to more advanced 32- and 64-bit systems, Sunsoft has endured, continuing to captivate gamers by re-introducing its classic library through licensed products. A quintessential example of this is the Sunsoft Collection 1 for Evercade.
The Sunsoft Collection 1 boasts an eclectic mix of six games that underline the developer's impact on gaming. The set features the NES favorites such as Mr. Gimmick and Blaster Master, alongside the Game Boy's Blaster Master Boy, the SNES's Aero the Acro-Bat, the NES's Journey To Silius, and Arabian, also from the NES catalogue. Each game presents its own allure, drawing in enthusiasts with a blend of unique gameplay and historic significance.
Blaster Master, an exceptional representative of Sunsoft's genius, offers a compelling non-linear action platformer experience. The game challenges players with intricate level designs that necessitate revisiting previous sections—a novel concept at the time of its release. Its innovative mechanics have secured its status as a quintessential NES game and its inclusion in this collection a celebrated choice.
Blaster Master Boy presents an intriguing case of branding creativity. Originally a sequel to the Bomberman spin-off, RoboWarrior, the game was rebranded to capitalize on Blaster Master's success, despite being quite distinct in gameplay. While it doesn't reach the heights of essential gaming experiences, it remains an enjoyable detour, primarily for its connection to the Bomberman universe.
The inclusion of Mr. Gimmick is particularly noteworthy due to its scarcity. Released outside Japan exclusively in Scandinavia, its difficulty level is notorious, yet it remains beloved for its stunning visual art and exceptional soundtrack. Those with a passion for challenging games will find Mr. Gimmick a rewardingly arduous journey.
Journey To Silius, steeped in the lore of a failed Terminator license, turned out to be a robust run-and-gun platformer that boasts an impressive aural experience. This game is ready for a resurgence and earns its place in this collection with every pulse-pounding moment.
Aero the Acro-Bat is Sunsoft's foray into the mascot platformer genre, attempting to compete with the likes of Mario and Sonic. Though it doesn't quite reach the stratospheric success of those franchises, Aero the Acro-Bat incorporates clever ideas, providing a glimpse into an alternate timeline of mascot stardom.
Arabian, known as Super Arabian in its Japanese Famicom release, rounds off the collection with its unique single-screen platform gameplay. Players must navigate and collect magic pots in sequence while dodging persistent enemies. Simples in concept, Arabian offers a historic glimpse into a different era of gaming and represents the game's first Western release in physical form.
Regrettably, the absence of the iconic Sunsoft Batman titles is felt, their exclusion due to expired licensure. Additionally, with the breadth of Sunsoft's catalog, the collection could have benefitted from a broader selection. Nonetheless, Sunsoft Collection 1 offers a compelling proposition to retro gaming aficionados and serves as an invitation to a bygone era where these titles originally captivated imaginations globally.
The magic of Sunsoft Collection 1 lies in its capacity to bridge generations of gamers. For veterans, it's a trip down memory lane, a chance to relive the challenges and joys of their gaming youth. Newcomers are given an opportunity to appreciate the evolution of video games through hands-on experience with classics that have shaped the industry's present. This compilation stands as a testament to Sunsoft's influential contributions to gaming culture and secures its position within the modern-day collectors' sphere, promising enjoyment and possibly inspiring future classics inspired by the treasured games of yesteryear.
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