Toaplan Arcade Garage: Flying Fire Shark!!! Arrives West
The Western release of Flying Fire Shark!!!: Toaplan Arcade Garage, known in Japan as Hishou Same! Same! Same!, is set for August 29 on PlayStation 4 and Switch. This collection, developed by the esteemed M2, brings two foundational vertical scrolling shoot 'em ups from Toaplan's influential lineage to a broader audience, a welcome development for fans of the genre's golden era. Toaplan's contributions to the shmup genre, particularly with titles like Flying Shark, established many conventions that later developers, including those at Compile and Cave, would refine.
Clear River Games will publish this collection, which first saw release in Japan on April 28, 2022. Both digital and physical editions will be available, with physical pre-orders already open through the Clear River Games online store. This marks a significant moment for Western enthusiasts who appreciate the meticulous work M2 applies to arcade preservation.
M2's Careful Preservation
The Shark series, created by the legendary Japanese studio Toaplan, holds a critical place in the history of shoot 'em up games. Flying Shark (1987), known for its straightforward rules and finely tuned difficulty, had a profound impact on vertical scrolling shmups. Its sequel, Fire Shark (1989), captivated arcade players with its expansive weaponry and destructive action.
This collection includes an authentic "Arcade Mode" that faithfully recreates the original, challenging gameplay. For those new to the genre, a "Super Easy Mode" allows for a more accessible experience. M2's commitment to player support is evident in the "gadgets" displayed on the screen's periphery. These M2 gadgets provide real-time information, such as enemy spawn locations from blind spots, hidden feature placements, and upcoming item details, all designed to help players improve their chances of survival against intense barrages.
Beyond the Arcade Cabinet
The Toaplan Arcade Garage also features the popular Arcade Challenge mode, a staple of M2 ShotTriggers releases. This mode divides each stage into smaller areas for focused training, complemented by a rewind function to make practice more efficient. The goal is to help players achieve a one-credit clear, a significant accomplishment in the shmup community.
Beyond the core Flying Shark and Fire Shark arcade titles, the physical edition of Flying Fire Shark!!!: Toaplan Arcade Garage includes substantial downloadable content. This content offers the console versions of Flying Shark for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Mega Drive, alongside Fire Shark for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Genesis. The inclusion of these console ports provides a valuable historical context, allowing players to compare the arcade experience with its home system adaptations.
Additional Toaplan Classics
The downloadable content further expands with Wardner, an arcade action platformer from 1987. In Wardner, players use fire magic to navigate an insidious forest, defeat enemies, and ultimately rescue a young girl transformed into a crystal ball by the evil boss Wardner. This addition offers a different genre experience from Toaplan's diverse arcade output.
As a special bonus, Teki-Paki, Toaplan's 1991 arcade puzzle hit, will be included as a free download for anyone who has purchased any Toaplan Arcade Garage game. This match-five title, despite its apparent simplicity, offers exceptionally tricky gameplay. Its gritty industrial techno soundtrack provides a distinct atmosphere, encouraging players to climb online leaderboards. For those seeking to refine their skills, the game allows players to download and watch elite gameplay sessions from top-ranked players, offering a direct path to mastering complex strategies. The real story here is M2's dedication to not only preserving the games themselves but also providing tools for players to engage with them at a high level, fostering a deeper appreciation for these classic designs.
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Originally announced by PlayStation Blog · first reported by Gematsu.
