Taito is a name many will be familiar with. Though their history technically extends back to the 1940s, it was their venture into video games in the 1970s with iconic titles such as Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble that really put them on the map. With so many classics under their belt, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn't at least heard of their games; surprisingly, however, not all of them were released in the West. One such game was the arcade classic Spica Adventure.
After being absent for over twenty years, Spica Adventure has finally been released worldwide for modern consoles and PC. The title is a remaster of the arcade version while also retaining the original experience within its packaging. Of course, the main difference here is that we do not need to keep inserting coins to play; instead, we can either put artificial limits in place or play to our heart's content.
With that being said, how is the game, and is it worth playing? Well, let's just say it won't take long for players to understand why it attracted such a following back in the day, because this one takes off at full speed from the moment you hit play—as all good arcade experiences should.
Choosing Your Play Style
Before actually starting a run of Spica Adventure, players get to choose what type of experience they would like. The new Standard Mode features a widescreen camera and allows the experience to be slightly customized. This includes how many continues you would like to start with, how much health the protagonist Nico has, and whether you would like to use the new modernized controls without needing to memorize button inputs for specific abilities. In addition to this, the difficulty can be modified to make enemies easier or harder, and there is also a stage select function—it is essentially the game's free-play mode, which allows players to not only practice to improve but also to quickly get back to stages to find hidden collectibles. Cheats that further alter the experience can also be unlocked by finding said collectibles, so there is plenty of reason to go back and look for them.
Outside of Standard, a Challenge Mode and Arcade Mode can also be selected from the main menu. Challenge Mode is your typical score attack gameplay mode, which defaults to the Normal settings while also retaining the widescreen camera and having multiple difficulty options to choose from. It is the mode that does not allow one to "cheat," though unlimited continues do exist at the cost of losing your score. Arcade Mode, on the other hand, is the pure original experience, with the original camera and in-between scenes that act as a tutorial. While it might not be apparent from a first glance, Spica Adventure is pretty in-depth, with a wide variety of abilities and moves to use. Arcade Mode ensures players know about the hidden mechanics that are key to progression, while all other modes leave it up to you to discover.
Nico and Her Parasol
After choosing a mode to play, players get to step into the shoes of Nico as she takes her parasol on an over-the-top trip through space! The game is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that contains a mixture of beat 'em up and shoot 'em up elements, along with the iconic draw of a collectathon. Players always start at the same first level, but after beating two stages and a boss, they can choose their next destination. With branching paths, Spica Adventure is designed with multiple playthroughs in mind, as some stages are significantly harder than others. Once in a stage, the core gameplay remains the same, but each level challenges you in a different, unique way.
Armed with her parasol, Nico has a surprisingly large moveset that must be taken full advantage of. The parasol can be used to poke at enemies, certainly, but full attack combos will unleash devastating damage and potentially launch enemies as well—turning them into deadly projectiles. She can also use it as a pogo stick or shove it into walls and the ground to launch herself in different directions. This is especially helpful when it comes to climbing walls or accessing hidden areas, but it can also be used to take out a line of enemies if timed correctly. Additionally, the parasol can slow Nico’s descent when falling or be used to catch air currents to fly through the air. This is more prevalent in "sky" based stages, but it is a feature that can be used at any time.
Along with the main moves, Nico can launch enemies into the air and shoot them with her parasol—yes, apparently it is also a gun—and she can shoot enemies ahead of her as well. It can also be used as a shield to block incoming attacks, and specific energy blasts can be turned into stars and shot back at enemies. This function is required to survive the Space Invaders themed stages of the game, which isn't something that is completely obvious when playing through on Normal. The same can be said for many of Nico’s moves, as many of them will simply be discovered by accident while playing—unless you start on Arcade Mode, that is.
While some could find it frustrating, it is honestly part of the fun, and it is always a great feeling when you discover something new that will help you with future runs.
A Kaleidoscope of Complete Chaos
The stages themselves are complete chaos, to say the least. Though bite-sized, each level is packed full of over-the-top enemies to slaughter, dozens of items to collect, and flowers to plant. The goal here is to do as much as possible within the time limit and then make it to the exit before a "terrifying" enemy shows up to end your run.
Killing enemies is pretty straightforward and can be handled in multiple ways, while the items themselves tend to be hidden everywhere and often require the full use of Nico’s abilities to reach. This includes launching her off walls, dashing through the air, and landing in just the right spot to break a false wall to get to the other side. While the full stage remains accessible as you progress, it truly is the time limit that forces you forward, especially after all enemies are extinguished and there is no longer an immediate threat of death.
The final collectible in each stage comes from planting flowers, which is done by walking over standard "square" spaces. This will happen naturally as you explore each level, but with all of the jumping and platforming required, don't be too surprised if you see a high number of flowers missing by the end. Thankfully, a counter at the top always reminds you how much is left in an area, so it is never a guessing game as to whether you have actually gotten everything before hitting that goal.
Outside of the collecting, the stages themselves are also wildly designed and packed full of what can only be described as a kaleidoscope of colors, with a great soundtrack to go along with it. This combination of hectic gameplay, bright colors, and catchy music is what makes Spica Adventure so addicting, and it clearly would have stopped anyone in their tracks as they walked by the original arcade cabinet.
For a home console release, it is important to understand that the game hasn't been expanded much beyond its arcade roots; it is still a title designed for quick play sessions rather than hour-long marathons. With it only taking about an hour or so to see the end of a run, it isn't the longest game out there, but that doesn't mean the branching paths of the 28 stages won't keep you coming back for more.
Should you play it?
Spica Adventure is pure arcade action bliss! With its kaleidoscope of colors, wacky enemy designs, and a surprisingly complex and satisfying combat system, it is easy to see why so many arcade-goers were addicted.
If you are someone who enjoys shorter experiences and loves shooting for the high score in classic-styled arcade games, then there is no reason not to give this one a chance. It is just... fun!
VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PlayStation 5
Review Copy was Provided
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