Batsugun, FixEight, Tiger Heli, and Vimana coming to PC on February 1
Part of Bitwave Games' Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Collection Vol. 3.
Bitwave Games will release PC versions of Toaplan classic shoot ’em up games Batsugun, FixEight, Tiger Heli, and Vimana on February 1 via Steam and GOG, the developer announced.
Here is an overview of the four games, via their Steam pages:
Batsugun (Steam)
About
The final chapter in toaplan’s shoot ’em up saga.
Set out on a breathtaking journey with Batsugun, Toaplan’s shoot ’em up swansong! Choose your hero from a roster of six charismatic pilots and three distinctive ship types, each brimming with personality. Immerse yourself in a world of dazzling graphics, devastating firepower, and an enchanting soundtrack, creating a sensory experience you won’t soon forget. The accessible gameplay ensures that seasoned veterans and newcomers alike can revel in the unmatched thrill of victory!
In addition, the rebalanced Batsugun Special is also included, and features a visual overhaul with new colors and altered enemy behavior. A smaller hitbox and a shield protecting the ship from one hit, makes it easier which is needed as the barrage of enemy projectiles ups the ante for the true bullet hell factor. Batsugun Special introduces multiple loops, increasing difficulty with each completion. Can you master all four loops?
“As we prepare to launch with the Skull Hornets, our mission stands clear: overthrow the oppressive regime of King Renoselva A. Gladebaran VII. The path ahead is fraught with adrenaline-pumping battles and perilous missions. Our comrades and I are eager, but the question lingers: can we restore liberty to our people and emerge victorious?”
Original Game Features
- Embark on an enthralling sci-fi adventure where every encounter feels like a mini-boss battle at minimum, demanding your utmost vigilance to survive.
- Unleash mighty weapons like the Sky Mirage, Dragon’s Whisper, and Judgement Flash to eradicate enemy threats.
- Boost your firepower with experience points from defeated enemies.
- Immerse yourself in the captivating space melodies of Yoshitatsu Sakai.
Quality of Life Improvements
- Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame.
- Quick Save using F1-F10, Reload with Shift+ F1-F10.
- Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays.
- Instrument panels with extra gameplay information and artwork.
- Rewind the game between 10 to 18 minutes, depending on the action.
- Capture sharable replays to immortalize your interstellar victories (or funny moments).
- Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates.
- Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure.
- Pixel perfect or full-screen scaling in windowed or full-screen mode.
- Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments.
- Steam Achievements.
- Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input.
- Hone your skills in the ultra customizable practice mode!
FixEight (Steam)
About
Team up for one helluva challenge.
Head out on an unforgettable adventure in Toaplan’s FixEight, the spiritual successor to Out Zone. Pick your favorite hero from eight exceptional super soldiers, personalize them for ultimate freedom, and brave seven different hells. Immerse yourself in the heightened excitement, immersive storytelling, and awe-inspiring explosions that redefined the run-and-gun genre back in 1992!
“In the fateful year HC109, humanity faces an unprecedented threat as omnipotent “Gods” from another dimension launch relentless assaults. In a last-ditch effort for survival, the Galactic Federation frees imprisoned super warriors and dispatches them on a dangerous mission: to eliminate these omnipotent beings and their formidable Heavy Infantry Corps on the enigmatic planet Fortune…”
Original Game Features
- Teamwork Triumphs – Choose your champion from eight exceptional super soldiers, each with their unique style, and team up with friends for thrilling three-player cooperative action.
- Mission: Possible! – Conquer seven intense levels, battling relentless foes and racing against time with precise controls.
- Wonder Weapons – Arm your character with distinct super weapons featuring directional attacks and game-changing Specials. Boost your firepower with collectible items to unleash devastating attacks!
Quality of Life Improvements
- Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame.
- Quick Save using F1-F10, Reload with Shift+ F1-F10.
- Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays.
- Instrument panels with extra gameplay information and artwork.
- Rewind the game between 10-to 18 minutes, depending on the action.
- Capture sharable replays to immortalize your interstellar victories (or funny moments).
- Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates.
- Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure.
- Pixel perfect or full-screen scaling in windowed or full-screen mode.
- Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments.
- Steam Achievements.
- Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input.
- Hone your skills in the ultra-customizable practice mode!
Tiger Heli (Steam)
About
Fly the ultimate stealth jetcopter!
Tiger-Heli marked a revolutionary moment in 1985 as Toaplan’s pioneering bomb-based vertical shooter, a true innovator of its time. Despite its unassuming appearance, its lifelike gameplay resonated with fans, earning widespread acclaim in Japan and around the globe. Its legacy lived on through Twin Cobra, released just two years later, and even today it remains a cherished gem among retro gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
“Under the relentless onslaught of a war-mongering nation, we face a dire and final stand at sunrise. These fanatics are resolute in their mission to conquer all they encounter, and thus far, they have triumphed in this brutal conflict.”
Original Game Features
- Experience the game that laid the foundation for vertical bomb-shooters, a timeless piece of retro gaming gold.
- Collect various items and power-ups to bolster your arsenal, including health, cluster bombs, and nimble mini-jetcopters to secure victory.
- Hunt for bonus points by targeting hidden spots and blazing race cars. Keep your eyes peeled to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Quality of Life Improvements
- Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame.
- Quick Save using F1-F10, Reload with Shift+ F1-F10.
- Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays.
- Instrument panels with extra gameplay information and artwork.
- Rewind the game between 10 to 18 minutes, depending on the action.
- Capture sharable replays to immortalize your interstellar victories (or funny moments).
- Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates.
- Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure.
- Pixel perfect or full-screen scaling in windowed or full-screen mode.
- Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments.
- Steam Achievements.
- Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input.
- Hone your skills in the ultra customizable practice mode!
Vimana (Steam)
About
There is no escape!
Toaplan’s Vimana invites you to a thrilling space showdown! This vertical shooter boasts breathtaking graphics, an epic soundtrack, and a captivating journey through Indian mythology. Crush your foes with mighty shots and utilize eight rotating shield orbs for ultimate defense. With accessible controls, players of all skill levels can dive into Vimana’s exhilarating action!
“A once prosperous planet has been devoured by madness. Only a few righteous souls remain. They must restore peace to their world by reviving the sacred fighter craft Vimana in its holy temple. Go forth, Vimana! Restore peace to us all!”
Original Game Features
- No Sweat, All Thrill – Enjoy simple controls and an exciting challenge level for non-stop fun!
- Team Up – Take on malicious space pests with a friend in co-op mode for double the excitement!
- Shoot with Style – Unleash barrages of wide-ranging shots and harness the power of eight rotating shield orbs to wreak havoc!
- Get Mythical – Immerse yourself in an enchanting world filled with vibrant elements from Indian culture and Sanskrit epics!
- Groove It Out – Pump up the volume and groove to the spectacular soundtrack by Toshiaki Tomizawa!
Quality of Life Improvements
- Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame.
- Quick Save using F1-F10, Reload with Shift+ F1-F10.
- Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays.
- Instrument panels with extra gameplay information and artwork.
- Rewind the game between 10 to 18 minutes, depending on the action.
- Capture sharable replays to immortalize your interstellar victories (or funny moments).
- Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates.
- Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure.
- Pixel perfect or full-screen scaling in windowed or full-screen mode.
- Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments.
- Steam Achievements.
- Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input.
- Hone your skills in the ultra customizable practice mode!
Watch the announcement trailer below.