Trigger Fingers at The Ready:Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.3 Is Available Now!

Bitwave Games, a video game developer and publisher specialising in retro entertainment and part of Embracer Freemode, announced today that Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.3, the third volume of legendary shooters from the masters at Toaplan is available to purchase via Steam and GOG starting today.

A new collection of arcade classics, Vol.3 is arguably the most exciting yet, featuring four of the finest ‘Shmups, certain to be loved by genre fans and newcomers alike.

Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.3 once again provides gamers with an unmissable library of arcade hits, delivering the authenticity craved by franchise fans while simultaneously introducing thoughtful quality of life features.

Featuring on Vol.3, the titles are as follows:

Tiger-Heli – A revolutionary release from 1985, this pioneering bomb-based vertical shooter was a true innovator of its time. Earning widespread acclaim in Japan and around the globe. Its legacy lived on through Twin Cobra, released just two years later, and remains a cherished gem among retro gaming enthusiasts worldwide.

Batsugun / Batsugun Special – 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, as you immerse yourself in a world of dazzling graphics, devastating firepower, and an enchanting soundtrack. The accessible gameplay ensures that seasoned veterans and newcomers alike can revel in the unmatched thrill of victory! In addition to the normal version of the game, the rebalanced and extremely rare Batsugun Special is also included as an additional extra. First shown at the Japanese arcade show AOU in 1994 but never officially released in the arcades, this version features a visual overhaul with different colour schemes and altered enemy behaviour. A smaller hitbox and a shield protecting the ship from one hit makes the game easier, much needed to protect against the barrage of enemy projectiles. Batsugun Special adds multiple loops, meaning if you complete the game, it will start again in a new loop with a higher difficulty, can you master all four loops?

FixEight – Head out on an unforgettable adventure in Toaplan’s FixEight, the spiritual successor to Out Zone. Pick your favourite hero from eight exceptional super soldiers, personalise 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-‘n-gun genre back in 1992. FixEight supports up to three players locally or online to take the fight to the enemy hordes as a team!

Vimana – 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 defence. With accessible controls, players of all skill levels can dive into Vimana’s exhilarating action!

As found in the previous two volumes of Toaplan classics, the third volume again delivers numerous quality-of-life improvements, enhancing the action for modern gamers, without altering the finely tuned balance which made the original coin-ups so much fun to play. From minimal input lag and pixel perfect or full screen scaling, to quick save, practice mode and Steam Achievements, Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.3 is accessible for all gamers. In addition, Mirror Mode has once again been included, providing a whole new challenge for seasoned gamers.

Additional features include:
Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame
Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays
Instrument panels with extra gameplay information and artwork
Rewind the game between 10-18 minutes, depending on the action
Experience the game in Mirror Mode
Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates
Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure
Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments
Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input
Hone your skills in the ultra-customizable practice mode

Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.3 is available now on Steam and GOG.