Taito Legends 2
A 2006 compilation of 43 Taito arcade games across three platforms.
Taito Legends 2 is a 2006 compilation of Taito arcade games developed and published by Empire Interactive. It was released for Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Microsoft Windows in Europe and Australia in March 2006, with North American versions arriving later. The collection is derived from the Japan-exclusive Taito Memories series and serves as a follow-up to Taito Legends.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Empire Interactive (Xbox, Win); Mine Loader Software (PS2)
- Publisher
- Empire Interactive (PAL); Destineer (NA)
- Platforms
- Xbox
- PlayStation 2
- Windows
- Released
- 30 March 2006 (AUS)
- 31 March 2006 (EU)
- 16 May 2007 (PS2) (NA)
- 10 July 2007 (Win) (NA)
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Games
Each version of Taito Legends 2 contains 39 games, with 43 total across all platforms. Balloon Bomber, G-Darius, RayStorm, and Syvalion are exclusive to the PlayStation 2 version, while Bubble Symphony, Cadash, Pop'n Pop, and RayForce are exclusive to the PC and Xbox versions. The Western release draws its titles from the Japanese Taito Memories series; Pop'n Pop is the only game not previously included in that series, though a standalone PlayStation port had been released in Japan. The North American PS2 version replaces Puzzle Bobble 2 with Bust-a-Move Again and includes loading screens in RayStorm and G-Darius, with the latter featuring full motion video for its intro, ending, and some cutscenes.
Reception
The Windows and Xbox versions received favorable reviews on Metacritic, while the PlayStation 2 version received average reviews. Critics cited a large number of obscure and filler titles from the Japanese Taito Memories collections that were little known in the U.S., with GameSpot stating there was nothing legendary about most of the old arcade games. Unresponsive, flipped, and clunky controls were also criticized. Kristan Reed of Eurogamer offered a more positive view, noting that the package had better presentation than its predecessor, with games sorted chronologically and useful options. Some reviewers compared the compilation unfavorably to the Sega Genesis Collection and criticized its lack of bonus content beyond instruction panels viewable in the main menu and during gameplay.
More in Taito Games of the 2000s
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