Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Collection Vol. 1 publisher Bitwave has just announced an update for the collection which comes loaded with changes and fixes – as well as a new introduction sequence for the arcade version of Zero Wing.

Zero Wing is famous for its 'All Your Base' meme, but that was only ever present in the European release of the Mega Drive port – there is no introduction present in the original coin-op edition. However, Bitwave has fixed this by creating a new introduction based on the Mega Drive game, sporting new hand-drawn artwork.

Bitwave has done more than just add an intro sequence, however; it has also moved to tackle some of the issues highlighted by hardcore Toaplan fans. These include fixing bugs and adding support for various control options.

It was flagged by STG Super Player Jaimers, a regular resident of the genre-specific forum shmups.system11.org, that the Toaplan Arcade Shoot-em-Up Collection Vol.1 featured a number of accuracy issues on release.

Since the package still provides countless hours of genuinely great gaming, as well as a host of superb on-board options and extremely minimal input lag, we won’t be adjusting our score as yet. However, while it takes a super player with extensive knowledge of the original arcade games to be able to spot the issues, we remain concerned by many of the inaccuracies present in the port, and reached out to publisher Bitwave for comment. They responded:

“There's a patch coming this week, and it will fix some of the issues that have been pointed out… I assure you that we're listening to the feedback and will try to fix it as much as possible. These games are as important to us as they are to the fans and the community, and our only intention is to treat them with the uttermost respect. After the release of the patch, we'll continue to go through all of the feedback, evaluate it, and implement necessary changes.”

However, it should be noted that many of the inaccuracy issues still persist, and as such, diehard purists may want to hold off until there is news that, for great justice, all the kinks have been ironed out. We will update you accordingly!

The full patch notes are below:

Zero Wing

  • Intro cutscene added: Choose either the English or Japanese version
  • Steam Controller Refresh: Fixes for Xbox controller, added support for Xbox 360 controller, fix for 8bitdo arcade stick RT/LT
  • Steam Input Fire: Fire Button (without auto fire) is now functional
  • Raw Input Button Icons: We’ve begun adding additional button icons for known controller types
  • Japanese language set by default if the system language is Japanese (unless saved in the config file)
  • Death counter: Fixed detection of player death
  • Reset the game from the main menu

Out Zone

  • Steam Controller Refresh: Fixes for Xbox controller, added support for Xbox 360 controller, fix for 8bitdo arcade stick RT/LT
  • Steam Input Fire: Fire Button (without auto fire) is now functional
  • Raw Input Button Icons: We’ve begun adding additional button icons for known controller types.
  • Japanese language set by default if the system language is Japanese (unless saved in the config file)
  • Death counter: Fixed detection of player death
  • Fixed cases of missing background art.
  • 1CC / 2CC co-op achievements fixed
  • Changed music order for Out Zone normal
  • Reset the game from the main menu‍

Truxton

  • Steam Controller Refresh: Fixes for Xbox controller, added support for Xbox 360 controller, fix for 8bitdo arcade stick RT/LT
  • Steam Input Fire: Fire Button (without auto fire) is now functional
  • Raw Input Button Icons: We’ve begun adding additional button icons for known controller types.
  • Japanese language set by default if the system language is Japanese (unless saved in the config file)
  • Boss 18 Achievement: Fixed wrong test for completion of Boss 18
  • Extra Life Setting: Fixed values in wrong order
  • Fixed extra life setting in game menu
  • Reset the game from the main menu

Twin Cobra

  • Steam Controller Refresh: Fixes for Xbox controller, added support for Xbox 360 controller, fix for 8bitdo arcade stick RT/LT
  • Steam Input Fire: Fire Button (without auto fire) is now functional
  • Raw Input Button Icons: We’ve begun adding additional button icons for known controller types
  • Japanese language set by default if the system language is Japanese (unless saved in the config file)
  • Wide Mode: Restored wide mode positioning after death in Kyuukyoku Tiger
  • Fixed extra life setting in game menu
  • Reset the game from the main menu

We awarded the collection an impressive 8/10 in our review, saying:

While Toaplan Arcade Collection’s appeal is somewhat limited to pre-existing fans, shooting game diehards, and those with an affinity for everything retro, it’s undoubtedly a package that delivers for those audiences. Although the external presentation won’t win any awards and the menu font feels oddly amateurish, it’s the attention to detail that makes this collection work. In addition to being salient examples of Toaplan’s formative years, the port quality and bevy of adjustable options is top-notch, especially where input lag is concerned. If your trigger thumbs are twitching at the prospect, it’s a comfortable recommendation.