Riki 8Bit Game Collection review

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The RIKI 8bit Game Collection isn’t so much a traditional video game as it is a unique work of audiovisual art. It leverages the medium of retro-modern, fast-paced 8-bit media (reminiscent of games like WarioWare or Game & Watch, but set within an 1980s Japanese arcade environment) to showcase a clever compilation of exceptional chiptune music. This audio-visual spectacle is further accentuated by the captivating anime/Manga style of RIKI, a talented and creative artist whose branding is prominently displayed throughout the collection.

In this collection, you’ll find two rather fundamental games, which primarily function as platforms for an extraordinary auditory experience. Astro Ninja Man DX is a straightforward Space Invaders-like game, where you command the ninjutsu character at the bottom of the screen and employ standard projectiles and a powerful laser to annihilate numerous enemies and debris that rain down from above. There’s a dreamy, psychedelic quality to this title, as with everything in RIKI 8bit Game Collection, with its eccentric art design evident on-screen and in the arcade cabinet-inspired borders.

Experience “Kira Kira Star Night (Reach for the Stars)” where you assume the character of an enthusiastic anime girl named Kira. She possesses the ability to soar through the air and gather the multitude of stars that fill the screen, accompanied by captivating music and visuals. The game is rendered in a distinctly Japanese style, reminiscent of a synthwave delirium, characterized by vibrant neon pinks and blues, cassette themes, and illuminated cityscapes.

In “Kira Kira Star Night (Reach for the Stars)”, you play as an anime girl named Kira who can jump into the air to collect stars on a colorful backdrop filled with neon tones, cassette elements, and bright city scenes – all set to great music.

Three more options remain, each being interactive chiptune albums that you can enjoy freely. It’s worth mentioning the impressive roster of talents RIKI has brought together for this collection. Yuzo Koshiro is one such talent, known for composing iconic music for games like Streets of Rage and ActRaiser, which have held a special place in my heart.

If you enjoy playing traditional vertical shoot ’em up games, then you might find yourself intrigued by Manabu Namiki as well. Their work on timeless classics such as Battle Garegga catches my attention, and they’re not alone in this impressive roster. Other notable names include Manami Matsumae (known for Rockman/Mega Man), Soichi Terada (whose work in Ape Escape is often overlooked).

This method offers a highly engaging experience as if you’re tuning into an exceptional chiptune album. It mirrors the old-school vibe of Funkmaster Flex’s compilation CDs, where he showcased top hip hop artists freestyling and premiering fresh beats. This innovative approach to music distribution is both intriguing and commendable.

This collection of games might not be mainstream or universally appealing, as it caters to a specific niche audience who appreciate its unique aesthetic and sound. However, I must admit that it strongly resonates with me and is bound to captivate many within the vibrant retro gaming community. In essence, beauty can be subjective, but the determination, artistry, and style displayed in Riki 8Bit Game Collection merit a great deal of recognition.

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2025-01-27 12:19