A Nostalgic Journey Through the Golden Age of Gaming

Taito, a legendary name in the annals of arcade gaming, has captivated generations of players with its iconic titles and groundbreaking innovations. From the golden age of the 1980s to the present day, Taito’s arcade machines have left an indomitable mark on the gaming landscape.

The Early Pioneers

Taito’s roots can be traced back to 1953 when it was founded in Tokyo, Japan, as Nihon Bussan Co. Ltd. Its foray into arcade games began in the late 1970s with the release of "Space Invaders," a title that became an instant global sensation.

Arcade Superstars

Taito’s arcade legacy is adorned with titles that have written their names in gaming history. "Bubble Bobble," "Arkanoid," "Double Dragon," and "Elevator Action" are just a few of the masterpieces that have delighted players for decades.

Technical Innovations

Beyond its captivating gameplay, Taito has also been a pioneer in arcade technology. The company introduced the Taito Type X arcade system in 2005, which featured advanced 3D graphics and high-definition displays. This system was instrumental in the development of modern arcade titles such as "Deadstorm Pirates" and "The House of the Dead: Overkill."

Table of Iconic Taito Arcade Games

Game	Release Year	Genre
Space Invaders	1978	Shoot ’em up
Bubble Bobble	1986	Platform
Arkanoid	1986	Breakout
Double Dragon	1987	Beat ’em up
Elevator Action	1983	Action
Ninja Warriors	1987	Hack and slash
Darius	1987	Shoot ’em up
Rastan Saga	1987	Action-adventure

Taito in the Modern Era

Taito continues to innovate in the arcade gaming scene, bringing thrilling new experiences to players. Recent titles such as "Gigawing Generations" and "Gekirindan" showcase the company’s commitment to arcade entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What was Taito’s most successful arcade game?
A: Space Invaders

Q: When did Taito introduce the Taito Type X arcade system?
A: 2005

Q: What type of games were popular on Taito’s arcade machines?
A: Shoot ’em ups, platforms, beat ’em ups, and action games

Q: Is Taito still active in the arcade gaming industry?
A: Yes

Conclusion

Taito arcade video games have played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming industry. Their iconic titles, groundbreaking innovations, and unwavering commitment to arcade entertainment have cemented the company’s legacy as one of the true titans of the gaming world. As the industry continues to evolve, Taito remains poised to deliver unforgettable gaming experiences to generations to come.

References

Taito Website

Rastan Taito

Rastan Taito is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash video game released in arcades in 1987 by Taito. The player controls Rastan, a barbarian warrior, who must rescue his beloved princess from evil. The game is known for its impressive graphics and challenging gameplay.

Rastan has a variety of attacks at his disposal, including a sword, axe, and throwing knives. He can also use magic to cast spells and heal himself. The game is set in a variety of environments, including forests, dungeons, and castles. Rastan must fight his way through hordes of enemies, including skeletons, zombies, and demons.

Rastan Taito was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and challenge. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System, and PlayStation 2.

Taito Nintendo Arcade Games

In the 1980s, Taito and Nintendo collaborated on the creation and distribution of several popular arcade games. These games combined Taito’s expertise in hardware and design with Nintendo’s strength in character creation and game design. Some of the most notable Taito Nintendo arcade games include:

Donkey Kong: Released in 1981, Donkey Kong introduced Mario as a carpenter trying to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from the giant ape, Donkey Kong.
Popeye: Released in 1982, Popeye featured the iconic comic strip character trying to save his girlfriend Olive Oyl from the villainous Bluto.
Mario Bros.: Released in 1983, Mario Bros. introduced Mario’s brother, Luigi, in a cooperative plumbing adventure.
Super Mario Bros.: Released in 1985, Super Mario Bros. revolutionized platforming games with its detailed graphics, challenging gameplay, and memorable characters.
Vs. Super Mario Bros.: Released in 1986, Vs. Super Mario Bros. was an arcade-exclusive variation of Super Mario Bros. designed for competitive play.

These games showcased the technical capabilities of Taito’s arcade hardware and Nintendo’s innovative gameplay designs. They helped popularize the arcade scene and set the stage for the success of Nintendo’s subsequent consoles and games.

Taito Bubble Bobble

Bubble Bobble is a 1986 arcade game developed by Taito. The player controls one of two bubble dragons, Bub and Bob, who must travel through 100 levels, blowing bubbles to trap and defeat enemies. The game is known for its innovative gameplay, co-operative multiplayer mode, and catchy music.

The game features a variety of enemies, including jellyfish, turtles, and flying bats. Bub and Bob can blow bubbles to trap the enemies, which they must then burst to defeat them. The game also includes power-ups that grant the players abilities such as shooting fireballs or freezing enemies.

Bubble Bobble was a huge commercial success, and has been ported to numerous platforms over the years. It has also spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including Super Bubble Bobble and Bubble Symphony. The game remains popular today, and is considered one of the greatest arcade games of all time.

Bubble Bobble 2 Nintendo

Bubble Bobble 2 is a 1994 action-platformer game developed and published by Taito for the Nintendo Entertainment System. A sequel to the 1986 arcade game Bubble Bobble, it follows dragons Bub and Bob as they attempt to rescue their kidnapped girlfriends from a sorcerer named Baron von Blubba. The gameplay is similar to its predecessor, with players controlling one of the dragons and shooting bubbles to trap enemies and reach higher platforms. New features include the ability to use power-ups, such as a laser gun and a speed boost, and the presence of new enemy types and bosses. The game received generally positive reviews upon release, with praise for its gameplay and graphics.

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 Nintendo

Rainbow Islands is a 1987 arcade game developed and published by Taito. It is the sequel to Bubble Bobble, and was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989. The game is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Bub and Bob, two cavemen who must rescue their girlfriends from the clutches of the evil Dr. Bubble.

The gameplay of Rainbow Islands is similar to that of Bubble Bobble, as the player must use bubbles to trap and defeat enemies. However, Rainbow Islands introduces a number of new features, including the ability to create rainbows that can be used to reach higher platforms and avoid enemies. The game also features a variety of power-ups that can be collected to enhance Bub and Bob’s abilities.

Rainbow Islands was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and has been acclaimed for its colorful graphics, catchy music, and innovative gameplay. It has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo Game Boy Advance.

Taito Rastan Nintendo

Taito Rastan Nintendo is a side-scrolling arcade game released by Taito in 1987. The player controls Rastan, a barbarian warrior who must fight his way through hordes of enemies to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The game features fast-paced action, a variety of enemies and bosses, and power-ups that can enhance Rastan’s abilities. It was a critical and commercial success, and spawned several sequels and ports to other platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System.

Taito Bubble Bobble Nintendo

Bubble Bobble is a classic arcade game released by Taito in 1986. It features two main characters, Bub and Bob, who are dragons that can blow bubbles to trap enemies. The game involves traversing through various levels, collecting items, and defeating bosses to progress.

The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) version of Bubble Bobble was released in 1988. It is a faithful port of the arcade original, featuring the same gameplay mechanics and charming graphics. Players can choose between two-player cooperative mode or solo play.

The NES version of Bubble Bobble has become a beloved classic, known for its addictive gameplay, cute characters, and catchy music. It is considered one of the best platformers released for the NES and remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Bubble Bobble 2 Nintendo Taito

Bubble Bobble 2 is a follow-up to the popular arcade game Bubble Bobble. It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1990. The game features similar gameplay to its predecessor, but with several new additions and improvements.

New characters: In addition to the original Bubble Bobble characters, Bub and Bob, Bubble Bobble 2 introduces two new characters, Peb and Pab. Each character has its own unique abilities and playstyle.
New levels: Bubble Bobble 2 features over 100 new levels, including many with unique gimmicks and hazards.
New enemies: Bubble Bobble 2 introduces several new enemy types, including the fearsome Super Bubble and the sneaky Bat Bubble.
New power-ups: In addition to the Bubble Bobble power-ups, Bubble Bobble 2 introduces several new power-ups, including the Bubble Gum, which allows the player to create a trail of bubbles behind them, and the Bubble Shield, which protects the player from enemy attacks.

Bubble Bobble 2 is a challenging and addictive puzzle-platformer that is sure to please fans of the original game and newcomers alike.

Rastan Taito Nintendo Switch

Rastan, the classic arcade action game from Taito, has arrived on the Nintendo Switch. This updated version features all the high-octane sword-swinging action of the original, along with a slew of new features.

Updated visuals: The game’s graphics have been upgraded to HD, giving it a fresh and modern look.
New gameplay modes: In addition to the classic arcade mode, there are now two new gameplay modes: "Boss Rush" and "Survival."
Online leaderboards: Compete with players from around the world to see who can score the highest.
Achievements: Earn various achievements as you play through the game.
Replayability: With multiple difficulty levels and gameplay modes, there’s always something new to experience.

Taito Bubble Bobble Nintendo Switch

Bubble Bobble is a classic arcade game released by Taito in 1986. It has since been ported to various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. The game features two brothers, Bub and Bob, who must travel through 100 levels, blowing bubbles to trap and burst their enemies.

The Nintendo Switch version of Bubble Bobble includes several new features, such as online multiplayer, new levels, and improved graphics. It is a faithful recreation of the original arcade game, with some modern enhancements to improve the gameplay experience.

Whether you’re a fan of the original game or a newcomer to the Bubble Bobble series, the Nintendo Switch version is an excellent way to experience this classic arcade masterpiece.

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 Nintendo Switch

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is a remastered version of the classic arcade game released for the Nintendo Switch. It features enhanced graphics, updated sound effects, and a variety of gameplay modes.

In this adventure, players control Bub and Bob, two bubble-blowing dinosaurs, as they embark on a quest to defeat a powerful sorcerer who has stolen the Rainbow Islands. Players must use their bubbles to trap enemies, create platforms, and solve puzzles.

The game includes a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges. Players can also compete against friends or family in a local multiplayer mode.