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It's Takaya Imamura Day! Or, as its also known, the launch day of OMEGA 6 The Triangle Stars! Thats right, today marks the long-awaited release of the legendary Nintendo illustrators latest adventure. And its a truly special one. OMEGA 6 The Triangle Stars is a retro-inspired space adventure for anyone who has ever fallen in love with the 16-bit aesthetic of the 90s. It tells the story of the androids Thunder and Kyla as they search for a new planet for humanity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4utzzsS9Rg
One of the absolute best things about OMEGA 6 The Triangle Stars is the vast number of wonderful creatures and aliens youll encounter on your journey. But thats hardly surprising. After all, Takaya Imamura is the man behind characters like Captain Falcon (F-Zero), Fox McCloud (Star Fox), and Tingle (The Legend of Zelda). Hes also joined by Shinobu Amayake, who worked on the soundtrack for Stunt Race FX. A true 16-bit composer, in other words!
But enough talk. Its time for you to head into the cosmos. A grand adventure among the stars awaits!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3128580/OMEGA_6_The_Triangle_Stars/
Hey all! OMEGA 6 The Triangle Stars launches on Friday, February 28th. Now that's a reason to celebrate!
We're giving a packed OMEGA 6 bundle. Follow to enter: https://gleam.io/KFNKT/omega-6-the-triangle-stars-launch-celebration-giveaway
We're giving away the following to one (1) lucky winner
Imamura's adventure "Omega 6" manga is available in English for the first time!
Based on the upcoming pixel-art adventure game Omega 6 The Triangle Stars, Dark Horse Comics presents Takaya Imamura's (Star Fox, F-Zero) Omega 6, a complete story in one manga volume. This will be available for English readers in October 2025. Translated by award-winning manga translator Zack Davisson (H.P. Lovecraft's The Colour out of Space, Cat + Gamer), the 16-bit video game revolution is coming to comics!
Creator Takaya Imamura had this to say about bringing the original manga to English readers in conjunction with the game. "I sincerely hope that my manga and games can be enjoyed by people regardless of where they live, and it would make me very happy if my work delivers an exciting and thrilling experience!"
In Omega 6:
After awakening from a rejuvenating months-long stasis, androids Thunder and Kyla are ready to spring back into bounty-hunting action! With the aid of some peculiar magic fruits, the pair enter a nearly invincible berserker state. However, there's a catchonce the effect wears off, they will age rapidly and become feeble until they can return to their recovery pods. Their current target, an assassin named Petrogaze, carries an appealing $300 million credit bounty on his head. The job seems easy: the duo plans to power up, bag the bad guy, and be home before dinner. But Petrogaze is much tougher than anticipated! Forced to consume their fruits early, the bounty hunters are suddenly on a life-or-death timer. Dinner's gonna have to wait!
"The videogame version is a totally different story, confirms Junji Seki, Game Director and President of Happymeal. Set in the same world as the Omega 6 comic, full of drama-infused encounters and battles with the 100 plus unique aliens created by Imamura-san. I hope you enjoy the adventures of Thunder and Kyla in the game as well as the comic; you may even discover characters making an appearance in both!"
Omega 6 is an action-packed ride, with 216 pages (5.75" x 8.25") of retro-futuristic fun in a paperback left-to-right style. Lock in on your target when it arrives in bookstores and comic shops on October 21, 2025 for $14.99. Pre-order now from TFAW, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local bookstore, or visit Comic Shop Locator for more details and stores near you.
Wishlist Omega 6 The Triangle Stars on Steam!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3128580/OMEGA_6_The_Triangle_Stars/
It's the TOAPLAN Arcade Masterpieces 40th Anniversary! And what better way to celebrate an anniversary than by offering some great discounts? Since this is the 40th Anniversary (and not the 30th, 20th, or even the 10th), you get 40% off Snow Bros. Wonderland!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfOEWzJbNQ4
This cool game was released as recently as last year and is not only a fantastic comeback for the Snow Bros. brand but also one of the most fun co-op games in recent years, supporting up to four players in couch co-op.
Don't wait another 40 years. Grab it now: Snow Bros. Wonderland
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3214870/
Weve said it from the start, and were thrilled to say it againSnow Bros. Wonderland is an absolutely excellent co-op game! Partly because it strikes the perfect balance between serious gameplay and lighthearted fun. Partly because its so easy and accessible to jump in and out of whenever you like. And also because its so fitting for the season. After all, who wouldnt want to spend time with loved ones during these magical holiday times?
Now, it seems the wonderful folks at Video Chums agree with us. In their Indie Game of the Year Awards 2024, theyve named Snow Bros. Wonderland the Co-op Game of the Year! Were honored!
https://videochums.com/article/indie-game-of-the-year-awards-2024#snow-bros-wonderland
So, are you looking for a snowy arcade adventure to share with up to three friends? Give Snow Bros. Wonderland a chanceits sure to brighten up the winter darkness!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3214870/Snow_Bros_Wonderland/
Omega 6 is the latest game from the legendary Takaya Imamura. Imamura, who previously designed characters for F-Zero and Star Fox among many other projects, now invites us into a brand-new universe where humanity is searching for a new planet. Joining you on this journey are two androids, Thunder and Kyra, along with over 100 other colorful characters. It promises to be a 16-bit-style adventure unlike anything you've seen before!
The Steam version of Omega 6 is set for release in 2025, and the game will also be coming to the Switchboth digitally and physically. While the extra content hasnt been fully decided, something special is definitely being prepared.
By the way, did you know Omega 6 actually began as one, before the game was created? That's rightthis new universe was first crafted by Imamura-san in manga form. And now the story has come full circle, as a series from Dark Horse is in the works (its already out in France).
Welcome aboard the Omega 6 spaceship, friends. Are you ready for an epic adventure among the stars?
Wishlist Omega 6 The Triangle Stars today
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3128580/OMEGA_6_The_Triangle_Stars/
Introducing the Toaplan & Psikyo Classic Arcade Shoot em up Collection The Japanese studios Toaplan and Psikyo created some of the most groundbreaking and greatest shoot em up games from the early 80s and up until the start of the 2000s including beloved series such as Truxton and Strikers 1945. Were now teaming up with City Connection to bring you the Toaplan & Psikyo Classic Arcade Shoot em up Collection! This bundle includes 16 games from Toaplan and 9 games from Psikyo filled with fast-flying bullets and bombastic bombing action. If you already own some of these games, then you will just pay and receive the games in the bundle that you dont already have in your Steam library. Take the chance to enjoy some of the finest arcade experiences from the golden era updated with modern features. Toaplan & Psikyo Classic Arcade Shoot 'em up Collection GAMES INCLUDED Toaplan games:
They're here and we couldn't be more delighted! Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Collection Vol.4 has landed on Steam and GOG, featuring heavy hitters such as Truxton II, Grind Stormer, Dogyuun, and Twin Hawk. Were also launching an Ultimate Collection with all 16 games for the unrivaled Toaplan experience. The Toaplan PC project was announced back in August 2022, and the circle is now complete. At Bitwave, we take great pride in our collaboration with Tatsujin, aiding them in continuing the Toaplan legacy making games like Dogyuun available in home versions for the first time.
Happy Friday, shmupers! Were glad to tell you that Toaplan Arcade Shoot Em Up Collection Vol.4 is coming soon!
Vol.4 includes Truxton II, Grind Stormer, Dogyuun, and Twin Hawk, and you can wishlist them all today:
Truxton II: Enjoy the visually stunning pixel graphics in one of the hardest and most unforgiving Toaplan games!
Grind Stormer: Experience a vertically scrolling manic shooter featuring impressive pixel art graphics and an upbeat FM soundtrack!
Dogyuun: Known for its detailed pixel art, colossal bosses, and menacing difficulty. Take on the challenge with a friend and combine your ships into a space-wrecking vehicle!
Twin Hawk: Call in a formation of six friendly fighter planes and take down powerful enemies in this classic military-themed shoot 'em up!
Weve got more news to share shortly. Please tune in ShooterFes on April 6th, 8am ET / 2pm CEST / 9pm JST, to learn more. See you there!
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Today marks an exciting milestone! The Toaplan Arcade Shoot Em Up Collection Vol. 4 is officially released on both Steam and GOG. This volume holds special significance as it includes two games that have never seen an official release outside the arcade until now: Vimana and FixEight. Additionally, experience the classic chopper shooter Tiger-Heli and the fan-favorite Batsugun.
The Games In Detail
Tiger-Heli: This is where it all started. Tiger-Heli, Toaplan's pioneering bomb-based vertical shooter set the stage for an entire genre back in 1985!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG9XHhx19-k
Vimana: Uncover the magic of Indian mythology, unique power-ups, and an enchanting soundtrack in this electrifying space showdown!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXcYaaL2oFI
FixEight: Toaplan's thrilling vertical run-and-gun game features eight peerless warriors with cutting-edge weapons!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcSceYUoEJM
Batsugun: The epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series. Play the original or Batsugun Special. Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling sci-fi adventure!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjVc76ROHxI
You can purchase all four games together for 19.99$/ or separately for 7.79$/! Each game features quick save/resume, online leaderboards for single credit players, no assist and assisted modes, and Achievements (for bragging rights)! You can also showcase your skills online using the built-in video capture!
List of updates:
BATSUGUN COMPETITION
Were teaming up with Japanese clothing company KumaGumi to celebrate the upcoming release of Batsugun on PC!
The aim of KumaGumi is to do quality retro gaming apparel. Kuma( / Bear) Gumi( Group) reflects the days, evenings, years (oh wtf?!) spent hibernating and playing videogames with friends. A time of innocence, simplicity with no Internet. One of the many amazing collections from KumaGumiis a line of Batsugun clothes and now you have the chance to win a Skull Hornet coach jacket, Warning Kuma hoodie, or a Skull Hornets t-shirt from that very collection!
Participate in the competition on X/Twitter. Enter before 23:59 CET on January 31st 2023. Three winners will be selected and announced on February 1st.
Greetings shmupers! Today were bursting with excitement to reveal the next installment of our Toaplan releases on PC, Toaplan Arcade Shoot Em Up Collection Vol.3!
Vol. 3 is a mix of firsts and lasts and good ol' classics in between. Were also bringing the enhancements from our two first volumes to Vol.3 for both veterans and newcomers alike to enjoy. You can purchase all four games together for 19.99$/ or separately for 7.79$/. Be sure to wishlist all four titles to prepare for launch day!
SHMUPS INCLUDED IN VOL.3
Tiger-Heli: This is where it all started. Tiger-Heli, Toaplan's pioneering bomb-based vertical shooter set the stage for an entire genre back in 1985!
Vimana: Uncover the magic of Indian mythology, unique power-ups, and an enchanting soundtrack in this electrifying space showdown!
FixEight: Toaplan's thrilling vertical run-and-gun game features eight peerless warriors with cutting-edge weapons!
Batsugun: The epic conclusion of Toaplan's legendary shooter series. Play the original or Batsugun Special. Choose your favorite character and spaceship in this thrilling sci-fi adventure!
LIST OF UPDATES:
Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame.
Quick Save using F1-F10, Reload with Shift+ F1-F10
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.
Capture sharable replays to immortalize your interstellar victories (or funny moments).
Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates.
Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure.
Pixel perfect or full-screen scaling in windowed or full-screen mode.
Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments.
Steam Achievements
Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input.
Hone your skills in the ultra customizable practice mode!
We had a blast putting together this collection of classic shooters, and we hope you enjoy it. The team is now focusing on Vol.4 which will be the final collection, and we'll let you know when it's ready for launch.
February 1, 2024 is just around the corner. Get ready by adding all four games to your Wishlist and follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, to stay updated!
The Toaplan games are known for their thrilling music that matches the intense shoot em up gameplay. Taking off in Truxton and you immediately feel a level excitement as the music starts to play, its the start of an action-packed journey to furthest reaches of space. Or the dramatic straight into action upbeat tune of Hellfire. Add the sound effects of blazing shots and exploding bombs. Its a soundscape that represents the best of the golden arcade era of pixelated shoot em up games.
At Bitwave we have worked to constantly improving the audio representation. Coder Carl Henrik Skrstedt has listened (no pun intended) to feedback and received input from Tatsujin, the owner of the Toaplan games and run by original Toaplan staff including Masahiro Yuge and Tatsuya Uemura that composed several of the songs in the game.
To ensure proper emulation we listened to recorded arcade music and sound effects. Its a challenge as the audio experience with an arcade cabinet can vary between cabinets with different speakers and resonance. The sound from earlier sound chips such as the PSG depends on the circuitry connecting it to the sound output signal making each game a little bit more unique and more challenging to get just right.
Throughout several different patches we have worked on the audio:
- Improved the sound to play at a consistent tempo.
- Included support for a wider range of audio drivers.
- Added audio filter: optional echo, reverb, low-pass and high-pass filters to allow players to customize to their best experience in emulating an arcade like sound.
- Fixed technical bugs that meant minor improvements in the generated audio.
In the latest update weve further adjusted the frequency based on feedback of the sound effects and the high pitch in games such as Slap Fight based on feedback. This is something thatll also benefit future releases such as Tiger Heli, the first game created by Toaplan. We hope that this is satisfaction to your ears in the goal to deliver the arcade feeling home on your PC.
Were humble as its not an easy task to emulate and faithfully recreate the amazing Toaplan audio with the weight of heritage it carries. We appreciate specific feedback on how and where we can improve. Our goal remains to deliver an arcade experience with minimal input lag for the controller to get that split-second action decisions as you dodge bullets, while you enjoy the beautiful pixel art with or without a CRT filter and feel the beat of the stunning digitized music.
We want to finish off by letting you know that the latest update also includes a fix for the capture video function. Previously we fixed the desync and in the new version we have turned off rewind when recording and replaying. At first the fix will be applied to Twin Cobra, Flying Shark, and Slap Fight. The fix will be rolled out to the other games in the future.
Other fixes in addition to the already mentioned:
Music tempo correction (Twin Cobra, and Flying Shark)
Wide screen mode: Pick-ups centered instead of to the left side (Twin Cobra)
Centered the cursor in the high score entry (Slap Fight)
Full patch notes:
Hey shmupers! We've just released a new patch for Twin Cobra. Details below:
Theyre here! Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Collection Vol.2 is out now on Steam! We at Bitwave are proud to have worked on this project with our Japanese friends at Tatsujin, and the second volume includes four Toaplan classics with high-quality emulation and tons of quality-of-life extras!
Games included in Vol. 2:
Hey shmupers! We've just released the seventh patch for Twin Cobra. Beyond the brand new Mirror Mode introduced with Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Collection Vol.2, we've made some tweaks to the game to increase the overall quality and experience. Patch notes: - Mirror Mode; play these classics in a way you've never experienced them before - Framerate improved and better balanced - Audio quality improved - Added option to start as Player 2 - New border art added - Live border graphics added for a better look - Added setting for scanlines ghosting - Leaderboards updated with button icons - Important buttons are shown at the start - Fixed widescreen landing position If you have any questions, reach out to us in the comments or on social media (@bitwavegames).
We're releasing our second wave of Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Ups on Steam and GOG on August 24!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wR5tEUTFDA
Vol. 2 features four highly anticipated Toaplan classics emulated in high quality and enhanced with tons of quality-of-life features. You can purchase all four games together for 19.99$/ or separately for 7.79$/. Be sure to wishlist all four titles to prepare for launch day!
SHMUPS INCLUDED IN VOL. 2
Hi all! We've just updated Twin Cobra with a new patch. It's fixing issues with controller input on macOS. If you have any questions, let us know by writing a comment or ping us on social media @bitwavegames.
Hi all! Today we're updating Twin Cobra with a brand new patch. It's the smallest one yet and brings button icons to the game's menu for a more convenient visual look. If you have any questions, let us know by writing a comment or ping us on social media @bitwavegames.
Hey everybody! We've just released the latest patch for XXX. Updating will help ensure a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
Shmupers! Listen!
We've got some highly important information regarding high-score entries in Out Zone, Zero Wing, and Twin Cobra. Please read the information below carefully.
Unfortunately, some older leaderboard entries in Out Zone, Zero Wing, and Twin Cobra contain incorrect metadata. This metadata is the additional information displayed next to your score, such as the number of bullets fired, enemies destroyed, and so on.
Currently, this incorrect metadata is displayed even though the data does not make any sense.
With the latest patch coming soon, we've set it up so that when we detect that the stored metadata is incorrect, we simply don't render it in the UI. Instead, only the score, username, and ranking will be displayed.
The underlying issue that caused this incorrect metadata should now be solved, and any scores you achieve now and in the future will have correct metadata.
Additionally, this issue ONLY affected metadata - which means the saved scores are correct regardless of whether the metadata is visible.
We're sorry about this. Thank you for understanding!
Hey all! We've just updated Out Zone, Zero Wing, Truxton, and Twin Cobra with the third patch!
Updating will help ensure a smoother and more stable gameplay experience. We'll continue to add improvements, fixes, and features in the future, so please stay tuned for more!
This time we're adding, by request of the community, a brand new version of Out Zone that we've named common.
Back in the day, Out Zone was modified over time, and several versions exist. Our "normal" version that was part of the release on February 14 turned out not to be the one many players are familiar with.
"Common" is similar to the "hard" version already included but has differences we hope you'll enjoy.
Hey all! We've just updated Twin Cobra with the third patch. Updating will help ensure a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
Patch notes:
Hey all! We've just updated Twin Cobra to address some of the issues pointed out. Please note that we're already working on future fixes, improvements, and features. Stay tuned for more!
We have updated Zero Wing, Truxton, Twin Cobra, and Out Zone with the latest patch containing several updates. Updating will help ensure a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
For Zero Wing, we spent months creating a reimagined version of the famous intro cutscene that spawned the world-class meme "All your base are belong to us." The original arcade version of Zero Wing never got an intro of its own. We are thrilled to offer you the famous intro as part of today's update.
[previewyoutube=hWlNx_R3q6g;full][/previewyoutube]
There are some differences from what you're used to, but don't worry. All the good stuff is still there. It's a great addition, along with the other updates. We hope you love it! We'll continue to add improvements, fixes, and features in the future, so please stay tuned for more!
Full patch notes:
Zero Wing
We have updated Twin Cobra with the latest patch containing several updates. Updating will help ensure a smoother and more stable gameplay experience.
It's here! Toaplan Arcade Shoot 'Em Up Collection Vol.1 is finally out on Steam! We at Bitwave are proud to have worked on this project with our Japanese friends at Tatsujin. Vol. 1 includes four Toaplan classics with high-quality emulation and tons of quality-of-life extras.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwXoPPNx5QY
Games included in Vol. 1 (available as a bundle or separately):
Today were pumped to announce that Toaplan Arcade Shoot Em Up Collection Vol.1 hits Steam on February 14, 2023. Forget the flowers this Valentine's Day - start building the ultimate library of classic arcade shmups with your beloved one instead!
[previewyoutube=AlNWV4QQYgk;full][/previewyoutube]
Toaplan Arcade Shoot Em Up Collection Vol.1 consists of a well-curated selection of classic shmups; Zero Wing, Out Zone, Twin Cobra, and Truxton, all enhanced with Quality of Life features, Achievements, Online Leaderboards, and much more. We cant wait to hear what you think!
Remember to follow us on Twitter and join our Discord for the latest updates. See you all on the battlefield!
Hi shmupers! We're introducing Community Challenges on our Discord!
The rules are simple:
1 A new challenge every week
2 One lucky winner for each challenge
3 The winner gets cool Toaplan stickers
What are you waiting for? JOIN TODAY.
Hey shmupers! While trying to pinpoint a release date, we looked at all the content we want to include, and decided to push the release of Out Zone, Truxton, Twin Cobra, and Zero Wing till early 2023. However, the extra development time will help us make these ports as true to the original as possible while also adding Quality of Life features such as instrument panels with extra gameplay information and artwork, Quick Save, Very Easy Mode, Achievements, and much more. Thank you for your support and understanding! We can't wait to see you all enjoying these arcade cult classics when they hit Steam 2023. Till next time, watch our previous announcement videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0w9v2-DpxY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evlB47kaqRU
Todays an exciting day for us at Bitwave Games! Were happy to tell you that Truxton and Twin Cobra, the two final additions to the first Toaplan arcade shooter bundle, are up for wishlisting on Steam. Developer Carl-Henrik Skrstedt is here to spill all the details: [previewyoutube=evlB47kaqRU;full][/previewyoutube] We announced the Toaplan project in August with our Freemode friends at Tatsujin, and were super excited to bring these arcade gems to a new generation of gamers. The games will feature a variety of quality-of-life and accessibility enhancements, such as achievements, online leaderboards, arcade-accurate graphics, auto-checkpoints, an optional Very Easy mode, sidebar indicators, and complete input configuration. All these features will also be available in the rest of the upcoming Toaplan titles.The first Toaplan bundle will be available on Steam and GOG later this year. Truxton: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2022880/ Twin Cobra: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2022910/ Zero Wing: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2011900/ Out Zone: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2022920/ Which of these four games are you excited to try out? Drop a comment below and join our Discord!
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