QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO

by Mikhail Jan 30, 2023 | 1 Votes | 69 Played | 0 Reviews

QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO

10 rate

Genres:

Shooter , Action , Arcade

Graphics:

Labels:

Shooting , Bullet Hell , Aliens , Retro

Platforms:

Publishers:

QUByte Interactive QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO is a retro collection featuring games from the Thunderbolt franchise. The package contains two action-packed top-down shooters released back in 1995. Given a new lease on life almost 30 years later, the two games are now available on the Nintendo Switch. Play Now Similar Games

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Summary Plotline Gameplay Community Graphics/Sound Conclusion

Summary

We don’t think bullet hell games will go away any time soon. These titles provide frantic, action-packed experiences crammed into a single package. They are timeless, and even if we have more immersive games today, they’re still a go-to for many gamers because they are easy to pick up and play while delivering instant fun. Though they were a mainstay in arcade and video game parlors back in the day, people can now play them on handheld devices.

One such game is QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO. Essentially, it’s a two-in-one game package featuring Thunderbolt I and Thunderbolt II, top-down aerial shooters only released in the east back in the mid-90s. Thanks to QUByte Interactive, they’re now making their way in a fully-localized form to the west, and you can now get your hands on the beloved yet under-the-radar titles on the Nintendo Switch.

So, if you’re looking for a bite-sized retro experience or a challenge, should you give QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO a shot? Let’s check out what it has to offer:

Plotline

The Thunderbolt Collection doesn’t exactly talk about its setting; there are no cutscenes or opening graphics for both games since they immediately put you into action. Regardless, here’s a brief background: the story centers around an alien invasion, and you are humanity’s last hope. As the hero everyone is turning to, you’ll have to fight the invading hordes off using the highly-potent and advanced Thunderbolt plane.

Gameplay

As far as bullet hell games go, QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO is pretty much a standard affair. You will enter various levels, take on countless enemies, and dodge projectiles along the way. In addition, you’ll also pick up upgrades along the way after destroying certain types of opponents. After every level, you will then deal with the floor boss; honestly, they were quite a challenge. Though the overall gameplay is pretty straightforward, it does have a few nuances that set it apart from its peers.

One of which is the shot types. You can pick up whatever on-field upgrades in other games, and they’ll immediately improve your combat capabilities. This isn’t the case in the Thunderbolt Collection; you need to be careful about what you pick up or lose your shot’s progress. For example, I’ve managed to string a run of spread shots that completely obliterated opponents, only to accidentally pick up one laser-like shot, which made the stage’s boss fight extremely difficult. Note that this is present in both games, and it adds a layer of challenge.

There are countless opponents in QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO. I personally loved the variety. Though the whole experience is similar to most bullet hell games, they deliver a fair bit of challenge. There are enemies that move in preset patterns and scatter around, trying to make you dodge, while others come from behind, and some stay still and unleash waves of bullets trying to hit you. Fortunately, apart from your shot types, there are buffs and various equipment you can use to take them out. For example, you can pick up missile powerups, two rotating bots that shield you from incoming projectiles, and, of course, your trusty bomb. Just be sure to have one or two picked up during combat.

Finally, the two games in the QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO package are pretty different, and you wouldn’t guess they’re part of a series. The 8-bit Thunderbolt I resembles a late 80s NES title, while the mid-90s 16-bit Thunderbolt II could pass off as a PS1 game.

Community

QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO has no multiplayer elements and is only a single-player experience.

Graphics/Sound

In terms of presentation, don’t expect much from the Thunderbolt Collection. It’s a full retro experience, yet its dated graphics look nothing short of fantastic on the Nintendo Switch. It feels as if it was made for the console, and you won’t be bothered by how old it looks. The same can be said about the audio, which fully complements the experience it’s trying to deliver. If you’d like to mix things up a bit, the game has four screen filters and three screen types.

Conclusion

Overall, QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO is a must-have for shooter and retro fans looking for something to sink their teeth into. Though relatively dated, both games have a lot to offer and are equally challenging, enabling you to test the limits of your gaming prowess. It provides numerous levels of bullet hell arcade madness enough for your pick-me-up sessions.

Now available on the Switch for an affordable $7.99, give it a shot, and save humanity from the alien invaders.

New Game Added: QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO

by Mikhail Jan 30, 2023

QUByte Classics: Thunderbolt Collection by PIKO is a retro collection featuring games from the Thunderbolt franchise. The package contains two action-packed top-down shooters released back in 1995. Given a new lease on life almost 30 years later, the two games are now available on the Nintendo Switch.