Hurricane Flashback is not just a game. It’s a collection of four of the franchise’s best games, each with a modern twist, putting them within reach of modern consoles. Four titles are included in the collection: Turricane, Turricane II, Mega Turricane and Super Turricane. While each game retains the classic and iconic visuals, soundtrack, and gameplay, there are many modern elements here and there that really make the game easier to play now than the original versions that came out in the early 90s. The Nintendo Switch version works without any problems, both graphically and technically.
Once the game is started, you will be taken to the game selection screen, and after you choose the game, another game menu will be displayed. I really like that each game in the collection has its own menu before you go to the game itself. In this menu you can start the game, save game saves and even load previously saved game saves. Each game in the collection also has its own cheating abilities, which range from giving unlimited specials, lives, or making you invincible. The menu really gives the game a modern and fresh look.
Once in the game, you get familiar introductions and a real in-game menu from which to start. At any time, you can use the -key to open the main menu, which allows you to save the game state, load a previous state, restart the entire game, or check how to enter cheat codes into the game. If you’re new to the franchise, you’ll probably have to enter a few cheats in the beginning, as the game isn’t that simple and the somewhat old-fashioned gameplay doesn’t make it that easy either. While several additional features, such as the rewind option, make the game much easier, it’s not so forgiving if you decide to ignore these modern features and opt for the classic gameplay.
The gameplay of Turrican Flashback is exactly the same, with a few minor changes here and there. The rewind function is useful if you make a mistake. There are also maps for your exploration, with various puzzles waiting for you. However, the game has a time limit, so that should also be taken into account. The levels combine platforms and shots well, but the view seems too zoomed in. Most enemies move very fast, and with the limited visibility around you, you have to be very quick on your feet. You also have a wheel mode and lots of super attacks, and to survive.
As each title in the franchise progresses, you may also feel a natural improvement in the overall formula. In the new games, you’ll find more precise gameplay, tighter platforms, bigger bosses, deadlier weapons, and plenty of extras like the grappling hook in Mega Turrican to keep the franchise fresh. This means that every time you finish an old game and move on to a new one, you have a lot to look forward to. Add a few cheats to make the game interesting, but your score won’t count if you use cheat codes in the game. If you’re not a high score chaser, this shouldn’t bother you.
Later games also included many updates, such as the music for Super Turrican presented in Dolby Surround, a major achievement in 1993 when the game was released on the Super NES. The very first Hurricane was released on the Commodore Amiga in 1990, and since that release every subsequent version has been improved. Factor 5 has improved the games in almost every area, while staying true to the heart of the franchise. Mega Hurricane’s grappling hook was also one of the best additions to the game, as it opened up a new way to explore Hurricane’s world. Thanks to the ININ and Factor 5 games, this nostalgic platform shooter has returned to modern consoles in the best possible form and with additional features.
Last block:
Turrican Flashback brings four of the best games from the series to life on the Nintendo Switch system. While Mega Turrican remains the best game of all for me, if you’re a fan of the original franchise, this collection will be a treat for you. But in direct comparison to other modern platform shooters, Turriken’s gameplay certainly looks old and outdated. I don’t think such a comparison is fair at this stage, but when you have the best alternatives on the market, the Turrikan Flashback becomes a difficult decision. While it certainly brings a lot of nostalgia and is an absolute treat for retro fans, the gameplay may not be the most modern for you if you prefer modern platformers. But if you want to give it a try, the game is now available for the Nintendo Switch and PS4. For retro collectors, this is a must-have title to add to your collection.
Overall score: 8.0/10
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