Continuing to sift through the “All Killer no Filler” list of arcade games on my steam deck, deciding what to keep, what to pass on. As always, my goal is to focus on games that are fun for multiple players at once; simultaneous co-op and pvp titles are preferred, particularly those that don’t have an acceptable console port.
Air Buster
Our first side-scrolling shooter, Air Buster isn’t really anything special. There are a variety of power-ups but they always come in a hard-to-collect array that sprays past you at once. Not sure if there’s any benefit from collecting multiple iterations… and the screen feels cramped. Pass.
Air Gallet
A vertical shooter, again with a lackluster power-up system. You can improve your guns, you can get more bombs, but it feels lacking in variety. On top of that, it’s difficult. Pass.
Alex Kidd: The Secret Stars
Just look at that asshole. Pass.
Alien Storm
Maybe the worst beat-em-up I’ve ever played. Little variation with the enemies, and despite your attacks being firearms you have no real range. Stages are uninspired despite the insertion of first person shooting segments. Nothing in the way of power-ups other than energy canisters to fuel your uninteresting special move. Pass.
Alien Syndrome
Top-down maze for two players with goals beyond kill all the monsters. There’s depth here, a complexity to the play that doesn’t overwhelm. Has console ports but as far as I am aware none offer reasons to play them over the Arcade original. Keep.
Alien vs Predator
Hack n Slash beat ’em up in which you can play one of two humans (why) or one of two predators. A bit difficult single-player but a lot of fun with up to four, so call it a keeper.
Aliens
This is a run n’ gun game that brings to mind memories of Contra, though a little more restrained when it comes to jumping and flipping around. Has a few different gun power-ups, and switches from side-view to faux 3D into the screen’s depth for some boss fights and vehicular segments. Ride in an APC from area to area trying to save Newt. Keeper.
Alpha Mission III
Neo Geo shmup. Couldn’t figure out the power-ups system; seems needlessly complex for a game that should be about reflexes and timing, not navigating menus during a boss fight. Pass.
Alpine Ski
What is this, why is this even here. At least SkiFree had a yeti.
Altered Beast
Grand-daddy brawler with an interesting power-up/transformation gimmick. Slow paced but worth it for the nostalgia value. I remember loving this at the arcades when I was a kid; I can see breaking it out for a quick run now and again. Keep.
From this batch I’ll be keeping Alien Syndrome, Alien vs Predator, Alien, and Altered Beast. Ditching Air Buster, Air Gallet, Alex Kidd, Alien Storm, Alpha Mission III, and Alpine Ski.
