Taito Legends

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2005
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
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  1. AceGamez
    90
    Not only do you get some of the most stunningly playable titles from gaming history, with a simple and easy way to select them, but also a wide selection of bonus features with which to keep real retro fanatics' juices flowing.
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  2. Game Informer
    85
    Trips down memory lane have peaks and valleys, but this one is definitely worth taking. [Jan 2006, p.138]
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  3. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    81
    For anyone with the inclination to be educated in how games used to consist of pure gameplay magic, or for those who wish to revisit their gaming pasts, Taito Legends is a superior collection of titles, some of which are truly classics in the absolute sense of the word.
  5. Eurogamer
    80
    This heartwarming gestalt is a lovely and joy-bringing piece of our history, and anybody who ever popped a shiny round coin in any one of these machines' welcoming slots owes themselves a copy, today.
  6. Next Level Gaming
    80
    If you want to play some great classic arcade games, this is your game.
  7. GameZone
    79
    If you were a fan of these games when they were first released then this collection is for you.
  8. IGN
    78
    Many of the games in Taito Legends are still fun even if you’ve already mastered them over years ago. The presentation here really stands out too, so collectors should be pleased with the amount of time put into it.
  9. 1UP
    75
    There's plenty of good, plenty of bad and plenty of weird on Taito Legends. The games are reproduced well, too, if not precisely up to arcade perfection.
  10. PSX Extreme
    74
    Taito Legends is a winner just based on value alone, but it also happens to contain a few truly milestone games (and some less memorable ones).
  11. GameSpot
    71
    The lack of light gun support drags down Operation Wolf, but with games like Elevator Action and Bubble Bobble on board, Taito Legends offers good classic arcade action at a budget price.
  12. Cheat Code Central
    70
    Like having an arcade in your own home. Maybe not the best arcade in town but more like the cheesy one you might recall on the wrong side of the tracks next to the 24-hour bowling alley and laundromat.
  13. PSM Magazine
    70
    The emulation is dead-on, your controller's analog sensitivity is adjustable, and there are historical images and stories and interviews for fans. [Holiday 2005, p.88]
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  14. PALGN
    70
    Probably overall the best retro compilation yet. Capcom Classics has some better games, but the better emulation and presentation of Legends, combined with the greater number and variety of games (no “three versions of each game” here) puts it over the top – just.
  15. Gaming Age
    67
    Space Invaders needs no further justification for ownership.
  16. Yahoo!
    60
    A mediocre medley.
  17. G4 TV
    60
    Typically, the gameplay here is cheap and full of unsatisfying ways to die.
  18. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    30
    Getting 29 games for $20 shouldn't be a terrible deal, but aside from two or three gems, the selection totally blows - especially when compared to the Japanese releases. [Jan 2006, p.91]
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  19. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    20
    It's not much return on your 20 quid investment. [Nov 2006, p.140]
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Motichoor420
    Aug 5, 2023
    8
    A rather good selection of games designed by Taito. I am familiar with some releases (Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands, Sapve Invaders and NewA rather good selection of games designed by Taito. I am familiar with some releases (Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands, Sapve Invaders and New Zealand Story) though the rest of these I have never heard of (although I did play the LCD version of Plotting when I was younger, though at the time I hadnt heard of Plotting or its equivalents). Some in the collection are rather cringe-worthy (e.g the pointless Electric Yoyo and the vomit-inducing The Ninja Kids, and migraine-initiating Elevator Action, that looks more like a 1970s comedy of errors in my opinion) but some are very addictive and really enjoyable (Battle Shark and New Zealand Story to name but a few). You can tell that the majority of these were era-defining arcade classics, with outstanding graphics, gameplay and music elements, that were very lush compared to home console versions of each game. Another thing that stands out is the fact that games of these eras were quite difficult and tricky to play, compared with games that came out years later. But this factor did not get rid of the fun back then(although in real arcades, the players would have given up a lot of coins!), nor has it done so now. With extras that are already unlocked with each game (such as interviews and posters) it would have been nice if there were some more unlockables e.g. upon completing one game, or getting a certain high score. I havent played the sequel to this, but I reckon this is the best out of the two. I will even go as far as saying that I have had far more fun playing this than Rare Replay, which is 10 years younger than this. I would have given a much higher score if more titles such as Hang On or Puzzle Bobble were included, and the shoddy ones such as The Ninja Kids were never ever revealed upon the unsuspecting gamer (we have enough headaches to deal with in life, so none of this gibberish should ever be allowed to rear its head)!… Full Review »
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 12, 2023
    6
    Mediocre collection of old school arcade games, most of which have been long forgotten. Bubble Bobble, Continental Circus, New Zealand StoryMediocre collection of old school arcade games, most of which have been long forgotten. Bubble Bobble, Continental Circus, New Zealand Story and Rainbow Islands are the pick of the bunch but the others won't hold your attention for more than a few minutes.… Full Review »
  3. Wallytelly
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    The game is more than worth 20$ which was it's initial retail price. Even adjusted for inflation. This contains about 30 taito arcade games.The game is more than worth 20$ which was it's initial retail price. Even adjusted for inflation. This contains about 30 taito arcade games. My favorites are rainbow islands and jungle hunt. There are plenty of others like space invaders, rastan, bubble bobble etc. Basically this is the total package along with it's sequel taito legends 2. There is also an Xbox version.… Full Review »
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