Turrican Flashback

With four games as a showcase of the exploratory level design of early 1990s European-style run-and-gun titles, Turrican Flashback's ex-Factor 5 games had an undeniable x-factor, and the first two Amiga Turrican releases are noteworthy as some of the best 16-bit computer games. Alongside the console bedazzlement of Super Turrican and Mega Turrican, there's plenty of platforming fun to be found, and the 2D visuals are well presented through varied display options. Yet, the gameplay becomes repetitive when bouncing between four titles, and Turrican Flashback feels incomplete as a collection representing the scope of the series. Still, retro gamers might not dwell on the modest number of games included, as soon as they hear Chris Huelsbeck's sublime soundtracks booming once again.

A great compilation that includes 4 great old games that have received a wonderful remaster treatment. But it also comes with some flaws like the lack of any extra content beyond the OG games, and the fact that this are difficult games that may not be for everyone out there.

This is a pretty solid collection of little games that are in many ways frozen in amber from a specific time in gaming history. This isn’t going to make a huge fan out of anyone, but if you’re in the mood for some classic 16-bit shooter fun, this’ll deliver.

Turrican Flashback is a rose-tinted ride to the heady days of the Amiga. However you can’t help but think this is a wasted opportunity considering the lack of extra features.

30 years after its release, Turrican is still a great 2D "run and gun" game. This remastered collection is extremely faithful to the original, and includes savegames, and rewind to make it easier for new players.

Turrican Flashback Collection includes 4 undeniably old-school run 'n' gun games that genre fans may want to play but be warned; there are plenty of aspects that haven't aged well at all which makes playing this compilation quite annoying at times.

Make no mistake, Turrican Flashback is a nice retro throwback. But I wish Factor 5 and publisher ININ Games did more to make it the proper celebration of the series it could have been. Aside from four pixel-perfect ports, there isn’t a lot here to justify the collection’s $30 price tag. Sure, you get the usual features like the ability to rewind your game and save states and a few visual filters. But save for those modern amenities, Turrican Flashback doesn’t offer much else apart from the aforementioned soul-crushing challenge and a load of zany weaponry.

You can never take away the greatness of this series and its games, but with this collection we expected something more than just four games packed together with little to no extra content, like, for instance, the superb soundtracks or some interviews with the creators.

Old-school run 'n' gun games are still enjoyable but Turrican's fan must be warned that this compilation is not the best you they can get nowadays.