Turrican Flashback

As dynamic, engaging, and challenging today as they ever were, Turrican Flashback offers an authentic compilation of games from the classic series, without a single dud among them. Unfortunately, wafer-thin presentation, missing titles, and a complete lack of side-features (in addition to a subjectively high price-tag) let down what could of - should of - been an encapsulating tribute to one of history's most influential and beloved shooter franchises.

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.

It's rare to see Amiga games surfacing at all, so it's a real treat to have two of the very best available on Switch, along with entirely enjoyable Mega Drive and SNES efforts.

If it weren't for the helpful quality-of-life features added, the first two Turrican instalments would likely never be played by anyone today. This is less of an issue for the other two titles included in Turrican Flashback. Super Turrican and Mega Turrican are really exciting, and highly stimulating action games that hold up today. The only modern day indie equivalent would be Gunlord X, which cheekily mapped the beam weapon to the analogue stick for the fastest possible action. Turrican was where it began, and anyone who enjoys the likes of Contra or action games by Treasure should really give this a look.

In terms of the games themselves, the Turrican Flashback collection is a great way to replay the classic series, with or without the rewind and saving mechanics. However, in terms of a collection that is celebrating the 30th anniversary, it once again falls short by offering no bonus features or additional content for the player to enjoy and educate themselves with. The trophies are disabled unless you play the game old-school, so only the most patient, skilful, and those with quick reflexes will be the ones who obtain the platinum – showcasing just how good they are at brutal retro games. For the rest of us, the provided cheats and rewind mechanic means we can casually enjoy each game and finally see the end credits – even if we had to cheat to do so!

What you’re getting here are four incredible games which many had assumed were lost to time, never to be seen again. Now they’re playable on the latest hardware. Sure, nothing really beats playing the games as they were originally intended, but short of full remakes, Flashback is about as close to perfect as you’re going to get. Turrican will always be memorable because of that soundtrack, but Flashback also proves that the games themselves hold up way better on their own merits than anyone could have dared imagine.

Turrican Flashback is clearly addressed only to those who had experienced the magic of that time and want to relive the experience, as it is, in modern reality.

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.

Speaking of remakes, I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that Turrican deserves one. This is a title that may have been forgotten by some throughout the years. Though, after playing through the Flashback collection, I can only hope that it comes to fruition. When considering the success of the Doom Franchise following the 2016 reboot. I’d say it has the potential to compete with the frantic gunplay and iconic weaponry. But until that day comes, I’d recommend checking Turrican Flashback out post-haste. It’s worth it

The Turrican franchise features some of the toughest and most punishing run and gun platforming gameplay you will ever come across. Especially the first game. As the series moved out to the consoles, gameplay became more balanced as Factor 5 matured and refined their creative skills. If you are up for a run and gun gameplay challenge, Turrican Flashback fits the bill.