Introduction

Ever wondered what it feels like to be an oversized bee in a biohazard suit shooting laser beams at angry octopus aliens? No? Well, that’s too bad because 'Baraduke'—also known as 'Alien Sector' in various parts of the world—has just flown onto the Nintendo Switch thanks to the magical powers of the Arcade Archives series. This retro gem from 1985 invites you to blast your way through eight worlds filled with enemies, all while saving odd-looking creatures and flexing your precision shooting skills. So, buckle up as we dive into the neon-tinged nostalgia-laden madness of 'Baraduke'.

Gameplay

Gameplay in 'Baraduke' is as straightforward as your grandma’s cooking, yet it packs a punch to keep you coming back for more. You step into the spandex of Kissy, a spacewoman in a biohazard suit, ready to clear out alien dwellings as if you were the exterminator for an extraterrestrial pest control company. Your primary weapon? A wave gun that works almost too well at creating chaos. You'll navigate through eight worlds, each consisting of regular floors and (cue dramatic music) boss floors. Each world has five regular levels and culminates in a showdown with a bigger-than-life boss—think of it as a series of increasingly terrifying (and oddly attractive) aliens trying their best to blend into the environment. Your job? Shoot them, save the Paccets (cute little one-eyed aliens lost in the haze of conflict), and ensure that the only prize they get is a ticket to the afterlife. Throughout the floors, you’ll face enemies like the quirky Octy, who drop power-up capsules faster than you can say 'what the heck is going on?' Collect the capsules and things start to feel a little too generous—it’s like your typical gaming experience where you end up ridiculously overpowered. Eventually, defeat all the Octy to reveal a pipe to the next floor—kind of like a sci-fi plumbing adventure. This classic run-and-gun action rekindles fond memories of classic arcade days while appealing to anyone nostalgic for simpler times.

Graphics

'Baraduke' runs on Namco’s classic Pac-Land hardware showcasing graphics that were, at the time, just mind-blowing. It's like a time capsule from the 80s—colors are bright, vibrant, and the animation is surprisingly fluid. Sure, it looks dated (not in the 'I can’t tell what this game is' way, but more like 'I’m going to pop some popcorn and enjoy this throwback'). The character designs are charmingly quirky, particularly the hilariously bizarre enemies and, of course, the protagonist, Kissy, who can kick butt while flaunting her fashion sense. The backdrop features a whimsical style that screams 'arcade charm' and nods at the imagination of the developers who decided that colors and weird designs would work well together. While it won't win any awards today, it perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic retro vibe and offers a sprinkle of whimsy that puts a smile on your face amidst all the chaos.

Conclusion

Overall, 'Baraduke' is a delightful throwback to the time when gaming was all about high scores, arcade cabinets, and enough neon to start a small rave. The straightforward gameplay combined with whimsical aesthetics and the absurd yet entertaining premise makes it worth checking out, especially for newcomers or those looking for a good dose of nostalgia. While it does have its flaws—some might call it repetitive or simplistic—the game captures the joy of traditional run-and-gun gameplay. If you find joy in blasting aliens and saving adorable creatures while navigating complex levels peppered with challenge, well, then you’re in for a retro experience that’ll make you feel like a kid again. Just remember to stay hydrated—nothing like a bit of 8-bit madness to work up a thirst!

See Latest Prices for Arcade Archives: Baraduke on Switch on Amazon