Thunder Hoop Collection (QUByte Classics)

Whether you experienced the arcade craze of the ’90s or are passionate about preserving and reviving lesser-known gems from that era, the Thunder Hoop Collection is one of those pleasant surprises. Originally developed by the Spanish company Gaelco, the franchise was born in arcades and captures the pure (and punishing) essence of classic “coin-guzzlers.” Now, revived through the QUByte Classics label, we have the opportunity to revisit Professor Genbreak’s biological and mutating saga with the respect it deserves. The Origin and Remarkable Evolution of the Franchise The first Thunder Hoop (1992) hit arcades with a very distinctive aesthetic influenced by anime of the time it’s almost impossible to look at the young protagonist and not immediately think of a version of Goku facing off against bio monsters. The game is a 2D action platformer focused on agility, reflexes, and survival. However, what’s most impressive about the collection is playing both titles back to back and witnessing the remarkable evolution in the second game, TH Strikes Back (1994). The leap wasn’t just visual it was massive in terms of gameplay scope. The young protagonist grows up and becomes an adult warrior; the game fully embraces run and gun mechanics; combat takes on greater importance; and, most importantly, the introduction of simultaneous two player co-op mode. It’s clear just how much the developer refined the level design and fluidity in just two years. QUByte’s Competent Work and the Importance of Rewind Bringing obscure arcade games into the present day requires technical care, and the port of this collection is exceptionally well done. The emulation is extremely smooth, and the button mapping responds perfectly which is essential, since playing with Steam Input configured for a precision controller, such as an 8BitDo Ultimate, makes the jumping and shooting experience extremely responsive. The package also includes save states and CRT filter options that truly simulate old CRT screens. However, we need to be very honest about one detail: Gaelco’s original design was meant to drain kids’ pockets back in the day. Both games are extremely brutal. Enemies pop up to catch you off guard, there are jumps that require millimeter-perfect timing, and bosses that won’t forgive even the slightest slip-up. That’s exactly why the Rewind feature included by QUByte isn’t just a bonus, it’s a true lifesaver. Without the ability to rewind the action, finishing either of these games today would be a frustrating task and would border on the impossible for most players. Being able to instantly undo that wrong jump into the abyss or a silly mistake takes the unfair weight off the arcade’s difficulty and lets you enjoy the design, the nonstop action, and the beautiful pixel art seamlessly. Thunder Hoop Collection is an excellent slice of ’90s history, cleverly packaged. QUByte Interactive hit the nail on the head by modernizing accessibility without compromising the original game. For anyone who enjoys the retro vibe, plenty of 2D action, and a classic challenge (properly tamed by the rewind feature), this is a highly recommended purchase.