Spica Adventure is a vibrant, high-energy revival of a Taito arcade deep cut. Originally a Japan-only arcade title from 2005, its jump to the PS5 brings a niche classic into the modern spotlight. It’s a game that thrives on short but sweet energy, catering to those who miss the days of quarters and high scores.
Developer: Taito
Publisher: ININ Games
Release Date:Â 14 April 2026
Code was provided for review from Publisher.
Gameplay: The Power of the Parasol
At its core, Spica Adventure is a 2D side-scrolling platformer, but its soul is pure arcade action. You play as Nico, a girl armed with a multi-functional yellow parasol—a clear spiritual nod to Taito’s Parasol Stars.
- Versatile Combat: The parasol isn’t just for show. You can use it to poke enemies, execute combos, and even reflect projectiles back at bosses.
- Agile Movement: Navigation is the highlight. You can use the umbrella to float through the air, spring off walls, and slide across surfaces. Mastering these moves is essential because every stage has a tight time limit.
- The Pursuit: If you dawdle too long, a giant, screen-filling robot begins to chase you, turning the level into a frantic dash for the exit.Branching Paths: With 28 stages in total, the game uses a branching map similar to Darius or OutRun. A single run only takes about 45–60 minutes, but you’ll need multiple playthroughs to see every stage and ending.
Visuals & Sound: Retro Pop Excellence
The game’s presentation is a kaleidoscope of chaos. It features a retro pop art aesthetic that feels like a toy box come to life. On the PS5, the colors pop with incredible vibrancy, though the plastic look of the 3D models against 2D backgrounds might feel a bit dated to those expecting next-gen realism.The soundtrack is handled by Zuntata, Taito’s legendary in-house band. It’s exactly what you’d expect: catchy, high-tempo synth tracks that keep your heart rate up as the timer ticks down.
PS5 Performance
On the PS5, the game runs smoothly, but it’s worth noting that this is a faithful port of an older arcade architecture.
- Load Times: Practically non-existent.
- Resolution: Crisp 4K output makes the bright colors and “Space Invaders” themed boss fights look sharper than ever.
- Extras: The console version includes online leaderboards, which are the real “endgame” for competitive players, and a “mirrored” mode for added difficulty.
Final Thoughts
Spica Adventure is a joyous, neon-soaked blast from the past. It doesn’t try to be a 40-hour epic; it wants to be the most fun hour of your day. If you love arcade purity and chasing the S-rank, this is a must-play.
