Taito's 1987 Arcade Shooter Exzisus Returns Through Arcade Archives on Modern Consoles

Hamster Corporation releases Taito's 1987 arcade shmup Exzisus on modern consoles via Arcade Archives, featuring Turbo Jet mode and robotic animal companions.

One of Taito's more unusual arcade shoot-'em-ups has returned to modern platforms, giving players another opportunity to discover a game that never achieved the same recognition as the company's biggest arcade hits. Exzisus, originally released in 1987, became available through Hamster Corporation's Arcade Archives programme on November 5. The new release brings the original shooter to contemporary Nintendo and PlayStation systems, with an Arcade Archives 2 edition also available on supported newer platforms including Xbox Series consoles. Players control Cosmo Fighter Robin as he attempts to defeat a mysterious army threatening the Fourth Galaxy. Equipped with a blaster and missiles, Robin must survive increasingly dangerous waves of enemies while collecting power-ups. The most distinctive feature is the ability to transform into Turbo Jet mode, changing the player's appearance and combat options. Additional support comes from animal-shaped robotic companions, including bird and dog units that assist with attacks. Large mechanical bosses provide further challenges, with players encouraged to target vulnerable components rather than simply firing indiscriminately. Hamster's re-release retains the historical arcade experience while adding modern convenience features. The standard Arcade Archives edition is priced at approximately $7.99 in the United States, while Arcade Archives 2 costs around $9.99 and includes an additional Time Attack mode. Exact prices vary by platform and region. Exzisus is an interesting preservation choice because lesser-known arcade games can easily disappear from public attention when original cabinets become scarce. Hamster continues demonstrating that arcade history contains far more than the usual collection of household names. For enthusiasts who have already defeated every familiar alien invasion, the Fourth Galaxy has apparently been saving another one since 1987.