Bandai Namco is teaming up with Hamster Corporation to bring back a retro gem as part of the Arcade Archives line—this time under the new-generation Arcade Archives 2 banner.

Prepare for real-time hypersonic dogfights on the System Super 22 arcade board! Air Combat 22, originally launched in 1995 by Namco (now Bandai Namco Entertainment), pushed the boundaries of 3D graphics and animated effects thanks to its cutting-edge arcade hardware. Pilots will dive into adrenaline-pumping missions that demand precision and agility, clearing wave after wave of enemy fighters to emerge as masters of the skies.

The Arcade Archives series prides itself on faithfully recreating classic arcade titles with original gameplay intact. Players can customize difficulty, screen settings, and even emulate the retro CRT visuals. Competitive players can climb global leaderboards by racking up high scores. Alongside familiar modes like Original, High Score, and Caravan, the new Arcade Archives 2 entries introduce Time Attack Mode and Network Mode. Time Attack challenges you to defeat the final boss in the shortest time possible, while Network Mode allows head-to-head matchups online—though these features may not be included in every game.

Gameplay quality has been significantly upgraded. Multiple save slots have replaced the single-slot system, a rewind function lets players retry difficult segments, and quick start support allows instant entry into the action. The addition of VRR support (Variable Refresh Rate) ensures a more authentic recreation of the arcade experience on modern displays.

Arcade Archives: Air Combat 22 is headed to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 for $15. For $3 more, players can upgrade to the PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2 version. The enhanced Arcade Archives 2: Air Combat 22 will also launch for PS5, Xbox Series, and Switch 2, though no official release date has been given yet.

Source: Gematsu, Arcade Archives