Arcade Archives AIR COMBAT 22 Reborn: Flight Classic Refined

When HAMSTER announces a reissue of a mid-’90s arcade cabinet, retro fans pay attention. On July 3, 2025, Arcade Archives and Archives2 editions of AIR COMBAT 22 arrive on modern consoles, promising a faithful emulation of Namco’s early 3D dogfighter—plus quality-of-life additions that aim to bridge the gap between pixel-perfect preservation and today’s gameplay expectations.

Historical Context

In 1995, AIR COMBAT 22 ran on Namco’s System Super 22 hardware, one of the first boards to render real-time polygonal environments at a pace that challenged CPU-bound designs. It laid groundwork for the Ace Combat franchise, experimenting with looping tracks, altitude changes and target prioritization long before home consoles could match arcade visual fidelity. By preserving this title unaltered, HAMSTER highlights a pivotal moment in flight-shooter evolution.

Platform Editions and Feature Comparison

There are two editions. The base Arcade Archives release on Switch and PS4 delivers original ROM emulation, dip-switch configuration and global leaderboards. The Archives2 edition—available on Switch 2, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S—carries a small $2 premium but unlocks VRR support, quick-start booting and extra save slots. This split lets purists choose raw authenticity while offering newcomers modern conveniences without sacrificing arcade accuracy.

Gameplay Mechanics: Then and Now

Original AIR COMBAT 22 offered a simple control scheme—throttle, pitch, yaw and a single fire button—but its challenge came from track-based dogfights set against dense, looping landscapes. Targets appear from behind or above, forcing players to master sharp turns and altitude changes. In the reissue, frame-rate stability via VRR reduces polygon jitter, making tight maneuvers more readable. Rewind functionality allows trial-and-error learning of each course segment without restarting the entire mission—a major shift from the quarter-munching difficulty of the arcade.

Quality of Life Enhancements

Beyond rewind and save slots, Archives2 introduces a Time Attack mode with split-second leaderboard integration, encouraging competitive runs rather than single-play arcade bursts. Dip-switch settings now sit in a more approachable menu, and quick-restart bypasses long attract-mode loops. For retrogamers lacking lightning reflexes, the ability to pause mid-dogfight and resume instantly transforms a once-forbidding challenge into an approachable goal-oriented pursuit.

Modern Appeal and Community

While AIR COMBAT 22 never supported true multiplayer, global ranking ladders deliver a communal goal. HAMSTER’s decision to stream developer retrospectives via “Arcade Archiver” adds context—though predominantly in Japanese—for enthusiasts interested in behind-the-scenes lore. Releasing simultaneously across five platforms widens access, inviting both long-time cabinet veterans and younger players to discover the roots of 3D flight shooters.

Conclusion

At $14.99 for Arcade Archives or $16.99 for Archives2, this is not a budget impulse buy—but it stands out amid nostalgia-driven ports by blending precise emulation with genuinely useful upgrades. For anyone curious about how polygonal dogfights first took wing, or for arcade loyalists seeking a more forgiving home experience, AIR COMBAT 22’s revival proves that classic preservation and modern design can co-exist.