| Introduction
There have been a fair few retro compilations recently
with every game publisher insisting that theirs is the
definitive arcade classic collection. These have ranged
in quality and what was highly playable over a decade
ago, isn't always as good considering the advances in
hardware and technology today. Konami, however, do have
an impressive track record and few would argue that
they were one of the companies that defined computer
games and helped create what is now the favoured pastime
for millions of people. Still, is a cartridge full of
"old" albeit classic games worth all that
money?
GamePlay
Utilising the standard interface for compilations,
everything here is chosen from a simple user-friendly
interface with both text and graphics confirming your
choice. Looking at the games on offer you'll quickly
realize that most of the titles form the basis of modern
day classics so rather than zero in on a specific game
I'll go through them as they appear on the menu itself.
First up is the amazing Frogger and there can be
few people who can't recall trying to get the somewhat
stupid frog across the road or stream whilst avoiding
danger. There is still the same heart pounding effect
as you drift off the screen on a log or find yourself
boxed in by three cars and so have to restart.
Scramble is a well-rounded horizontal shooter. Avoiding
and destroying oncoming enemies whilst collecting fuel
is a formula that has been replicated many times over
the years.
Time Pilot again provides shooting fun, only this
time from an overhead perspective. It involves the player
in impressive dogfights at various points in history
and saving parachutists or destroying enemy aircraft
can gain bonuses. While this isn't quite as addictive
as Scramble it's still hugely enjoyable and the various
time zones are excellent.
Destroying things is the theme again in Gyruss, which
is a Tempest type shooter and, to be honest, probably
the weakest of all six titles on offer here.
Beat'em ups have become huge for both gamers and
developers and Yie Ar Kung-Fu is, arguably, one of the
titles that kick started this trend many years ago.
There are loads of moves and opponents here and fans
will notice that many of the features now standard in
this genre all appear here in a title well over 20 years
old.
Finally, my personal favourite, Green Beret. This
can best be described as a side scrolling platformer/shooter
where your main objective is to reach the base intact
and rescue the POWs. I've had to drag myself away from
playing it just to write this review.
Multiplayer addicts are also catered for as every
title features a single and multipack option. The only
thing you need to supply is a link cable (everyone should
have one of these by now) and a friend and you're away.
This is an essential edition to an already great package
and anyone who played these the first time around in
the arcades will agree that it was a lot more satisfying
playing against a friend rather than the arcade cabinet.
Controls
These differ from game to game but this is arcade
land and nothing ever really gets above the 'control
pad' and the 'A' and 'B' buttons. A few of the games
require a shoulder button to be pressed to set off a
smart bomb but this poses little problem and never interferes
with the flow of the game.
Graphics
As you'd expect everything is faithful to the arcade
games they're based on and as a result the visuals throughout
remain simple and functional. The GBC could handle the
graphics but the GBA outputs them with very little effort
at all. If desired enhanced graphics can be achieved
using a little know-how and the input of a code.
Sound & Music
As with the visuals, the audio has been directly
lifted from the arcade games that inspired them. This
doesn't mean they're terrible as for the time they were
considered cutting edge and even by today's standards
they do a fine job.
Final Comments
This is one of the first releases of this type that
can rightfully boast the title of Arcade Classics. The
games included are still very playable. The selection
of favourites on display here have aged really well
and arcade fans will be in... well, Arcade Heaven. There's
also diversity; beat'em up, platformer and shoot'em
up fans are all catered for. However, not everyone will
enjoy the retro angle so if you're not instantly excited
about these types of carts give it a whirl in the shop
before you hand over your cash.
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