Game & Watch Gallery

"Game & Watch Gallery will keep you occupied for an incredible amount of time."

Game & Watch Gallery is a collection of four old games, from Nintendo's Game And Watch series. However, unlike most game collections, it isn't just a few games tossed together without any thought involved. It is an example that all collections should try to follow. Each of the four games (Manhole, Fire, Octopus, Oil Panic) has both a classic version (exactly as the game was when it was first released) and a modern version (a cleaned up, updated version with smoother gameplay and better graphics/sound). The classic versions, while obviously suffering from a lack of technology at the time, are still entertaining. They're also pretty difficult. The modern versions, on the other hand, have been updated to the point where they seem like sequels of the original games. While mostly easier than the classic versions, they're still a lot of fun, and provide a good challenge as you get to their more difficult portions.

When I say that the modern versions seem like sequels of the original games, I'm not exaggerating. The graphics, which are blocky and stick-figurish in the classics, become smooth images that are very pleasing to the eye, even after long periods of time on one game. Also, each modern game now features various members of the cast of the Mario Bros. series, which is entertaining. The sound and music are also improved drastically. In the classic version, there is no music, and you're treated with annoying buzzing and a few beeps. I'm not faulting Game & Watch Gallery for that, because that's just how the sound was when these old games were released. The modern games, on the other hand, have done a great job of improving the sound and music drastically. I have no problem listening to the music while I play the modern games, even though each has only one song. You won't be focusing on the music, however, because these games demand an incredible amount of focus as the game goes on...

...Which brings us to the games themselves. The four games that are available in Game & Watch Gallery are all fun and long-lasting games, and they all contrast each other quite nicely. No two games have much in common, so you're sure to like at least one of them, though you'll probably like them all. There's also a great range of difficulty, which you'll quickly notice. Each game has an easy and a hard difficulty setting. Also, you can earn a Very Hard setting if you get enough points in the modern games. I warn you, however: The Very Hard difficulty is not to be taken lightly. It's an incredible challenge to take on that setting for any of the games. Even the most hardcore gamer will be challenged by them. Just earning them can be very tough, actually.

Here's a quick overview of each game:

Manhole: People are walking on the streets, but the manholes are lose! You (Yoshi in modern) have to keep them up so that the people don't fall into the sewer. You basically hit up for one manhole, left for another, etc.. It sounds easier than it is (very hard mode of this is the hardest thing in the game), but if you stick to easy mode, it's the easiest.

Fire: A building is on fire, and you have to rescue them! As the people (toad, Yoshi, DKish guys) jump from the building, you have to catch them on your trampoline, and bounce them into the safe area. Each will bounce three times before entering the safe area, and they come pretty quickly, so it soon becomes a juggling act. This is my personal favorite game.

Octopus: You're trying to carry treasure from a treasure chest up to your boat. However, the chest is guarded by a giant octopus! Classic mode of Octopus is the hardest game. Modern isn't quite so hard, but it's still tough. You have to run down from your boat, get to the treasure chest, and then run back, while the octopus is trying to grab you.

Oil Panic!: This is a bit odd. Oil's dripping from the.. Ceiling? Well, anyway, you have to catch it in a bucket, and pour it to the guy on the floor below before it overflows.

Very Hard mode is not the only thing that you can earn. Yet another endearing quality of this game is the Gallery. The Gallery is a collection of 16 old games, where you can view a short movie of the game and see some info on it. However, you can't view them all right away. Actually, you can't view any right away. You earn each of the 16 by getting a certain amount of points on each classic and modern game. This is the section that will help keep you motivated to continue playing, even after years of owning the game. Indeed, you won't earn them quickly. As an example, I've had the game for several years, and I've only earned 11 of them.

In conclusion, I highly suggest that you check out this game. It's very easy to learn, but it'll keep you playing for years. Plus, even though it's worth the price any new game gets nowadays, you'll probably find it at a very low cost. Of course, the best part is that once you've been playing this one for a while, you've got three other installments in the series to play!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/31/06, Updated 08/01/06