Namco Museum

"Why doesn't this "collection" have some of the Gamecube games?"

When I see Namco Museum, I look at that game in disgust, feeling sorry for those people who bought this game. Many Namco Museum's have been made, but none have many games. That's the reason the score goes down a whopping 5 points. See, I have nothing against the games themselves. It's the package I'm worried about. Let's see the games that were included:

Ms. Pac-Man 8/10

Namco didn't even bother putting in Pac-Man, for some reason. Anyway, I have a major gripe about this game. First, let's hear the good parts.You might've remembered this from my other review:

This is where the game truly shines. Inky, Pinky, Blinky, and, while Clyde is on vacation, Sue, try to stop Ms. Pac Man from eating the dots scattered throughout the maze. Whenever you eat all of the dots, you advance to the next maze.

When you eat 70 or 170 dots, a fruit appears. It's a small bonus, and it's worth a lot. Instead of just sitting there, the fruit actually bounces around the maze! You might even need to risk your life for just one!

I've noticed some people that try to memorize a routine for each level in Pac-Man. That's all about to change. The ghosts are totally random this time! Pinky just goes wherever she wants, not just to the top of the screen. This greatly increases playtime.

Every two levels there is a cut scene. One is where Ms. Pac Man and Pac Man meet. These cut-scenes are better and far more interesting than Pac-Man. The best part is, the mazes always change every cut scene! Unlike Pac Man, that is.

Now for the thing that drops the score: the game is not arcade perfect. When you first start out, doesn't Pinky go randomly about the maze? Not in this one. In this, she always goes to the top of the screen. Why is this bad? Because you can just memorize a pattern for each maze, which sucks the fun out of everything.

Dig Dug 5/10
Dig! In this game, you have to go around, digging, and eventually finding an enemy. Once done, pump it until it dies. Once all the enemies die, you can move on to the next level. Lots of fun!

I almost forgot, you have to scroll. Usually you could see full size in the arcade. Here you have to scroll, thus ruining the whole game!

Galaxian 7/10
The enemies are at the top of the screen. You are at the bottom. Enemies come flying at you. You have to kill them with your shots. Once all enemies are killed, you move on to the next round. Unfortunately, all the rounds are the same.

Galaga 9/10
This is galaxian, except the enemies "fly in patterns" Also the patterns change every once in a while.

Pole Position 5/10
Don't even get me started. At first, it's a fun racing game. You have to qualify for the main race by doing one lap. If you take too long, you won't qualify. Once done, yu have to do three laps to finish the game. There are also puddles that can slow you down. The bad part is, the tracks are boring with no distinguishing features. Not only that, but the time will always beat you on your second lap. ALWAYS.

Overall
This is Namco's worst scheme they have ever pulled off. If you have a Gamecube, get that version instead. Not only can you see full size, it has maybe 6 more games. Don't hate me, as I'm saving you plenty of money.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 07/06/05