Game Boy Color

"It offers more than just added color."

Upgrading from a Game Boy (or a Game Boy Pocket) to a Game Boy Color is not a waste of money. This system is based on the already gigantically popular GB, strengthened, colorized and shrunk. The result? Better graphics and gameplay, not to mention you will save money on batteries if you are still using the first version of GB.

Graphics Capabilities: 9
You'll feel as if you are carrying around an NES. The color is obviously pleasing to the eyes, but as I have already said, that's not the only new thing about the graphics. Because the system is twice as fast as the original GB, graphics can be and are much better looking than old GB games. The graphics upgrade is not immediately apparent, because there are some games which are 100% compatible with the original GB while still providing color on the GBC. Even though it's better to play games like this on the GBC, the actual graphics performance is still of the normal GB. When you play a GBC exclusive game, however, the difference is clearly noticeable. The GBC is probably the most powerful 8 bit video game system ever made. Obviously it's still an 8 bit system, but the extra graphical effects are indeed enjoyable, even if you are used to seeing high end graphics from a modern console system.

Audio Capabilities: 8
The same as that of the original GB.

Controller Design: 10
Traditional NES/GB controls...nothing left to be desired.

Game Library: 10
Even though there are GBC exclusive games, virtually all classic GB games are playable on the GBC. Nintendo themselves states that there is a possibility that an old GB game won't work on the GBC, but I myself haven't heard complaints from anyone on this subject. The only thing that has happened to me is when I play Final Fantasy Legend 2, the music doesn't sound right all the time. Other than that, my old GB games work perfectly.

As for exclusive GBC games...they are amazing. Most of these games are remixed classic GB games and NES ports, and they are all great! Remixed GB games are discerned from the rest by having the suffix ''DX'' attached to the game title. They are well worth rebuying (especially Link's Awakening DX), as they don't just have color, but usually have other extra features. There are a lot of great good NES to GBC ports, such as Super Mario Bros. Deluxe and Dragon Warrior 1&2. Unfortunately, there are some poorly coded ports on the GBC, which you should avoid like the plague (:: coughcoughCRYSTALIScoughcough ::), but they are thankfully few and far between.

Bottom Line?
Although there are still plenty of new games available for classic GB owners, getting a GBC really is a smart move. Not only will you be able to gain access to the extra colors in some games (even classic GB games get a little as well), but the GBC exclusive games are well worth it by themselves. The GBC is a worthy successor to the GB's throne, which is why I give it a 9.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/27/01, Updated 06/27/01