Game & Watch Gallery 2

"Classic LCD world clashes with modernization, fun for quick play."

Opener:

Game & Watch Gallery just a wee bit before the release of this title was a shot in the dark gamble by Nintendo to bring back its gaming roots as a volume of game packs over time. The original which came out in the Super Gameboy format was all of a sudden a smash hit. Many of the old fans of the original Game & Watch's, and many new wanting a multi game pack hosting Nintendo mascot character dove in. The response was so well which Nintendo surely was happy to see that they released a second compilation and here it is. The idea of these is to let the player play the original LCD game simulated or a modern version using updated music, Nintendo established graphics and mascots, and other added treats. I also being an owner of 5 Game & Watch's really had to review this once I could get around to it and I hope you like what I have to say below. I'm sorry if I sound gushy here, but you rarely can find a Gameboy pack with 10 games that are just darn addictive and fun. The included games in this package which you can see in a graphic below are:

* Parachute
* Helmet
* Chef
* Vermin
* Donkey Kong
* Ball *Needs to be earned to played.

As I own a copy of the old Donkey Kong Game & Watch below I will try and draw comparisons to the simulated game and modern version, hence the reason why I chose the screen captures from that game. Below you will find that in the graphics and sound department I'll focus on a Donkey Kong comparison. Remember this is the same for all the games, but I didn't see the point in tacking on a dozen more small paragraphs for each title.

Graphics
The graphics of the Game & Watch Gallery 2 pack are very well simulated in respect to the original game & watch's. The original Game & Watch units were a simple LCD with a clear piece of plastic that had graphics imprinted upon them to display the level. In the simulated version of Donkey Kong the whole original color scheme and look of the plastic sheet art, and LCD characters and animation are captured very accurately. In the case of a split screen game like Donkey Kong you are given a scaled down top/bottom screen which is put into a shade of blue. I felt that was a pretty ingenious move as it made it easy to still know what is going on, and switching the size is as simple as pressing the B Button. The modern versions of the games though are what did really appeal to me and I imagine many old and new fans of these types of games. The updated version of Donkey Kong features a well animated Mario, Princess, Donkey Kong, barrels, and various backgrounds for all the areas it cycles through. As you can see by looking below that in this game there is a strong Mario influence with what I believe to be a sprinkle of Wrecking Crew. The only place I found that this game was somewhat drab in this department was just the title and menu screens of the game. The only reason I can think of that might justify it was that for America this was made a Gameboy Color game while in Japan it was only Super Gameboy. *snicker*

Rating: 4.0

Sound
The sound like the graphics of this game in respect to the old LCD titles is captured with astute accuracy. I guess there is not much to be said for that considering all the old games did was essentially go "bleep bleep," but it just would not be the same without it. Aside from the original sounds for the LCD titles the rest of the tunes given to us sound very good and fit each of the different titles quite well. In the Donkey Kong game you are given an up beat tune with somewhat of a fast pace that draws you into the mood. The tune when it speeds up attracts you into the urgency of when things get more heavy as your score climbs leaving little room for error. The title theme from the game sounds very nice for an introduction theme that leads into a nice little jingle. The rest of the menus of the game pretty much share the same tune which sounds pretty nice, but fortunatley you won't sit in there long enough for it to annoy you.

Rating: 3.5

Theme & Fun
The theme and fun of this game is derived from its classic nature clashing with modern times. Old time gamers such as myself, or a new gamer from today can sit down and appreciate this package in one way or another. While people like me can appreciate maybe the old stuff as much or more than the new, the newer gamer could be vice-versa. Adding into the title are various little treats you earn via a star system. With enough stars new secret things will open up in the game including an extra hidden Game & Watch game called "Ball" which was the first Game & Watch ever.

Rating: 4.0

Play Control
The play control of both the modern and classic versions of the Game & Watch units respond extremely well. The old games were derived around simple control with a button or two and if you were lucky a simple cross pad to move your character around if needed. In every case for these old games the button response is just as responsive as the original units adding to the original feel of the game trying to be relived. In the case of the modern titles you are given more ability to move around and in some of the games expanded moves to do. Since they are devised from simple games with simple control that does dribble over into the modern arena as well. Don't get me wrong as if that did sound as a negative as I am quite impressed as it adds to the simplisity of the control for a game that gets more difficult as you play.

Rating: 4.0

Challenge
The challenge of each of the games in this library both modern and classic do at the start vary in difficulty. A game like Chef is quite simple compared to the Donkey Kong title due to mechanics. Once you get used to the mechanics, if you can, then the real challenge comes from the amount of time you play and points you rack up. The longer you play the more points you will receive. As the points climb the speed of the game will gradually increase and keep going faster until certain breakpoints when it will slow somewhat and start over again. In the classic games this is where it can become extremely hard, but in the modern games after a certain amount of points you can get rewarded with a marker that will remove one of the 3 misses you are allowed before the game is over. Each time you play the game will start back at 0 and you have to work you way up the scoreboard again. The only way around that is pausing and shutting off the Gameboy as the game has a "pause-resume" feature if you just can't finish in one sitting.

Rating: 4.0

Replay Value and Closing Notes:
This game is one of those few gems with an amazing amount of replay value. A cross between the amount of games you get and both modes will keep you playing as you will want to beat your scores. Also the fact that there is a star system to increase gifts and options in the game(including Ball) will keep you even longer trying to open up all the hidden things inside.

This is one of those few retro/modern titles that I feel that anyone should try and get ahold of. With all the options and gifts that you can earn it will keep you coming back for more.

Overall Rating: 3.9 / 5.0

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/23/04