Game & Watch Gallery 2

"More Nintendo golden oldies in one game pak!"

Gameplay – 10/10

Game and Watch Gallery 2 is a game featuring many of Nintendo's old classic Game & Watch games released mostly during the 1980's. There are a variety of different games to play including Donkey Kong, Parachute, Chef, Vermin, and Helmet. After selecting a game to play you can then choose whether you want to play Classic, the original Game & Watch version, or an updated enhanced graphical version in Modern. There are two difficulty levels for both modes but if you get very good then you can unlock an even harder mode. As you rack up more points during the game, it will become progressively harder and faster and you'll need some quick reaction times to tap those buttons! It can be very fun and challenging but it can be really annoying when you think you will hit that 1000 points score and then lose it at 980!

For every 200 points you achieve you will gain a Star and by getting more Stars you unlock things in the game. There is a Museum in G&WG2 which lets you take a look at some old Game & Watch games released in the past. You can see them in action and it gives you a bit of information on what the aim of the game is and when it was released. You open up more classic games for the Museum by getting Stars. You can also unlock hints and tips on how to get better scores for each game, one more secret G&W game and different characters to use for that game, and much more. There are 120 Stars altogether and it will take you along time to master each game and collect them all.

Did I mention that this game contains the Mario characters? Well it does, and you control a Mario character for the Modern mode of the games which is great. Having Mario in the game gives you even more of a reason to play it!

Controls 10/10

Every game is extremely easy to play. You only really have to use the D-Pad for most games. In games like Donkey Kong you use A to jump and the D-Pad to move Mario. There isn't much to say other than they are simple enough for anyone at all to play and they respond perfectly. You can't ask for anything better really.

Graphics – 10/10

The Classic versions of every game are taken directly from their original Game & Watch version so they won't look fantastic. But this game isn't about graphics, it's about the gameplay. But do not worry anyway because Modern mode is where it's at for graphics. Each game in G&WG2 has been totally remade using the Game Boy Color's capabilities and they look wonderful. The graphics are really top quality to say there are only 2D games. The bright colors look great and each character looks cool.

Sound – 9/10

There are a lot of catchy tunes that will get you humming along to them in G&WG2. But these can only be found in Modern mode. Classic mode is all about the original versions which never had any music, just beep noises. It can be quite annoying at first but you soon get used to it and the beeps do actually help you to time yourself at some points. And luckily, you can go to the Music Room and listen to all the tunes in there anyway.

Play Time/Replayability – 9/10

Game and Watch Gallery 2 will have you going for absolutely ages! Trying to get 1000 points or higher in every game and difficulty will keep you coming back for more and you won't stop until you've done it. There's a load to unlock which adds to the replay value even more. You'll soon find a favorite game and you will just keep wanting to beat your old scores every time you play.

Overall – 10/10

Game and Watch Gallery 2 is a fantastic compilation of some of Nintendo's old gems and everything about it is great. It's the perfect game for any Nintendo fans that never got to play the old classics and even the players who did. Playing them again will bring all those wonderful memories back and the Modern mode gives everyone a reason to own it. The updated Mario versions look great and any Mario fan will love it. My favorite game is probably Vermin because Yoshi rules!

I urge any Nintendo player to get the game. You will not be disappointed.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/20/04