Retro Game Challenge

Retro Game Challenge for the Nintendo DS (see GAMESPOT Review) is a must have for those out there that grew up on “retro” 8-bit videogames. The games in Retro Game Challenge aren’t actually 8bit videogames from the past, though. No, that’s for all the other 8bit retro game collections. In this game, which got its name from a Japanese television show, you’re sent back in time to the 1980s to challenge a younger version of the villian at videogames. The games, while feeling instantly like “old classics” are actually new games that perhaps give some homage to the games they’re meant to replicate. This makes the game somewhat unique and worthy of your attention.

Games Included in Retro Game Challenge:

• Cosmic Gate – 2D spaceship shooter
• Haguru Man – Side-scroller.
• Rally King – Top-down racing game.
• Star Prince – 2D spaceship shooter game.
• Haguru Man 2 – Side-scroller.
• Guadia Quest – RPG
• Rally King SP – Top-down racing game.
• Haguru Man 3 – Side-scroller.

These ‘pseudo retro’ games are what really makes this title unique and different than other 8bit collections out there. A lot of attention was paid to very little details. You don’t have to have seen the Japanese tv show or even played a lot of old retro games to get something out of Retro Game Challenge, though.

In the ‘challenges’ you face in the past, you don’t have to just beat the retro games. There are certain assignments or tasks you have to complete – like getting a high score, or playing one of the games with a handicap (not using a particular item or ability, etc.) It’s this that makes the game a little unique too, as it’s not just a collection of old games you can play, but there’s a story wrapped around them as well.

If you’ve played Retro Game Challenge or are a fan of retro 8bit games, leave a comment below.

Til next time… remember Pong.