Dig Dug (Rating: 10/10)
Dig Dug. If the name rings a bell, it's one of Namco's ultimate arcade classics in which you play as....Dig Dug, and you go kill enemies you seek underground with a pump.
Like Namco's other games such as Pac-Man, Dig Dug has went on to become an all-time great due to the addicting gameplay, thus leading it to several game collections (particularly Namco Museum collections) and lots of standalone ports.
How far can you go before losing all of your lives? That was the goal of old 80s arcade games: To see how what level you can get up to as you play. The fun of that in Dig Dug is no different. Obstacles/enemies such as boulders that fall when you go underneath them and dragons that breathe fire bring some more life to the formula.
Like Namco's other games such as Pac-Man, Dig Dug has went on to become an all-time great due to the addicting gameplay, thus leading it to several game collections (particularly Namco Museum collections) and lots of standalone ports.
How far can you go before losing all of your lives? That was the goal of old 80s arcade games: To see how what level you can get up to as you play. The fun of that in Dig Dug is no different. Obstacles/enemies such as boulders that fall when you go underneath them and dragons that breathe fire bring some more life to the formula.
Donkey Kong 3 (Rating: 6/10)
Stanley the Bugman's console debut was never as popular as Mario's starring in Donkey Kong and Jr, and for good reason.
The game is a shooter in disguise as a limited platformer. The goal is to spray Donkey Kong up to the top of the vines he climbs with a bug sprayer, while also shooting distracting bugs that try to take away your flowers.
When Stanley dies, he looks like as if he just died like how Mario does in Donkey Kong, but in the arcade version, that's not the case. In the original, bugs would swoop down, and eat off Stanley (Thankfully, there's no blood. His body just disappears) I can see why that was censored in the NES game.
Unlike the first two games, Donkey Kong 3's levels are all identical, with just the color palliate changed.
The game is a shooter in disguise as a limited platformer. The goal is to spray Donkey Kong up to the top of the vines he climbs with a bug sprayer, while also shooting distracting bugs that try to take away your flowers.
When Stanley dies, he looks like as if he just died like how Mario does in Donkey Kong, but in the arcade version, that's not the case. In the original, bugs would swoop down, and eat off Stanley (Thankfully, there's no blood. His body just disappears) I can see why that was censored in the NES game.
Unlike the first two games, Donkey Kong 3's levels are all identical, with just the color palliate changed.
Ms. Pac-Man / Galaga (Rating: 10/10)
This is it: The actual arcade machine that contains the original Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga. Okay, so the machine was made in 2001, but it still held the true originals.
Ms. Pac-Man is that really popular maze game in which you play as the miss in action. Run around eating all the dots, avoiding the ghosts, you know the drill!
Since this is the cabinet that is pretty much everywhere I've been to, chances are that the machine lets you play as a Ms. Pac-Man that runs as fast as Sonic the Hedgehog! If not, then there should probably be a way how you can change that inside the machine itself.
Galaga is like Space Invaders, but with several improvements. The enemies do stunts in space while moving down towards you, the "boss" aliens can steal your ship, there are bonus levels, and you can even steal your ship BACK, allowing you to shoot DOUBLE the amount of firepower!
(Oh yeah, and Pac-Man is a hidden game via button code)
Overall, if you are an arcade owner, or just some person who wants an arcade machine in your room, this is for you.
Ms. Pac-Man is that really popular maze game in which you play as the miss in action. Run around eating all the dots, avoiding the ghosts, you know the drill!
Since this is the cabinet that is pretty much everywhere I've been to, chances are that the machine lets you play as a Ms. Pac-Man that runs as fast as Sonic the Hedgehog! If not, then there should probably be a way how you can change that inside the machine itself.
Galaga is like Space Invaders, but with several improvements. The enemies do stunts in space while moving down towards you, the "boss" aliens can steal your ship, there are bonus levels, and you can even steal your ship BACK, allowing you to shoot DOUBLE the amount of firepower!
(Oh yeah, and Pac-Man is a hidden game via button code)
Overall, if you are an arcade owner, or just some person who wants an arcade machine in your room, this is for you.
Nascar Racing (Rating: 9/10)
You know what I hate? How any video games related to sports or racing have to be simulations of said things. Madden is a straight-up football simulation. NBA 2k## is a straight-up basketball simulation. There's no fun that could be found within the games, and it only comes from the player's experience with the sport.
Fortunately, Nascar Racing for arcades offers both simulation AND arcade-style fun! It is very easy to control (Drive with the steering wheel and hold down the gas pedal), and at the same time, it's just darn fun! The racing gameplay is as satisfying as that of the Cruis 'n ____ games, and is way more satisfying than titles like Rad Racer and Pole Position.
As for simulated gameplay, there's a "Manual" setup for players that prefer a more realistic play. There's a lever (at least in the machines I've played) that said players could use to tweak the car's speed (Right?), and could be used in situations in which the car would probably go off-track or collide.
With a great selection of tracks, colorful graphics, loads of selectable cars, and rad gameplay, Nascar Racing is golden.
Fortunately, Nascar Racing for arcades offers both simulation AND arcade-style fun! It is very easy to control (Drive with the steering wheel and hold down the gas pedal), and at the same time, it's just darn fun! The racing gameplay is as satisfying as that of the Cruis 'n ____ games, and is way more satisfying than titles like Rad Racer and Pole Position.
As for simulated gameplay, there's a "Manual" setup for players that prefer a more realistic play. There's a lever (at least in the machines I've played) that said players could use to tweak the car's speed (Right?), and could be used in situations in which the car would probably go off-track or collide.
With a great selection of tracks, colorful graphics, loads of selectable cars, and rad gameplay, Nascar Racing is golden.
Pac-Man (Rating: 10/10)
Pac-Man is considered to be one of the best arcade games EVER, and I totally agree with that.
Eating around a maze with simple controls, but addicting gameplay is pretty sweet.
As you progress through the game, it just gets harder and harder and harder. That's exactly what is expected in almost every 80s arcade game. And boy does it stick to this game.
This is pretty much all I can say about Pac-Man....that it's fun and addicting.
Eating around a maze with simple controls, but addicting gameplay is pretty sweet.
As you progress through the game, it just gets harder and harder and harder. That's exactly what is expected in almost every 80s arcade game. And boy does it stick to this game.
This is pretty much all I can say about Pac-Man....that it's fun and addicting.
Pac-Man's Arcade Party (Rating: 10/10)
Hey. Anyone that's owned a Namco Museum game collection knows what I'm talking about. But this time, the arcade classics are coming back to the scene with this extremely epic machine! Not only does it have Pac-Man and Galaga, but with several more games included! PLUS, you don't even need more arcade machines for the other games! They are all crammed into here unharmed.
Pac-Man: Must I say anything about this one? It's one of the most addicting games of all time.
Ms. Pac-Man: Better than the original!
Galaxian: Namco's answer to Space Invaders, this shooter's in color and has aliens that dive toward you!
Galaga: This sequel to Galaxian makes it even better by being able to shoot multiple missles, as well as stunt-performing aliens.
Galaga '88: Oh, my god. Do NOT miss out on this one. It's got amazing graphics, sound effects, and you can even start with a double-ship (Although you'll have one less life)!
Pac-Mania: This pseudo-3D Pac-Man game has him star in a handful of different mazes, in a similar fashion to Ms. Pac-Man, but with even more variety.
Mappy: A classic cat 'n mouse chaser with a Pac-Man-ish goal - Collect all objects in the level
Rally-X: More arcade game than racer, Rally X has you steer a car to collect flags on the road while smokescreening your enemies.
And yet there's some more games! Sadly, I do not know too much about a couple (Rolling Thunder...), but even if there are games you don't like, this machine is still worth it for AT LEAST a few classics fully restored in their arcade glory!
Pac-Man: Must I say anything about this one? It's one of the most addicting games of all time.
Ms. Pac-Man: Better than the original!
Galaxian: Namco's answer to Space Invaders, this shooter's in color and has aliens that dive toward you!
Galaga: This sequel to Galaxian makes it even better by being able to shoot multiple missles, as well as stunt-performing aliens.
Galaga '88: Oh, my god. Do NOT miss out on this one. It's got amazing graphics, sound effects, and you can even start with a double-ship (Although you'll have one less life)!
Pac-Mania: This pseudo-3D Pac-Man game has him star in a handful of different mazes, in a similar fashion to Ms. Pac-Man, but with even more variety.
Mappy: A classic cat 'n mouse chaser with a Pac-Man-ish goal - Collect all objects in the level
Rally-X: More arcade game than racer, Rally X has you steer a car to collect flags on the road while smokescreening your enemies.
And yet there's some more games! Sadly, I do not know too much about a couple (Rolling Thunder...), but even if there are games you don't like, this machine is still worth it for AT LEAST a few classics fully restored in their arcade glory!
Pac-Man Battle Royale (Rating: 9/10)
How long has it been since there was a new Pac-Man game in the style of his oldies from the 80s? Actually, it has been that long. Fortunately, for Pac-Man's 30th Anniversary, Namco creates a game that the yellow guy really should have gotten a little earlier: Pac-Man Battle Royale!
The main hook here is that you can play against anyone else that's using the machine. You use the Power Pellets not only to eat ghosts, but to eat other Pac-Men! It works just as great as it sounds. And to top it all off, the game is similar to that of Pac-Man Championship Edition, with its techno music and stylish graphics!
The only real flaw in the game is if you play alone. The game throws in a CPU player that is very, very easy to beat. But luckily, people would always be playing this game, so you may not need to worry!
The main hook here is that you can play against anyone else that's using the machine. You use the Power Pellets not only to eat ghosts, but to eat other Pac-Men! It works just as great as it sounds. And to top it all off, the game is similar to that of Pac-Man Championship Edition, with its techno music and stylish graphics!
The only real flaw in the game is if you play alone. The game throws in a CPU player that is very, very easy to beat. But luckily, people would always be playing this game, so you may not need to worry!
Punch-Out (Rating: 8/10)
Ah, yes. Punch Out. Such a cool boxing/puzzle title for the NES. It's so great to see the arcade classic come back to the Wii. What? Didn't know it was released in arcades? Before the NES version in fact? Well, it just so happens to be that.
The game is as simplistic as you'd probably expect if you've played any Punch Out title. You dodge and punch the opponent. There's just a little problem with this arcade original, though. The control feels a bit stiff. It might take some getting used to if you had always played the NES version, with its smoother control and all.
But on the plus side, it's still Punch Out. And to top it off, you get gorgeous-looking graphics and neat voice effects (Although they get slightly repetitive).
The game is as simplistic as you'd probably expect if you've played any Punch Out title. You dodge and punch the opponent. There's just a little problem with this arcade original, though. The control feels a bit stiff. It might take some getting used to if you had always played the NES version, with its smoother control and all.
But on the plus side, it's still Punch Out. And to top it off, you get gorgeous-looking graphics and neat voice effects (Although they get slightly repetitive).
Tank! Tank! Tank! (Rating: 9/10)
I went to a Boomers today and saw this game among a few rows of arcade machines. Curious about it being a Wii U launch title later on, I decided to give the game a shot.
First off, the graphics are surprisingly colorful. Sure, they don't really surpass anything in technical standards, but there is certainly quite the eye candy! The gigantic enemies in the campaign don't look half-bad either. There's a lot to look at on them!
On to the actual gameplay...
If there's one thing TTT really succeeds in doing, it's creating a sense of total destruction. EVERYTHING in the game's worlds is destructible! Don't feel like going around buildings? BLOW THEM UP INSTEAD! Explode everything in sight! The game already becomes mindless fun by this point.
However, it's not the destruction of entire cities that is the goal. The game is really about multiplayer frenzy and killer robotic bees, ants, giant dragons, a giant octopus, etc, etc.
The multiplayer is perhaps the most fun you'll have with the game. It is undeniably frantic and utter chaos as you guys try shooting at each other with your tanks' guns. What's also cool is that strategy can come to play at times when it comes to your surroundings and the types of items you use. Unfortunately, I hear the Wii U game lacks any kind of online play, which is really disappointing considering how much fun it is.
The single-player mode can also be pretty hectic, but is arguably more fun when playing with friends. Nevertheless, I found the campaign to be satisfying, and there is a nice variety of enemies to fight off. It's nothing deep, but it's fun anyway.
First off, the graphics are surprisingly colorful. Sure, they don't really surpass anything in technical standards, but there is certainly quite the eye candy! The gigantic enemies in the campaign don't look half-bad either. There's a lot to look at on them!
On to the actual gameplay...
If there's one thing TTT really succeeds in doing, it's creating a sense of total destruction. EVERYTHING in the game's worlds is destructible! Don't feel like going around buildings? BLOW THEM UP INSTEAD! Explode everything in sight! The game already becomes mindless fun by this point.
However, it's not the destruction of entire cities that is the goal. The game is really about multiplayer frenzy and killer robotic bees, ants, giant dragons, a giant octopus, etc, etc.
The multiplayer is perhaps the most fun you'll have with the game. It is undeniably frantic and utter chaos as you guys try shooting at each other with your tanks' guns. What's also cool is that strategy can come to play at times when it comes to your surroundings and the types of items you use. Unfortunately, I hear the Wii U game lacks any kind of online play, which is really disappointing considering how much fun it is.
The single-player mode can also be pretty hectic, but is arguably more fun when playing with friends. Nevertheless, I found the campaign to be satisfying, and there is a nice variety of enemies to fight off. It's nothing deep, but it's fun anyway.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Rating: 10/10)
This game is the reason why I became a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan. NOT because of the shows. OR the comics. Instead, the appeal came from the games. I overlooked TMNT at first, mainly because the shows were, well, just made me think "Eh...I think I'll pass", but after playing the arcade game and its NES version, I just had to get into the craze.
The gameplay is as tough and awesome as the Simpsons arcade game (released a year later). Beating up a bunch of ninjas with swords and nunchucks....ON SKATEBOARDS (in one part of a level), is cool. The bosses are also pretty epic, but the hardest one is obviously Shredder, with his annoying attack that devolves the Turtles into ordinary turtles. More action segments onscreen include runaway cars, boulders down stairs, ninjas hopping out from advertisements or trucks, and the Technodrome's level, which itself is full of awesome beat 'em up action.
The graphics are terrific. They are fully detailed and colorful. They also make the onscreen action look very intense at times. The music also rocks hard. These tunes are so epic that you may as well download them as mp3s for your iPod (I know you will do it...)! Once you listen to the background music, I assure you that you will be imagining a high-speed skateboard chase with ninjas! The voice quality is excellent, as well. You can hear the characters talk clearly.
The gameplay is as tough and awesome as the Simpsons arcade game (released a year later). Beating up a bunch of ninjas with swords and nunchucks....ON SKATEBOARDS (in one part of a level), is cool. The bosses are also pretty epic, but the hardest one is obviously Shredder, with his annoying attack that devolves the Turtles into ordinary turtles. More action segments onscreen include runaway cars, boulders down stairs, ninjas hopping out from advertisements or trucks, and the Technodrome's level, which itself is full of awesome beat 'em up action.
The graphics are terrific. They are fully detailed and colorful. They also make the onscreen action look very intense at times. The music also rocks hard. These tunes are so epic that you may as well download them as mp3s for your iPod (I know you will do it...)! Once you listen to the background music, I assure you that you will be imagining a high-speed skateboard chase with ninjas! The voice quality is excellent, as well. You can hear the characters talk clearly.