Lucky for me, I have a good grip. So I get plenty of play time with what is sure to be one of my favorite DS games this year.
OK, so the basic premise for Retro Game Challenge is that it's a compilation of clones of famous games from the 80's. By completing certain challenges in these games (you can figure out what the game is a clone of based on its release date and, you know, actually playing it), you can then unlock new games. As for the clones, there are some pretty good ones, like the Galaga and Ninja Gaiden clones.
So, there's the variety that kept me coming back. On top of that, these clones are very well done. They don't feel like they're inferior to the games that they are imitating and are just downright fun. Rally King, people. RALLY KING!
Another cool feature of the game is the magazines. When unlocking new retro games, you also may find yourself unlocking fictional game magazines. These are chock full of goodies, though, as not only do they provide cool insights into each individual retro clone, but also developer interviews and cheats that will actually work in the games. In the Contra clone, the actual Contra code works. Pretty cool, huh? I think so!With each of these games, Retro Game Challenge managed to maintain a steady level of interest in myself. The build I played was the full-on Japanese release, which has been on Japanese retail shelves for about a year. So, I was able to check out each of the games. In combining all of these different genres (there's even a full-fledged RPG in there that, supposedly, offers up many hours of entertainment) together into one DS game, anybody would be crazy not to pick this up. The addition of challenges makes the replay value skyrocket, as not only do the different experiences of the genres offer up an incredibly unique package, but the different challenges within each of those specific titles provides another layer to make this one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had on the handheld. And, for a system that is known for having unique and wonderful titles, that is saying a lot.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-17-2008 @ 2:23PM
Nigeria: SSBB: 0731-6347-2110 said...
Wow, David, you seem excited. Are you excited?
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7-17-2008 @ 2:38PM
Zealot said...
Your recent coverage of this has turned me from apathetic to really excited. I really have to consider getting this now.
Also, whatever happened to that other game that was kind of like this? You know, the Namco-themed one with Galaga, Tower of Druaga, 8-bit [email protected], etc. Obviously because Namco-Bandai is in Nippon Banzai mode right now we're never getting it, but it seems to have kind of disappeared from coverage. Did it ever release?
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7-17-2008 @ 3:01PM
supa_s said...
God David! Now I'm all excited as well! When is this game coming out?
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7-17-2008 @ 4:35PM
Michael said...
"In the Contra clone, the actual Contra code works."
There's a contra clone? In terms of side-scrollers, I thought there was only a Ninja Gaiden-clone?
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7-17-2008 @ 5:17PM
Gennataos said...
David, aside from the challenges, what's the difference between this game and any given retro compilation game? What makes it so exciting?
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7-17-2008 @ 7:09PM
usagi704 said...
I have had the import version since late last year and yes, it is indeed awesome! I did a review for it last December and you can see it here: http://www.gamespot.com/ds/action/gamecentercx/player_review.html?id=534190
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7-18-2008 @ 4:11AM
Kieran said...
usagi704 - are you fluent in japanese? I guess I want to know how playable the import would be for someone who can't read kanji - I'd love to import this right now, especially as there's no confirmed date on the US/UK releases. I've only seen one mention online of someone who didn't speak Japanese and I think they said they struggled with it
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7-20-2008 @ 3:22AM
FSK405K said...
Sounds great. Are each of the games exact clones, hence the word "clones" or are the levels more like "inspired by"?
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