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  REVIEWS - Game & Watch Gallery 4 ::

Video games are good.
Game Info.
Genre
Puzzle
Publisher/Developer
Nintendo/Nintendo
Peripherals
  • GBA Link Cable
    • Release
    10/28/02
    Media
    (none)

    Game & Watch Gallery 4
    Pocket gaming at its largest. Hah.
    Reviewed by Sam - January 21st, 2003

    I'm a big Game & Watch fan, but like many my age had no idea they existed before I stumbled upon Game & Watch Gallery 2 a few years back. When the promise of more pocket classic action for the GBA was made, I just couldn't help myself - I got excited. Well, y'know, one thing leads to another, and here we are today, reading my review for this gigantic updated collection of beautiful classic games.

    Gameplay
    Game & Watch games of all varieties can usually be set into two basic categories. There are the titles that repeat the same basic gameplay over and over again, steadily becoming harder and faster as you rack-up more points, and others that test your coordination and skill in keeping track of many things at once. Whereas Gallery 1 had a solid 50/50 split of repetitive and skill-demanding games, Gallery 2 was all about the repetition, and Gallery 3, about the skill.
    I guess you can't really talk about Gallery 4's style without going into the individual games themselves - I mean, there are 20 of them to play. Being a seasoned Game & Watcher, I found every one enjoyable in some way. But for whatever reason, this collection just doesn't stick as well as it should.
    The six basic games are perhaps the best example of this. Fire is again (since Gallery 1) a good show of the classic marriage between clever repetitive gameplay and little hints to catch you off-guard. Donkey Kong Jr., which last appeared in Gallery 2, is sort of quirky and confusing in classic mode, but is as before a totally enjoyable modern remake. Rain Shower, a new addition to the Gallery series, is very fun, albeit hard to get used to in some regards. Mario's Cement Factory, also a new title, is great to play, but is painstakingly slow-moving to the point where one might find it unenjoyable. Which leads me to Donkey Kong 3 and Boxing - easily two of the worst Game & Watch games I've ever played. For whatever reason, they just aren't that fun, and are a poor selection for the Gallery's only 2-player games.
    Because of this lukewarm feeling I have toward the six basic games, really the fun doesn't quite begin until you start to unlock the 5 main secret games. Octopus, Chef, and Mario Bros. (the cake factory game) have already proved themselves to be three of the most all-around enjoyable titles from Galleries 1-3 (respectfully), and sadly remain that way in such an unimpressive collection. I have to thank Nintendo for deciding to keep them in.
    At least THIS time, you can actually play the secret Museum games, though only in their classic forms. I can't wait to unlock some more of these titles, especially the elusive pocket-sized port of Legend of Zelda. Mmm, 1980's goodness.
    8/10

    Control
    The control schemes are just fine. Nothing left to be desired, and nothing outrageously amazing either. If anything, I guess controls aren't very responsive at times, but I'm sure that's just due to constant button-mashing and such.
    8/10

    Graphics
    There's not much to say. The modern modes take the simplest gameplay and add a graphics style to match. Some might complain, but I think they look great.
    However a much welcome improvement is the inclusion of all the LCD "shadows" behind every spot the plates would take up on the classic Game & Watches. It doesn't seem like much, but really helps make that nostalgia of playing 20-year-old games a running theme.
    9/10

    Sound
    As always, the music is absolutely great. How do they come up with eleven completely different brand new tunes that fit the games so freaking perfectly? It's just beyond me. I consider these songs, however simple they are, Nintendo classics in my mind. Totally brilliant. Man.
    The sound effects are crisp and vibrant in each game, and a bit of a step up from the Game Boy Color Galleries. Super.
    9/10

    Replay Value
    These games are incredibly replayable - it's almost a joke to use that word to describe them. There's really no reason in most titles to say to yourself, "I don't feel like getting a high score". The allure of new stars and secrets is too great for the human mind to control. What I mean to say is these games own me. Haha, I'm serious. Please help.
    9/10

    Overall
    My criticism might have you believe otherwise, but I love all four Game & Watch Galleries to death. They're freakin' incredible for any fan of puzzlers, classic Nintendo games, or for those who spend more time gaming on the road or at school than at home. Buy them. Can't afford all four? Here's the rundown...
    In comparison with the first three Galleries, the graphics and sound have definately improved, and with a larger number of games, so has the replay value. Unfortunately, there are a few rotten or bruised apples in the bunch that either pain me to play or I just don't enjoy all that much for whatever reason. Overall, I guess this edition is the best to buy if you're looking for a large ammount of classic fun, but know that Gallery 3 is still in my opinion the crowning jewel in this intense gaming series.

    FINAL SCORE: 8/10
    =Great=

    Send feedback to: sam@ngeb.net