Retro Game Challenge (DS Review) by Kyle L.

Retro Game Challenge
Publisher: XSeed Games
Developer: indieszero
System: Nintendo DS
Release: February 10, 2009

March 1, 2011, by Kyle L. - Retro Game Challenge was originally released in Japan under the title "Game Center CX: Arino's Challenge," and was based on a Japanese television show coincidentally called "Game Center CX." The show was about a Japanese comedian, Shinya Arino, playing difficult video games and trying to make it through them. The game based on the show takes on a similar plotline, with Shinya Arino being a disembodied head that turns the player into a child and transports them to the past (specifically the 80's), forcing them to compete in video game challenges with his younger self. The plot is negligible, just like old video games that are emulated here.

The player is presented with game after game and various challenges in said games before they can move on to the next one, and the challenges can be anything from scoring a certain amount of points in a space shooter, or making it to the first town and save in the RPG adventure. After you beat all the challenges in the game, you're available to play it whenever you want in Free Play, which opens up a lot of replay value. You can replay games for higher scores, better times, or you could explore the latter games that have more to do than earlier ones. Since each game harkens back to the heyday of video games (the Famicom/NES, specifically), any player could tell the games these ones are affectionate parodies of, and can appreciate the level of detail in each game.

The key to this game that can't be overlooked is presentation. The games have an old-school look of 8-bit pixels and music, along with the manuals and even the often-arriving GameFan Magazine to make you feel like you're really involved in that time when games were exciting and innovative. The magazine offers tips and cheats, as well as previews of upcoming games later in the game. The game just feels so fun and cartoony and really was localized rather well from its original Japanese release. It's really too bad this game didn't sell well enough to grant the localization of its sequel (which is even better with more games and daily challenges).

The game isn't without its flaws, most notably the two racing games and some of the tedious challenges. It may show off the variety of the games themselves, but they really take away from the experience just before the game gets to its best. Also, it's important to note that not every game is different from each other, as there are 2 Ninja platforming games and 2 Racing games both with little difference to each other and just felt like padding games when compared to the others' unique traits.

Be it TV show or game imitations, it's clear the cult following of retro gaming is still going strong, and this game emphasizes that. If you love the days of old with cartridge-blowing, translation errors (purposeful here), and turbo controllers, then I can easily recommend you this game for your DS. Even for the uninitiated younger gamer, the gameplay may not be as nostalgic or holds up compared to other titles, but it's still a fun experience and I'd at least suggest a rental first. Any DS owner could do much worse than a fun Retro gaming experience by a talented publisher like Xseed Games.

The Verdict

Sound
10/15 - The game's soundtrack is passable, and the voice acting is a little annoying, but the sound effects are where the game really shines. Expect to hear lots of beeps, blips, and explosions in the various games.

Graphics
18/20 - Looking at the overall style of Retro Game Challenge, the developer did a great job in keeping that retro feel for each game, as everything appears to be in glorious 8-bit, which is the entire point of the game. It makes you feel like you're really in the 1980's and the games are applauded for how amazing they look for their time, even if they don't hold up to DS standards nowadays.

Appeal
18/25 - While the games themselves each present their own fun factor (except for Rally King), the latter games including the RPG Guadia Quest and Ninja Gaiden-esque Haggle Man 3 have more to do to keep the player coming back for besides high scores. If you're a gamer who values high scores, I say go nuts, but there's not much to do besides replay the games once you're through with the main challenges.

Gameplay
35/40 - The gameplay is really strong, considering the variety of games on display here. While not as varied as its Japan-only sequel, there is still a very fun experience waiting for those who wish to take on Arino's challenges. There are platformers, shoot 'em ups, racing games, and even an RPG to keep many a gamer busy based on his/her preference. Still, the tedious replaying of Rally King's remake and the sequel to previous Haggle Man games really drag the game down midway through.

Overall
81/100 - Retro Game Challenge has its fair share of problems, but taken for what it is at face value, any gamer can truly appreciate what the game has to offer. Any nostalgic DS owner should have this in their collection, but it would be a shame if others pass up on this true gem of a game when a publisher like this really needs to be supported.