SUPER MARIO BROS. Super Mario Brothers is the game that made me want to ditch my Commodore 64 and get a Nintendo. It was revolutionary for its time and practically invented many of the action/platform elements in games that we take for granted today. 1-Ups, warp zones, and secrets galore are littered throughout the game's 32 levels. The basic story of the game is that Mario must rescue Princess Toadstool (Peach) from the evil clutches of King Koopa (Bowser). The very familiar power-ups were introduced in this game. When Mario nabs a mushroom he becomes "Super Mario", the fire flower allows him to throw fireballs, and the star gives him temporary invincibility. This game is a true classic and one that, until now, hasn't appeared on the GBA in any form. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe was released for the Game Boy Color a few years back, but this incarnation sticks as close to the original as possible. This game comes highly recommended for its pick up and play simplicity and its fun factor. It's quite possible that there are young kids that have yet to try this classic game. It would make a great gift idea for anyone who has yet to experience this venerable classic.
SCORE: A-
Players: 1 to 2 alternating
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Mr. Miyamoto created a whole new genre with The Legend of Zelda. Despite horrible commercials, word of mouth catapulted this action/adventure game to the top sellers list. Link must save Hyrule and Princess Zelda from Ganon and his evil minions. All of the classic dungeons, weapons, and items are back. Gamers who grew up with the NES no doubt played this game for hours trying to unlock its mysteries. The game holds its own despite dated graphics and sound. There's just something special about playing through this epic again. New players will be just as entranced as they scour Hyrule for rupees and the 8 Triforce shards. This marks the first time the original Zelda has appeared on the GBA and it's worth every penny. This and Super Mario Bros. are easily the best 2 games of the Classic NES Series.
SCORE: A-
Players: 1
DONKEY KONG
Donkey Kong was released in the arcades way back in 1981. This marks the first game that Mario (aka Jump Man) was ever in. Its very simplistic game mechanics (you can jump, and you can move, and you can jump) make Donkey Kong a very easy game to play and enjoy. Unfortunately this GBA game is based on the NES game, not the arcade game, which means a whole level is missing. It's too bad Nintendo couldn't have thrown that in, especially for the $20 price tag. Also, this isn't the first time the original Donkey Kong has appeared on the GBA. It has been previously available via E-Cards and through a download via Animal Crossing. Although the game is still mildly fun to play, it doesn't stand the test of time as well as some of the other games. The price is too high for its third incarnation. I suggest buying it only if you absolutely love Donkey Kong.
SCORE: C-
Players: 1 to 2 alternating
XEVIOUS
Am I the only one that never played this game before? I had heard of the name, but never bothered to check it out. I must say that given its age, this game is a very respectable overhead shooter. Waves of enemies fly around on the screen, trying to shoot down your aircraft. With infinite amounts of firepower, you simply fly your ship around and try to take down as many enemies as possible. There are also land targets to bomb to make it safely through the stages. The game is very simplistic, easy to learn, and fun to play. The lack of power-ups and somewhat generic level design makes it pale in comparison to some other fine shooters on the NES (Life Force & Guardian Legend for example), but this was one of the first shooters on the system and it's still worth playing.
SCORE: B-
Players: 1 to 2 alternating
PAC-MAN
Pac-Man is a staple of gaming. It should be a prerequisite to playing current games. This version is based upon the NES version, not the arcade one. As Pac-Man your goal is to eat all the dots to complete the maze and then do the same thing over and over again. Ghosts chase you around the maze and you can eat them by chewing down a power pellet. The game is extremely simple and will appeal to those older adults out there that grew up playing Pac-Man in the arcade. The game may simply be too boring for younger kids who have already played more sophisticated games. While the game is somewhat enjoyable, it's just not worth your money to spend $20 on it. Why? Because Pac-Man Collection is already available on the GBA for $20 and it has 4 Pac-Man games on it, including a port of the arcade version! Also, if you want to get a great deal, you might want to check out Namco Museum on the GBA. Some places have been selling it for as little as $10 and that includes Ms. Pac-Man (a much better game) and Dig Dug to boot. I simply can't recommend buying this classic version of Pac-Man.
SCORE: D
Players: 1 to 2 alternating
EXCITEBIKE
The original dirt bike sensation is back. This side scrolling game is a favorite of many gamers who grew up with the NES in the 80s. Race along the varied tracks to try and claim first place. Along the way are massive jumps, dirt pits that will slow down your bike, and arrows that will lower you engine temperature so your bike doesn't overheat. The game is mildly addicting and offers battery back-up so it will save your track designs that you create in the editor mode. Fans of the original will want to pick this one up. Its dated graphics and extremely simplistic gameplay will leave new players puzzled as to why so many people like the game.
SCORE; C+
Players: 1 to 2 alternating
BOMBERMAN
Bomberman started out on the NES so many years ago. Since then the game has went on to spur sequel after sequel. Most gamers became acquainted with the series with the massively popular multiplayer versions on the SNES. What many may not realize is that the game started out as a 1-player experience. This game has you controlling Bomberman, blowing up blocks and enemies to reach the exit of the maze. The basic power-ups are in the game, like flame extenders and multiple bombs. Without a multiplayer mode and so many better versions of the game currently available on the GBA, like Bomberman Tournament, this game really isn't worth $20.
SCORE: D
Players: 1
ICE CLIMBERS
Ice Climbers is a unique, somewhat underground NES Classic. You control Popo and Nana on an expedition to climb the world's most challenging mountains. Along the way you'll have to kill enemies that reside on the different levels. To reach the top of the mountain you'll have to use your ice pick to chop holes in the platform above and then jump up to the next level. This game is 2 players simultaneous with only 1 cartridge, so it's a good co-op game to try out. Unfortunately the game's controls are somewhat sluggish and leave much to be desired. Fans of the original will be right at home and will enjoy the game. New players will most likely find it entertaining for a few hours, but then move on to another game. This game has previously appeared on the GBA via E-Reader cards.
SCORE: C
Players: 1 to 2 simultaneous
Overall the initial Classic NES Series shows some promise, but in reality the only two must-have games are Super Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda, and even then they're only worth owning if you need them on the go. My hope is that Nintendo will simply look at the Top 40 games ever sold on the NES and bring those out to the GBA. With titles like Ducktales, Strider, Castlevania II & III, Tecmo Bowl, and more just begging to be released to a new and old audience, I really hope Nintendo continues the classic series. Perhaps a focus on the later NES games instead of the first years would produce some better games. Also, throw in some collectible items, even if it's just a page or two of history in the instruction books. It's a good start, but there are so many better games out there that deserve to be re-released.
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