Retro Game Challenge is just that- a challenge which resolves around playing old games- but under those retro games- is the title worth it?

Retro Game Challenge is one of those games- that from a new player point and perspective- the new kids on the block which have taken our turf- will not buy. But the old kids are taking back the land- as Retro Game Challenge could possibly one of those simple games which appeals to the hardcore generation of old. The ones which liked challenging good games, not games which are giant cuddly teddy bears.

The game has a very simple promises- that is to play retro games all day long with some creepy kid who just wants compony after going bat-shit insane in the future and sending you back to the 80s to play games with him. You play these games to do challenges which the crazy future kid has set for you.

I don’t know why these kids are still together or why they haven’t aged one bit- as the game is set over a good few years. Every so often you will be given a surprise- a brand new magazine from Arino the crazy kid I was talking about- you know the one which grows up to be big and strong- and a headless guy on a directional pad giving out orders to a kid he sent back….anyway.

For the most part Arino is asleep- or just watching you play. It’s hard to tell but this guy never touches the game controller- its weird that he becomes a “game master” as he calls himself in the future- but whatever.

The game has a range of games- okay that is a lie, for the most part you’re going to be playing a few sequels- just one or two. But it’s noticeable in the end that they could have put more effort in the game and had more titles (there are still a good range of titles). Cosmic Gate is the first game you play as a challenge to the death- wait it’s not that bad shesh. In the end it turns out that playing Cosmic Gate isn’t going to set you free- the punch line is you must play ALL the games which this crazy kid is getting his mum to buy in the 80s.

If you’re a retro gamer of some sort you might remember a few titles which are similar to the games in this title. For example Cosmic Gate might bring back old memories of a Namco game called Galaga, which for me to describe the title its closest thing might be something like Space Invaders. Another example is the annoying but kind of cool RPG which is in Retro Game Challenge called Guadia Quest- it might make players remember the old Final Fantasy titles or Dragon Quest.

The point here is that you are going to be remembering lots of titles which are similar to older games from the same era. Lucky for you- that era can be in your heart and minds forever as the game has a free play mode for once you finish all the challenges (there are 4 for each game) for a game it is then added into the free play mode. Which means you can play it without interruption forever- talk about some awesome reply value.

The games are quite well polished- with the bugs and cheats as well as design you would expect that a game from that era would have. Each game can be reviewed separately even- but I don’t have that time- but that is just the example of how detailed you will find these games- for the time these could have passed as retail games. It’s just amazing seeing the detail which these games revolve around- the magazines are a great part to finding out smaller tricks and cheats which can help you do a challenge or help you just keep going. I think while you can play just going from point A to point B. A small part of the challenge is revolving the game to suit that challenge- using cheats or hints to make that challenge work how it should. Making the game be quick or slow- depending on how fast you want to play it- do you want it finished in a few days? Or do you want it to last forever- trying to get that score or do the drift which results in the challenge complete.

Magazines are not just all hints and tips. Think of them as almost full magazines- remember this game is a parody of gaming life back then. You will find that the magazines reflect trends and ideas from around then. The magazines are just another small thing which makes the game feel like you’re in the world- playing the games like you used to. Regardless if you grew up in that generation or not.

The gaming world works simple and great, your menu loads up and you can select the games menu or magazine menu, or even chat with Arino. Talking to Arino can seem boring- as most of the time he’s just on a loop, but he does say some interesting things/triggers some interesting conversations with his mum- it’s quite funny to read at times.

Score: Thumbs Up

Overall this is an interesting game on the market- with a great retro feeling- Retro Game Challenge should be a must buy for all. With another one coming out soon in Japan- the second title should also be on peoples radars- a new way to play awaits you in the second title.

This game makes you remember why you play games- for the challenge that it offers- and the world that it sinks you into. In a time which games have lost the taste- this is a great game to bring it back to you again.