In the early years of gaming there were these places called an Arcade. It was a place of gaming, not online but face to face. Over the years Console systems have made such a huge leap in technology that it’s made the Arcade virtually extinct. Luckily childhood nostalgia can still be relived. I myself have come to appreciate the various Arcade Collections. This time around Data East brings with a plethora of titles. How does this Arcade Collection hold up?

Data East Arcade Classics have some interesting features aside from just being a game collection. You start off by logging in with you Mii. Your Mii is then is attributed to High Scores and a variety of Challenges per game. The Challenges work like Achievements and unlock special modes and artwork. I found this to be an interesting and welcomed feature to the general Arcade Collections. The rest of the review is going to be really long as I break down all 15 titles. Alphabetized for your convenience. Enjoy :)

Bad Dudes vs Dragon Ninja
Essentially President Ronnie has been kidnapped. “Are you a Bad Enough Dude to rescue Ronnie?” One of the greatest taglines in all of gaming history. Bad Dudes is essentially a side scroll brawler. Though one of the more earlier versions. You control a Bad Dude and punch and kick your way through a onslaught of highly trained ninjas. I really enjoyed playing Bad Dudes. Not just for the Quote but for the overall gameplay. It felt very non complicated and just straight to action.

Burger Time
Much like the earlier games around Donkey Kong / Pac Man era. You play as Peter Pepper and try to assemble a burger without being killed by any of the various foods. There is nothing quite like seeing a 8bit Hot Dog walking around. Anywho you have the defense of salt that you can throw on your enemies that will stun them. I did enjoy a bit of Burger Time though not my favorite of the 15. It’s a game that you really need to sit down and learn. I got served….(Bad Joke) more then once.

Burnin’ Rubber
Wow for this game. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I had never heard nor ever played Burnin’ Rubber before. Essentially it’s a fast paced top down racer. Though you have the ability to jump in the air. In most games jumps don’t really get you very far but this jump launches you. It was also fun to land on the baddie vehicles and rank up some extra points. I totally dug this game and was really crossing my fingers for a remake.

Caveman Ninja ( Joe & Mac)
ZOMG this is what I would call a Pizza Hut Classic. In the sense that Pizza Hut was the place I played this game the most. Formally known as Joe & Mac – Caveman Ninjas is a Side Scroller 2 Player game featuring…. Caveman that I guess are Ninjas. Well it’s true they are both pretty acrobatic and do get Chicks at the end of each Level. This game really stood out as one of the biggest reasons to pick up this set. It’s a great game really tough though. So thankful for Unlimited continues.

Crude Buster
This game is a salute to the Mad Max Post apocalyptic genre. You play as Crude Buster a super Beefy Dude with various catch phrases. Crude Buster is a Side Scroll Brawler game that features the ability to pick up and throw just about everything, including the 2nd Player :) This game really made me smile. There are few games that really capture that essence of just fun.

Express Raider
Out of all the games in the collection this one was one of the hardest. You play a Express Raider (Train Robber) of sorts and you’re Raiding a Train. The game starts off right into action as you fight your first baddie. After you drop him like a bad habit it’s time to punch coyotes. If done correctly there are bonus points. After that it’s onwards to Train Raiding. The thing that makes the game truly tough is the lack of fast movements. You have a very slow land speed and when faced with baddies that have guns it gets a little rough. I enjoyed the game but wasn’t the greatest. Though it’s certainly a tough one.

Heavy Barrel
Very interesting concept, essentially seems much like a early version of a Total Carnage but more a kin to the old Rambo Games. Essentially you parachute in and start taking out the baddies. Much like most Top down shooters you have to watch out for various vehicles including Tanks and such. The thing that makes this game stand out though is the Heavy Barrel . As you maul through various amounts of Baddies you collect Golden Pieces to your gun aka: Heavy Barrel . Once all pieces are collected it’s time to kick some ass. The Heavy Barrel  is a beefy weapon that annihilates almost everything on the screen. While I did enjoy playing this game just to assemble Heavy Barrel it does leave a bit to be desired.

Lock ‘n’ Chase
It’s a bit like Pac Man with a couple of new rules. You can actually lock off the baddies and doors randomly close and open. It’s a game that keeps you on your toes. While I did play through it I really didn’t get into it. I tried a couple of times but it just seemed a bit dull.

Magic Drop III
Okay the Magic Drop series is by far one of my favorite puzzle games. It almost rivals Tetris. It’s a very simple concept. You have multi colored balloons, connect 3 of the same color and pop. Though the game really takes off when you play versus. For each combo you connect you send that amount to your opponents screen. It’s start off pretty easy but eventually it’s insane :) Used to play this game in the Arcade with my friend. He would clear his screen, which would send it to mine, I would clear my screen rinse wash repeat. Until one of use made 1 mistake then it was GAME OVER :) This game almost sells the complete collection. Totally worth playing through.

Peter Pepper’s Ice Cream Factory
Much a clone of Burger Time this time around your making Ice Cream Cones. Though the biggest change is in how the Ice Cream Cones are made. In Burger Time it was very Up and Down. This time you rolling the Ice Cream Scoops Left and Right. Which in turn you can roll up Baddies. A fun game and a nice change up to the Burger Time setup.

Secret Agent
Okay I mentioned before that Magic Drop III could almost sell the entire collection. Well this is the game with Magic Drop that does it. I was blown away by just how cool this game is. You start by selecting you Agent Number. I went with 000 then it’s off to parachute into Washington DC killin baddies all the way down. Did I mention you Parachute is an American Flag :) Anywho the rest of the Game is much a side scroller action, but there is such a variety in what you do. From Motorcycles to Underwater Scuba this game is just a blast. Oh and you also can assemble the golden gun. Which much like Golden Eye is a one shot kill.

Side Pocket
It’s a Pool simulator which a very tough curve. You get 3 shots to knock a ball into a hole. One those 3 shots are up it’s Game Over. I tried to make it through a game and quickly realized how bad I am at virtual pool. Not bad at the real thing, just not good either. It’s a fun game that some may enjoy.

Street Hoop
Ah Street Hoop you make me totally happy. It’s a International Basketball Tournament, there is a variety of teams to choose from. The best thing about this game is the soundtrack. Featuring some great music that sort of resembles Rap. It also features great sound effects for almost every play you make. It’s kinda like a NBA Jam just with the International appeal. I have to say this game was totally fun. Smile ear to ear on this one.

Super Real Darwin
What a strange game. Your a space ship that evolves depending on the parts you pick up. The game was just okay I wasn’t really impressed with it.

Wizard Fire
Hell yeah Wizard Fire is awesome!!! It’s a Top View Brawler much like the old D&D one that Capcom made. Essentially kill everything that moves and grab power ups for you armor and weapons. There is some pretty entertaining voice work and it has a very old school anime charm to it. Certainly one of the better games in this collection.

Overall
I really enjoyed Data Easts Arcade Collection. Sure not all the games are the greatest but it was certainly a very well rounded example of some of the old school Arcade Classics. If your looking to find some Old School fun this is certainly up your alley. Or you can just get it for Magic Drop III :)