Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Arcade Collection

When this game first surfaced at E³ 2005, I was excited. However, for some reason, the collection was released with less than promised. I've been wondering what happened to some of the additional games that were supposed to be on this collection such as "Dig Dug 2". This collection really only has a handful of games that weren't included in the previous iteration, Namco Museum. If you have Namco Museum for XBox/GC/PS2, then this collection may not interest you. The only additional games included in this version that weren't in the previous are "Rally X", "Galaga 88" (unlockable), "Bosconian", "Rolling Thunder", "Sky Kid", "Xevious", and "Mappy". Also, previous "arrange" games such as "Galaga Arrange" and "Pac Man Arrange" are absent.

The game's interface is easy enough to access. After passing the start screen, you will be taken to a turntable with all of the arcade machines on it. You'll simply press Left or Right to access the game you want to play. You can also adjust the game you want to play to your liking. You may change the number of lives, the difficulty level, and the bonus requirements for the game you want to play depending on which game you are playing. You will also be treated to 80's music while you're at the game select menu. Though, there's no way to change the song that's playing, nor is there a way to stop the music from playing if you don't want to listen. This is, of course, a moot point since you won't be spending the bulk of your time on this screen.

The games are perfectly emulated. They look and play exactly as the arcade originals. However, as many of the games were on narrow screens in the arcade, you'll find empty black spaces to the left and right of the screen with no option to add the cabinet art that was present in previous Namco collections.

There's also absolutely no bonus material to look at. No pictures, interviews, or even history information that is so common in most arcade classic collections. Certainly a weak way for Namco to commemorate the occasion.

All in all, if you don't own 2002's Namco Museum, this collection will suit your needs. If you do own the regular Namco Museum, you may want to pass unless you have an itch to play Bosconian, etc.

There was just so much that video games have made in themselves today. However much you can constantly enjoy what is now hot in arcade classics, you can never ever forget the past, and what influences have been made from it. So many classics from Pac Man to Donkey Kong and Pong still have been as dominat now, as they were back then. For Namco, they still have made that as constant as it was back in the 70's and 80's. They've made previous versions of compilations of their classics for the Game Boy, Gamecube, and Xbox to name a few. Now the Namco museum has just reissued their classic lineup yet again.

Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Arcade Collection for the Nintendo Gamecube really isn't anything out of the ordinary as it was released awhile back. The game compilation features so many classics that were previously released on the Gamecube edition. This edition add on to it with a whole ordeal of extra games to match. You have some great classic games from the past including Pac Man, Xevious, which was a bonus if you have previously played Star Fox Assault, Dig Dug, and so many others just to name a few. The games have been remastered very well, without little flaws. The control and gameplay enjoyment is just as simple and enjoyable as it was released years ago from the arcades.

While so many might not consider classics from the past, Namco Museum 50th Anniversary Arcade Collection really does deliver for nostalgic video game buffs. While so many would rather get a fancier game with enhanced surround sound, you can never deny those classics that are just a bite away.

Graphics: B-

Sound: B+

Control: B+

Fun & Enjoyment: B 1/2+

Overall: B 1/2+

I just received my copy of Namco Museum 50th Anniversary for the GC a few days ago. Believe me, if you were around the arcades in CA. like Golfland, Games & Things, and many others, it was a place where you could leave all your troubles behind. My all-time favorites are Ms Pacman, Pacman, Super Pacman, Jr. Pacman, Pacman Plus, Galaxian, Galaga 88, Dig Dug, and many others.The main reason I bought Namco Museum 50th Anniversary for the GC is that I could play all my favorite games of the 80's anytime I want. In the future, I'm hoping that Namco will bring Super Pacman, Pacman Plus, and Junior Pacman to the NamcoMuseum Series. To me, the graphics don't mean a whole lot. They're simple and the only thing that matters is the fun you get out of palying them.You get 14 games, that is reason enough to fork over $19.99 for this game. Plus, there are 2 unlockable games(Galaga 88 & Pac Mania!). There are some games on this disc I never played before. Games like Sky Kid and Dragon Spirit, but Itried them and enjoyed them as well. If you own anyof the systems, be it GC, PS2, or X-Box, you can'tgo wrong with Namco Museum 50th Anniversary. Loadsof fun for your money.