Younger kids will likely be turned off by the simplistic game designs and even simpler graphics and sound, then again, there is nothing like a good father-son rivalry and dad might just have a chance with one of the eight games waiting inside this classic collection.
What clearly makes this package stand out is the presentation: easily negotiable menus via touch-screen, a multitude of options to tinker with, perfectly emulated conversions of Namco’s retro classics, support for DS Download and Play, and everything moving along at lightning speed with nary a hint of loading time.
The collection itself is great, but the way it's been fleshed out is really impressive. The full-fledged treatment of each game makes this edition of Namco Museum really feel like a museum.
Subjecting your kids — or even yourself — to a bit of gaming history might just provide the incentive needed to appreciate how far video games have come. Add in some very real replayability and the ability to play Pac-Man Vs. with a friend, and the control issues and inclusion of a couple of questionable games becomes much more forgivable.
Why didn't they just reprogram the classics to fit the DS properly? Because that would have required effort. This is not about innovation; this is about porting code that's lying around and reselling it for the zillionth time.
There's nothing wrong with these classics, but as a collection the variety is lacking and with so few arcade titles as well. Sure, the similarities between titles can be blamed on the hardware of their time, but I'm certain Namco had made more than just space shooters and maze/chase games. One of the only real standouts here is Dig Dug 2, they even included the original version of the game which is a nice addition. Even then Namco had gone with out the first Dig Dug, probably one of their most iconic games, and for whatever reason, chose only the sequel instead of having both games and ditching that lame Tower Of Druaga one (I'm sorry but that game plain ****). The game also has a library of game manuals and artwork but it's all on the DS and looks like low-res crap. There's multiplayer Pac-Man too but I had never played it and I couldn't imagine any kids who own this game having friends who'd want to play it either, especially when its part of such a lackluster game. Wanting to play arcade games on the go and nothing else, go ahead.
Game is impossible to play with the type of controller on the DS, and the analog controller on the 3DS doesn't help much more. Plus no Ms. Pac Man? And Dig Dug II??? One of the WORST sequels in the history of games but no original Dig Dug or maybe Pole Position?
SummaryNamco Museum DS allows gamers to experience a virtual arcade portal where they can choose from up to eight games: "Pac-Man," "Pac-Man VS," "Galaga," "Xevious," "Dig Dug II," "Galaxian," "Mappy," and "The Tower of Druaga." Features that are unique to Namco Museum DS include a screen mode selection that allows the use of different screen c...