Down and Dirty Reviews: Gameboy -- A - M |
"Welcome
all Gameboy users!" We also feature both the older black and
white and newer GBC games here too so read away learn what's what. All
the reviews here are by StarSoldier unless noted.
The overall scores are out of 100. The graphics, sounds, and game play are out of 10. |
|
SCORE | NAME |
55
ASTEROIDS (Atari, 1981/1992)
This older arcade shooting
game arrives on the Gameboy but there are versions of Asteroids in other GB
compilations. If you don't know the deal here you have to survive a horde of
deadly asteroids and space aliens in deep space. This game has slightly improved
and new background music over the original. These added features are only minor
additions to this classic space survival game so it's not a real must have.
For 1 or 2 players
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
78 BIONIC COMMANDO (Capcom, 1992)
Yes! There is another! This Gameboy edition
is a great spin off the original NES classic. The game
now looks more like a anime game than a World War II want to be this time but
your mission is still the same as you go behind enemy lines to rescue a missing
soldier named Super Joe. Bionic Commando is another great action platformer
by Capcom.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
71 BIONIC COMMANDO: Elite Forces (Nintendo/Capcom, 2000)
There is a lot improved in this version of
Bionic Commando like the option to choose between a men or a women, more improved
graphics with better animation and a battery back up feature to continue
your game for later too but sadly, the neutral towns are missing from the other
versions and the story is not all there either. I liked the originals better
than this remake but it was a good try considering that Capcom didn't help produce
it this time.
*Battery back up
game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
24 BLASTER MASTER BOY (Sunsoft, 1991)
Like the old Blaster Master for the
NES? "Well, you won't like this then!" BMB is another bitter
disappointment from this once great series. This game plays like a hard to control
game of Bomberman and not the real Blaster Master on NES which wouldn't be so
bad if it wasn't so slow. Not a fun game at all.
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 4
Find this game on eBay here!
67 BLASTER MASTER: Enemy Below (Sunsoft, 2000)
Enemy Below here is a lot like
the Blaster Master on NES complete with the original 2D game
play and graphics although this game isn't has quick. Like the original
this game is hard as well but you can now get a password after you finish a
level to help you out on the tough 8 level mission so its well worth a try.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
62 BONK'S ADVENTURE (Hudson Soft, 1992)
This is a fun action game starring the famous
head butting caveman from TurboGrafx-16 fame but it still suffers from
being far too easy and too short. This isn't a direct remake of the Turbo version either since there are altered stages and new enemies. Bonk's Adventure for the Gameboy is good for
the younger crowd but the experts should stay far away from this.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
51 BONK'S REVENGE (Hudson Soft, 1994)
Bonk returns yet again in Gameboy form but
this game is a little too weird this time because of Bonk's strange new transformations like the ability to turn into a vampire.
What ever happened to just headbutting dinosaurs? This goofy game is no where near has good as the old TurboGrafx-16 game
of the same name.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
25 CASTLEVANIA ADVENTURE (Konami, 1989)
Beware! Not all the CastleVania's on Game Boy
are so hot. This game for example is a very basic action game starring Christopher
Belmont (Simon Belmont's father). Sadly this adventure game only has four very
linear levels and slow overall game play. Could have
been way better if a few of the problems were fixed but it ended up being one
of the worst of the popular series unfortunately.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find this game on eBay here!
63 CASTLEVANIA II: Belmont's Revenge (Konami, 1993)
Now this is more like it. This Castlevania
not only has more variety but the game also lets you choose the world you start
on from four different levels. Not a easy title and the game is still rather
slow but the classic monster killing action was there and it was still better then the first one on Game boy at least.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
54 CASTLEVANIA LEGENDS (Konami, 1995)
This is the story of the original Belmont female
warrior who started it all. The game is still the same old whip the creatures sort of game just like before but now it is fairly easy and is way too short as well. If
you are a true CastleVania fan than you're going to want to play this solid
action title regardless.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
68 DEJA VU I & II (Kemco, 2000)
Ace Harding the private eye is back in
action after years on the shelf. This Gameboy Color game includes both the original
NES game Deja Vu and it's
canceled NES sequel Ace Harding in Los Vegas. Not a bad deal if you ask me!
These games are definitely on the slow side since both games rely heavily on
searching and going through menus but the game are still very interesting to
play. By the way, why did this game get a 'E' rating when there is clearly some
murders and gambling involved here?
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
68 DONKEY KONG (Nintendo, 1994)
This unique game kind of plays like the old
Donkey Kong from 1981, but with way more levels of course. In the game Mario is trying to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from the giant ape Donkey Kong. If you loved the
classic Donkey Kong then you'll love this upgrade since it includes better animation, tougher puzzles, and even crisper audio but other fans of the newer
Donkey Kong Country games may be harder to please.
*Battery
back up game
*Super Game boy recommend
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
64
DONKEY KONG LAND (Nintendo/Rare, 1995)
This was a nice try but Donkey Kong Land can't
really compare to the ground breaking 16-bit version, this is the black and
white Gameboy we are talking about here. If want more of Donkey Kong Country
then this may be your only option because it is still a fairly good 2D action
and this is not a direct remake either.
*Battery
back up game
*Super Game boy recommend
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
69 DONKEY KONG LAND II (Nintendo/Rare, 1996)
Now Diddy Kong must save the captured Donkey
Kong from Pirate K. Rool but the new Dixie Kong wants to help out Diddy too
so you don't have to do it alone. Again the game can't compare to it's superior
16-bit cousin but it's still fun to play.
*Battery
back up game
*Super Game boy recommend
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
67 DONKEY KONG LAND III (Nintendo/Rare, 1997)
Just like its 16-bit counterpart you play as
Dixie Kong and her new side kick Kiddy Kong as the both of you take on the evil
crocs trying to take over Donkey Kong island. Expect nothing new here but if
you're a fan of the series then you can't go wrong here.
*Battery
back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
02 DOUBLE DRAGON 3 (Acclaim/Technos,
1993)
Easily one of the worst games for the Game
Boy, in fact, I bet there is no bigger piece of crap for the ol' black and white
then this game right here. The biggest problem here is that the enemies rule
in this game, but you don't. The first time I played this the street thugs just
drop kick you all the time and there is little you can actually do about it,
the game never did get any easier nor did it ever get fun to play. DD3 is a
awful game with very poor programming.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 0
Find this game on eBay here!
45 DR. MARIO (Nintendo,
1990)
The
idea of this Doctor Mario game is actually pretty clever.
The game combines the addictive puzzle action of a Tetris with cute Nintendo-like
characters in the backgrounds. The concept was good but there just isn't much
game here unfortunately. In this simple game you must match up falling pills
to the right virus to eliminate it and score points. If you get four of the
same shades in the roll then they will disappear from the screen but it isn't
as easy as it sounds. The game can be quite challenging on the higher levels
but the game is extremely basic since this is no story, the graphics and sound
are pretty sad plus the real killer is the lack of a save option. Dr. Mario
is overrated and it just doesn't age well.
For
1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
81
DRAGON WARRIOR III (Enix, 2000)
This cult NES
game has been restored right here on the Gameboy Color. This
maybe called part 3 but this is actually a prequel to the original Dragon Warriors
and this story is about the legendary Erdrick and the three warriors of his
choosing. Although the game still sounds the same, the graphics are improved
and the game play less menu driven so it is now much easier to play. What makes
Dragon Warrior III so addictive is all the different classes of characters are
amazing and the game is long and interesting too.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
Rated (T) for Teen
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
78 FINAL FANTASY ADVENTURE (Square, 1992)
This is actually 'the Secret of Mana
prequel' for the Game boy believe it or not so if you're a fan of that game
too then be sure to check this out. FFA is a great action RPG that no black
and white Game boy owner should be without.
*Battery
back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
58 FINAL FANTASY LEGEND (Square, 1991)
What should sound like a deep game is only
a very basic RPG with simple graphics and sound plus what is the deal with there
being only one save file? Squaresoft heads should get it anyway if your a role
playing fan but don't expect anything too special.
*Battery
back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
63 FINAL FANTASY LEGEND II (Square, 1992)
This is a much better RPG from Square soft
for the GB this time with more options and a better story this time around. You can even save
more files now so you don't have to erase your friend's save just to play now. Final Fantasy Legend II isn't as good as the Super Nintendo adventures but it still works for the Gameboy here.
*Battery
back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
67 FINAL FANTASY LEGEND III (Square, 1993)
This is a more in depth story that finishes
the Final Fantasy Legend series on Game boy. Unfortunately, the graphics and
sounds are still pretty bad plus we may never see another one of these games
for the system. At least Final Fantasy Tactics is on the Game Boy Advance now.
*Battery
back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
32 GALAGA (Hasbro/Namco,
2000)
This GB Color game is not the same 1981 Galaga that ate a lot quarters in the
day. This is just a poor man's Galaga with fuzzy new graphics with unimaginative
enemy bugs plus since the game has been 'upgraded' there is new slowdown and
flickering effects to really annoy all you gamers out there.
For
1 or 2 players
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find this game on eBay here!
56 GALAXIAN and GALAGA (Nintendo/Namco, 1994)
This cart has two ground-breaking old school
shooters all on one. The original Galaxian is extremely outdated now because
of its slow speed but the original Galaga is always a fun shooting game to have
around thanks to its unique power up system. If you like simple arcade-like
shooter then you'll love this but all others should stay away.
For 1 or 2
players
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
64 GARGOYLES QUEST (Capcom, 1990)
Remember the annoying flying red demon from
those Ghost and Goblins games? Now the demon has his very own game. This
is a solid action/RPG game starring an rebelling gargoyle,
named Fireband in the chaotic Demon world. The controls
take a bit of time to master but the pay off is worth it.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
65
GRADIUS: Interstellar Assault (Konami, 1993)
The earlier Nemesis game was a bit better Konami
shooter I believe but this 2 Meg game was still fun. The 5 levels are fairly
long and since this is a Gradius game, its quite tough too. The game isn't impossible
of course but be prepared for some punishment.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
71
KID ICARUS: Myth and Monsters (Nintendo, 1992)
Hey! I remember this game series from the NES.
It's still a fun action game starring the young angel Pit and so far this is
the only way to play this legend all over again. Sadly this title may be the
last we see of Kid Icarus because Nintendo didn't continue the series after
this.
*Battery back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 7
Find this game on eBay here!
86 MARIO GOLF (Nintendo/Camelot, 2000)
Mixing Golfing and
Role Playing games either sounds like the worst idea in the world or a great
idea that should have come sooner. Fortunately, Nintendo and Camelot were able
to pull it off and this simple Golf game comes with a lot of addictive aspects
like character development and tons of virtual citizens to talk to. Mario Golf
is a very fun game that still packs a lot of challenge.
*Battery back up game
For 1 to 4 players
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
90 MARIO'S PICROSS (Nintendo, 1995)
Want something different in your Gameboy game?
Mario's Picross lets you solve puzzles by having Mario chip away at stone tablets
to discover what the design is but be aware that if you make too many mistakes
then it's game over. This game play is similar to those puzzles found in the
magazine Tips & Tricks so if you like those then you will like this title
too. Mario's Picross takes a few minutes to learn and it is extremely addictive!
*Super Gameboy compatible
*Battery back up game
*Uncommon GB game
For 1 player only
Rated (K-A) for Kids to Adults
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
76
MEGA MAN Dr. Wily's Revenge (Capcom, 1991)
Although this game is very old now, Mega Man
still has some brilliant level design. Bomb Man and Guts Man are missing in
this game's line up but the other four are still here and the usual four levels
are now altered from their NES counterpart to offer a different experience for
Mega Man hardcore fans. Don't expect a cake walk
either because this is one of the toughest games of the series. Also look for
the other Mega Man GB games out there, some of them are quite rare.
*Million Seller re-release
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 8
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
68 MEGA MAN II (Capcom, 1992)
Part II of the series is just more of the same
of course for Mega Man's game boy adventures but Rush the robo dog is now in
the game and now you have to fight some (but not all) of the robots from Mega
Man 2 and 3 from the NES titles.
*Million Seller re-release
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 4
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
72 MEGA MAN III (Capcom, 1993)
This great series gets another great game on
the old portable unit. You can now use the Mega Buster weapon in the third installment
of GB Megaman as you battle the likes of Snake Man and Gemini Man to find the
evil Dr. Wily. Again there is little new but you still get a fun action game.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5
Find this game on eBay here!
70 MEGA MAN IV (Capcom, 1994)
The graphics are getting better here in the
GB editions and Mega Man can now buy various parts or upgrades too in Dr. Light's
lab. Mega Man now fights characters from Mega Man's 4 and 5 from the NES games
so don't expect anything too different.
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
70 MEGA MAN V (Capcom, 1994)
Mega
Man has defeated Dr. Wily four times in the previous Gameboy adventures but
now there is some new alien enemies that want to conquer earth and Mega Man
seems powerless to stop them. After getting weapon upgrade from Dr. Light, Mega
Man can now use his arm in a special attack that can fight back against his
new rivals. Not only is the new story line cool but I also like the new robocat
here too. Definitely one of the harder Mega Man games out there but again the
game play isn't much different yet again. If you want more old school Mega Man
then this is solid buy for action fans.
For 1 player only
graphics: 6
sound: 6
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
80
MEGA MAN XTREME 2 (Capcom, 2000)
Mega
Man X comes to the Gameboy again and him and Zero must stop a couple of new
renegade Mavericks that are stealing away robots to do there evil bidding. Just
like Mega Man X4 and X5 both X and Zero can learn seperate techniques plus each
one has their story line as well. The game controls well and you can even unlock
a bunch bonus features like the more difficult Xtreme mode. With all of the
features this game has it is easily one the best Mega Man games I ever played
for the Gameboy.
*Battery Back up game
For 1 player only
Rated (E) for Everyone
graphics: 7
sound: 6
gameplay: 9
Find this game on eBay here!
78
METROID II: The Return of Samus (Nintendo, 1991)
Yeah! Samus finally returns after her adventures
on planet Zebeth from the NES original but her quest to rid the galaxy of the
deadly Metroid creatures is far from over. Samus's new mission is to destroy
the evil Metroid Queen now their home world of SR388
in this adventure/action game. Metroid II not only introduces Samus's spaceship
to the series but there are some new weapons and techniques as well. Sure the
colours take a step back on the old black and white unit but Nintendo was kind
enough to seriously improve the detail to the characters over the NES game.
The music and sound effects are almost completely different then what we heard
in Metroid, some of the tracks are good but most of them are too silent. Although
Metroid II is a little more linear than the first game it's still an excellent
action title that will test your gaming skills plus it still remands a Game
boy exclusive!
*Battery
back up game
For 1 player only
graphics: 7
sound: 7
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
65 MIDWAY GREATEST HITS: MOON PATROL and SPY HUNTER (Midway, 2000)
I love Moon Patrol and it even looks great on the
small screen here. Spy Hunter is overrated unfortunately, and now it is even
worse on the Game boy Color because of the blurry graphics. There should be
more games on the cart then just two though.
For 1 or 2
players
graphics: 7
sound: 5
gameplay: 6
Find this game on eBay here!
41 MS. PAC MAN (Namco, 1992)
Just like original Pac Man for old Game boy,
this popular game belongs in colour and not in black and white. Half the fun
of a Pac Man is figuring out how to out maveur the dumb ghosts from the smart
ones but it is hard to do that on when the ghosts look all the same, eh? Don't
buy this legendary arcade hit because there are far versions available out there.
For 1 player only
graphics: 3
sound: 4
gameplay: 4
Find this game on eBay here!
68 MS. PAC MAN Special Color Edition (Namco, 2000)
Ms. Pac Man has always been one of my favorite
video games of all time and it's nice to see this game back in colour after
the dreadful black and white version was released on the Game boy just a few
years back. I would have been happy with just Ms. Pac Man on the Game boy Colour
but Namco included another game in the package to sweeten the deal. The rare
Super Pac Man! Even with the two Pac Man games here, is this little cartridge
worth the 40 bucks especially all of those other Pac Man translations for the
Game Boy Advance? These two games would have easily scored higher if there was
a build in battery back up save feature included so we could record our high
scores but we are out of luck.
For 1 player only
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 8
Find this game on eBay here!
32 MORTAL KOMBAT 4 (Midway, 2000)
Some games just don't belong on a 8-bit system
and the Mortal Kombat series is one of them because this game is super slow,
the roster has been cut in half from the big console versions, and the game
is very hard to play thanks to some unresponsive controls. Forget this tournament.
For 1 player only
Rated (M) for Mature
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 3
Find this game on eBay here!
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