Konami Collector's Series: Arcade Advanced/Classics

[Obiwanshinobi]

(Konami Arcade Game Collection in Japan.)
No other reason to create a separate topic for it than, well, it being too darn sweet not to. Best collection of the sort I've got since Game & Watch Gallery Advance*), makes just as much sense on the GBA.

First of all, there seems to be no Wonder Momo style questionable "classic" on it, or any fossil in vein of MSX choppy sidescrollers for that matter. Of how many retro collections can you say the same thing?
Then even if the ports are not 100% faithful, all of the gameplay enhancements (as of today listed in this, pretty detailed, article) make - again - so much sense on a handheld. Autofire (upon entering Konami Code) in Time Pilot and 2 player (if compromised) with just one cart? Check.
Last but not least, I've only seen enhanced graphics in Frogger so far, but they don't stink. More than I can say of the new graphics in G&W Gallery Advance (strictly optional in both, which is nice).

Just wanted to share the opinion.

*) Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition nearing both.

[BrianC]

I disagree the graphics in Game and Watch Gallery's updated games stink. I feel the artwork is cute and well done. I feel they often stray too far from the original theme with too much focus on Mario, though. As for the updated games themselves, I like how they add things (some even have multiple levels) and stand on their own.

I actually feel the opposite about Frogger in Konami Arcade Advance. The updated graphics are good, but the gameplay is the same and the music is better in the classic version, though it's still remixed from the original due to copyright reasons.

[Obiwanshinobi]

The point is, new graphics are not mandatory in either. I don't have much use for the Frogger's remade visuals, but they don't make me wince, is all.

[copy-paster]

For me, Green Beret (Rush'n Attack if you don't know) is the best emulation in there, even they include secret stage through Konami code.

Other games like Gyruss or Yie Ar Kung Fu seems have some sound and graphical issues.

[BrianC]

The point is, new graphics are not mandatory in either. I don't have much use for the Frogger's remade visuals, but they don't make me wince, is all.

My point is that the Game and Watch Gallery modern versions offer different experiences along with the new graphics, while Frogger plays pretty much the same. While they stay true to the spirit of the originals, the modern versions in the Game and Watch gallery are different enough to stand on their own. Some games like Chef are actually better than their classic counterpart and others like DK and DK Jr. have me playing both versions. The Modern versions have a lot more to them than just a graphical makeover. Playing the modern versions is mandatory if you want to experience everything Game and Watch Gallery has to offer.

For me, Green Beret (Rush'n Attack if you don't know) is the best emulation in there, even they include secret stage through Konami code.

Other games like Gyruss or Yie Ar Kung Fu seems have some sound and graphical issues.

I think they are ports rather than emulation. Even Rush 'n Attack isn't arcade perfect. I have to check, but the action seems less frentic with less enemies than the arcade. Time Pilot actually seems harder than the arcade defaults and Gyruss seems easier. I don't think much can be done about Frogger's main sound issue, though the makers of the Genesis version, as far as I know, didn't get sued. At least it's not like the 360 version, which has much of the music removed. As far as graphical issues, as far as I know, the only issue is the graphics being small in a couple games, which was probably done to keep the resolution intact. Compared to other GBA collections that have bigger sprites but distort the graphics, they look better.

[Obiwanshinobi]

I think the sound is excellent for GBA. Time Pilot is easier (and AWESOME) with auto-fire than without it. The Wikipedia article says hit detection in Yie Ar Kung-Fu is improved.

By the way, played with Konami code, Scramble is practicaly a remake (new graphics, if not Gradius Advance/Galaxies-good, no-hum music, three different ships selectable).

[BrianC]

By the way, played with Konami code, Scramble is practicaly a remake (new graphics, if not Gradius Advance/Galaxies-good, no-hum music, three different ships selectable).

It still plays the same and I didn't notice much difference between the ships. I'm not a fan of the new graphics and they aren't close to Gradius Galaxies. I'm also aware of the other extras in Konami Arcade Advanced like added stages, new 2p modes, etc, but still feel the additions in the modern versions of the Game and Watch galleries are more significant than Scramble and Frogger in Konami Arcade Advanced. I'm aware that autofire makes Time Pilot easier, but I was comparing the game on defaults.

BTW, I feel the sound is good as well, but I meant by "main sound issue" with Frogger was how the music was changed compared to the arcade version due to the arcade using copyrighted music.