Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Arcade Classic 2: Centipede / Millipede delivers two of Atari’s most addictive arcade shooters in one handheld package, faithfully preserving the fast-paced action that made the originals timeless. On Game Boy, both titles maintain their signature control scheme: you guide the iconic “bug blaster” at the bottom of the screen, firing upward to clear waves of segmented critters. The rubber-duck trackball of the arcade is replaced by the D-pad and A/B buttons, and while it takes a little getting used to, responsiveness remains surprisingly tight—ensuring you can weave between obstacles and lines of advancing segments with precision.

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Centipede’s gameplay loop is simple but brutally engaging. Your goal is clear all segments of the centipede before it reaches the bottom of the field, all while dodging spiders, fleas and scuttling scorpions. The Game Boy version retains the classic enemy behavior and pixel-perfect collision detection so that veteran players will find familiar patterns to memorize and new challenges to conquer. Power-ups aren’t part of the equation here; it’s pure, unadulterated arcade skill.

Millipede ups the ante by introducing point mushrooms, looping enemies and faster movement, effectively expanding on Centipede’s formula. The additional variety—green mushrooms that require multiple shots, gnats that dart unpredictably, and boss-style “Injection Beetles”—creates a more frantic experience. It’s a testament to the clever design of the original that both games feel distinct yet complementary on the same cartridge.

For those with a Super Game Boy adapter, the gameplay gets an extra layer of nostalgia. Special border artwork frames the playfield, echoing the original arcade cabinets. While this doesn’t alter the core mechanics, it immerses you in that golden-age arcade atmosphere, making each high-score chase feel like a trip back to the arcade floor.

Graphics

On a monochrome Game Boy screen, graphics might be sparse by today’s standards, but Arcade Classic 2 makes excellent use of its limited palette and resolution. Sprites remain clear and well-defined; centipede segments are easily distinguishable from mushrooms, and incoming insects stand out crisply against the static backdrop. The scrolling is smooth, and there’s virtually no screen flicker—even when the action heats up.

The minimalist visual design is part of the charm. Every element on screen serves a purpose, reducing clutter and keeping your focus squarely on the swarm of enemies. Mushroom fields build up organically, establishing visual patterns you’ll need to study for high-level play. It’s a showcase of “less is more,” where simplicity translates into immediate readability and visceral satisfaction.

Super Game Boy compatibility brings an extra color layer to the experience. With custom palettes assigned to the playfield, centipede segments can appear in shades of green or red, and the background mushrooms take on subtle hues that make them pop. The decorative borders—complete with arcade cabinet art and even little Atari logos—turn your TV screen into a mini arcade marquee.

Story

Unlike modern titles that hinge on sprawling narratives or character arcs, Arcade Classic 2 is rooted in pure arcade tradition: there is no storyline beyond “shoot everything that moves.” In both Centipede and Millipede, the premise is as straightforward as it gets—defend yourself against relentless waves of bugs. Yet this lack of a formal plot is intentional, channeling the pick-up-and-play ethos that defined late ’70s and early ’80s coin-ops.

The narrative, such as it is, lives in your high-score table. Each new record marks your personal conquest over the digital insect hordes, giving you bragging rights among friends and family. For many players, that clawing dash for “1-Up” feels richer than any cutscene or dialogue tree. It’s arcade storytelling in its purest form, where every round writes a new chapter in your battle history.

In a way, the absence of an elaborate storyline appeals to today’s gamers seeking a quick dose of adrenaline without commitment. You’re not tethered to long campaigns or plot checkpoints—just you, the joystick (or D-pad), and an ever-creeping centipede. If you crave narrative depth, this might feel sparse, but if you relish high-octane simplicity, it’s a perfect match.

Overall Experience

Arcade Classic 2: Centipede / Millipede stands tall as a testament to the enduring appeal of minimalist arcade design. Portable, pick-up-and-play fun is alive and well on the Game Boy, capturing the essence of the original cabinet experiences. The controls are tighter than many later ports, and the balancing act between risk and reward is as addictive as ever—one stray mushroom or rotated shot can spell sudden game over.

Both newcomers and nostalgia-driven veterans will find much to love. If you’re discovering these classics for the first time, you’ll experience the thrill of clearing screen after screen of frantic insect swarms. If you cut your teeth on arcade cabinets decades ago, you’ll appreciate the faithful emulation and the Super Game Boy’s decorative flourishes that remind you of those coin-op days.

While there’s no 60-hour campaign or branching storylines to unlock, the game’s replay value lies in its one-more-try loop. Every session teases you with the prospect of besting your last high score, learning new patterns, and pushing your reflexes further. For a handful of quarters in your pocket—or a Game Boy cartridge in your handheld—Arcade Classic 2 delivers timeless, challenging fun that few other titles can match.

In an era of sprawling worlds and cinematic spectacles, this compilation offers a refreshing palate cleanser: pure, unfiltered arcade action distilled into two of the genre’s most iconic shooters. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or forging new ones, Arcade Classic 2: Centipede / Millipede is a must-have for any Game Boy collector or enthusiast of retro gaming.

Retro Replay Score

6.4/10