Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Game & Watch Collection packages three classic LCD titles—Oil Panic, Donkey Kong, and Green House—into one convenient cartridge, and each entry stays remarkably true to its original handheld roots. Controls are simple and intuitive: use the D-pad to move your character or cursor, press A or B to grab, throw, or spray, and let the nostalgia wash over you. Responsive input ensures that timing-based challenges feel fair, even as the pace accelerates in later stages. Veterans of the originals will appreciate how faithfully Nintendo has preserved the exact rhythms and quirks of each game.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Oil Panic tasks you with catching dripping oil and dumping it out the window before your bucket overflows, creating a frantic balancing act between collecting and discarding. As the levels progress, multiple streams of oil and faster drips demand split-second decisions, making what looks like a gentle puzzle game into a frantic exercise in hand-eye coordination. Donkey Kong’s climbing sequences similarly lean on precision: you must dodge rolling barrels, pull pins at the right moment, and time your jumps to rescue Pauline. Each misstep forces a restart, reinforcing the tight, trial-and-error gameplay loop that defined early arcade titles.

Green House rounds out the trio with a more methodical pace: you spray bugs attacking your precious plants while keeping an eye out for spiders lurking below. This game introduces a mild strategic element, since you need to prioritize which pests pose the greatest threat at any given moment. Between the three titles, you get a satisfying variety of mechanics—reaction-based bucket juggling, platform timing, and defensive spraying—that keeps sessions fresh and engaging.

Graphics

Visually, Game & Watch Collection faithfully reproduces the signature monochrome LCD look with crisp black sprites against a light gray background. While there are no color graphics or high-definition backgrounds, the charm lies in its authentic retro aesthetic. Each sprite flickers just like its 1980s predecessor, complete with the “ghosting” effect on the Nintendo DS’s dual-screen display. It’s a deliberate choice that appeals directly to fans of vintage handheld gaming.

The DS’s dual-screen setup cleverly mimics the original “Multi-Screen” form factor used by Nintendo’s Game & Watch line. Oil Panic and Green House employ the dual screens to extend their playfields vertically, while Donkey Kong uses both screens to simulate climbing multiple floors. The border graphics around each screen add a subtle frame that enhances immersion without distracting from the pure LCD experience. Overall, what you see is exactly what you’d have seen on the classic hardware—no enhancements, no color, but plenty of personality.

Subtle animations, such as the flowing oil, the rolling barrels, and the crawling spiders, retain the mechanical charm of the originals. Sound effects and jingles are equally authentic, but the minimalist visuals are what truly sell the nostalgia trip. If you’re looking for modern graphical flourishes, you won’t find them here—but as a time capsule of handheld gaming history, the presentation is perfect.

Story

Being a collection of arcade-style minigames, Game & Watch Collection doesn’t offer a traditional narrative or overarching storyline. Instead, each title provides its own self-contained scenario: in Oil Panic, you’re a heroic oil handler preventing spills; in Donkey Kong, you’re an everyman climber rescuing Pauline from the eponymous ape; and in Green House, you’re a dedicated gardener fending off insect invaders. These simple premises serve as pure gameplay devices rather than deep storytelling elements.

Despite their brevity, each game conveys a clear goal and a sense of urgency. Donkey Kong’s damsel-in-distress setup taps into classic arcade drama, while Oil Panic’s comedic frustration in juggling buckets of oil keeps you grinning through repeated failures. Green House’s insect siege adds a dash of lighthearted tension as you race to protect your botanical charges. In all three cases, the “story” unfolds through your actions and the immediate feedback on screen, rather than through cutscenes or dialogue.

For modern players accustomed to sprawling narratives and cinematic presentation, the story segments here might feel almost quaint. Yet that is precisely the appeal: there’s no filler, no exposition—just a crystal-clear objective that launches instantly into the heart of the action. It’s a pure distillation of arcade-era design philosophy.

Overall Experience

Game & Watch Collection is a love letter to Nintendo’s early handheld innovations, preserved exactly as fans remember them. The compilation’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity: these aren’t remakes or reimaginings, but near-perfect emulations of the original Game & Watch units. If you’re chasing nostalgia or simply curious about the roots of portable gaming, this cartridge delivers an unvarnished look at how Nintendo refined bite-sized challenge loops decades ago.

The addition of a functional clock and alarm feature via the DS’s internal clock adds charming utility, transforming the collection into a digital timepiece when you’re not gaming. Navigating the minimalist menu to switch between games or set the alarm is straightforward and feels like an Easter egg rather than a serious productivity tool. It’s a small perk that reinforces the collection’s status as both a game and a collectible gadget.

Accessibility is baked in: with only a few buttons to learn and clear objectives, players of all ages can pick up and play instantly. Difficulty ramps up in predictable ways, making each session a satisfying test of reflexes and pattern recognition. Even after conquering the highest levels, you’ll find yourself coming back to chase personal bests or simply relive the distinctive LCD charm.

The only downside is availability—this title was exclusive to Club Nintendo members and never saw a standalone retail release, so finding a physical copy can be a challenge. However, if you manage to add Game & Watch Collection to your library, you’ll own a unique slice of Nintendo history that combines arcade simplicity with DS convenience. For retro enthusiasts and completionists alike, it’s a worthwhile acquisition that offers enduring, bite-sized fun.

Retro Replay Score

null/10