Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Game & Watch Collection 2 delivers the simple, satisfying gameplay loops that made the original Game & Watch series such a phenomenon. In Parachute, you’ll guide a rescue boat back and forth along the bottom of the screen, scooping up frightened parachuters before a shark does. The one-button control scheme—using only the D-pad to move left and right and a single face button to “catch”—is instantly intuitive, but the speed ramps up quickly, demanding razor-sharp reflexes.

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Octopus switches the action to an underwater treasure hunt. You play as a deep-sea diver, descending to claim treasure while avoiding the snapping tentacles of a patrolling octopus. Once again, the one-button system shines: press and hold to descend, release to ascend. It sounds simple, but as you inch deeper beneath the octopus’s lair, risk versus reward becomes an addictive tug-of-war.

Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Parachute X Octopus, a mash-up that alternates between the above-water rescue and below-the-sea dive on the fly. After rescuing several parachuters, you’re alerted to descend for treasure, then must scramble back up before more jumpers take the plunge. This hybrid mode injects fresh tension into two classic formulas, extending replay value and testing your multitasking skills.

All three titles offer built-in clock and alarm functions, converting your DS into a retro-styled digital timepiece when the games aren’t active. Rather than sitting idle on the cartridge screen, the Clock Mode loops character animations and game logos from the collection, offering fans a bit of whimsical fan service every time they check the time.

What’s remarkable about Game & Watch Collection 2’s gameplay is its purity: no tutorials, no layered subsystems, no elaborate story beats. Each game distills action down to its core rhythm, and it’s up to you to master and memorize patterns. For seasoned gamers, this simplicity is a breath of fresh air; for newcomers it’s a charming, bite-sized dive into gaming history.

Graphics

Visually, Game & Watch Collection 2 faithfully reproduces the look and feel of the original handheld LCD units, now scaled up on the Nintendo DS’s dual screens. The crisp pixel art retains the stark black-on-gray styling, while subtle color backgrounds and ambient animations give the experience a modern polish without detracting from its retro charm.

In Parachute and Octopus, character sprites pop against the simplistic backdrop, their movements animated with the judder and flicker that fans will recognize from the original devices. On the DS, these frames are rendered with perfect clarity—no screen glare, no washed-out LCD segments—just pure, nostalgic goodness in your hands.

Parachute X Octopus gets special treatment, alternating between the two visual styles in a seamless transition. Catching parachuters triggers a brief splash screen before diving into the murky waters of Octopus; the DS’s quick screen flip ensures you never lose your rhythm. It’s a small but thoughtful touch that cements the feeling of playing a hybrid LCD toy you’ve never held in real life.

Outside of gameplay, the menu system and clock display feature bright, bold icons and smooth transitions. Animated silhouettes of game characters dance around the edges of the screen, giving even the pause screens a touch of playful personality. It may be minimal, but every visual element reinforces the collection’s nostalgic identity.

Overall, the graphical presentation strikes an elegant balance between authenticity and modern enhancement. You get the unmistakable charm of a late-’80s LCD game without the limitations of tiny screens, washed-out segments, or short battery life.

Story

If you’re expecting a narrative-driven adventure, Game & Watch Collection 2 won’t deliver. These titles were never designed with sprawling plots or character arcs; instead, each game invites you into a simple scenario—a helicopter drop zone, the ocean floor, a mix of both—and lets you write your own story in high scores and survival times.

That said, each mini-game has its own playful premise. In Parachute, you’re the heroic pilot-turned-lifeguard, tasked with rescuing hapless parachuters before they become shark bait. It’s as much a comedic tableau as it is a test of reflexes. Octopus casts you as a daring treasure hunter, delving into the abyss to claim riches while outrunning a cephalopod with a toothy grin.

The hybrid Parachute X Octopus mode overlays both scenarios, weaving them into a single challenge. It’s like a 30-second cartoon where you’re both the fisherman and the adventurer, shifting hats on the fly. Though there’s no overarching plot, that tonal twist provides just enough narrative glue to keep you hooked.

Clock Mode adds a bit of world-building, too: between alarms and time checks, you’ll see looping animations of characters from all three mini-games, pausing occasionally to tip their hats or wave. It’s a tiny slice of charm that reminds you these aren’t mere icons on a menu—they’re characters with personalities, however abstract.

In the end, the “story” here is largely the history of Game & Watch itself: a tribute to Nintendo’s earliest forays into portable gaming. As a piece of interactive nostalgia, the collection tells its own tale—one of simple joys, frantic bursts of play, and the enduring appeal of instant accessibility.

Overall Experience

Game & Watch Collection 2 is a niche delight, aimed squarely at collectors and retro-curious gamers. Since it was only obtainable via the Japanese Club Nintendo program, the cart itself is rare—adding a layer of exclusivity to an already charming product. If you manage to get your hands on it, you’re in for a concise yet endlessly replayable treat.

The three-game lineup is brief, but each title is honed to perfection, delivering quick rounds that beg for “just one more try.” The seamless dual-screen transitions, faithful LCD emulation, and clever Clock Mode all reinforce that sense of completeness—you’re not just playing games, you’re exploring a piece of Nintendo’s heritage.

As far as replay value goes, the high-score chase is the primary draw. There are no unlockables, no multiplayer, no bonus stages—just pure arcade-style competition against yourself or friends peering over your shoulder. It’s a pure, distilled form of gaming that stands in stark contrast to the sprawling open worlds and deep progression systems of modern titles.

Technically, the DS hardware suits these games perfectly. Touch inputs are minimal, battery consumption is negligible, and the dual screens give you ample space to appreciate the recreated LCD art. Even in handheld mode, the road ahead remains bright—no more scratched-up screens or dying button batteries.

In summary, Game & Watch Collection 2 is a lovingly crafted throwback for dedicated enthusiasts and anyone seeking a brief, reflex-driven challenge. It won’t replace your blockbuster titles or epic RPGs, but as a portable time capsule, it’s an enchanting reminder of how far gaming has come—and how delightfully simple it once was.

Retro Replay Score

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