Game & Watch Gallery 4 Game Boy Advance

A compilation of past Game Watch titles -- small, handheld, game-specific LCD machines -- Game Watch Gallery 4 marks the retro series' debut on the Game Boy Advance. The initial offering of six playable titles ("Fire," "Mario's Cement Factory," "Donkey Kong 3," "Donkey Kong Jr.," "Rain Shower," and "Boxing") can be enjoyed in both, Classic and Modern variations. The former offer gameplay reminiscent of the original titles, while the latter introduce a twist to the game mechanics in order to liven things up. Additionally, by earning stars in each of the six titles (one star is awarded for every 200 points accrued), players can unlock extra games, including "Fire Attack," "Octopus," and "Chef." Though each title offers a unique challenge, the primary objective usually revolves around racking up as many points as possible using the meager allotment of lives provided. With two Game Paks, players can engage in link-up competition in "Boxing" and "Donkey Kong 3."

"Mario's Cement Factory" challenges players to keep the cement moving from the upper floors of the factory all the way down to the truck waiting below. The Modern mode replaces the cement with cookie dough and exchanges the truck for an oven. The objective remains much the same, except here you'll find your plans hampered by the presence of Boos. In "Fire," players must rescue characters as they jump from a burning building. Armed with a makeshift trampoline, players must bounce the characters toward the relative safety of the carriage at the opposite end of the screen. The Modern version introduces a Bob-omb that must be kept far away from the carriage.

"Donkey Kong 3" has players trying to keep swarms of bees at bay, while at the same time trying to get them to attack Donkey Kong. The Modern incarnation ups the ante with Boos and fireballs. Manage to enclose them in bubbles and they can be turned into rudimentary projectile weapons. "Rain Shower" stacks Mario against the elements; he must prevent the clothes hung up on four different clotheslines from getting wet, while at the same time avoiding the crows that tug on the line. In the Modern revision, Bowser throws water balloons at Peach, Toad, and other familiar friends of the rotund plumber.

"Boxing" allows players to punch high or low, dodge, or block, all in an attempt to whittle down their opponent's Status and Defense gauges. New characters enter the fray in Modern mode. As the offspring of Nintendo's prime ape, "Donkey Kong Jr." challenges players to free Donkey Kong from his cage by acquiring the key and avoiding the enemies in the way. The Modern mode introduces offensive capabilities, allowing players to step on, or drop fruit on enemies. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide