I have enjoyed classic gaming since the time the classics were being ported to the Atari 2600. This collection of four games on one GBA cartridge represents an attempt to recreate four retro games for the portable player. Unfortunately, each title has shortcomings and the overall package is featureless.

Sinistar has never peaked my interest much to begin with, but I did test drive it a bit in the Treasures collection so I do know how it should run. This GBA version plays too fast, resulting in almost continuous collisions with asteroids, which clutter the screen as it is. The wonky control scheme has the player rotating his ship using the directional pad, which might work except for the crowding asteroids and the stopping point for each rotation at a 45 degree angle from the direction being pressed.

Joust has almost equally disappointing game play in that it runs too slowly. the player's ostrich floats downward through the air, and the enemy mounted buzzards appear to stay at the same speed as the initial levels. Despite the slower speed, once 4-5 buzzards are flying in the same tier, they become glitchy with the constant bumping into each other. The "unbeatable" pterodactyl does not hunt the player, it only patrols the screen. I think I accidentally killed the pterodactyl while standing and facing away from it. Finally, there appears to be a bubble surrounding the player that when burst causes the player to expire.

Robotron 2084 was never intended for a Game Boy. The unique control scheme, duplicated in Smash TV, is perfect for this game. A clever attempt was made to modify this title for two buttons by using one to fire and one to keep the player in one place while changing the shot direction with the D-pad. That alteration might have been acceptable (since it was necessary), but the game also plays more slowly, and the floor mines do not affect any of the enemy robots like in the original.

Defender in this collection is just as difficult as the original, but it does not look like the original after the first level. This title also plays slightly slower than it should, especially in the shots fired by the landers.

With other cartridges out there offering only two titles, this would have been a great deal at $5-$10. However, there is no redeeming value in the presentation whatsoever. There are no options, generally basic title screens, and no game tips or game history, and no high scores will be saved. If you are hankering for some retro gaming, look for a different collection or just buy the two or three games you really want.

Lots of different games from "back in the day" and excellant for the kids.