PLEASE NOTE:
You are currently viewing an archival version of GF!

Click here to return to the current GamesFirst! website.

Reviews
 
Articles
 

GF! Archival Version Copyright 1995-2004


centi_logo.jpg (9024 bytes)


star06.gif (4104 bytes)star06.gif (4104 bytes)star06.gif (4104 bytes)

by Hasbro / Atari

Snapshot
Ups: Old school Centipede action in the palm of your hand, as they say.

Downs: Nothing but old school Centipede action.

System Reqs: game.com pocket

centi_1-01.jpg (4548 bytes)Once again Hasbro and Atari transport us back to the days of Reaganomics and roller rinks, this time via the game.com version of Centipede. Just like the venerable old stand-up version, the game.com port has you piloting around blowing up centipedes, spiders, and other sinister garden pests. And like previous classic ports (think Joust, Defender, Robotron and Frogger for the game.com), you know just what you're getting into.

centi_2-01.jpg (3599 bytes)While the latest manifestation of Centipede is no box of surprises, the game.com does a great job, as usual, of providing an old-school gaming experience. While there's no little track ball, you still move your little gun in four directions on the screen, trying to blast through the mushrooms that are left when a part of the Centipede dies. The goal is simple enough: blast the baddies before they bum rush you. Succeed, and you get to continue through level after mind-numbing level of the stuff. Repetition is inevitable unless you're a big fan of the game, and having a soft spot for baseball sleeves helps.

The game.com version stays true to the original, right down to the blips and buzzes that are ingrained in every twenty-something's soul. The updated mode adds a little shading, and there are options to give yourself what amounts to unlimited lives and play. Sure, your score can suffer, but you can keep plugging through levels for as much time as you have.

As usual, this isn't the game to make the game.com a must-have item, but it fits nicely into the veritable library of classic arcade titles available for the ultra price efficeint portable system. While sitting in your living room with a disc full of classic video games is nice, the old titles tend to be the most impressive on little systems like the game.com, and become even more appealing when away from home. A pocketfull of game.com arcade classics can make those commuter blues much easier to deal with.

--Shawn Rider