Cartridge Review: 100 in 1 (GBA - UYE 10001)

Game: 100 in 1
Console: Game Boy Advance
Publisher: ?????
Release Date: ?????

So a while ago, I picked up this cartridge wondering what could be better than 100 games for the Game Boy Advance on a single cartridge. Surely classics such as Superstar Saga and Pokemon games awaited me. Having looked online for information regarding the cartridge, the internet didn't have any clue as to who made this cartridge, what it had on it, or why it even exists. I took a look at the titles on the cartridge, and most seem to be NES roms, but there were a few which weren't that caught my eye;

Pokemon Gold

Ah, who could forget Pokemon Gold? An absolutely classic platformer where players guide Pikachu through "Velbt", past penguins, mosquitos, bullet bills and Easter Island heads. Some might call me a cheat for using the "Press start to make pikachu invincible and move through the scenery with the directional buttons" glitch, but I still had to fight the two bosses to complete the game and reach the classic end screen which traps you forever in the woods after winning.

Pockemon Silver

Just as classic as Pokemon Gold was its counterpart, Pockemon Silver. Allowing you to don a frog suit and hop about mushroom filled levels in an effort to find keys, it's a shame that the cutscenes and instructions were entirely in Japanese as the Western audience were unable to understand the plot. From what I can tell you're trapped in a dream, feeding sweets to animals so that they'll eat you and become your clothing. Another wonderful idea from Game Freak!

Pockemon Yellow

It seems like just yesterday when it was announced that Pockemon Yellow would be a crossover between the Looney Tunes and Pokemon franchises. It was this bold decision that turned the game from an average platformer into a true classic. Being able to turn into Bugs Bunny at will really enhances the gameplay experience, and Pikachu's new sprite is ahead of its time. The core gameplay mechanic of collecting carrots and avoiding enemies is riveting and unique.

Pockemon Blue

Similarly, many players were surprised when Pockemon Blue was announced to be a crossover with the Wacky Races series. Some players were put off by the complete lack of Pokemon within the game, but personally I find the change up refreshing. With an excellent cameo from Mr. Resetti of Animal Crossing fame, this brings back fond childhood memories.

Pockemon Green

The perfect Pokemon game for kids of all ages, Pockemon Green allows you to guide a shiny Clefairy through Mario like platforming stages whilst avoiding enemies and collecting cakes and treats. With no real difficulty and almost bearable music this is a great title with which to introduce new fans of the series. As this is the final Pokemon game on the cartridge, I'm keen to see what else is in store.

Mario & Luigi

The Mario and Luigi series has had some classic titles including Superstar Saga and Partners in Time, but it's important not to forget its origins. With a sibling rivalry dating back to when they were young, Mario and Luigi documents a time when Mario's allergy to his brother was so severe that a single touch from him could cause death. Collecting the mushrooms around the level which work just like hayfever tablets, is the way to win here.

Mario Missing

If you've ever wanted to play a slightly broken version of Mario is Missing! on the NES then this really is the game for you. Not only are you unable to converse with anyone who walks past, there's hardly any of those pesky Koopas about to trouble you with collecting the artifacts and rescuing Mario. This means you can sit back and enjoy a nice rest whilst exploring the town, just like Luigi would want you to.

Tetris

Tetris is an absolute classic but there's no denying that everyone is sick and tired of the music that accompanies it, and that some people are just far too good at it. So what better way to improve tetris than to not include its most famous tune on the soundtrack and to reverse the down and rotate buttons so that it becomes almost unplayable to anyone who has played the regular version of the game. This is the sort of game that keeps a series fresh.

Bomber Mario

Jobs are scarce in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mainly because Mario keeps taking them all; he's been a plumber, a boxing referee, a carpenter, a chef and a doctor, but now its gone a step too far. Taking Bomberman's highly skilled position as a planned destruction engineer to blow up goombas in a far more violent fashion than usual makes you wonder just what Mario won't do...

Maria Sister

Mario and Luigi's lesser known little sister Maria makes an appearance in this game, aspiring to be just like her big brother by clearing out the pipes of New York. I guess when Mario vacates a job, there's always someone there to take it back. Unfortunately Maria didn't seem to make it out of the sewers as she hasn't been in any recent Mario titles.

Rabbit and Rope

Rabbit and Rope is a curious game where you appear to play as a small child who is robbing a house of everything valuable. Other small girls attempt to stop you, but as long as you can avoid them then your criminal activities may continue. Some may call this the inspiration for the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

Warehn 18

Everyone's favourite piece of communist propaganda is back, in the form of Warehouse No. 18. In this game you'll learn that hard work benefits everyone and that capitalism is a flawed concept. Also what sounds like a very short clip of Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da plays when you push a crate into place. My favourite moment of the game however, is the level complete screen which attempts to give the user a seizure.

Donald Magic

There's one final game I'd like to include in this review; Donald Magic. It's essentially Burger Time, but with everyone's favourite corporately branded clown instead of Peter Pepper. This is such an exciting change-up to gameplay and makes for hours of replayability. Unfortunately the only burger included in the game seems to be the Big Mac, which is a little disappointing.

Summary;

As can be plainly seen this cartridge includes some of the best rare gems from the NES era, available to play on GBA for probably the first time. I was seriously blown away by the quality of some of these games. Best. Multicart. Ever.