Bomberman Max 2: Red Advance

Score: 8.0 / 10

This is a three-for-one review – an approach I dearly wish Nintendo would take with it’s NES Classic series.  There’s absolutely no reason Nintendo couldn’t slap two or three games into a GBA cartridge other than the trailer load of dough they’re making mining it’s extensive NES library by releasing them individually.  I don’t want to appear jaded or cynical but when I put myself into the shoes of someone who just plunked down cash, I think I’d be saying the same thing.  Anyway, onwards we go…

Castlevania (left); Dr. Mario (right)

Dr. Mario (1990)

Score: 8.6 / 10

Dr. Mario still plays strong and is as deeply addictive as it was when it was originally released.  The concept is simple:  line up like-color pills to kill viruses in a Tetris-like setting. As the difficulty ramps up there are more viruses and the pills drop faster.  It’s a solid title and it’ll pay for itself if you can addict your significant other to Dr. Mario’s gameplay.  My wife will agree to anything while playing Dr. Mario

“I’m headed to Vegas for three days for some no holds barred debauchery.  Okay by you?”

“Sure, whatever.”

“I’ll miss your parents 30^th anniversary.”

“Go!  Your ruining my concentration!”

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (1988)

Score: 8.5 / 10

This is the only Zelda game I can think of that used experience points to level-up.  Other than that, you’re dealing with a typical (and engrossing) Legend of Zelda experience.  The action switches between an overhead map with random monster encounters and side-scrolling fighting with familiar enemies and items putting in appearances.

Wife distraction value: 0