Sometimes you just have to be wary of these multi-game collections. On the one hand, compilations like Castlevania Dominus Collection and UFO 50 are worth their weight in gold. But on the other, you get 34 Sports Games: World Edition and…yuck. You just have to be careful. The latest game in this collective process is 100-In-1 Game Collection, which is exactly as it sounds. You get 100 games in one package, though your mileage may vary.
That’s not to say the collection is bad by any means. There are a number of offerings here going across all genres, from a weird Pac-Man clone with sheep and wolves to an interesting rhythm game with skeletons. Chances are you will find a favorite or two you don’t mind returning to. The question is, however, if you feel like making the journey.
There’s a story mode that does introduce each game, but, surprise, it takes time. And it also lacks a bit of character, as it’s mostly just small quote bubbles instead of in-depth description. Still, for young ones or those seeking a little bit more value, it’s not bad. And, again there are games here that might be worth your time.
The main problem is that it just lacks polish. Most of the games look like WiiWare for the most part, or offer very little replay value. Like…I doubt I’ll go back to that Pac-Man clone again. So if you understand you get more of the “quantity over quality” style, you might just like 100-In-1 Game Collection. Otherwise, you may want to look for something more surefire with long-term replay value.
The Interesting Approach With 100-In-1 Game Collection
So, unlike other compilations, you actually have to progress through modes. That feels like a cheat, but it’s actually a unique approach to discovery. Plus you get a little backstory on each game, as well as the ability to earn up to three stars through scoring.
However, it just feels like Story Mode is a bit empty. You guide a character through the collection, with interesting…parties discussing each one. But, as I mentioned above, each conversation feels tacked on instead of in-depth. I suppose that’s okay for some, but it doesn’t really motivate you to push into the game.
At least the games themselves are a fun little collection. That’s not to say they’re all winners – in fact, most feel like mobile retreads. But you can choose a ship battler in one direction, and then a Galaxian clone with hand-drawn graphics in the next. Again, it’ll take a while to open up, but once you do, you can explore and see what favorites you can find.
The games don’t exactly have a long-term hook that I can see. However, some are good for quick sessions, while others…you likely won’t touch more than once. But at least there’s diversity and some that will stick with you. So it’s not a total dud like the aforementioned 34 Sports. How in the world do you screw up 34 sports in a row?!
Plus it’s a good distraction for young players, giving them a lot to do for a decent price (around $30). Not sure how older players will go at this compilation, but it’s sure to find an audience based on what parents are getting here.
It’s just…average to me. Some games are fun, others aren’t, and the process is definitely tedious. But it’s not that bad either. It just sits in the middle. Whether you can accept that really depends on your gamer tastes.
So How’s 100-In-1’s Presentation?
Considering this is a low-priced budget collection of 100 games, you probably shouldn’t expect The Witcher III: Wild Hunt. But it’s acceptable considering how it’s presented.
The visuals in each games seem like something out of the WiiWare catalog. That’s not an insult, as some have a cool, decidedly old-school appearance. Others, however, are definitely on the “aged” side. Especially that Galaxian wannabe. Oof. Plus the characters have a staticky appearance in the Story Mode, with barely any hint of life to them.
The audio really isn’t much better. The in-game music for each title seems uninspired at best, and there’s not even a lively theme song to keep you attracted. Not unlike UFO 50, which has a banger of an 8-bit soundtrack. More effort could’ve been put in here. But at least it’s a level above elevator muzak, if that’s much of a compliment.
You Get What You Pay For With 100-In-1, Sort Of
On the one hand, 100-In-1 Game Collection does give you a lot to play. You’ll take a few hours exploring the package, seeing what stands out for you. And you’ll find a few favorites, including a Bomberman clone that surprisingly grew on me. (It just makes me want a classic entry in the series, you know?)
But on the other, I think it deserved a more imaginative approach. More effort in the Story Mode. More effort with the soundtrack. (You couldn’t have hired Yuzo Koshiro?!) More effort in a lot of directions. It just seems painfully average at a time when it should stand out.
Some people will definitely get some mileage from 100-In-1 Game Collection. But others may prefer a more dependable ride for their gaming thrills.
GAMERHUB RATING: 2.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
(Thanks to Maximum Entertainment for providing a review code! 100-In-1 Game Collection is available now for Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam.)
