8-Bit Adventure Anthology: Volume 1 Reviews
8-bit Adventure Anthology Volume I does exactly what it advertises. It allows players to play three classic adventure games on modern consoles without any hassle. That said, it's important to know exactly what you're getting into since this doesn't featured remastered versions, and the design is absolutely old school. Those who are fine with those caveats will find a lot to like here, but even then, there could've been a little bit more put into the presentation of these classics.
It's not the fanciest collection, but you'll get plenty of puzzles, intrigue, and nostalgia here for a very low price.
These games won't hold your hand, won't let you take your time and will even try to kill you along the way. If this sounds like fun then you can't go wrong with this blast from the past.
It really all boils down to if you have nostalgia for these games or have a genuine interest in checking out the early days of point and click adventure games.
Abstraction Games' 8-Bit Adventure Anthology: Volume I is a collection of three Mac and NES point-and-click adventure titles developed in the mid-80s by ICOM Simulations. The collection delivers a window back to the time when games refused to explain themselves. These games don't care if you like them, don't respect your feelings, and cannot be bothered with your tears of frustration. Only the toughest of the tough need apply.
Abstraction Games have done a great job emulating Kemco's MacVenture ports, just know going in this is a package that knows its audience.
There's no doubt that 8-Bit Adventure Anthology Volume 1 is a good addition to your library if you're a fan of classic point-and-click adventures, but if you're new to the titles, then get ready for some frustration. If you do decide, at your own risk, to pick them up I'd consider getting them on PC rather than on console to avoid controller-induced rage fits.
If you were a fan of any of the games included in the 8-Bit Adventure Anthology the first time around, or if you want to experience what games were like in the good old days, this is a no-brainer.
8-Bit Adventure Anthology: Volume 1 is an enjoyable experience, but it feels more like an exhibit than anything else. While collection style games are always going to be a mixed bag, 8-Bit Adventure Anthology doesn't really have a weak spot so much as it has a dip with Uninvited. Fortunately, the whole package is one point-and-click fans would be downright silly to miss out on, though perhaps they'd be better off playing it somewhere else. The controls here suck a lot of the fun out of the experience, and if the games weren't as solid as they are, it would make this entire experience a lot less enjoyable.
This release is perhaps an anthology that could never hope to appeal to any but the nostalgic, but I have to hope that one or two people out there might be twisted just enough to enjoy the way that these games seem to enjoy messing with their heads.
8-bit Adventure Anthology: Volume I is a strong collection of some great classic games that will really make fans of them very happy to play such faithful ports. That being said, this isn't going to bring new players on board with what some might consider “dated looks,” the not ideal controls, and the considerable difficulty curve. If you love adventure games, then you're going to love this one. I can't wait to see what Volume 2 has in store for us!
The fact that 8-bit Adventure Anthology: Volume 1 includes every ICOM Simulations game released for NES makes you wonder what titles Volume 2 will feature.
As the name of the game implies, 8-Bit Adventure Anthology: Volume One is about as old-school as you are going to get. Obviously this package is not going to be for everyone. However, if you are like me and enjoyed these classic adventure titles on the NES years ago, 8-Bit Adventure Anthology: Volume One is probably worth a look.
This is a solid package for those looking to relive these classic titles or to even experience them for the first time.
While it does suffer from occasional control hiccups and a dated UI, it’s easy to overlook given just how engaging each of the included games is. If you have a soft spot for point-and-click adventures, this nostalgic collection is worth every penny.