300 Arcade Games

• Platform: IBM PC Compatible
• Release Date: 2000
• Genre: Compilation
• Style: Miscellaneous Collection
• Similar Games: 1000 Best Games for Windows (IBM PC Compatible)

Game Description

300 Arcade Games is another collection of shareware and public domain titles in Cosmi Corporation's continuing line of budget software. The games are organized by genre and title and are readily selectable from the CDs menu list. Installation is performed separately for each game, though the process can be accelerated by selection of multiple titles at the same time. An application is included that helps synchronize and keep track of the individual locations of each installed game.

Individual games have their own internal documentation, which describes the controls, premise of the game and how to play. A function that allows you to enter your own comments regarding each game in the database is available and searches can be based on author, title, description, keywords and comments. The collection includes games from several genres including fantasy, sports, adventure, strategy, action, shoot 'em ups, space, pinball and children's titles. Most of the games are either shareware (registration fees still apply) or public domain software inspired by arcade titles from the 1970s and 1980s timeframe.

Roots & Influences

300 Arcade Games is another compilation of shareware titles in Cosmi Corporation's budget software line.

Review: Overall

300 Arcade Games is a representative sample of a title normally found in discounted, bargain basement bins of your favorite electronics, computer or department store. As evidenced by its title, the collection offers 300 games, but neglects to clearly point out that the games are either shareware or freeware titles that can be found elsewhere. The packaging is neat and tidy, but the documentation is somewhat lacking. For instance, the instructions don't actually explain what to do with the installed software or how to use the synchronizing program. Fortunately, the interface is reasonably easy to figure out and doesn't require tech support assistance.

The individual games run the gamut from puzzle to action, with some concepts bordering on the absurd and violent and others featuring a simple premise with addictive qualities. The addictive games will likely draw attention away from the more mundane of the lot and consume endless amounts of time, similar to traditional time-eating favorites like Tetris, Windows Solitaire, Free Cell and Minesweeper.

The sheer simplicity and entertainment value of these games warrant repeat sessions, with their minimal requirements to learn less than ten key commands. While most popular video games rely on length, depth and complexity, the key to 300 Arcade Games' appeal is that gameplay is "in the moment," eliminating the necessity to save games. Additionally, the simple goal of beating your previous high scores is a plus that follows in the tradition of true arcade action.

Cosmi Corporation does a reasonable job of making each game accessible and easy to install, but there is the occasional problem of a game installing to a random directory, making for a frustrating search. The simple solution would have been to have the games install to a central directory where location would be a snap, rather than spread out in individual directories. While it may seem as if you're getting a great deal of gameplay with 300 titles, only a handful are actually strong enough to ensure long term residence on the hard drive.

The positive aspects, simplicity of gameplay and a decent number of addictive games, is offset by the lack of a unified installation directory and games that either lack interest or simply don't work correctly. Fortunately, the ability to install games individually makes it easy to pick and choose the cream of the crop without fussing with a complicated or annoying multi-game interface each time you want to play.

Review: Enjoyment

For casual gamers, the compilation offers a good number of addictive games that are fun to play. Since they're individually installed, there's no hassling with a multi-game interface and going directly to each game is easy, as long as you remember the directory name.

Review: Graphics

The graphics range wildly from simplistic to fairly good. The games aren't intensive enough to warrant a powerful video card, which makes it appealing to casual gamers looking for something to do while waiting for a download or just taking a break.

Review: Sound

The sound in some titles is good, while non-existent in others. Overall quality is adequate at best.

Review: Replay Value

Most of the games in the collection offer decent replay value, and like any {!arcade} game worth its weight, the level of enjoyment is proportional to the addiction factor and the inherent desire to constantly top that high score.

Review: Documentation

Very little documentation is needed, but a bit more about how to work with the synchronization program would have been helpful.

Production Credits