Namco Museum Essentials Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3 (PSN)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Namco Bandai	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Namco Bandai	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Jul. 16, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

My biggest complaint with this title is that the controls are woefully inadequate. Frankly, the PS3 controllers' analog sticks and D-pads simply aren't made for this kind of gaming. As such, don't expect to be setting solid high scores until you've invested several hours getting used to the gummy, inaccurate directional controls. In fact, old-school gamers would be best served investing money into a quality fight stick rather than sinking time into adjusting to the controls. Besides, doing so will serve you well for future retro titles and the pantheon of must-have arcade fighters out there.

Namco Museum Essentials screenshot

Sounds in the game are nearly perfect. The old tunes from yesteryear are of good fidelity, and the ability to collect and change the musical themes is nice. Visually, Essentials is also very well done. Naturally, the HD remake of Xevious is sterling, and the variable backgrounds behind the classic titles do a great job of enhancing the arcade cabinet feel. Of course, most of these games are simply ports of 80's titles, so don't expect to have your socks knocked off. Then again, the quality gameplay on offer in these Namco classics isn't really in need of fancy graphics (this holds true for Xevious Resurrection too).

Namco Museum Essentials is a quality title for old-school gaming aficionados anxious to have access to a few classic arcade titles on their PS3. That being said, those same gamers have likely purchased these games on a previous console. The inclusion of Dragon Spirit and Xevious Resurrection keep things feeling fresh, but they're not substantial enough to get gamers excited. Of course, at just $10, it's nice to have ready access to these classic Namco titles.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Everything here is just how you remember it. The ability to switch out arcade backgrounds and the new HD scheme featured in Xevious Resurrection are nice touches.

2.0

Control
Using a SIXAXIS or DUALSHOCK 3 is inadequate. Players who want to get the true experience may want to invest in a fight stick.

4.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Again, themes are taken straight from the arcade. The fidelity is of very high quality.

3.5

Play Value
These are games you've been playing for years and they still resonate. Dragon Spirit doesn't seem to be of the same ilk, and Xevious Resurrection is a bit superfluous.

3.4

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Namco Museum Essentials brings the arcades to your living room with five classic games and a brand new arranged Xevious title.

Challenge your friends' high scores and unlock NM Stamps, PlayStation Home rewards and trophies as you re-live the sights and sounds of the 80's.