Namco Museum (Nintendo Switch) Review

A compilation's biggest drawback tends to be a lack of features, or reason to purchase it in the first place. Namco is no stranger to en masse re-releases, so its collections need to offer something new, whether that be a new selection of games or gimmicks to keep things fresh.

Namco Museum might not include any new gimmicks or killer apps to justify its existence, but the sheer amount of options available for each entry does stand out as an incredibly welcome addition. A screen rotation allows an undocked Switch to cleverly resemble an arcade cabinet, and save states circumvent any arcade fatigue, which comes in especially handy for titles like Rolling Thunder and Splatterhouse.

Suspended data also exists for the sake of jumping between games on the fly. It's a minor feature, but it's one that promotes variable play without the risk of losing any data.

Tower of Druaga makes hints readily available, negating its often cryptic nature without compromising the original design, and both Galaga titles, along with Sky Kid, allow for auto fire, making play-throughs much smoother.

Every game has its own unique challenge added to it for replayability purposes. Most only revolve around completing a specific task under a time limit, but their inclusion is a nice bonus for anyone seeking focused variations of old classics.

Leaderboards are also present, ensuring that Namco Museum covers all the arcade basics and inspiring some friendly sportsmanship.

Credits can be added mid-game, which stands out as perhaps the best feature available. Each title retains its original difficulty, but safety nets can be added with the press of a button, giving the whole collection a deeper connection to the original arcade experience.

Despite all the quality of life features Namco has managed pack into Namco Museum, a lack of online multiplayer for Pac-Man Vs. feels like a massive oversight. It's worth noting that the original GameCube release of Vs. lacked online, as well (relying instead on Game Boy Advance systems hooked up to a GameCube), but since Namco managed to make additions to each title in the collection, that hardly feels like an excuse.

The absence of online multiplayer is especially disappointing because Pac-Man Vs. is perhaps the most interesting and unique entry in the entire collection, pitting Pac-Man against playable ghosts. Local multiplayer is still available through a downloadable app that can be grabbed off the eShop specifically for this, but it hardly feels worth it. Thankfully, Dig Dug and Tank Force both allow local multiplayer and make up for online's sore spot.

Pac-Man Vs.'s treatment is really the only mis-step in the collection, as just about everything else plays perfectly and accurately replicates that old-school arcade atmosphere. Most compilations are higher resolution remasters at best, and superficial ports at worst, but Namco Museum goes above and beyond to bring the arcade home.