Retro Game Challenge

Nintendo exclusive

Thrown back in time to the 1980's, you are turned into a young boy and forced to play video games by an evil self-proclaimed "Game Master", Game Master Arino. Game Master Arino will test your gaming skills by throwing various challenges at you in a wide-variety of retro games including shooters, racing, action and even an epic role-playing game - your only way to return is to defeat him in every retro game challenge he throws at you.

Also known as: GameCenter CX: Arino no Chousenjou · ゲームセンターCX 有野の挑戦状 · Game Center CX - Arino no Chousenjou
Released: 15 November 2007
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genres: Adventure Minigame Racing Role-playing Shooter
Developers: indieszero
Publishers: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Modes: Single-player
Themes: Action
Country: Japan
Age ratings: ESRB E CERO A

About

Retro Game Challenge is a minigame compilation video game developed by indieszero and published by Namco Bandai Games for the Nintendo DS. It is based on the television series GameCenter CX, with host Shinya Arino providing significant input into the game creation process. The game was released on November 15, 2007 in Japan and February 10, 2009 in North America by Xseed Games.

A sequel, Retro Game Challenge 2, was released in Japan on February 26, 2009 and was never officially localized into English by Xseed, but received a fan translation. A third game, GameCenter CX: 3-Chōme no Arino, also saw a Japan-only release on March 20, 2014. A remaster of the first two games, named Game Center CX: Arino no Chousenjou 1+2 REPLAY, was announced for Nintendo Switch. At the time of the announcement, no news of English localization was announced.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

In the game, the player controls a boy or girl who plays retro games in order to appease the Demon Arino (based on the TV show's host Shinya Arino). The Demon Arino gives four challenges to complete for each game.

Each game is original but with graphics, sound, and game-play elements which make it look old or retro. Many of them are similar in both gameplay and appearance to real Famicom games. They come with fully illustrated manuals.

Reception

The game received a score of 33/40 from Famitsu.

As of June 2009, Retro Game Challenge had sold fewer than 100,000 copies in North America. This was viewed as disappointing for its North American publisher, Xseed Games, discouraging them from also localizing the sequel. Director of Publishing Ken Berry said that sales were initially strong but died down.