Namco Museum DS
| Namco Museum DS | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | M2 |
| Publisher(s) | Namco Bandai Games |
| Composer(s) | Manabu Namiki |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo DS |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Compilation |
| Mode(s) |
Single Player, Multiplayer CERO: A (All Ages) PEGI: 3+ |
Namco Museum DS is a classic arcade game compilation published by Namco Bandai Games. It features Xevious, Galaga, Galaxian, Pac-Man, Dig Dug II, The Tower of Druaga, and Mappy. Super Xevious and the old version of Dig Dug II are also included as secret games.
There is also a remake of Pac-Man Vs. included, using DS Download Play. As with the original version on Gamecube, there is no single player mode.
The games have been slightly modified from their original versions. Each of the games originally suffered from bugs, but in this version they are fixed. However, the player is given the option to play a bug fixed mode of each game, or turn off the bug fixes and retain the original functionality of the game. The collection also features virtual DIP switch modes where the switches can be turned on and off using the stylus, although not nearly as many of the original switches are on it. A diagram is listed on the top screen showing the various switch positions and functions.
There is also a music jukebox that allows the player to sample the original game tunes of the arcade games included. There are also a few unused tunes and sound effects in this mode for the various games in this collection.
Certain games in this version feature a navigation mode that shows various hints and tips throughout the gameplay to assist the player. The games that feature this mode are Galaga, The Tower of Druaga, Xevious, and Super Xevious.
This collection also includes the Japanese promotional material and dip switch boards for each game. The player chooses an item to view and then can use the stylus to move the picture around, zoom in and zoom out.
This is the first Namco Museum compilation title on a Nintendo handheld that saves high scores.
You can also wirelessly send one of any of the arcade games to another Nintendo DS by selecting "Demo" on the main menu. The receiver gets the game from Download Play and can play the full game until the system is shut off, the receiver's scores are not saved though.
It is notable that neither Ms. Pac-Man nor the original Dig Dug are included in this compilation, because they are both popular games in other Namco Museum collections. There were rumors that this would have four sequels with the "Volume #" subtitle and that this compilation would be the start of a five volume series similar to the original Namco Museum for the PlayStation, especially with the "N" on this compilation's Japanese box art being placed in the same manner as the "N" on the original Namco Museum Volume 1's box art. However, there were never any direct sequel "volumes" to this compilation.
It was re-released as part of a "Dual Pack" bundle with the DS version of Pac-Man World 3 in North America on October 30, 2012.