Video game compilation

A video game compilation is a type of product bundling in which different video games are available for purchase as a special collection.[1] They are often stored on the same physical media or digital package, making use of menu interfaces that allow players to select the game they want to play.[2] They are a form of video game preservation.

Don't Buy This is a compilation for the ZX Spectrum.

History

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The Nintendo Entertainment System received official multicart compilations that re-released earlier games, such as Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt / World Class Track Meet.[3] In the early 1990s, Codemasters, an unlicensed publisher, used multicarts to release brand new games in their Quattro compilations.[4] Action 52, released by Active Enterprises, is infamous for its low quality.[5] Pirate Nintendo compilations often included ROM hacks that replaced character sprites.[6]

In the 1990s, video game consoles saw compilations of older arcade games, such as Arcade's Greatest Hits and Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits, while Windows computers received compilations of console games, such as the Sonic & Knuckles Collection.[7] Three Wonders is unusual for a 1991 arcade machine for being a compilation of three games. [8]

Renewed interest in retrogaming has motivated the release of multiple compilations in the 2010s and 2020s,[9][10] such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection[11] and the Irem Collection series.[12][13][14]

References

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  1. ^ Stuart, Keith (12 July 2022). "Classics and cash-ins: the unsung brilliance of video game compilations". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  2. ^ Stewart, Marcus (11 November 2022). "Preservation Through Play – How Digital Eclipse's Gold Master Series Brings Video Game History To Life". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 5 July 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Video game:Nintendo Compilation: Super Mario Bros., Duck Hunt, World Class Track Meet - Nintendo". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  4. ^ Wynne, Rhys (1 June 2022). "The Codemasters 4 Quattro Compilation with SIX Games On It". Retro Garden. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  5. ^ Smith, Ernie (13 December 2016). "The Video Game That Promised to Contain 52 Video Games And Failed Miserably". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Dream and Friends» Blog Archive » Happy Weird-Ass Pirate Multicart Day 2011". Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  7. ^ "1997-03-18: Sega Entertainment brings three enhanced Sonic classics to the PC for the price of one". Sega Retro. 1997. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  8. ^ "Three Wonders". Hardcore Gaming 101. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  9. ^ Life, Nintendo (1 July 2024). "Best Nintendo Switch Collections And Compilation Games". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Atari digs up 39 more retro classics for 50th anniversary game compilation". TechSpot. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  11. ^ Salkowitz, Rob. "Cowabunga! New Collection Celebrates 40 Years Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles". Forbes. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  12. ^ "irem Collection Volume 1 launches November 21". Gematsu. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  13. ^ Extension, Time (25 April 2023). "Irem Collection Vol.1 Brings Image Fight II To The West For The First Time In Physical Form". Time Extension. Retrieved 30 July 2024.
  14. ^ Life, Nintendo (22 November 2023). "Review: Irem Collection Volume 1 (Switch) - Three Great Games, But One Slim Package". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 30 July 2024.