GENRE
	Retro Compilation
	DEVELOPER
	Konami
	PUBLISHER
	Konami
	NUMBER OF PLAYERS
	1
	CONNECTIVITY
	No
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The one thing I was worried about when I reviewed Konami GB Collection Vol. 1 was that Konami might have ran out of good classic titles to combine on one cart. This time around we get Parodius, Quarth (Block Game), Track & Field, and Frogger. Does this seem like a big let-down to anyone else compared to Vol. 1?

Like in the first series, all the graphics from the existing games have been colored. Parodius and Track & Field look great, but Quarth is hard on the eyes, and Frogger looks about average as far as Frogger goes.

Above average. Konami certainly knows how to use the Game Boy's mediocre sound system to their advantage. I can't wait to hear what they can do with MusyX sound tools on the GBA.

Let's get the crap out the way first. Block Game, which was released in the US about a decade ago as Quarth certainly didn't cut it as a standalone puzzle game, but in a compilation it's not bad. Your job in Block Game is to turn various odd shaped pieces into rectangles. This is achieved by firing an unlimited supply of cubes to fill in the odd pieces. You can extend the dimensions of the squares with your cube-gun for bonus points. It's original, but it seems like a filler.

Why did the frog cross the road? To get to the bank and robbit! Alright, that will never happen again. Frogger is classic, but in my opinions, that's the only thing it has going for it. I never really enjoyed Frogger, but apparently some people enjoy avoiding cars with a frog. Basically, the object of the game is to get your frog across the road without being squished, maimed, or splattered across the monochrome pavement. If you're lucky enough to make it past the lanes of traffic, you can try your luck jumping across a river. Fall in and you're dead. Here I always thought frogs were amphibious. The more you know...

Track & Field is one of the better games in the pack if you're into variety and replay-value; if you can bite the bullet through the brutal control system that is. All the games events, which can be played in a tournament or invidually have a similar control scheme. Smash A and B alternately to run and use the directional pad to perform the action of the event (jumping, throwing, etc.). This is incredibly awkward with the button setup on the GBC. You have to place the unit on a table and use your index and middle fingers to run. Yuck. The games are fun if you can look past this poor design though.

Parodius, which I'm assuming is a parody of Gradius, is a side-scrolling shooter with bizzare characters and far-out bosses. You can control a number of "ships," including an octopus and the regular Gradius ship. A wide variety of enemies attack in repeating patterns and try to hinder your progress. At the end of each level is a trippy boss. There are some seriously cool weapons upgrades too, including a miniature ships that mirrors your moves and offers a few attacks of it's own. There is some slight slow-down and sprite flicker when lots of projectiles or enemies are on screen. This is easily the best game in the compilation, and I think it's better than the game it's a parody of.

N/A

If you think this brand of quick arcade action is for you, Konami GB Collection Vol. 2 isn't a bad choice at all. I'd recommend the first installment of the series over this one. The games are better and have more classic appeal to them. But, if you liked the first series and you're looking for more, you might want to consider this game. Bear in mind, just like the first series, this game is only available in Europe, so if you live elsewhere, you'll have to import.

7.9/10