NES Remix Pack

Genre: Compilation / Minigame Collection

Players: 1

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Review:

NES Remix Pack, released on the Wii U in 2014, a Compilation of the two NES Remix games previously released on Wii U. These are both collections of of minigames based on a variety of games released on the Nintendo Entertainment System

Here’s what I thought of each of the games in this compilation:

Game	Genre	# of Players	Score
NES Remix	Minigame Collection	1	C-
tl;dr NES Remix is nominally a Minigame Collection based on sixteen classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Unfortunately, those minigames feel more like exercises and end up being more work than fun. And the highly-touted “mix and match” elements of this game that are so highly-advertised are so minimal and buried so deep in this collection that they’re not even a consideration when looking at this package as a whole. Unless you’re a huge fan of classic Nintendo, this game is not for you.
NES Remix 2	Minigame Collection	1	B-
tl;dr NES Remix 2 is a Minigame Collection based on twelve classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System. While it still doesn’t live up to its potential, this sequel is an all-around better game – the featured NES games are better, progression is better-paced, the minigames themselves are more fun, and there’s even a few nice extras here. It’s still frustrating that this game doesn’t focus more on the mix-and-match “Remix” challenges, but it’s still overall a fun nostalgia trip through some of Nintendo’s best early games.

The short version is, both games fall well short of the potential this idea had to really do some fun stuff with classic Nintendo games, but NES Remix 2 at least still manages to be fun, improving on many of the issues that made the first game seem like a slog and feel like homework more than fun.

Unfortunately, this Compilation misses a huge opportunity on top of the missed opportunities present in the two individual games – this package would have been much better if the included minigames were all combined into one package. Instead, they’re segregated into separate releases that do not connect in any meaningful way.

The other question when it comes to Compilations, the one about value, is really up in the air depending on what you value. Until the Wii U eShop closes, the digital versions of these games are still priced at $10 each, and since this Compilation doesn’t bring anything new to the table, the only value it could bring is being able to get these games on disc form rather than digital. Of course, by this point (since I’m writing this review in 2022), the prices are dependent on the laws of supply and demand, but suffice it to say you’ll be fortunate to find a copy for $20, even used. And if you get these games separately in digital format, you always have the option of just buying the superior NES Remix 2 and skipping the inferior first game.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still some good to be had in NES Remix Pack, but at this point its value as a Compilation is highly dubious, and unless your digital space on your Wii U is at a premium, you’re probably better off just getting both games separately in digital form. Or better yet, just get the second one. Either way, this physical-only Compilation is likely now only worth its price to collectors.

tl;dr – NES Remix Pack is a Compilation of the two NES Remix games previously released on Wii U, both Minigame Collections based on classic games from the Nintendo Entertainment System. Neither game really lives up to the potential of the idea this package presents, but the second game is a marked improvement over the first. Unfortunately, there are few benefits to getting this disc-only Compilation, and those benefits are undoubtedly outweighed by its price. Until the Wii U eShop shuts down, the digital versions of these games are probably the way to go.

Grade: C

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