Arcade Archives Vs. Wrecking Crew

Genre: Arcade

Players: 1-2 Competitive (Local / Local Wireless)

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Review:

Vs. Wrecking Crew is an Arcade-style game released in 1984 in arcades as a part of Nintendo’s dual-screen Vs. line of games, and while the Japanese Famicom and its Western counterpart, the Nintendo Entertainment System, would receive a similar game named Wrecking Crew in 1985, that game is different enough that it is best viewed as a sequel.

Case in point: While the NES game would become something of a Puzzle-Platformer, Vs. Wrecking Crew in Arcades was a more straightforward Arcade game, where you don’t have to worry about what order to take down the level’s structures, but are instead avoiding both enemies and an antagonistic alter-ego operating on the other side of the blocks and trying to outperform you and even potentially sabotage your efforts.

What’s truly inspired is the way this game makes use of the Vs. Series’ signature 2-screen mechanic in multiplayer, with each player looking at the same level from a different side of the level, with their opponent in the back. It’s a really clever touch, and this release lets players enjoy this feature either via split-screen or wireless local play.

When it comes to downsides, it takes a bit of getting used to the mechanics of just how this game works, and once you’ve got it figured out it can seem a bit repetitive. Also, players hoping for features like the level builder found in the NES game will be disappointed here.

This release of the game also includes a new “Hi-Score Mode” that challenges players to make as many points as they can in one run. There is also a new “Caravan Mode” that does much the same, but with the limit being five minutes. In addition, this release of the game gives players a decent array of options, including various display options, sound options, challenge modifiers, button mapping, and online leaderboards.

When it comes to presentation, Vs. Wrecking Crew uses 2D pixel art visuals and chiptune sound design that work well enough for the game. It all has a retro style charm to it, but it’s not exceptional in any way.

So there are only two remaining elephants in the room to discuss. First: Is this game worth its $8 price tag? And second, is it worth buying if you already subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online? The answer to the second question is a resounding “yes”, since the version included on Nintendo Switch Online’s Nintendo Entertainment System app plays very differently. The first question is more difficult. $8 is pretty steep for a game that is now 40 years old… but this is also a version of the game we rarely see released – Nintendo generally just sticks to releasing the NES version. And this game is surprisingly fun, even if it’s a bit repetitive. On balance, I’m going to say yeah, I think this is probably worth it, especially if you’re a Nintendo fan looking for a unique piece of history.

Vs. Wrecking Crew may be old and overpriced, but this is a unique game that is distinct from the NES release in the series, and different and enjoyable enough to be worth a purchase in its own right, especially for multiplayer enthusiasts and collectors.

tl;dr – Vs. Wrecking Crew is an Arcade-style game that is distinctly different from the Nintendo Entertainment System release, and it’s surprisingly fun, especially in multiplayer. It’s overpriced, and can be a bit repetitive, but this game is so rarely seen on consoles that I would say that the $8 price tag is still worth it.

Grade: C+

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