Nocturnal Entertainment announces a new collection of GBA games based on classic franchises!

Retro Collections are having something of a revival these days, with the relative popularity (admittedly on other platforms) of collections such Midway Arcade Treasures and various Anthology games available.

Even Namco are getting in on the act by including three classic Namco games as hidden Easter Eggs in the long-awaited StarFox Assault.

Now it seems that Australian development house Nocturnal Entertainment (surely that sounds wrong?) is getting in on the act by creating a Game Boy Advance collection of games based on popular franchises from yesteryear. Here's the Press Release:

Melbourne, Australia - 21st January 2005 - Nocturnal Entertainment Australia today unveiled 'Pocket Arcade Classics', its first title for the Game Boy AdvanceTM platform.

'Pocket Arcade Classics' is a collection of more than 10 games, each of which has been inspired by a classic arcade title. All games have been reworked for the modern gaming community, providing deeper and more exciting gameplay than ever before. In 'Pocket Arcade Classics' the player must explore the game world, solve puzzles and complete challenges in order to collect additional games. Only when the player has beaten all of the games, can they earn the title of master gamer. The list of collectable games include:

Galhero - Inspired by the arcade classic GalagaTM, this lightning fast shooter pits the player against wave after wave of galactic alien attackers. There are more than 30 levels, in which the player navigates minefields, collects powerups, deploys smart bombs, and much more.

Scavenger Advance - Based on the classic Rockford / Boulder Dash / Scavenger series of games, complete levels by collecting diamonds and reaching the exit before you are crushed, vaporised, eaten or trapped! Includes new elements never before seen such as hatchable eggs, keys and switches, suckers, daemons and more. More than 50 mind-bending levels in this addictive action-puzzler.

Copter - Inspired by the arcade classic Scrambler, this horizontal shooter encompasses more than 5 distinct worlds and over 20 levels. Navigate your helicopter through the terrain avoiding enemy fire, collecting powerups, and obliterating enemy troops.

ChipBot - A blend of classics Pac ManTM and BombermanTM. The player must guide a robot through more than 20 different playfields. Collect and use bombs to protect yourself from rogue viruses, while you complete the level.

CowJump Adventure - A parody of the classic Super MarioTM games, the player must help Mika the cow escape imprisonment on her island farm in this hilarious action platformer. Use combo stampede attacks, bovine wrestling moves and milk sprays to avoid being captured or eaten by the horrible inhabitants of each level! Ride a hot-air balloon, fight a Yeti at the top of an icy mountain, and defeat forest denizens in Mika's quest for freedom.

Nocturnal CEO Michael Shamgar says: "The Game Boy Advance has a huge library of high quality games already available. It was essential that our first title be something really special to stand out from the crowd, and all indications are that we are on track to meet our goal. The classic gameplay, and the sheer scope of the title are sure to appeal to gamers everywhere."

'Pocket Arcade Classics' is currently 65% complete, and does not yet have publisher attachment. Nocturnal expects to start contacting publishers in 4-6 weeks. The game has been completely developed by using Catapult technology, a Game Boy AdvanceTM development solution wholly developed and owned by Nocturnal.

For additional information and media, visit the 'Pocket Arcade Classics' Web site: http://pocketarcadeclassics.com/

Hmm... we're none too sure about the line "inspired by" it rather seems like copyright infringement, but then again, it could be claimed that all tennis games were inspired by Pong, so we'll leave well alone on that one. Expect more news if and when this little collection gets publisher.