Gameplay:  
Each game is simple with the replay value and fun-factor in trying to beat the hi-score (which doesn't save for any mode - a big hit to the replay value for the sake of a few dollars).

In Dig-Dug, the player moves in one of four directions, tunneling through sand in search of the baddies nearby. The player then attacks the enemy until it blows up. The enemies try to fight back, and even chase the player at times.

Galaga is a game that most would recognize as a Space Invaders clone. Players fly back and forth, firing up at the incoming foes.

Galaxian is the same exact concept, only the enemies are all visible at the start of each level, as opposed to flying in during the course of play.

Ms. Pac-Man is the tried-and-true method of gobbling up pellets while avoiding ghosts. The maze gets increasingly difficult as the levels progress, adding a little variety to this aging title.

Finally, Pole Position is an arcade racing title. Qualify for a race and it's game time. Each succesful lap extends the player's remaining time, with the score going higher all the while.

Each game, in true classic form, allows the player very little leeway. In each game, one hit takes away a life (or car). It's the same addicting premise that is only found today in a puzzle game.

Control:  
Control is a mixed bag. Games like Dig-Dug and Ms. Pac-Man don't require much movement and therefor play fine.

Pole Position, however, is a solid reminder of how wonderful analog control is today. Getting past even lap two is very difficult with the spotty controls making a costly crash scenario a continuous threat.

The space shooters each play fine, but the shooting is anything but rapid fire. It's tough to aim and get off the shots that are needed, but it could be argued that that's half the challenge.

Sound:
Beep beep beep beep beep beep.. That's what you hear for every game except Pole Position. Pole Position throws in a scratching sound as well.

Multiplayer:
Multiplayer? This is 1979! You're lucky there's even a picture on the screen.

Get out of here with your "multiplayer."

OVERALL:
Each of the five games in Namco Museum are fun, if not challenging, but the lack of a battery save really takes a chunk out of the replay value.

With so many great GBA games available and on the way, Namco Museum is best left as a rental.

 

The Lowdown on  Namco Museum Aesthetics: Below Average Control: Average Gameplay: Average Multiplayer: Sound: Terrible Innovation: 1/6 Lasting Appeal: 3/6 Overall: Below Average! "Has Some Detrimental Problems"