Retro Games Go Portable

Thanks to the popularity of portable game systems like PSP and Nintendo DS, what's old is new again. A slew of new game compilations and stand-alone games are heading to portable screens.

Sega is bringing the "Sega Genesis Collection" to PSP this fall, which will include 30 classic games from its 16-Bit era. Games included on the disc include all three "Golden Axe" games, three "Ecco the Dolphin" games, "Shinobi III,""Phantasy Star II, III and IV," "Altered Beast," "Vectorman 1 and 2," "Alex Kidd--The Enchanted Castle," "Columns," "Comix Zone," "Ristar," "Sword of Vermillion," and "Sonic the Hedgehog 1 and 2." Many of Sega's best game franchises were born during this arcade era and it's great to have such a diverse line-up of games on one disc.

Electronic Arts is working on its own compilation for PSP. "EA Replay," which ships next month, will include 14 classic games. The first three "Road Rash" games, always one of my favorite franchises on Genesis, will be included. Another favorite from those Genesis days was the helicopter combat franchise, "Desert Strike," which is included along with its sequels, "Jungle Strike." Also included in this collection is "Syndicate," "Wing Commander," "B.O.B." and "Mutant League Football." While there aren't as many games as Sega's collection, there are plenty of strong offerings in this compilation, which will likely have sequels if the $30 original sells well.

Those who played games on the Commodore 64, like I did, will be happy to know that some of those games are heading to PSP next year. Game maker System 3 is bringing Epyx Games back from the vaults with updates of "Impossible Mission" (January release) and "California Games" (May release) for PSP and Nintendo DS. As an added bonus, these games will also be released on Nintendo Wii to take advantage of the motion sensor controllers. The trilogy of "Last Ninja" games is also heading to handhelds next April.

Activision is bringing 40 of its classic Atari 2600 games to PSP with "Activision Hits Remixed." Games like "Pitfall," "Kaboom," "Chopper Command," and "Stampede" will be included on one disc. The compilation features an '80s soundtrack and updated visuals. These games will take advantage of PSP's sharing capabilities, which means one player with the disc can play against a second PSP player without the disc.