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"Classic Concentration" (NES)
A neat release of the rebus-laden TV game show. Presents a challenge that might frustrate players during gameplay, especially during the Bonus Round.
Having played, and reviewed the Microsoft DOS version, it wasn't until earlier this year that I gave the NES version a try. Would it still matter regardless of which platform the game is on? According to my gameplay and QC—quality control—of this game, it actually does matter.
From the keyboard to the NES controller, it felt quite different. The game play remains similar to the DOS version, however, you've got to be on your toes with this game. Since there is no difficulty setting in the game, and no distinguishing among the character choices the computer opponent picks, it becomes difficult to figure the algorithm in this game with my own eyes. Since the DOS version gives off that "novice" vibe giving you an ample chance to match and/or solve the puzzle, this NES version holds nothing back. If your computer opponent knows the puzzle, even if the rebus is halfway revealed, s/he will solve it in an instant. There are times the computer opponent unknowingly wouldn't be able to match and/or solve a puzzle, even if it's obvious and/or easy. Still, you can't make yourself so nonchalant and have to solve the puzzle if you know it. Speaking of solving, unlike the DOS version which requires the answer to be pinpoint accurate in terms of spelling, this game is very lenient on spelling. In other words, if you know the puzzle but can't spell correctly, the game still allows your answer! This should loosen any knots restricting you from winning the game overall, but not until the Bonus Round.
If you were to lose the game, the game ends but offers a four-digit code for you to enter next time you play. That way, you can enter the code in and continue where you left off, namely you and the character you went up against.
Oh, that darn Bonus Round I love to play. Since I'm reviewing the NES version, I take the sentence, I wrote previously to this one, back. Unlike the DOS version which makes winning the Bonus Round a breeze, this NES one is unbelievably difficult. I'm not sure if it's my controller's D-pad or the game's awful response to my pressing of the pad, but nonetheless, out of about 8-12 times I've played the Bonus Round, I've only won once; That's how difficult winning the Bonus Round is. Besides, when you lose the Bonus Round, the time doesn't increase loss after loss. It strictly remains at 35 seconds. (On the DOS version, every loss at the Bonus Round increments the clock with 5 seconds extra.) I like to see how many times someone can 'pwn' the Bonus Round because it's unforgiving. If you were to win the Bonus Round, you win the car and....that's all. No high score charts or anything of that kind. The game then loops and starts at the beginning.
The animation isn't bad, just another 8-bit flavorful dish brimming with nostalgic deliciousness.
I know a high score chart may be unnecessary, but it's best there since it kicks me up to try and beat the highest score, enabling me to play the game more and more. Although the game does have great replay value, not being able to win the Bonus Round makes the purpose of playing this so anti-climatic. Isn't the point to play a game, namely a video game based off of Alex Trebek's Classic Concentration which I think should be revived again, to win it all? Yes I know, it's just a video game and doesn't pay you money or a car when you win (wouldn't that be cool?), but that's why we play the video game: to immerse ourselves into an illusion insomuch that we're in the game's actuality hoping we compete and strive to attain the main goal of its purpose, which in this case is, to win prizes, cash, the game itself and a brand new car.
An anti-climatic video game: no wonder why that cup of tea tasted funny.
- Classic port of the popular TV game show.
- Intro music is fun and upbeat.
- Bonus Round is unusually too difficult.
- Controls are terrible during Bonus Round.
- Your opponents can correctly solve puzzles even after matching a few squares.
- Not much celebrations when Bonus Round is won.
Fan Rating
Profile |
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| Game Title | Classic Concentration |
| Description | A picture can be worth a thousand dollars when you play this terrific television game. Classic Concentration has been faithfully reproduced as a fast-paced home game. It's a test of skill and memory as you try to match the prizes behind the numbers, then guess the rebus puzzle as the squares on the board are uncovered. This exciting game is one of the most popular, long-running shows on television and is great fun for the whole family. Concentration — it's a classic! |
| ISBN / Bar Code number | 0 43948 57000 6 |
| Video Format | 1.33:1 (4:3) Full screen |
| Audio Format | Stereo |
| Language(s) | English |
| Disk/Cartridge | One (1) |
| Region(s) | NTSC |
| Genre | Puzzle |
| Rated | ???? |
| Released | September 1990 (US) |
| Video Specification | Color |
| Licensed by | Nintendo |
| Developed by | GameTek / IJE |
| Company | GameTek / IJE |
| Product / Item / Catalog Number | H 7000 REV-A (????) |
| Copyright | ©1990 GameTek/IJE, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Concentration™ is based on the television program produced by The Concentration Co. Copyright ©1988, 1990 The Concentration Co. All rights reserved. Nintendo and Nintendo Entertainment System are registered trademarks of Nintendo of America Inc. Made in Japan. GAME PAK (NES-GP) |
| Other Formats | Nintendo Wii Virtual Console |
| Quoted Reviews | -- |
| Other | SOLUTION TO THE REBUS: ME AND MY SHADOW The Biggest Names are on our Games!℠ We are the high-tech electronic entertainment company that puts you in the picture with home versions of television's top game shows. These are the games that families—from kids to teens to parents to seniors—have been eagerly playing for several years. Now, here's a new version to play...either with friends or alone against the computer. GameTek's Nintendo version of Classic Concentration is lively and challenging, just like the television show. Test your skill and memory as you try to match the prizes behind the numbers, then guess the rebus on the game board. This exciting game is one of the most popular, long-running shows on TV. It's great fun for the whole family! |
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