What's old is new again. That's the way a revolution works, it spins around and comes right back to you. This revolution that I speak of is that of the classic game, where products from the 80's have somehow come back to us in all new collections. We've already seen a few of these compilations come to light, including the Sega Classics Collection, the Namco Museum releases, and the Midway Arcade Treasures games. But that's only the beginning. Over the next few months, we'll see a huge downpour of classic game releases that will be stacked with old favorites, along with some twists on the themes that will provide new gameplay experiences like never imagined. So sit back, relax, and put on A Flock of Seagulls. It's time to trip the light fantastic with gaming classics.

Sonic Gems Collection
Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Platform: GameCube
Release: This week

What's Hot: The console return of Sonic CD, regarded as one of the best in the series. Also along for the ride are the likable racing game Sonic R, the enjoyable Sonic the Fighters, and both the Vectorman games.
What's Not: The inclusion of some rather lame Game Gear games, including a couple of Tails' adventures that I'd really like to forget.
Personal favorite: Sonic CD. What else?!

The verdict: For $30, you'll get access to one of the best Sonic platformers out there, as well as a couple of other great games. The Game Gear games aren't the best (the ones on Sonic Mega Collection Plus were far better), but the included Vectorman games should be a treat. No, they're not the Streets of Rage games (which are being included on the import releases for PS2 and GameCube), but they still suffice for fun shooting action. Sonic fans unite!

Namco Museum Battle Collection
Developer: Namco
Publisher: Namco
Platform: Sony PSP
Release: 8/23/05

What's Hot: A great collection of games, including some clever remixes on old titles known as "Arrangements". Rally-X New Arrangement and Galaga: New Arrangement are must-plays. The Wi-fi connectivity with some games is a great bonus.
What's Not: Some of the included bonus games. Tower of Druaga is kinda dudsville, and Grobda is more curious to play than fun.
Personal favorite: Rolling Thunder and the arrangements.

The verdict: Namco's first handheld classic collection for the PSP looks like an absolute winner, and the company went the extra mile to give the US release some added fuel injection with bonus games like Xevious, Rolling Thunder, and Mappy. This is a must have if you're up for old-school gaming on the go. The Wi-Fi capabilities make it that much more enthusia-building.

Namco Museum 50th Anniversary
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Namco
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Release: 8/30/05

What's Hot: The inclusion of five fun arcade classics.
What's Not: The fact that there's only five. There's clearly room for ten.
Personal favorite: Rally-X

The verdict: Probably the weakest of the forthcoming Namco Museum releases, the GBA version has a few games that will no doubt be entertaining for that trip to grandma's. However, the PSP version has it pummelled with additional games, bonus remixes, and wireless play. Consider this a last-ditch effort if you don't have Sony's new machine yet.

Namco Museum 50th Anniversary
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Namco
Platform: Xbox, PS2, GameCube
Release: 8/30/05

What's Hot: 14 great games to choose from, including Rolling Thunder and Dragon Spirit. Whoo!
What's Not: The fact that some of these saw release on the last Namco Museum console effort. Where's Assault and Ordyne?!
Personal favorites: Dragon Spirit

The verdict: If you already own the first Namco Museum release, this might be a mixed bag for you. A lot of the games on the disc were on the first one, and there's not really that much bonus content to speak of to dig through, aside from some neat option tweaking. Still, $20 is a good price to drop on some favorites you don't have yet. Rolling Thunder in an arcade perfect form? Eh, it's worth it.

Tecmo Classic Arcade
Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Tecmo
Platform: Xbox
Release: 9/13/05

What's Hot: The arcade forms of Tecmo Bowl and Rygar, as well as some great shooting action in Strato Fighter and Starforce.
What's Not: The disappearance of Ninja Gaiden and no sign of Silk Worm. And does anyone really care about Swimmer?
Personal favorite: Strato Fighter

The verdict: Tecmo Classic Arcade has shaped up a little bit since its announcement. The fact that Ninja Gaiden is being reserved as an extra in Ninja Gaiden Black instead of this collection hurts slightly, but there's still plenty of value here, especially when you get to take on the original Rygar all over again. Casual gamers may want to rent first, but hardcore Tecmo fans will want to step right up.

Midway Arcade Treasures 3
Developer: Midway
Publisher: Midway
Platform: Xbox, GameCube, PS2
Release: 9/26/05

What's Hot: The inclusion of some of the baddest racing games on the planet, including the Rush games, Hydro Thunder, S.T.U.N. Runner, and arcade perfection renditions of Super Off Road.
What's Not: Badlands doesn't exactly thrill. Neither does Race Drivin', despite the bump to 60 frames per second.
Personal favorite: S.T.U.N. Runner.

The verdict: This is a must-have collection. Every one of these games seem to have some kind of value and to see them bundled together into a $20 package is unbeatable. Put your foot on the gas and get ready to let 'er rip. And just try and beat my turbo-thrusting ride in Hydro.

Capcom Classic Collection
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Xbox, PS2
Release: 9/27/05

What's Hot: A gathering of some of the finest Capcom games around, including the early Street Fighter games, all three Ghouls n' Ghosts games, and much, much more.
What's Not: No Strider? No Street Fighter Alpha games? And where is Darkstalkers?! Sigh.
Personal favorite: Forgotten Worlds

The verdict: Capcom's first classic collection to focus on their arcade history looks magnificent, complete with a ton of favorites and plenty of options to tweak. Some classics are missing, but I'm sure a second collection would remedy that. And the $20 price tag doesn't hurt, either.

Mega Man X Collection
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Xbox, GameCube, PS2
Release: 11/15/05

What's Hot: The gathering of some cool Mega Man X games all in one handy place, including the PlayStation chapters.
What's Not: Well, some may be bothered that the RPG-like Battle Network games aren't thrown in, but I won't miss them.
Personal favorite: Mega Man X4

The verdict: The Mega Man X games aren't for everyone, but those who have a fine appreciation for the futuristic twist on the long-running series will feel right at home. I know I'll probably pick it up.

Midway Arcade Treasures: Extended Play
Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Midway
Platform: PSP
Release: 11/15/05

What's Hot: An inclusion of 14 classic Midway games, including the first three Mortal Kombat titles and a slew of other favorites. Wi-Fi connection for some of the games will make for good times.
What's Not: Where's Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3? And why no love for Moon Patrol or Burgertime still?
Personal favorite: Marble Madness

The verdict: Midway's first attempt at handheld classic gaming glory looks to be a wonderful surprise for the system, complete with two player compatibility and lots of classics to choose from, ranging from puzzle games to Mortal Kombat. A must-have for on-the-go.