42 All-Time Classics Review

By Oli Welsh Published 2 December, 2006

Nintendo goes back to its roots.

Version tested: DS

There's going back to your roots, and then there's going back to your roots. New Super Mario Bros might have partied like it was 1989, but 42 All-Time Classics winds the clock back a further hundred years, to Nintendo's birth as a manufacturer of playing cards. Maybe that part of the company's history now only exists meaningfully deep in the echoing, marbled halls of retired president (and family heir) Hiroshi Yamauchi's memory, but that's still a pretty important place when it comes to Nintendo. And it certainly won't be lost on the old bird that the company's current burning desire to be all things to all demographics has brought it full circle, turning the DS into a vehicle for something Nintendo was peddling back in the late 19th century: social games with good old-fashioned family values. Er, and gambling.

42 All-Time Classics is just that, a compilation of 42 games - card games, board games, bar sports - most of which predate the video variety by decades if not centuries. Blackjack, Texas hold 'em poker, chess, bowling, Ludo, dominoes, solitaire, battleships (under the clumsy title 'grid attack', presumably for copyright reasons), draughts, Othello (here called 'turncoat'), darts, billiards, rummy, backgammon, sevens, even hangman and a game where you scribble on the touch screen to shake a soda bottle and pass it on. It is, basically, a country pub, a students' union and a 1970s suburban dinner party (minus the rosé and marital infidelity) all rolled into one, packed onto a tiny game card and put at the tip of your stylus.

It is an idea so dumbfoundingly simple and brilliant you can scarcely believe you didn't conceive and code it yourself in a spare afternoon ten years ago. But ten years ago the DS didn't exist, and without it, 42 All-Time Classics would have been a forlorn fraction of what it is. The twin screens are a great asset in presenting most of the games, for scoreboards and keeping track of turns, if nothing else. The touch screen is the perfect interface, even better than a mouse for moving pieces around a board, flicking cards into play, stroking a bowling ball down the lane. And of course, the majority of these games are for more than one player, so 42 All-Time Classics brings the full force of the DS' considerable social skills to bear, offering all but its three single-player games for online or local wireless play, full download play support for friends without the game, built-in PictoChat for local play and between friends online, simple self-translating chat phrases for online use, and even the facility to send any one of the games as a gift to be stored in memory until the recipient's DS is turned off. And - this is of vital, life-changing importance to all of you, so pay attention - it means you can play solitaire on the bus.

'42 All-Time Classics' Screenshot bowling

Bowling is basic but fun, the most successful 'action' game

A sticky, unconvincing and out-of-scale game of billiards aside, the execution is near-flawless throughout. The only niggles we can bring ourselves to raise are cheap and slightly unfair shots at the multiplayer set-up. Given that so many of the games are turn-based, it's a shame there's no option to play on one DS, just passing it around; but we can hardly blame Nintendo for ignoring its commercial imperatives there. 42 All-Time Classics has, after all, been engineered as a kind of expensive, entertaining virus that can spread itself and sell itself, and quite probably sell DSes too to people who never thought they wanted one. Secondly, unless you're setting up a room with friends, it can be a chore finding a game online; there's no option but to keep trying different games (remember, there are 42 of them) until you find one someone else wants to play, and it may not be one you want to.

What's most surprising, perhaps, is how well 42 All-Time Classics works in single-player. Only a handful of the games are locked in free play, giving you extensive access to whatever you want from the off. But it's not much of a chore to unlock those few by playing Stamp mode, a simple trawl through all the games in order in which you collect more stamps and so progress faster if you win. The difficulty of the AI is pitched a little erratically, but Stamp is still a fabulously engrossing waste of time. It also works as an excellent tutor in games you don't know, thanks to written rules for each game, plus optional automatic card-sorting and hints. The Mission mode sets tough conditional challenges for each game (get rid of your hand in 90 seconds, win draughts with ten pieces left, go rummy - sounds uncomfortable) in return for, brilliantly, pictures of cats. And who doesn't love a cat picture?

It's pretty hard to imagine anyone not loving 42 All-Time Classics either. Of course, it isn't actually a game, and it's impossible to review it as such: we're not arrogant enough to pass judgement on designs that have stood for hundreds of years, except to say that you're bound to find old favourites, discover new ones, and hate some others in this comprehensive collection of games of luck and strategy. Like the Opera browser, 42 All-Time Classics is a software package, and a brilliant one, the perfect match for its format and the perfect Christmas present for a Mum who's finally bored of Brain Training. More than that, it's so adaptable, so sociable, so easy to enjoy in any situation (over lunch, between train stops, with your least favourite uncle) that it's nothing less than an essential component of any DS library, and one that just might put a lot of the DS' actual videogames to shame. And it's a steal at £20 too. Not wanting to turn your DS into the second most expensive dedicated solitaire player in your house is the only reasonable excuse for not picking it up.

9 / 10

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About Oli Welsh

Oli is Eurogamer's acting deputy editor and reviews editor and likes to take things one word at a time. He is among the best dressed people in South London.

Read more articles from Oli by visiting the Oli Welsh archive page.

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Comments (36) Latest comment 4 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • KraftWerk #1 5 years ago

    There is absolutely no reason not to own this cartridge if you own a DS. Really, it's as perfect as could be.

    Except that it does not contain Go. Not even the japanese version contains Go. Despite there being a perfectly rendered Go board in the game, used for "Five-in-a-row". Why not Go? Am I suspecting a Go-only cartridge in Japan? Does it already exist? It is perfectly possible to implement "Five-in-a-row" in a game without actually recreating a whole Goban! Why not then include Go as well? The norwegian Nintendo Magazine even said in writing that this game would have Go included. I've been deceived. :(
    Edited by 1 at 02/12/06 @ 08:46

  • Muddtallica #2 5 years ago

    Wow! I must say, this game seemed so unpreposessing in its concept and packaging, I almost overlooked what a good idea it is. Solitaire! Othello! Pictures of cats! :) I might have to buy this...

  • Kelduum #3 5 years ago

    @KraftWerk

    Probably because its near impossible to make a half decent AI for Go. Chess, no problem, but Go...

    Even the best Go AIs can be beaten by child, where a simple Chess AI (like, oh, on the Spectrum) can give even really good chess players a run for their money.

  • GrandpaUlrira #4 5 years ago

    This has caught my eye more than once, but I just about manage to resist, because I wasn't sure how much I'd be able to use it with other people. This review has tempted me again.

  • KraftWerk #5 5 years ago

    I'm not sure how much processing power is needed to make a decent (and not too slow) Go AI, but I'm sure the DS could manage to beat me, and most other novice Go players. Serious players only play against humans anyway, and that would be the main reason to include it in this package as well.

    It should be in there, even without an AI. It could be like a counterpart to single player only games like Solitaire and Mah-Jong. Lord knows it's a much easier game to learn than Shogi.

    I guess a Go game for DS will pop up sooner or later. :)

  • GitSomE_UK #6 5 years ago

    Ummm whats Go?

  • earl_roberts #7 5 years ago

    The first time I ever played multiplayer with my Mum was thanks to this game. I love it so! I do actually think that right now the DS is my favourite games machine ever, & I've only had it a year & a half! Unbelievable.
    P.S: This review was a long time in coming! lol

  • GrandpaUlrira #8 5 years ago

    Dammit! This review means I now own a copy of this game.

  • doctor__no #9 5 years ago

    This game is great, I enjoyed it so much I bought another DS and a copy for parents aw well as my GF.

    Its the type of game that is enjoyable for non-gamers. Love darts, bowling, Othello (turn coat), and 5-in-a-row

  • Inigo #10 5 years ago

    I've spent a lot of time on trains with work this last month and this game is fantastic for it. My favourites so far are Solitaire, Escape, and Bowling.

    I've never swore so much in my life as when i'm playing Escape. Even Stephen Hawkings would have trouble solving these puzzles!

  • GrandpaUlrira #11 5 years ago

    This game taught me how to play Backgammon!

  • ghearoid #12 5 years ago

    i have this and i love the mahjong solitaire game, i've wanted that on the DS for ages!

    by the way, i'd like to buy my other half this but i have the US version. can you do multiplayer with a US and UK version?

  • AOFanboi #13 5 years ago

    The five-in-a-line game is Go-moku, which is something completely different from the area control/capturing board game Go.

  • trench #14 5 years ago

    Late review anyone?

    Seriously though, this one of the most accurate reviews I've read on Eurogamer. This is an absolutely cracking little title. As reported, it did indeed replace Brain Training as Mother's game of choice.

    The only complaints I can muster about it are that it doesn't allow for multiple profiles, one for each family member would be great. The billiards control scheme is the worst I've ever encountered. Also, whoever decided to include that bottle shaking pap instead of say cribbage, should be shot in the face.

  • coderkind #15 5 years ago

    I agree with the review score; this game is great; especially at the price.

  • Ryan121 #16 5 years ago

    A great game with a great online multiplayer aspect, love it!

  • Daikon #17 5 years ago

    Maybe that part of the company's history now only exists meaningfully deep in the echoing, marbled halls of retired president (and family heir) Hiroshi Yamauchi's memory, but that's still a pretty important place when it comes to Nintendo.

    Actually Nintendo still makes playing cards in Japan.

  • Kiigan #18 5 years ago

    Yes, it rocks. Two things:

    - The US name (Clubhouse Games) is better than the low-rent "42 All Time Classics" title IMO, which just reminds me of Atari VCS era disappointment. 100 games on one cart? Wow!

    - Why don't Nintendo rethink the bloody awful friend code system? Seriously, are they just thick or what?

  • coach_mcguirk #19 5 years ago

    Picked this up yesterday. Stamp mode is totally compulsive (and has relegated Elite Beat Agents back to the box for a while).

    On to level 3 of stamp mode, and Hasami Shogi is kicking my arse. I think it's a bit too zen for my limited European mindset. Or something.

  • Anthony_UK #20 5 years ago

    After 25 years i now know how to play chess! and have found, it is quite possibly the greatest game ever!

  • L0cky #21 5 years ago

    'and the perfect Christmas present for a Mum who's finally bored of Brain Training'

    heh, cheers

  • Genji #22 5 years ago

    Heh, better than GoW.

    ;)

  • Eighthours #23 5 years ago

    The only thing that annoys me is the billiards. Someone plain forgot to include the physics. I was so disappointed that they screwed up what could have been the best game in the package.

    Ah well, the rest is great!

  • richardiox #24 5 years ago

    Was up til 4am playing Stamp Mode on Saturday and still feel awful as a result! Great game though.

  • Muddtallica #25 5 years ago

    Genji: Unnecessary dig, surely? I know you were kidding, but I don't think we need to start a debate about that in EVERY comments page, really.

    And Kiigan, I'm with you on the "42 All-Time Classics" name. I noticed this being released, and due to its name and packaging, paid no attention to it whatsoever. It's not until now that the thought even crossed my mind that this might be a quality production, not just some low-rent garbage churned out by THQ or someone...

  • rogermellie #26 5 years ago

    My wife should be happy as I bought this for her for Christmas. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it. I can't beat her at Zoo Keeper, but I might stand a chance with cards.

  • Rambaldi #27 5 years ago

    Yes, but but why does the link on EG's homepage for this review have some bloke giving us the V whilst poking himself in the eyes?

    And what's this friendcode business I hear people moaning about?
    Edited by 1 at 04/12/06 @ 10:01

  • Genji #28 5 years ago

    "Unnecessary dig, surely? I know you were kidding, but I don't think we need to start a debate about that in EVERY comments page, really."

    Yeah, but I don't think that's going to happen in this comments thread. The DS threads are usually safe from idiots :)

  • knocker #29 5 years ago

    It's good to see this game getting the credit it deserves.

    I love the online aspect of this game - I've probably spent as much time playing online as I have trying to clear the backgammon mission (grr!) . Playing against random strangers is fun. Beating them at rummy even moreso.

    Dunno why the reviewer had problems. Probably can't find anyone to play Old Maid or Shake the Bottle with ;)

  • aine #30 5 years ago

    A sticky, unconvincing and out-of-scale game of billiards aside, the execution is near-flawless throughout.

    it's interesting that billiards is the crap one here, considering developers Agenda were also responsible for Billiard Action, which is actually decent. Maybe they didn't want to hurt sales of their standalone pool game by making this version any good. Ooh, conspiracy.

  • Arnold__ #31 5 years ago

    9/10? Better than Gears of War then.

  • caligari #32 5 years ago

    Holy sh!t. I wasn't expecting a 9/10!

    It really is an excellent game though. I bought it for my girlfriend about two weeks ago (thanks to a heads up for Peej) and she's been playing it EVERY single day. That means she's already spent more time on this than she ever did on Animal Crossing DS. :p

    I enjoy playing poker, word balloon, checkers and chess when I can actually prise the DS from her hands.

    edit: you should also be able to pick it up from eBay for less than £15.00 (including delivery).
    Edited by 1 at 04/12/06 @ 11:32

  • KingOfMyCastle #33 5 years ago

    I'm loving this game and have an hourlong online session every night before I crash out. No books for me last month.

    To work your way up the world rankings it best to stick to just a few online games and my favourites are dominos, sevens, hearts and backgammon. I'm 4th in the world at dominos (woo!) and it's a much more competitive set of rules than normal - almost bridge-like.

    I do have quite a few problems playing online games though, but only in the game lobbies. 50% of the time I'll get a Error Code 85020 but I'm not sure if thats just through my ISP or everybodys. Is it just me?

    Superb game which is getting the same amount of use as my copy of Advance Wars.

  • Muddtallica #34 5 years ago

    Genji: I suppose they tend to be free from one sort of idiot, but the PSP vs. DS idiots tend to have field days here. *Sigh* If it's not one sort of idiot, it's another...:p

    Also, I notice Arnold__ made pretty much the exact same comment you did. Not paying attention, I see...:p

    Also, this has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but "Afternoon Delight" is such a kickass song. I just needed to say it to someone.

  • Genji #35 5 years ago

    "Also, I notice Arnold__ made pretty much the exact same comment you did. Not paying attention, I see...:p"

    Lighten up, man. It's not good for the complexion.

    Gears of War isn't *that* great. Not when we have billiards.

  • dryden555 #36 4 years ago

    a nice game though I found it annoying to have to play stamp mode to make some of the games available. Playing Old Maid 3 times in a row was boring boring boring