Cheaper alternative to Xbox Game Room

We all love nostalgia, right? Even when it costs a bomb to play some aging games that most of us have long forgotten about? That's the dilemma faced by visitors to Microsoft's new Game Room, now available on its Live service.

I like classic games as much as the next man but I can't help but feel a little swindled by having to pay what amounts to a hefty chunk of points for a creaky old title. Scanning the forums this morning, there's also a mixed reaction to the actual format of the room, in so much as you can't actually roam about the place (like Playstation Home) and meet up with your friends virtually - you only have so much control and swoop between screens. The initial list of 30 games is reasonable - although many wouldn't have made it if I'd had any say. And with shiny new games available on Live Arcade for only a few hundred points more, I wonder whether the majority of subscribers will really take to the new service. Some games bring back nice memories but others really, really suck. Another thing, I forgot how tough and unforgiving games from yesteryear were! Anyways, if gamerscore is your main driver, there are many points to be had - although most of these will come at some expense as you'll have to purchase a fair few of these old gems or pointless items to decorate your arcade.

Alternatively, if you're not that fussed by upping your scores - and aren't that inspired by what is currently on offer, why not have a surf on the internet and find the majority of the games for free? Here's a selection from ClassicGamesArcade and Atari to get you started...


(Photo credits: iluvrhinestones, Bojeeva)