I haven’t really talked much about my Analogue Pocket. I got it a month or two back, when they were advertising the retro translucent cases. Back in the day, translucent was a thing. Anyway, it plays Gameboy, Gameboy Color and Gameboy Advance games out of the box, PC card, Neo Geo Pocket, and Neo Geo Pocket Color with adapters, and consoles from the Intellivision to the Bandai Wonderswan (and many, many more, even Super Nintendo) using their OpenFPGA architecture.
I bring it with me anywhere I think I’m going to be looking at old game cartridges. We had the Connecticon Fandom Flea this last weekend in Hartford. I thought I might find some used games there, and I was right. I picked up LEGO Racing and NAMCO Museum, both for the Gameboy Advance.
We weren’t stopping there. We went from there to lunch (Arby’s!) and then off to the Retro Game store in Newington, where I found this treasure — The Hobbit, for the GBA.
The Hobbit vaguely follows the plot of the book (and in that, it follows it a lot better than the actual trilogy of movies managed). Bilbo, a Hobbit with no particular goals other than to enjoy life, is thrust into adventure by the wizard Gandalf and a baker’s dozen of dwarves.
From what I remember, it was based on a story Tolkien wrote to his young son as he (JRR) was fighting abroad in World War I. It isn’t nearly as dark and grim as modern retellings would have it.
You play Bilbo, and most of the time, you’re playing alone. The dwarves (and Gandalf) tend to scurry ahead of you, leaving you to slowly work your way to them through hordes of nasty critters. I think the only time Bilbo actually fought anything in the book was a spider in Mirkwood? But here, he is absolutely vicious with his walking-stick, and later his magical dagger “Sting”.
And rather than the first test of his burgling prowess being sneaking around Smaug’s lair, in this game, he is sent to scout ahead for traps, caves and other dangers and to report back. It doesn’t seem these dwarfs are really capable of much, and I have no idea how they made their way to Hobbiton without drowning in a puddle or tripping on a stone and breaking their necks.
It’s been called too easy for adults and too hard for kids, and too grindy for anyone. I don’t agree with any of those things. The game is generous about giving you consumables you need, when you need them. Food (for healing) is plentiful. The boss fights are innovative and fun (if not really true to the source material). Most battles are easily won by slashing wildly with Sting. The dungeons are tricky and contain puzzles.
And you even get a ring that lets you go invisible for a few seconds. What fun!
If you loved The Hobbit and can play Gameboy Advance games somehow, pick it up. It’s fun and moves quickly through the book. But don’t trust the elves.
So is this doodad emulating or does it have a slot for the actual cartridge? Just wondering if you had to ‘rip’ the GBA card/cartridge in some way before you played.
It’s actually a nice looking game. I forget how good some of those old games looked!
I have a bunch of old GBA games kicking around but no longer have a GBA, as far as I can recall.
Has a slot for the actual cartridge, and it is not emulating in software — it’s emulating in hardware.
https://www.analogue.co/pocket
That is really slick! Thanks!
Game Review: The Hobbit (Gameboy Advance) – The Dark Knight’s Perspective
Greetings, citizens of Gotham and beyond. It’s not often that I, the Dark Knight, take a break from patrolling the shadowy streets to engage in the realm of gaming. However, duty calls in the most unexpected ways. Today, I’m delving into the world of “The Hobbit” for the Gameboy Advance. Let’s see how this journey through Middle-Earth fares from the viewpoint of someone more accustomed to grappling hooks than hobbit-holes.
Stealth and Strategy: First and foremost, the art of stealth. As Batman, I appreciate the subtle approach Bilbo Baggins must take in his adventures. Though he lacks the advanced technology of my utility belt, his ability to move unseen and outwit his foes resonates with my own methods. The strategic elements of the game, like solving puzzles and avoiding direct confrontation, are akin to outsmarting the criminal minds of Gotham.
Combat Mechanics: Bilbo’s combat style is, understandably, less refined than the martial arts techniques I employ against Gotham’s rogues. However, there’s a certain charm in the simplicity of his stick-swinging and the use of Sting, his trusty blade. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the basic tools can be the most effective – a lesson not lost on someone who relies on batarangs.
Gadgets and Equipment: While “The Hobbit” doesn’t offer an array of gadgets, the use of items like the invisibility-granting ring shows the importance of using one’s resources wisely. It’s a concept I’m well familiar with, though I prefer a more high-tech approach.
Narrative and Atmosphere: The storytelling in “The Hobbit” captures a sense of adventure and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. While it’s a far cry from the gritty streets of Gotham, there’s a shared theme of an unlikely hero rising to the challenge. The atmosphere of Middle-Earth, though lacking the ominous aura of Gotham, is richly crafted and immersive.
The Verdict: As the protector of Gotham, I find “The Hobbit” for the GBA to be a surprisingly engaging experience. It lacks the high-stakes intensity of my nightly crusade against crime but offers a different kind of challenge. Bilbo Baggins’ journey from the comfort of the Shire into the unknown parallels the journey we all must take when we step out of our comfort zones to confront greater challenges.
In conclusion, while “The Hobbit” may not prepare you for hand-to-hand combat with the Joker or a high-speed chase through Gotham’s streets, it provides a valuable lesson in bravery, resourcefulness, and the power of an unassuming hero. It’s a journey worth taking, even for a seasoned crusader like myself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, the Bat-Signal beckons. 🦇🌌📚
Bravo, Bruce!