Action 52 vs Konami Collector's Series: Arcade Advanced
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Action 52 is an unlicensed multicart for the Nintendo Entertainment System released in 1992 by Active Enterprises. The cartridge packs 52 separate titles ranging from shooters to platformers, with The Cheetahmen marketed as the flagship game. Despite its ambitious scope, the compilation is remembered for poor quality, frequent glitches, and its status as one of the worst video games ever made, making it a cult curiosity among retro collectors.
Konami Collector's Series: Arcade Advanced brings together six iconic arcade titles—Frogger, Time Pilot, Yie Ar Kung-Fu, Gyruss, Scramble, and Rush‑N Attack—into a single, easy‑to‑play package. Each game has been faithfully emulated to preserve the original look, feel, and challenge of the 1980s arcade experience. The collection supports both solo play and local multiplayer, letting friends compete for high scores on the same screen. Perfect for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this compilation offers endless arcade fun on modern hardware.
- Huge variety of titles in one cartridge
- Includes the cult‑favorite Cheetahmen
- Authentic NES hardware experience
- Collectible rarity for retro enthusiasts
- Faithful emulation of six classic titles
- Both single‑player and local multiplayer options
- Save‑state feature adds modern convenience
- Compact collection saves space and cost
- Many games are buggy or unplayable
- Poor overall quality and design
- Unlicensed cartridge may cause compatibility issues
- Limited to PC platform only
- No online multiplayer or leaderboards
- Graphics are upscaled but not fully modernized
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataKonami's Arcade Advanced offers a polished, reliable collection of six classic arcade games on PC, while Action 52 gives a massive but notoriously buggy 52‑game NES cartridge.
Key differences
- •Platform: A runs on PC only; B requires original NES hardware.
- •Quality vs quantity: A provides 6 well‑emulated titles; B packs 52 games, many of which are buggy or unplayable.
- •Price info: A’s cost is unspecified but is a one‑time purchase; B is $19.99 MSRP.
- •Multiplayer: A supports local multiplayer for select titles; B lists multiplayer but compatibility is unreliable due to cartridge issues.
- •Critical reception: A scored 83/100, B scored 20/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
A’s six games are faithfully emulated and praised (83/100); B’s games are widely reported as buggy and low quality (20/100).
Platform availability
A runs on modern PC; B requires an original NES, limiting accessibility.
Price & value
B has a clear MSRP of $19.99 for 52 games; A’s price is not specified, making B’s cost more transparent.
Multiplayer / co‑op
A includes local multiplayer for Frogger and Rush‑N; B lists multiplayer but hardware issues often prevent reliable play.
Content & replayability
B offers 52 distinct titles versus A’s six, giving more raw content despite lower quality.
Difficulty & accessibility
A provides save‑states and tutorials, easing entry; B lacks such modern conveniences and many games are unplayable.
Graphics & performance
A uses a unified emulator with high‑resolution rendering; B runs on original NES hardware with no upscaling.
Choose Action 52 if…
Collectors seeking the novelty of a 52‑game NES cartridge despite quality issues.
Choose Konami Collector's Series: Arcade Advanced if…
Buyers who want a reliable, easy‑to‑play retro arcade experience on PC.
Common questions
Do I need any special hardware for either game?
A runs on any PC; B requires an original NES console or compatible hardware.
Which option offers better overall quality?
A, with a critic score of 83/100 and modern features like save‑states; B scores 20/100 and is known for bugs.
Is the price of A higher than B?
A’s exact price isn’t listed; B is priced at $19.99, so B’s cost is known and lower‑priced.