Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

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Volume 1, Number 1 Fall 1998

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chris Cavanaugh

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Sarah Thomas RESET!...... 5 STAFF WRITERS LETTERS PAGE...... 6 Kyle Snyder- [email protected] Chris Lion - [email protected] Classic Gamer Newswire...... 7 Patrick Wong - [email protected] Darryl Guenther - [email protected] Book Bytes...... 10 Mike Genova - [email protected] Damien [email protected] Classic Ad...... 12 D.B. Caulfield The 5200 - A Closer Look...... 13 LAYOUT/DESIGN Chris Cavanaugh My .025...... 14

PHOTO CREDITS Lost Arcade Classic: Warp Warp...... 15 Ryan Allshouse - Staff Photographer Pong Machine scan (page 1) courtesy Sean Focus on ...... 16 Kelly - Digital Press CD-ROM BIRA BIRA Photos courtesy Robert Batina Doin’ The ...... 17

CONTACT INFORMATION Game Reviews...... 20 Classic Gamer Magazine 769 E. El Camino Real #268 Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2919 How Do You Like Your Cartridge?...... 22 e-mail: [email protected] on the web: World of Atari 98 - A Special Report...... 24 http://www.classicgamer.com -Visions - Cosmic Avenger Revisite. 27

SPECIAL THANKS The Legend of BIRA BIRA...... 28 To Sarah. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. I love you! Games That Go Bump In The Night...... 31

LEGAL JUMBO Classic Gaming on the Web...... 33 Entire contents © 1998, Chris Cavanaugh and Classic Gamer Magazine. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Products named in Deep Thaw...... 34 these pages are tradenames or trademarks of their respective companies. Classic Gamer Magazine or its staff is not affiliated with the companies or products covered in Classic Gamer Magazine. Please consult the 1st Issue Dedication “Fair Use Law” before you beef to me. To my Mom and Dad who fed my addiction with an endless supply of cartridges and accessories. And also to my mom who had a never ending quest to obtain the family high Pac-Man score and who would consistently panic when the Beetles raced towards her in Lady Bug. And to my dad who could never quite get the hang of any of the games but would play anyway and be a

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by

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 Chris Cavanaugh

In the early 80’s I always looked controllers (and wished we had kept missed opportunities to envious and forward to the next issue of our Vectrex system!). The magic sympathetic ears. “ Magazine”. The seemed to be back for us. But it Since the fun is back in playing anticipation of waiting for the latest never really left, did it? We just these classics we thought it only edition would nearly kill me month temporarily stored it away. wise to publish a magazine after month. There was no greater Once again we manned tanks in dedicated to the games of yore. feeling at the time than seeing the and became Star Raiders. Whether you are a hardcore new issue on the magazine rack at We swore along with Q*Bert, collector, casual hobbyist or just my local Long’s Drugstore. Arnie swung from vines with Pitfall Harry like to play a game of Asteroids Katz, Bill Kunkel and Joyce Worley and wondered if we could still earn every now and again we hope you delivered, without fail, an those patches. “Doom find this magazine fun, informative informative, entertaining and fun-to- and Quake who?”, we asked and entertaining. Inside you’ll find read magazine month after month. ourselves. We even paid Pac-Man news, reviews, humor, opinion After the great video game shake- and E.T. a return visit on the VCS columns, where to find the best out the mid-80’s, Electronic Games (although, understandably, probably classic gaming websites and of released their final issue. Sadly, it not for very long.) course, “The Legend of BIRA was the end of an era. On the Internet we found we BIRA”. As a video game player the mid- weren’t alone. “Finally! Someone While we can only hope to 80’s was a dark time. Atari was a who understands my quest for game achieve the greatness of Katz, shell of its former self, Activision cartridges and lost systems!” Now Kunkel and Worley we hope you started producing computer games we trade, sell and auction our classic enjoy this first issue of Classic in order to survive and the words favorites freely on the World Wide Gamer Magazine of which we hope “video game cartridges” became Web (and keep each other in line to to be many more. obscene words in the hard hit retail make sure that we aren’t ripping sector. After and Sega each other off!). We scour the flea -Chris Cavanaugh reinvented the home video gaming markets digging through dusty Editor-in-Chief industry and the Internet started to boxes and when passing a garage explode, people began remembering sale we can’t help but think, “I their gaming roots. We dragged our wonder if there’s any rare cartridges Atari 2600’s out of attics and there?”. Of course, when we’re basements, dusted off our done searching and weary from the Colecovisions, and once again day’s hunt we log back on to the cursed at our Intellivision Internet and brag of our rare finds or

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

ACTIVISION TO RELEASE ATARI 2600 TITLES FOR PLAYSTATION

Thirty classic Atari 2600 games will available for the Sony Playstation in late Fall at a value price. The complilation of HASBRO INTERACTIVE titles will include games such as Pitfall, , River ACQUIRES ATARI GAME Raid 2, Star Master, Kaboom!, H.E.R.O., Chopper Command, Crackpots and ’s Atlantis for the retail PROPERTY ASSETS! price of $29.95. New features, including a ‘save game’ option will be added Hasbro Interactive acquired the assets of the on. Atari Division of JTS Corporation. These “For the first time, Playstation gamers will be able to properties and assets include over 75 games experience the magic and fun of these original classic arcade propeties including Centipede, Missile games,” said Robert Kotick, Chairman and C.E.O, Activision, Command, Pong, Breakout and Tempest. Inc. The new division will be known as Atari For more information visit them on the Internet at: Interactive, Inc. http://www.activision.com Centipede will be released in the Fall of ‘98 for both the PC and Sony PlayStation. The new Centipede will be an adventure set in a 3D world giving the player an entirely new outlook on the older gameplay. Players will be able to choose Arcade Mode or Adventure Mode. The Arcade Mode will play exactly like the classic Centipede but will have a 3D perspective. The Adventure Mode will allow the you to take on the enemies face to face and to choose unique perspectives to help in your quest to destroy the marauding insects. Hasbro Interactive are also the creators of the remake of “” available for the PC and Sony PlayStation. Activision’s For more information visit them on the Kaboom! Internet at: http://hasbrointeractive.com

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ATARI ANTIC PROJECT NOW ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB

ASTEROIDS,

AND BATTLEZONE II HEADED Kevin Savetz has acquired the rights to publish the FOR HOMEFRONT COURTESY library of Atari Antic and STart Magazines on the Web. These magazines focus on the 8-bit Atari OF ACTIVISION Computers popularized in the 80’s. His goal is to publish every magazine (currently at 12!) and he is Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 Following up on their hit, “Battlezone” for the PC, seeking volunteers to help him in his quest. Activision, in conjunction with Pandemic Studios, are developing Battlezone II for the PC. You can also join You can visit his website at: http://www.pandemicstudios.com their “Hit Team” at to http://www.atarimagazines.com be consulted for ideas, changes and playing styles to be or contact Kevin at: incorporated into Battlezone II. [email protected] Recently, Activions acquired the worldwide publishing rights (except Japan) from Taito to produce games based on the hit classic, Space Invaders for the PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Gameboy . Activision has promised to update the aging game with a special effect Visit us on our website! face-lift to exploit the latest technologies. A new and improved Asteroids is also on the horizon http://www.classicgamer.com for home systems. Updated graphics and gameplay as well as a first or third player point of view are some of the improvements being made. The arcade original will be hidden in the game. CLASSIC VIDEO GAMES COLLECTOR’S GUIDE VOLUME V AVAILABLE DIGITAL PRESS CD-ROM SEPTEMPER 30TH VOLUME II AVAILABLE CHRISTMAS 1998 This guide is your “ultimate source for classic gaming” according to Joe Santulli, Editor of the Digital Press fanzine. This print version will be 300 pages in length and will feature classic 8-bit systems including Atari, Bally’s and Channel F and newer systems such as the Sega Master System. The guide Sean Kelly announced that Volume II of the Digital will be priced at $20.00 for US and Canada. To order Press CD-ROM could be available as soon as this the guide contact Joe Santulli or send check or money Christmas. In Volume I, Sean amassed an amazing order payable to Joe Santulli at: collection of game info, rare screenshots, and game Digital Press manuals for just about every classic video gaming system. 44 Hunter Place For Volume II Sean promises updated information, more Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442 screenshots and over 20 new classic gaming commercials,

all viewed via your computer’s browser. To obtain more You can also e-mail the Digital Press gang at: information, or to order Volume I, you can contact Sean [email protected] Kelly via e-mail at:

[email protected] or visit them on the web at: or visit his website at: http://www.digitpress.com http://www.xnet.com~skelly/

8 NYKO TECHNOLOGIES NINTENDO 64 RELEASE LAUNCHES SCHEDULE FOR UPDATED ‘CLASSIC TRACKBALL AND CLASSIC RELATED CONTROLLER’ FOR SONY GAMES PLAYSTATION AND NINTENDO 64

With Hasbro’s Centipede coming to the Sony PlayStation, NYKO announced the debut of the Classic Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 TrackBall controller to honor this title. November The design is based on the original molds of the first 11/17/98 - : Rogue Squadron (LucasArts/ Atari TrackBall to give it authenticity and will also Factor 5) include a Turbo Fire feature. 11/17/98 - Superman: The Animated Series (Titus) Classic Gamer Magazine was given the opportunity 11/24/98 - : The Ocarina of Time to get their hands on the prototype when it was unveiled (Nintendo) at the World of Atari 98 show. The TrakBall itself proved to be very responsive on the two PlayStation games we played, namely 4th Quarter '98 Centipede and . Although a third TBA - Lode Runner 64 (Big Bang) button would be a bonus for playiing Missile Command, we were very impressed with what we saw. The proposed retail price is $29.95. 1st Quarter '99 TBA - Castlevania 64 (/KCCK) TBA - Gauntlet Legends (Midway/Atari Games)

WORLD OF ATARI 98 VIDEO TO 4th Quarter '99 TBA - Asteroids 64 (Crave/Activision/Utopia BE MADE AVAILALE Technologies) TBA - Battlezone 64 (Crave/Activision) TBA - Paperboy 64 (Midway/High Voltage Software)

Rumored in 1999: TBA - Magical Challenge Featuring Mickey Mouse (Capcom)

TBA - Space Invaders 64 (Activision/Taito) Couldn’t make it to the Vegas extravaganza? Just TBA - Super Mario RPG 2 (Nintendo/HAL) want a visual souvenier of the event? Mark Santora is TBA - Tetris 64 (Nintendo/) making videotapes available via mail order for those

interested. This high quality tape will cover the various guest TBA Beyond 1999 speakers, direct feed of the Battlesphere competition, as TBA - (Nintendo/Rare) well as the dealer floor and the auction. TBA - Mario Artist Series (64DD) (Nintendo) Each tape will be NTSC version and priced at TBA - Nintendo 64 Disk Drive $25.00, which includes the shipping cost. TBA - Sim City 64 (64DD) (Nintendo/HAL)

TBA - Super Mario 64 II (64DD) (Nintendo) Visit Mark’s website for learn more information or to

fill out the order form:

http://home.earthlink.net/~santora/woav.htm

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Reviewed by Patrick Wong

Joystick Nation (Herz) you simultaneously from dark, gloomy pinball parlors of Joystick Nation: How VideoGames telephones, television, fax yesterday to the evolution of today's Ate Our Quarters, Won Our Hearts, machines, pagers, personal digital neon sign covered video arcades. It And Rewired Our Minds assistants, voice messaging systems, brought back memories of how kids by J.C. Herz postal delivery, office e-mail, and used to beg to be left at the video Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 230 pages. Little, Brown and the Internet." Ms. Herz is obviously arcade at Coney Island while their Company. $23.95 a very busy woman. parents went on rides. She begins at the birth of video There is also a discussion about games when a Digital Equipment Western and Eastern cultures where t would seem videogames are Corporation computer landed on the she tries to break down the primary marketed primarily to males doorsteps of differences between and whenever a female MIT and a DC/Marvel comic art shows interest, every guy bunch of to Japanimation art. should stand, take notice and students “You can't talk Although in the end wonder, ‘what's this girl thinking collaborated about Asteriods, she admits, "Of about?’. In “Joystick Nation" J.C. in their Pac-Man and course, to kids Herz describes how videogames spare time Space Invaders playing Comix Zone played an important part in her to program a or Marvel childhood and tells how game called before some link to Superheroes or “videogames ate our quarters, won "Space Doom, Myst and Tekken 2, the our hearts and rewired our minds.” War." From Mortal Kombat is distinction between When first glancing at the pages, there the formed.” comic book and you'll immediately assume that book lays videogame or Asian "Joystick Nation" is more of a look out a and Western is back at video games of the 80’s timetable completely rather than a history of the video covering almost everything; starting irrelevant. The only categories they game world. Herz fondly from the legendary Atari 2600 up to recognize are "fun" and "not fun”. remembers, "I was toggling a today's revolutionary Nintendo 64. She leaves no stones unturned, as joystick before I learned to read, She then follows up with a chapter there is even a chapter on Boys vs. mastered Breakout stratagems in which she describes gametypes Girls. She plays Pop Psychologist before memorizing the by their categories: Action, when she describes a woman’s multiplication table, conquered Adventure, Fighting and so on and response to beating a level in the Asteroids before solving the sees fit to include a few quick game Tetris, "Yes! The Mess is mystery of long division." She reviews on some of the various vanishing! I can make the Mess would definitely fit the profile of a games, "Batman Returns (a good disappear! It's not about blowing hardcore gamer. Super NES and Sega game), Bram things up. It's about cleaning things However, almost immediately Stroker's Dracula (a bad SNES and up. Tetris speaks volumes about the after that, the book turns into an Sega game), Home Alone and difference between women and men analysis of how videogames relate Home Alone 2 (awful), Hunt for vis a vis videogames." She may be to other media and everyday life. Red October (worse), Rambo 3, The right. All I have to say is remember She observes, "Videogames are Last Action Hero, Hook, Robocop Tetris 2? If Tetris is for women perfect training for life in fin and the Rocketeer (ugh), Wayne's than Tetris 2 is definitely for men. de siecle America, where World (bogus)." Use bombs to clean up the mess! daily existence demands The author tries to cover as many To quote Tim Allen, "More Power! the ability to parse sixteen topics about modern gaming as More Power!" kinds of information being fired at she can. Everything from the There is, however, a disturbing

10 chapter on Videogame Porn where Nintendo's Hotline will lead you to If "Joystick Nation" were to she writes, "Not coincidentally, the porno 900 number addiction. At have another name, it would be price and variety of plastic-sealed least it seems mapped that way. "JoyPad Nation." As historically videogame periodicals corresponds For those readers looking for a accurate as the book may be, it to the shrink-wrapped magazines on book about someone reminiscing doesn't go into the old Atari games the other side of the newsstand, the about videogames' glory days, nearly enough. You can't talk about ones that artfully pose topless “Joystick Nation” includes a few. Asteriods, Pac-Man and Space nineteen-year-old covergirls. It's She describes a walk down memory Invaders before some link to Doom, curiously symmetrical: Nintendo lane while visiting the American Myst and Mortal Kombat is formed. Power, Game Pro, Flux, Playboy, Museum of the Moving Image, There's a continued blurring of Hustler, Juggs." Later in the "You look up from a game of arcade and video games to computer chapter, there seems to be some half expecting to find games that's likely to continue. It

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 underlying sarcasm when she yourself back in the mall as a used to be so easy to talk about describes her visit to Nintendo. The teenager, surrounded by shanky Atari games and not have to bring author seems to resent Nintendo's metalhead kids in their Van Halen up PC games. Herz's "Joystick wholesome family oriented, kid- T-shirts and black rubber bracelets." Nation" blurs the picture even more. friendly environment and goes on to Everyone has to remember those describe Nintendo's tip line as the black rubber bracelets! She then flip side of a phone sex line. It's tells us of how the phrase "YOWIE disturbing because the Nintendo tour MOOEY!!!" became her and her doesn't seem to belong in the brother's sibling code word for the chapter yet because it's there it last moment before a situation falls leaves you with the impression apart in a game. Kind of like how I Nintendo Power will eventually lead would say "OH NO!!" and then to Juggs Magazine and calling "BOOM" the game was over.

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

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by Patrick Wong as well, although they ended up being arcade games that Colecovision tari's motto was "Power some of the worst controllers ever didn't. Add Atari's enormous without the Price"; it made. Atari made sure everyone was trakball along with Centipede, should have been "Power aware that this system had a "Pause" Millipede or Missile Command at a Price." button on the controllers which was and you'd swear you brought the unheard of unless you owned an arcade experience home. Yes, the

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 When Atari took their low-end computer, the Atari 400, gave her a Intellivision. 2600 had the same titles as well facelift, a number twice the value of The moment you turned it on, you but it didn't stand up to the 5200's the 2600 and called her their "Super were greeted by a giant, multi- graphics and sound. Games like System", they also gave her an colored Atari Fuju; You knew it was Pengo and Vanguard were almost enormous price - $299.95 (I guess it something special. pixel perfect translations of the also had to cost twice as much as The games were equally as arcades. the 2600). But Atari promised she special. The "Super System" brought Atari also brought us a special would be worth every penny and of the arcade games home to you. Even feature that made the 5200 "State all Atari's millions of promises, it though the Colecovision may have of the Art" among other 8-bits of was probably one of the few that had slightly better graphics, the Atari the time: Voice synthesization Atari kept to their loyal supporters. 5200 had the big name titles and without a voice synthesizer. The The 5200 something the voice synthesizer in Atari's was Atari's Coleco games RealSports Baseball helped make answer to the “The didn't feature America's favorite past time that Colecovision. had the big arcade (and which no much more enjoyable. To actually From the games that arcade hear the balls and strikes being second you experience called out was like hearing words picked it up at Colecovision would be in the early motion pictures reels. Toys R' Us, didn't. “ without in the A small step towards bringing us you knew you 80s): the something we'll later call had (as Atari intermissions. "Multimedia". Sure, there were put it) a "Super System" in your Who could ever forget how games that featured synthesized hands. It came packaged in a huge awesome it was to beat the speech at the time but none that box. When you opened the box and strawberry board in Pac-Man and be were featured in a baseball game. picked up the system, you could feel awarded by the animated This made it all the more the power in your hands. Size? This intermission featured in the arcades? significant because it was a system was BIG. Twice the size of Who could ever forget the awe of glimpse into the future as to what the 2600. She had a sleek, black playing a Pac-Man game that actually sport games were going to offer - design with a silver strip running resembled the arcade version? not just hearing balls and strikes across the middle of her, four Everyone remember how awful yet but hearing commentary and line- controller ports (the later models fun the 2600 version was? If the ups as well. were made with two) and a storage 5200 would be remembered for There were also many little place at the top of the system where anything, it would be that it was the things that may have gone you would store your controllers first system to bring faithful unnoticed by gamers. How many when they weren't in use, hidden translations of the arcade home to remember the controller from sight. If you put the 5200 next you. attachment that allowed two to the old style and From Defender to to controllers to be held together to asked someone which one looked Galaxian to Joust to Mario Bros. to play Atari's Space Dungeon? One "State of the Art", chances are they Ms. Pac-Man to to Pac- to move, one to shoot. It may not would choose the Atari. Man to Pengo to and sound like much but there was The controllers looked futuristic Vanguard, the Atari 5200 had the big something about it that made the

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By Damien Quicksilver

Let's begin at the beginning...the priority than arcade quality got large, multi-level games. Atari 2600. Here we have a system gameplay - the de-evolution truly These levels weren't just faster, or that brought gamers the one and begins. The 2600 was followed-up different colors, they were totally only thing they wanted: Games. by the Odyssey's keyboard, the different in graphics and design. Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 Now I know perhaps that statement Intellivision's disc controller, the We got games with a goal other seems like one that could be taken 5200's analog controller with keypad, than just a high score. Don't site for granted, but stop and think about and the voice synthesizers on both previous examples for me...the it for just a moment. It didn't have Odyssey and Intellivision. All-in-all, point is that the new standard in fancy graphics, it didn't have a it got to the point where the gaming gaming wasn't an exception...it tricky controller. It just had games. industry was a confusing mess; was a rule. People passed many hours on flashy graphics surrounded by Nintendo wasn't alone as the Space Invaders, Breakout, and Pac- gimmick...and very little substance at same era had similar systems with Man, just to name a few. (I know that. Thus occurs video the Sega Master System and the there are many of you avidly against armageddon - destruction of an . But neither of these the Atari 2600 Pac-Man, but admit industry that was systems could it, you played it... a lot!) Sure, the really not worth compete resolution was low, the colors were saving. with Nintendo's sheer few, and the sounds were noise. But History has number of games. just as it is with someone whom you always repeated I know there The NES reigned truly love, one could easily see past itself. Every are many of you supreme and it the flaws of the oyster to find the civilization has seemed like it would perfection of the pearl. crumbled, and avidly against be that way forever. So all we have are games. We new ones always the Atari 2600 But flash and have a video game system, played rise in their place. Pac-Man, but gimmick entered the by game players, who play games. So it should have picture again. Do you really need anything else? been no surprise admit it, you The Genesis and Well unfortunately it seems that when a new force played it... a lot! TG-16 were all flash. there are quite a few people who are came in to rebuild They really weren't eager to answer, "Yes". So with this the gaming too bad, but again the thought begins the advancement of industry. Enter emphasis was lifted technology, and the de-evolution of Nintendo. off of game play. Not to be home video games. The Nintendo Entertainment outdone, Nintendo introduced the It seems a common claim (and System (NES) was the new standard Super NES. perhaps a misconception) is that in simplicity. Yes, it was advanced. Now...about the SNES. First, advancements in gaming technology It had more colors and higher the positive side...they made a are made with the intent to bring the resolution than previous game damn good arcade port of Street arcade into the home - though they systems, but it wasn't gimmicky. Fighter II. Now, for the problem - never have quite hit the mark on that Sure, the controller had four buttons, MODE 7!!! This really bugged one. (Neo-Geo made a strong but it was basic. Two action buttons me. This was the first true union attempt, but at an arcade price as seemed just right. The start and of flashy graphics and gimmick. well) So if the gaming industry is select were really nice to have as Which, of course equals - unable to bring the arcade into your well. (I really wish the 2600 had Gimmicky graphics! When home, then how is a system to stand select and reset on the controller). combined with annoying buttons it out? Enter the gimmick. So what else did we want? marked When the desire for arcade Games, of course! And the NES quality graphics becomes a higher delivered quite a few of those. We

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by Kyle Snyder

When you ask the average Joe or high the industry would ever see, it From out of the corners, strange Josephine what video game they was only natural that Rock-Ola creatures emerge one at associate most with the early 80's, would see opportunity for expansion a time, resembling giant walking

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 you get a variety of answers...Space into the arcade market. So, they tongues or pointy headed spiders. Invaders, Donkey Kong, Asteroids, contacted for the exclusive The object is to destroy these Galaga, and of course, Pac-Man and rights to manufacture the "next monsters with your gun before they his family. Not ONCE will you ever mega-hit" from our Japanese friends. destroy you. Pretty basic pathos for hear somebody excitedly Seemed like a sure thing. an early video game. Of course, shout..."OH YEAH MAN!!!! The game that resulted is a surreal the uglies speed up and take on a WARP WARP WAS maze & shooting game wherein you rather frantic abruptness to their AWESOME!!!!!" control a little spaceman with a four movements which adds to the This is not to say that this game way joystick. You began play in a challenge. Oh yes, they also shoot has nothing going for it at all...in large open field with the only at you in addition to chasing you fact the game play and origin is walls being the outer borders, and down. rather interesting for such an two large rectangles that formed a Unfortunately, the game never unknown game. hallway in the center of the field. saw a great deal of success. I never It SHOULD have been big... It These rectangles would flash from saw this game in person, and I only had a lot going for it. Imagine this... time to time with the word Warp. discovered this game when I saw a Spring 1981...Namco, the highly Hence he title "Warp Warp". If you wrestling game called Mat Mania successful Japanese programming entered this warp hallway during the in a white cabinet with Warp Warp powerhouse just made fortunes for time it flashes, you are transported to artwork on the side. Then, I Bally/Midway in 1979 and 1980 a basic maze comprised of evenly decided to do research in back with Galaxian and PacMan, placed squares, much like Exidy's issues of RePlay magazine to find respectively, and were the hot ticket Targ. You could "toggle" back and out about this lost classic. I found of the industry. Then there was forth in between these two screens an article with the presidents of Rock-Ola, one of the biggest each time you entered the flashing Rock-Ola and Namco shaking manufacturers of jukeboxes the hallway. Of course, there has to be hands over the contract for the music industry had ever seen. With some kind of baddie, or there "next big thing". It's a shame really. video games being at the biggest wouldn't be too much of a game... (Funny that the next hits from

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arcade. The maze is a little stunted as the sprites are rather large, but the The Dreadnaught walls are the familiar blue solid ™ walls of yore. Pac-Man is the Factor roundest that I have seen him appear on a classic console, and the ghosts Copyright 1983 are well done, although the eyes are System: Mattel Intellivision

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 still not quite right. The fruits actually look BETTER than the Definitely “borrowing” from the arcade versions! Check out the light Star Wars saga, The Dreadnaught gradiation on theoranges of the third Factor allows you to go toe-to-toe ™ and fourth rounds. with hulking space cruisers while Pac-Man Possibly the most welcome and piloting your Novaray Hyperfighter. unexpected detail comes after two These Zorban Dreadnaught Atarisoft boards are cleared! Yes, Atarisoft Battlecrafts are making a path for a Released 1983 included the intermissions!! In the stargate so they can wreak havoc on Also Released Under INTV Brand first intermission, Pac-Man is the planet of Terra. Your only hope System: Mattel Intellivision chased right to left by Blinky, and is to pilot a Terran fighter through then emerges as a HUGE Pac-Man the stargate and battle the Pac-Man is quite possibly (Super Pac-Man's first cameo?) juggernauts head on. the most translated arcade game of chasing the now scared stiff blue You begin with ten Novaray all time. Versions appeared on ghost! The later intermissions are Hyperfighters in your arsenal. As nearly all home platforms from intact as well, and produce the same the Dreadnaught ship lumbers slowly the Atari (2600 and 5200), chuckles as their arcade counterparts from the right side of your screen, Commodore Computers, the NES, did. your ship passes over it “head on” the , and recently, the My only real complaint is that from the left. Your goal is to Playstation. One of the better the Intellivision's disc controllers are destroy the ship by dropping bombs incarnations however, is largely not well suited on the sixteen energy vents located overlooked...the to a game of this throughout the vessel while avoiding Atarisoft Pac-Man variety. My and destroying their gun batteries for the Mattel advice would be with your laserfire. Once beyond the Intellivision (later, to comb the flea ship you will return by passing INTV would publish markets and through the stargate, appearing on the identical game thrift stores for the left of the screen to meet up with without the the snap-on the now weakened Dreadnaught. “Atarisoft” logo on joystick topper, Each time you fly over, the the opening screen). as it makes this Dreadnaught will get closer to Atarisoft's Pac- game accessing the stargate which would Man was released right before the exemplary. result in the destruction of Terra. great crash of 1983, so not many You can't go wrong with a little (Tip: Destroy the ships engines, collectors got a chance to see it Pac-Man, and Atarisoft's located in the rear, to slow its shine. In 1983, the main focus Intellivision adaptation definitely progress) was the Atari 5200 versus the delivers! Although this is one of the more Colecovision, and the poor Mattel difficult Intellivision games to locate, console was left in the dust. I would recommend tracking it down Nevertheless, Atarisoft Overall Rating: *** as it is definitely a gem. translated a wonderful version of Reviewed by: Kyle Snyder

Namco's dot-gobbler. The graphics are very close to the Overall Rating: **** Activision Reviewed by: D.B. Caulfield

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by Darryl Guenther Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

Back in the day when the characters, let’s talk arcades and corner markets about the game. Donkey were after school hangouts, Kong was not just based one could expect to hear on cute, detailed the “whacka-whacka” characters, music, and sounds of Pac-Man, the interesting sound effects. lasers firing up in Defender It was much more! The and the crackling, shooting entire package was put sound of Centipede. There together in such a way, weren’t any life-like PCM that it seemed to come to samples or 3D graphics. life. The detail ranged That was much of the from the actual characters charm of video games of to the game play the past; they were unique elements. Donkey Kong to themselves. They were seemed to have a mind of characters that only lived in that Kong Jr. Later on, Mario would star his own, throwing barrels whichever world. These games generated with his brother, Luigi (not “Loogy” way he deemed necessary. The sounds that did not exist until the for my Jr. High peers of the time), fireballs (all levels except “rivets” game was created. Donkey Kong, in Mario Bros. Then he went on to screen) and firefoxes (“rivets” by Nintendo, was one of those star in the Super Mario series. screen) roamed in a very games. It had the unique, cutesy Donkey Kong himself has continued unpredictable manner (such as fire sounds necessary for a good game. on also. He now stars with all of his does). Other objects such as springs However, not only did it have the friends in the Donkey Kong Country and mud pies were not “alive”, but sounds, it also had the cute on- series of games. they were kept in motion by the screen characters. In fact, a couple forces around them. All of the Now that we’re all familiar with of the characters were to be much elements fit together so well, that it more. They became mascots that was easy to be swept away into that have stood the test of time. world. Back in 1981, Nintendo released Much detail was also placed on Donkey Kong, the mistranslation of control. It was very easy to find the “Stubborn Monkey” in Japanese. It bottoms of the ladders. Mario could is the brainchild of Shigeru also jump off a structure and spring Miyamoto. Mario, originally back from any of the outer edges. labeled “Jumpman”, was said to Timing was the essence, as one have been modeled after Shigeru’s never knew what pattern the barrels landlord. He didn’t actually become could end up in by the time they officially labeled as Mario until reached the player. Many of these 1982, where he became the bad guy, details were left out of the home capturing Donkey Kong in Donkey system conversions that followed. Arcade

17 One could leap off the end of a Colecovision’s flagship, packaged hammer and continue on. In the structure only to be bounced back game, practically selling the system. VCS version, the player didn’t up from the edge in the arcade However, it was a very rough even have the satisfaction of version. Many home versions version. The top level was walking off or even reaching the (except a few by Atarisoft) just eliminated, placing Donkey Kong top of the screen before continuing ricocheted one backwards, without on the opposite side of the barrels to the next level. the upward spring. Even screen, and the fireballs and “crazy The rivets screen wasn’t much Nintendo’s home version left out the barrels” were eliminated. The prettier either. It consisted of 5 “spring-back” jump. elevator screen was missing the levels that extended across the springs (or affectionately called There entire screen. The firefoxes “springers”). were four looked even more like a poor Instead, they screens to rendition of a duck. They were Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 were replaced the game: not able to travel up and down the by non- The barrels, ladders; thus, once the hammer menacing, the rivets, was used on the fireball of that duck-like, the elevator level, the player had to patiently firefox and the wait for it to disappear. Once a wanna-bees! conveyor rivet was removed, the player The rivet belt (left out would lose a turn for falling in the screen was in most hole. However, Mario wouldn’t intact, except home fall. He would just freeze, as for one level. conversions, when he gets hit by an object the Unfortunately, except those by Atari “death” music would play. the cute animations, and Ocean). The such as the dying Thanks to Atari and Atarisoft, rivets screen was sequences and intermissions were they obtained the rights to the always the screen that ended the missing. version. The level. Two different configurations version for Atari computer of these levels existed. The One may ask, “If the systems was much more accurate. Japanese version simply cycled Colecovision version is so bad, why All of the music, animation and through the above order. After the did it sell the system?” The answer intermissions were present. The rivet screen, Donkey Kong would lies in Coleco owning the right to all screens even fall from the disassembled structure, console followed the and Mario would be reunited with system arcade’s order, Paula. versions. and best of all - Coleco The American version differed in the conveyor programmed screen order. Level one was the screen was the already barrels and rivet screen. Level two present. limited Atari consisted of the barrels, elevator, However, due 2600 (VCS) and rivet screen. Level three to the lower version. This consisted of the barrels, conveyor resolution, the one only belt, elevators, and rivets. From screen was not consisted of then on, many other combination of as cosmetically two levels, the screens followed. For this reason, appealing, and barrels and many people didn’t even know that the top level of rivets. The the conveyor level existed. the barrels barrel screen Between turns, level progress was screen was also cut off. was so limited, one NES displayed in meters, shown by a All enemies were included, couldn’t even walk or fall number of Donkey Kongs stacked. although the fireballs and firefoxes off the end of a level. Subsequently, The Max was 6 high (150m). were combined into a hybrid of falling off the level on the barrels sorts. Crazy barrels were As mentioned earlier, many screen of the Colecovision version unpredictable, as were the paths home versions spawned from the would not result in death either. It the regular barrels would take. original. In fact, Donkey Kong was would cause Mario to drop the The spring-back jump was

18 correctly implemented also. close to the arcade machine as Crazy Kong anything of its time for the systems. Also from Atari came the Later, on the home-front, Commodore Vic20 and C-64 Another similar game Nintendo had their own home versions. As one would expect, the (unlicensed copy as far as I version for the NES. Here we have Vic20 version looked awful. The know) is Crazy Kong. Crazy a system perfectly capable of crazy thing was, somebody took the recreating the arcade experience at Kong has a different sound time to cram all of the intermissions, home. What does Nintendo do? chip, and the music is gone. boards (conveyor too!), animations, Nintendo left out the conveyor Crazy Kong only throws three (lose turn spin), fireballs, crazy screen, limited the fireball of the barrels at one time, and he barrels, etc. into the 5k available in rivets screen to not ascend above the doesn’t move to pick up each the Vic! Maybe Coleco could have second level and raised the second one. It was more of a corner taken some tips from that Atarisoft Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 level hammer up one level to where programmer when they programmed store/bowling alley, discounted the fireball can’t reach. They had their 16-24k version of Donkey game. Subtle changes have the graphics, the sound, everything, Kong. been made, such as changing but they chose to use a smaller cart. The Commodore 64 version the level screen to, “How High The average person didn’t seem to looked pretty good, however the Can You Try??” Also, a know any better. Many didn’t even control was slow and sluggish. know the missing conveyor screen different graphic is used for Finding the bottom of ladders could even existed. Those who did, Crazy Kong on the other be difficult and it was missing the settled until Donkey Kong Jr. was screens.The end of the barrel “How High Can You Get?” screen released. DKjr. included all four of screen girders have been cut off and music. Of course, the sound the DKjr levels, but still lacked at the ladders. was fairly weak due to the “SID” animation and intermissions. sound chip, which was designed Crazy Kong Tips: The “black Strangely enough the Atari 7800 more for music than games. All-in- hole” level warp can be done version (programmed by Coleco) all, the versions were pretty by climbing up the first was an almost exact duplicate of the impressive for their time, especially complete ladder on the barrels NES conversion. However, the compared to the other options screen. Tap the joystick until sound was horrible and the available. resolution not quite as sharp. Mario is hanging one foot off, Some other versions popped up Gameboy’s conversion was well and jump to the right. If done over the years. In 1987, Ocean done considering it was on a small correctly, Mario will fall gained the rights from Atari, and b/w portable. It even added some through the floor, and he will they created a new C-64 version, additional levels. warp to the second screen. along with an Amstrad PC version. If you ever have a chance to play Another Crazy Kong trick is These versions featured more (or buy) one of these great animation and all screens were to get to the second conveyor machines, or home ports, don’t pass present (even the High Score and screen (it’s faster). Grab the it up. The game is 17 years old, but Insert Coin screens!). The Ocean first hammer. Run to the right it can sure take one versions followed the Japanese side of the screen, as the back to the past in a version: barrels, conveyor, elevator, conveyor travels that direction. heartbeat. and rivets. Overall, it was set up as Once Mario reaches the far right, he will drop the hammer, however, it will still be there. Donkey Kong Playing Tip: If it is pointed down, it will Donkey Kong had a few tricks. One favorite “show-off” move was continue to hammer pies, even to “jump over” Donkey Kong’s foot. This was done on the rivets when Mario is on other levels. screen by placing Mario next to Donkey Kong’s foot. Don’t get too Also, on the Rivets screen: close, or you will die! Jump, standing next to him, and press the Don’t use the top hammer, and joystick away from him at the top of your jump. One hundred it will turn into “Gold Bars” as points will be awarded to you. You can do this as many times, until a reward. Also, notice the true time runs out. It only pays if you can earn 100pts faster than the Donkey Kong image behind the bonus clock ticks down... Large, Crazy Kong image.

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™ fighter plane variations include yourself as we’ve heard this can COMBAT standard BI- fry your unit. plane A sequel, dogfighting, “Combat II”, was jets and the planned but never

grossly released.

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 unfair three small planes vs. the one Overall Rating: large plane ***1/2 (which 3 Vs. 1?? Is this fair?? Reviewed by: D.B seems totally Caulfield Model Number CX2601 incapable of mounting any Released 1977 significant attack against the three Programmer(s): , Joe smaller ones.) ™ DeCuir, and Larry Wagner Although these are all strictly GORF Released as “Tank Plus” for Sears two player games, who doesn’t Atari/Atari VCS (2600) remember wanting to play so badly Released 1982 that you would go at it alone CBS/Atari VCS (2600) For most of us, Combat was our anyway and experience introduction to the Atari VCS. After considerable glee in destroying the Some of the most successful what seemed like an eternity of unmanned aircraft and tanks? arcade games from the first wave having your dad set up the system to Besides, when else were you going of video gaming were of the the back of the TV set, we inserted to practice your bankshots? "slide and shoot" variety. Move a the cartridge, flipped the power There are a few bugs in this laser bunker from left to right on switch and were treated to the image game, which enhance gameplay, the bottom of of two tanks on either side of the such as being able to ‘warp’ the screen, screen poised for battle. After the yourself to the other side of the firing upwards reset button was pressed, you and battlefield. You can accomplish at targets. The your challenger this with a little practice most famous charged at each by placing your tank in of course, is other with bullets a corner of the maze Space flying. From this and turning your Invaders, which later begat point forward we joystick and moving games like Galaxian, Galaga, knew we were forward at the same Astro Fighter, and even Carnival. hooked. time. You’ll find this Some companies realized that the Combat is still an On the prowl... maneuver comes in handy for genre was getting rather outstanding two-player surprise attacks. overpopulated, so they released game. What it lacks in graphics is Combat was originally planned games with different and distinct more than made up for in gameplay. to be built into the VCS. If you qualities. One of the best of the There are many tank and fighter look inside the original six-switch group was Bally/Midway's plane game variations to keep even model you will see a spot on the arcade hit Gorf. This masterpiece the most jaded classic gamer happy. motherboard to hold the Combat features five different screens, There are tank battles on empty ROM chip. For reasons unknown four way directional movement, battlefields, mazed battlefields, this idea was abandoned and the and striking speech capabilities invisible tanks and tanks with cartridge came included with the (for the era...). bouncing bullets (knowing geometry system. We also don’t recommend really pays off in this one). The you install the Combat ROM

20 When CBS games licensed Gorf for Interesting side trivia: The enemy's bridges and fuel the Atari 2600, certain liberties had to arcade game's third screen is a supplies. While the enemy may be taken with the gameplay to fit into a remake of Galaxian. This screen have ships, planes and 4K cartridge. For instance, obviously was not included in the 2600 cart, helicopters along the route, the the voice had to be scrapped, but we not due to memory limitations, but bridges and fuel supplies are the accepted that. What is odd, however, is due to legal limitations. Atari had most valuable, and thus, carry the that CBS reduced the player's spaceship already grabbed the licensing rights highest point value. to a simple to Galaxian by this time, so to avoid The graphics of the game are left-and-right movement pattern, copyright infringment, CBS omitted nice. It is easy to discern not reducing the great fun of narrowly this screen from the home version. only what each target is, but also avoiding an 's swooping attack Oddly, if you play Galaxian (aka any obstacles around the fighter. while moving down and to the left. Galactic Invasion) for the Bally The colors are simple, blue for

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 As a result, the 2600 cartridge of Astrocade, it plays and sounds water, green for land, and the Gorf plays very flat. CBS did, however exactly like the missing Gorf - ships and planes are obvious. duplicate some of the manic feel of the Galaxian wave! I guess that's one The player is never left arcade game in the variety of the way to have a complete Gorf! wondering, "what the heck is screens. The first screen is essentially a THAT?" In fact, I was always remake of Space Invaders, with a Overall Rating: *** impressed the clarity of the much smaller army of aliens, and plays Reviewed by Kyle Snyder graphics. virtually identical to the One drawback with this game, groundbreaking classic. The second as with most of its generation, is screen features a tiny group of attackers the maneuverability. Control is with one laser cannon. But what a limited to the very simple cannon it is! It fires a solid bolt of River forward, right and left, leaving energy down towards the player's ship, Activision/Atari VCS (2600) the player with a feeling of very deadly to the touch, which remains on Designed by little "real" control. Often, when the screen for longer than any standard I would veer off to avoid an bullet. Once this force is destroyed, we One of the more unique distinctions object the plane seemed to keep are transported to the blackhole screen, of River Raid from other video drifting until I pulled back hard. wherein spaceships spiral from a games is that it is designed by a There are treats in this game central point at varying speeds and woman. I must admit when I first that make it really fun. The fuel angles to attack the player. This screen agreed to review this game my tanks are quite unique. If one is rather unique, as the player does not sexist side came out and I worried blows up the tank, they are have to destroy all the aliens to that there was some sort of 'nag blowing up their own fuel supply. progress. If an alien is not destroyed, it program' installed. I half expected If one leaves the fuel, it is left for flies out into the depths of space never to find the game questioning my the enemy to supply themselves. to be seen again. The player simply has moves, wondering why I didn't A great trick is what I dubbed the to survive until the end of the round. refuel and telling me to JUST ASK "gas and blast": fueling up Finally, on the fourth and final round, FOR DIRECTIONS. I am pleased and then blowing up the tank. I the player is asked to defeat the Gorfian to report that no such program got my much needed fuel and mothership. This monstrosity flies exists. also earned extra points and across the top of the screen, dropping The skills required by River denied my enemy of fuel. It's a yellow bombs. The only catch is that Raid do not just require the typical great trick, although it takes some the vulnerable point is a tiny litle vent hand/eye coordination, but tactical practice to master. on the underside of the ship. It takes skills as well. The player is Overall, I give River Raid two quiet a bit of a skill to aim at such a required to navigate an ever thumbs up. It's a fun game, with tiny target, but when accomplished, the changing riverscape along with a a clear objective and solid spaceship shimmers with different continually decreasing amount of graphics. It plays well in a single colors to indicate it's destruction. fuel stops. One may be good at player mode or against an All things considered, CBS' Gorf for blowing things up, but with poor adversary. the VCS is not a bad version of the planning, may run out of fuel and Overall Rating: *** game, but then again, without the voice crash. Reviewed by Chris Lion and the four way direction, it's not The objective of the game is to exactly Gorf. fly up a river, destroying the

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A Guide to Rating Your By Mike Genova Classic Collection

What defines a rare cartridge? your various garage sale/ thrift All collectors have different shop/flea markets runs. interpretations of the word, but to Uncommon (U) - An

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 me it has a simple meaning. A uncommon game is a bit more rare cartridge that is harder to find than than a common game, but will still most carts. Here we’ll examine be pretty easy to find. You can the many factors that can make a classify these games as a Video cartridge rare. Examples cited are Pinball, Food Fight, , for the Atari VCS/2600 or Battlezone. You may have to 1. Low production run/ Poor look a little bit harder, or pay a bit sales - a good example of this more money for these, but they would be the cartridge "The Music will always be found somewhere. Machine". This cartridge was Rare (R) - A rare game isn't packaged with a record and "poor always what it seems to be. A rare sales caused many of these to be game in your area, may be an recalled and destroyed" as quoted uncommon game in my area. I in the Digital Press Guide Fourth guess you can say that for all Edition (DPG). Also, if a game Of all of the games I've rarities, but a rare is sometimes was distributed in isolated areas mentioned so far, I have yet to misinterpreted. You can call around the world, it may be a obtain one of them. This just goes Millipede, Othello, Video tough find. to show that once you find a rare Checkers, or a Basic Programming 2. Limited Availability - What cartridge, you could possibly be cart a rare. These will be is meant by this is if a game was holding a one somewhat only available through mail order of a kind harder to such as the Atari Club. There cartridge in find than were many games only available your hand. commons through mail order such as Because who and Quadrun, Chase the Chuckwagon, knows? In Crazy Climber and Atari Video ten years from Cube. This factor makes it less now, you may likely that you will ever find these have the only carts in thrift shops or flea remaining markets. legitimate 3. Prototypes - A prototype is copy of that Dukes of Hazzard defined, as being a game that was cartridge. Atari VCS uncommons, but never released or is still in its pre- Next I’ll explain the shouldn't take more production stages. Prototypes various kinds of rarity symbols than a few months to acquire. aren't generally fun to play classic gamers put on cartridges. Most respectable collectors will because of bugs and glitches in the Here they are from most common to have these for sale or in their unfinished product, but they would most rare: auctions for fairly cheap prices, highlight anyone's collection of Common (C) - A common game but that may vary from one dealer video games. Such examples of can be classified as a Missile to the next. prototypes would be Grover's Command, Pac-Man, Combat, Extremely Rare (ER) - An Music Maker and Dukes of Space Invaders, or Pitfall! You will extremely rare cart is one that Hazzard. most likely find plenty of these in most people will have some

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smartest idea, because you will pay a substantial amount of money Other System Rarities for it, or you will have to trade off something of good value. Finding Do you own any of these other them at garage sales, thrift shops, rare classics? Check your attics flea markets, friends, second-hand and basements! On some of these stores, would be less costly, but only a few copies are known to those tend to have your average exist. commons or uncommons. 5200 Extremely rare carts would include Crazy Climber, Chase the Chuckwagon, Pengo, Rubik's AE - Parker Brothers

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 Cube, Pigs in Space and BMX Chase the Chuckwagon Battlezone - Atari Airmaster. Atari VCS Frisky Tom - Atari Ultra Rare (UR) - An ultra Meteorites - Electra Concepts rare cart is a one-of-a kind type of Millipede - Atari cart because they would more than likely lighten up anyone's Intellivision collection. Don't count on finding one of these at a thrift shop because it probably won't happen. Crosswords - Mattel There's always the possibility, but Defender - INTV don't keep your hopes up. An ultra Fathom - Imagic rare cart would be classified as a Tutankham - Parker Swordquest: Waterworld, Fatal Brothers Run, or a Motorodero. Yogi’s Frustration - Mattel Never Released (NR) - This one is pretty self-explanatory. If a Texas Chainsaw Massacer Colecovision cart was never released, it did not Atari VCS hit the market and store shelves, was either never completed, or Dig Dug - Atarisoft was completed, but exists in Illusions - Coleco prototype form. A prototype - Atairsoft generally has no labels and M*A*S*H - 20th Cent. Fox sometimes has the label “Lab Super Donkey Kong - Coleco Loaner” on the front of the cart.

An example of a never released cart would be Qix, Preppie, Dreadnaught Factor, or Zenji. Vectrex Well, that pretty much rounds out this article about rarities. I Dark Tower - GCE hope you enjoyed it, and learned Polar Rescue - GCE something as well. Just keep The A-Team Pole Position - GCE searching, and believe you can Atari VCS Web Warp - Milton Bradley find even the rarest of carts! Odyssey 2

Classic Trivia: DID YOU KNOW? - Imagic After Atari shipped it’s one millionth cartridge of Missile Power Lords - NAP Command for the VCS, programmer ’s bonus Q*Bert - Parker Brothers was a certificate for a complimentary holiday turkey at Killer Bees - NAP Safeway? (Which he still has to this day.)

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A Classic Gamer Magazine by Special Report Chris Cavanaugh Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

During the weekend of August Former Atari employee, Don products, as well as a few arcade 21st, 1998, classic video game Thomas, welcomed the crowd with games positioned against the walls, aficionados assembled in Las Vegas a few, well delivered opening were all we were able to see. The at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino remarks as well as offering a big anticipation of not being able to to pay tribute to the history of thanks to Keita Iida, Richard Tsukiji enter was quite frustrating, but only gaming. The World of Atari ’98 and John Hardie for organizing the helped build the excitement of what gave the everyday classic gamer an entire event. Keita, Richard and was to come the following day. opportunity to buy, sell, trade and John received thunderous applause play their favorite games and from an enormously grateful crowd. Day 2 allowed them the privilege of The biggest energy seemed to be On 10 a.m. on Saturday, the rubbing elbows with the people focused in the hallway next to the exhibit hall opened. When I first connected to the history of video showroom. Since the showroom entered, my first impression was, games. But best of all, it was a was closed Friday night (and “Gee, this sure is small”, but I chance for gaming geeks to get protected by a security guard) all reminded myself that this wasn’t together and talk nothing but classic one could do was catch small Comdex and that I was happy to be gaming for three days. I was glimpses of the displays inside. The here regardless of the size. The fortunate enough to attend and I Best Electronics booth stuffed with Best Electronics booth was witnessed a wildly successful event. completely mobbed and I figured I wouldn’t be able to investigate that Welcome Reception until much later. On my left sat a On Friday night, pre-paid Tempest, Centipede and Asteroids attendees congregated in the machine. On my right was a Speaker’s Room and were treated to Wizard of Wor, Star Wars and a feast of vegetable platters, chips Battlezone. In the corner sat a mint and dips and mouth-watering Brie. condition Computer Space and Bartenders were on hand to serve arcade PONG machine. All games drinks to the happy crowd. were set on “free play”, so what Although it was difficult to see in more could one want? the dimly lit room, people squinted As I wandered around I was their eyes at nametags in hopes of impressed by the quality of vendors recognizing a familiar name. The the show had attracted. You could mainly all-male crowd huddled pay top dollar for a rare prototype or around tables and stood as groups in just spend a dollar to get that the main hallway, eagerly talking of “common” cartridge that’s been joysticks, favorite games and eluding you. Sean Kelly was selling prototypes. The few wives and his “Classic Videogame girlfriends who did attend seemed to Commercials” videotape as well as have a vacant stare which said, his few remaining copies of the “What the hell did I get myself ever-popular Digital Press CD- into?”. Welcome Banner ROM. Across the aisle, Intellivision

24 seemed to be the order of business. questions from the audience. dimension. Currently Rob is not Throughout the showroom one After Katz and Worley left the making games as he feels the could basically find whatever podium, Rob Fulop (most famous industry, at the moment, is “messed classic game or memorabilia one for designing Imagic’s Demon up”. wanted. Ms. Pac-Man dolls were in Attack) took their place and Also on the speakers lineup that abundance as well as Atari T-shirts, entranced the show goers with his day was Jag Programmer, Scott pins and bumper stickers. I should tales of the early days of Atari and LeGrand; game musician, Stephanie note here that across from the Imagic. Holding up a copy of a Wukovitz; Taz creator, Steve Woita aforementioned Sean Kelly’s booth game he designed, (Night Driver for and 8-bit Atari designer, John sat an aberration. A dirge-ish the VCS) he said it was quite a thrill Harris. looking couple, sitting in the corner, to be able to buy one’s own work Down the hall, away from the was selling death-related items such years later. (Personally, I would main showroom, I ventured into the

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 as plaster skulls, blacklights and have thought he had crates of Night WOA’98 Museum Exhibit, Metallica doo-dads. Absolutely Driver in his attic, but what do I presented by Namco. This was a nothing to do with classic gaming. small room filled with an amazing I’ve heard rumors that some show collection of rare (and not so rare) attendees are still having nightmares gaming systems, accessories and to this day. paraphernalia. Some of the At 10:30 I wandered across the highlights included the “Entex main hallway into the Speaker’s Adventurevision” from 1982 which Room. Donald Thomas was featured LED’s shown on spinning entertaining the crowd with his tales mirrors to view the game screen, the of Atari. Don’s Atari stint was Atari Mindlink Controller prototype during the later days when Tramiel which would allow the player to was running the show. He helped to control the action on the screen by launch the Lynx and Falcon as well moving ones forehead muscles as as the Jaguar. His talk was centered well as a prototype of an Atari around the fact that videogame Space Invaders Handheld Box, companies need to stop and take a which was intended to cash in on look at their gaming roots before the lucrative handheld market. venturing on with new projects. Or Other items of note: The Atari 2700 as he put it, “Always check the (prototype), the Atari 2800, The mirror, before you start the car”. His Fairchild Channel F, the philosophy seems to be that if the Spectravision CompuMate and a game is missing “The Fun Factor” mint condition GCE Vectrex which then it shouldn’t be made at all. He would show up later at the auction. also pointed out the inability to score points in today’s game and Computer Space Third (and Final) Day would like to see that feature Sunday was a much quieter day reinstated in modern games. Most know?) He spoke of how wonderful for the show. The Warlords and importantly, he put out a call to Atari Culture was in the early days Battlesphere tournaments were have those responsible for creating and even promised to dig up an old winding down and the crowd was games to be put into the spotlight, videotape from 1981 called, “A Day much smaller. Only a few keynote like a movie director or film star at Atari”, to sell (hopefully) soon. speakers were scheduled for the day would be. He also spoke of his nightmare including Dan Kramer, Jerry Jessop, Later, Arnie Katz and Joyce experience designing “Night Trap” Lance J. Lewis, and game Worley, of Electronic Games and having to see Captain Kangaroo programmer, Dave Staugus who Magazine fame, gave a keynote on the Senate floor testifying about programmed Exidy’s Venture as address telling the history of their what an evil game it was. Rob then well as Millipede for the 2600 and famed magazine and where they graciously answered questions about Krull for the Atari 5200. I was also thought the industry was heading. his games and the various “Easter able to check out Best Electronics Bill Kunkel, who spoke later that Eggs” he had hidden in them and table better this day. While a bit on day, was also present in the front told the stories behind the games the pricey side, there was a huge row and assisted in fielding which now give them added variety of mostly Atari products

25 from which to choose. Best was classic gaming market, miracle and they are already also selling the newest game for the unfortunately, seems to have its planning next years event. The Atari 2600, Alfred’s Challenge, share of people trying to make a atmosphere was upbeat and which he sold out of quickly. quick buck. Fortunately, most everyone was friendly. Even the Unfortunately, this game was people educated themselves before various news and camera crews produced in limited entering the auction and roaming around seemed to lend a bit quantity for the show knew what most of the of “importance” to the event. and we are still merchandise was Weeks before the show there trying to get our “worth”. Quick tip: were rumblings of disappointment hands on one for When you’re at a from those who couldn’t attend. review. O’shea, convention filled with Their main beef seemed to be that LTD. was also people extremely Las Vegas was just too far and it

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 present with their knowledgeable of the should have been held somewhere fantastic eighty cent products they are more central. I don’t think there Atari cartridge deals, potentially bidding on – could have been a better location however you could don’t overprice it. It can than Las Vegas. One is always able only purchase the only hurt your to find an inexpensive package deal games through mail credibility. to Vegas no matter where you live order. I’m sure if Some of the in the U.S. and there is also a lot to they had brought Rob Fulop admires merchandise that sold see in the area. Right across the some stock along “Night Driver” included an original street from the show you could go to they could have Pong the colossal Sega made a small killing on the spot. ($42), three Gameworks arcade or “Adult” games take a quick cab ride over The Auction ($65), a RomScan to the Hilton to enjoy The If you were present at the auction 10 game changer Experience. during the final hours of the show, in box ($39), lot Accommodations are you’re stomach may still be sore of 10 common cheap and the food is from laughing at the asking prices Atari games ($8), very low priced. Not to for some, if not most, merchandise. shrink-wrapped mention it’s much easier A professional auctioneer was on Atari Basketball to entice quality keynote hand to preside over the bidding. ($1) and a speakers and special He did a fantastic job and Vectrex ($115). guests to attend who maintained his sense of humor There were seem mainly to be when, well, basically nothing was definitely two located in nearby selling. main highlights of California. Personally, I Following are some examples of the auction. First, would like to see it held what was being auctioned and didn’t when a framed in Las Vegas next year, sell due to the high minimum bid Atari letterhead as well. needed to start the bidding process. which read “From To those who couldn’t All names are being withheld to the Desk of Jack attend, make your plans protect the guilty! Prices in Tramiel” early! Next years show parentheses reflect the minimum stationery set was promises to be even bid. presented for The Auctioneer better and you will Coke Wins Prototype ($140), auction, someone from the rear of definitely not want to miss out. Go Crazy Climber, in box ($140), Frog the audience yelled “Burn it!” and to http://www.atarihq.com to keep Pond Prototype ($70), Klax secondly, when the auctioneer was posted on the latest happenings for Prototype ($85), Waterworld forced to say, “Beat ‘em and Eat World of Atari ’99 because we ($100), Spike’s Peak/ ‘em” much to the juvenile delight of expect to see you there next year! ($45) Bugs Bunny Prototype ($70). everyone. To check out more WOA98 If it wasn’t so funny it would Overall, the World of Atari 98 photos visit our website at: have been embarrassing. This was was an outstanding success. Keita http://www. worse than the shenanigans that go Iida, Richard Tsukiji and John classicgamer.com on at “e-bay” on the Internet. The Hardie pulled off nothing short of a

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 by D.B. Caulfield

unique and enduring classics. victory at best. The transitions n underdog in the You assume the role of a space between levels also could have been A arcades became a fighter who, judging by smoother. winner in the living rooms. Based the game boxes artwork, One minute on Universal’s sleeper arcade game, has the same tailor as you’re Cosmic Avenger became a huge hit Boba Fett. The first level destroying for the Colecovision. As with many consists of flying over the tanks and of their arcade ports Coleco took a heavily guarded domed the next your chance in bringing this game to the cities on an alien planet. faced with a home As you fire wall of market. missiles and water. drop bombs on Strange the cities you Level 2 physics on must avoid the this planet! The defensive battery of tank level is still the simplest of UFO missiles, land them all. It’s a matter of flying your missiles and heat ship at ground level and firing your seeking rockets. On the missiles at them. Works like a second level tanks try charm every time. and halt your progress We still recommend this game as by firing missiles long as the difficulty level is set to towards you and finally two or above. And if you are able on the third, and most to blow out that spotlight, please let However, the Universal’s Cosmic difficult level, you find us know! gamble paid Avenger yourself battling off and it out in an encouraged Coleco to go after more underwater cave obscure yet highly entertaining avoiding torpedoes, titles. mines and heat seeking If you played this game often rockets. enough when it first came out I’m When I originally sure you can still remember the played Cosmic opening theme fanfare you were Avenger when it was greeted to upon starting. While not first released I recall an incredibly groundbreaking game being perturbed by the Level 3 - Under Da Sea! it still is very fun to play. It’s fact I was unable to blow up the quirky color scheme (purple and annoying spotlight. To this day yellow?), creative sounds and crisp I still can’t resist dropping a bomb Overall Rating *** graphics make it one of the more on it and having to settle for a moral

27

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 by D.B. Caulfield

THE 23rd PSALM of BIRA a pile of rare Atari cartridges inside he regulars for classics and was BIRA a Tupperware bowl. Being in a dismayed to find that they had Bira Bira is my shepherd; I shall not hurry, he grabbed the entire bowl of switched to ALL CLOTHING! want. He maketh me to lie down in cartridges (including the wooden While lamenting his bad luck, he thrift store bins; he leadeth me beside statue) and purchased the entire ventured on to the next thrift store. the piles of URs; he restoreth my contents. When he searched the This time he remembered the Supercharger; he leadeth me in the path bowl he found several hard to find wooden statue. He grabbed it, gave of functional 4k Rom dumps. games for the Atari VCS: Brain it a rub for good luck and entered Yea, though I search through the bins of Games, Strawberry Shortcake, the store. Jackpot! There he found the shadow of Pac Man, I will fear no , MASH, Crypts of a Channel F system with ten OCs; for thou art with me; thy Q-Bert Cubes and thy Cosmic Avenger they games - for only ten dollars! The comfort me. Thou preparest an Atari powers of BIRA BIRA had been 2600 for me in the presence of Mike unleashed! N., Paul S., etc...; thou anointest my He scanned an image of BIRA carts with isopropyl alcohol; my VGR BIRA and placed it on the list runneth over. Surely MagiCard Internet and asked people to and Tempest prototypes shall follow explain what its origin might be me all the days of my collecting;and I and to feel free to channel the will Chase the Chuckwagon in the Reef Chaos, Revenge of the Beefsteak powers of the wooden image in their Store of Bira Bira forever. Tomatoes, Commando Raid, and quest for classic systems and games. - Chris Cracknell Miniature Golf. A good find, he People did. And The Believers thought. He also inspected the were rewarded. Collectors who As collectors of classic video wooden figure more closely. used the image found new bounties games we know how frustrating it As Robert described it: of old video games. Vectrex’s can be when we hit upon a dry “It is about as wide as half appeared where there were none period of finding classic cartridges the width of an Atari cart, before. Double Enders and game systems. We know the and almost as tall as the inventories grew exponentially and feeling of wanting to spit nails when length of 2 Atari carts. It where there were droughts in thrift seeing the mother lode of rare is light wood, with a very stores, it now rained Intellivisions. cartridges walk off with somebody dark stain applied to it, The Believers were happy. And a else at the local flea market. We’ve with carvings all over it, small “church” (and cottage even gone as far as appealing to a making it appear as some industry) was born. higher power to end this rare sort of warrior, with a Chris Cracknell borrowed the cartridge drought. Apparently large menacing face and an original BIRA BIRA statue from we’ve been appealing to the wrong amulet. And, on the back Robert and made plaster replicas higher power. of the figure, there is a (with instructions), which he now While visiting a thrift store carving that appears to say: sells for $5.00 a pop. He has also outside of Columbus, Ohio, "BIRA BIRA" written an original game for the collector Robert Batina found a Not thinking too much of it at the Atari 2600 entitled “Rescue BIRA carved wooden figure lying amongst time, he went to the next thrift store BIRA” (actually it’s a modified

28 version of a rated “X” game, found Looping, Victory, Popeye, Q* that I swore off antagonizing BIRA “Jungle Fever”) including original Bert, Frogger II: ThreeDeep, BIRA for the latest lottery numbers. label artwork and an instruction SubRoc, Mr. Do. and Frenzy. For now anyway. manual. He’s even seen fit to write Pretty good for a drought! So is the Legend of BIRA BIRA a comic strip about BIRA BIRA and When I arrived at the fact or fiction? Are the followers of his arch nemesis “Mr. Friendly”. neighborhood Goodwill Store, I this idol being led astray? Will these Robert has also entered into the didn’t Believers one day plaster BIRA BIRA market and he find any congregate at a knows of a good place to get BIRA commune in BIRA bumper stickers if you need Sunnyvale, California such a thing. with their leader Robert While this statue (Saint BIRA?) Batina (with BIRA

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 has his Believers, some feel he may BIRA in hand) be satanic or of Voodoo origins and encouraging them to perhaps people may be selling their ingest Kool-AID Man souls for the sake of finding the rare cartridges? Is it cartridge and/or system. For the possible they could sake of fairness in reporting, I perish in bizarre decided to try out the powers of surfing accidents in BIRA BIRA. Being somewhat of a Waikiki? skeptic I have to admit that I didn’t It’s Hard to say, go so far as to actually purchase a really. What I do know plaster statue. So I decided to wing cartridges BIRA BIRA Icon is that I’ve found some it, as many others have, by chanting but did find a hard pretty good cartridges of late. If his name inside my car before to find Sears Tele-Games storage that means I have to yell to a entering thrift stores and flea unit. Not bad again. Perhaps there fictional Tiki god in my car then so markets. Yes, I felt a bit foolish. was something to this BIRA BIRA be it. Just please don’t call the My thing. police on me if you see me burning first stop Then I Combat cartridges on a pyre and was a hit another dancing naked to appease the thrift store long period mighty BIRA BIRA! that has of not been dry finding of anything. cartridges However, I and would be To Visit the official BIRA systems remiss in BIRA website by Robert Battina for about not point your web browser to: as long as pointing http://www.infinet.com/~rbatina/ other/birabira.html I can Rescue BIRA BIRA out that the remember. I asked dry spell didn’t occur until To receive more information BIRA BIRA to bless me with a after I called upon BIRA BIRA to about obtaining the “Rescue BIRA good cartridge find. I figured this grant me the next lottery numbers. I BIRA” game for your Atari 2600 would be a true test due to the figured what the hell? Let’s really write to: history of scarcity of cartridges in push these powers to their limits. If this store. When I approached the the Legend of BIRA BIRA is RANDY CRIHFIELD bookshelf that holds the games I correct, then I was being punished P.O. Box 1332 didn’t notice anything. Feeling for my greed. Like I said: a long Pepperell, MA 01463 frustrated I was about to turn away dry spell hit. and end the experiment when I After what I guess was about a Or visit the “Rescue BIRA noticed a stack of ColecoVision month of punishment I was once BIRA” website at: cartridges with their labels turned to again blessed at a flea market with a http://www.freenet.hamilton.on.ca/ the back. Probably commons, I reward of rare Intellivision ~ad329/birabin.html thought. I picked them up and cartridges. It was such a good haul

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We here at Classic Gamer Magazine want to make this the best darned publication about classic gaming you can get your hands on. By letting us know what game systems you would like us to focus on and any other aspects of classic gaming you would like to see, we will be able to provide you with these in future issues. This will also let us know your all time favorite games, handhelds, systems, computer and arcade games. All responses are guaranteed confidential. Please return this entire poll sheet (photocopies accepted) to: Classic Gamer Magazine 769 E. El Camino

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SEX: ___Male ___Female NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN HOUSEHOLD: ______AGE: ______AGES: ___Under 2 ___3-5

MARITAL STATUS: ___Single ___Married ___6-11 ___12-17

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Check off all gaming systems or equipment you own or plan to buy within the next 12 months

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Atari VCS/2600 ______Nintendo Gameboy ______Arcadia/ ______SuperNintendo ______Intellivision ______Nintendo 64 ______ColecoVision ______Sony Playstation ______Odyssey 2 ______Sega Master System ______Atari 5200 ______Sega Genesis ______Atari 7800 ______Sega Saturn ______Atari Jaguar ______Sega 32X ______Atari Lynx ______Atari 400/800 ______Nintendo 8 Bit (NES) ______Apple II ______IBM PC Compatible ______Macintosh ______Other game systems, equipment, computers: ______

How Much Money Do You Spend Per Week on Video Games? ___Under $5 ___ $5-10 ___ $10-25 ___ $25-50 ___Over $50

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Your Top Three Favorite Videogame Your Top Three Favorite Computer Games Your Top Three Favorite Arcade Coin- Cartridges Are: (Game and System) Are: (Game and System) Ops Are: (Game and System) 1. ______1. ______1. ______2. ______2. ______2. ______3. ______3. ______3. ______

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

With the advent of Fall upon us, and a ghost who are all pretty hell- of their species for the appearance of ghosts, witches bent on “scaring you to death” future generations - and vampires at our front doors is which results in a loss of one of whatever species not too far in the distance. Yes, your lives. What this game lacks in that may be. Along the way, your Halloween is here once again. What graphics it more than makes up for poor Smurf is attacked by crows, better way can you think of in sound. Wind, slamming doors, Vampire Bats and spiders which spending a Halloween’s eve curled lightening and footsteps all add to a you must either duck or jump to up with your classic gaming system avoid them. in a darkened room playing a scary Aside from its childish theme, game while ignoring the cries of this game is an appealing side- begging children? Pathetically, scroller. Crisp graphics and creative enough I can’t think of any! So, music (particularly in the castle) Classic Gamer Magazine presents a make this game an enduring winner. list of some of the more popular Dracula for Intellivision by scary games to get your adrenaline Imagic. One of the truly great going on a cold, dark and rainy Haunted House games for the Intellivision. This night. (We’ll understand if you unique game, by Imagic, boasted sleep with the light on and barricade genuinely scary ambience. Play this outstanding gameplay, great your door with your cartridge one with the lights out for maximum graphics and unique sounds for an collection after playing these.) effect. We dare ya! underrated system. You play the Haunted House for the Atari Smurf, Rescue From role of Count Dracula, Lord of the VCS/2600. Still considered to be Gargamel’s Castle for Vampires. Your goal is to see how one of the best “atmosphere” games Colecovision. Ok, so while we many residents’ necks you for the VCS. You play the part of admit Smurfs aren’t exactly can bite before sunrise. Out to get explorer (shown as a pair of eyes) of horrifying (however, people who you are police officers armed with an old haunted house (although, I collect Smurf memorabilia are!) we wooden stakes who seem to take seriously doubt there are any ‘new’ give this game a few chill points advantage of the fact they can haunted houses) and your task is to based on the stalagmite caverns and simply throw them at you to kill find the three pieces of an urn and the creepy interior of the castle. you. You can always escape by bring them back to the front room Your mission is to rescue the cutesy turning into a bat and we also without losing your nine lives. Not Smurfette from the clutches of the encourage you to use this bat really an easy task since most of the evil Gargamel (never seen) who has transformation technique to catch time spent in the house takes place her held hostage, bondage-style, unsuspecting victims off guard. shrouded in darkness. Your score is atop a giant skull inside his castle. Once you’ve bitten your victims not based on points but on how few This is a fairly important mission necks they transmute into zombies matches you use to light your way. for the Smurfs since she IS the only and you can now send your new Also, impeding your search you will female Smurf and I’m sure they legion of the dead to exact revenge find a vampire bat, hairy tarantulas would like to guarantee the survival on the stake wielding police. For a

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good old-fashioned thrill we suggest (illogically) pop out of nowhere. games. you play it. Just be sure to have However, you can turn the tables Ghost Manor for the Atari Drac in bed and stab the VCS/2600 by Xonox. A few before dawn, unwanted unique things stand out with this ok? homicidal game. First thing you’ll notice is Halloween lunatic intruder that it’s one of the “Double-Ender” and The Texas when you find cartridges put out by Xonox. (On Chainsaw the knife which the other end of the cartridge, you’ll Massacre for lays randomly find a game called “Spike’s Peak”). the Atari around the Another unique trait is found in the VCS/2600 by house. You are gameplay. Before playing the game, Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 Wizard rewarded points you are able to choose if you would Games. for every child like to play the boy or girl character. When you deliver Role choosing in gaming was pretty Wizard released these Dracula unharmed to the “safe rooms”. much unheard of at this point. games, it created quite a This game gets an honorable The object is to rescue your stink with parents. Which, of mention for the eerie friend from the course, just made us kids want them music which evil castle of all the more. In retrospect, it’s accompanies it. Dracula AND comical to try and determine what In The Texas find your way the big deal was about these games. Chainsaw Massacre back out They both lack any real significant you get to be the within a gameplay and the graphics were chainsaw toting certain rather bland. However, gruesome Leatherface. For some timeframe. stabbings and decapitations DO reason (you had a bad Yeah Baby!! It’s Mike Myers! This also is seem to make a good selling point. childhood, I would Halloween unique since Your job in Halloween is to play imagine) you chase down most games of the role of babysitter and protect victims through a field and when this nature end when you reach the some children in a large, two-story you manage to catch up to them, goal of rescuing the damsel in you proceed to mangle their bodies distress. (I mean, what exactly did with your Craftsman power tool. happen after Mario rescued the girl What stands in your way between from Donkey Kong?). This game frustration and the simple glee of has five levels of challenging fun churning human torsos to your and is appropriate for a scare- hearts content are cow skulls, themed evening. However, when fences, thickets andWheelchairs(??). you look at the “Rainbow Ghost” It is also imperative that you ration you have to wonder what exactly your chainsaw’s gas for maximum the programmer was smoking. The Ghost of Jerry Garcia?? decapitation enjoyment. You earn Pac-Man for various systems. Ghost Manor 1000 points for each Yeah, so it doesn’t make victim and a fresh supply your hair stand on end. house from the fatal intentions of a of gasoline at every 5000 We know that. But you knife wielding Michael Myers. You points. Overall,a fun yet DO get chased by ghosts! have to first locate the children pointless game to kill And that should count for (who are hiding) and corral them some time. So to speak. something, don’t you into “safe rooms” at either ends of While these games think? the house. (Why these rooms are have violent themes, the “safe”, I’m not too sure but I heard graphics are hardly what it’s where the PMRC takes shelter). you would call “graphic”. You, in turn, have to avoid the But Wizard was the true Drac-Man? maniacal stabbings of Mr. Myers pioneer in what would who seems to supernaturally later become standard gore in video

32 tari Gaming Headquarters round out an incredible site. picture of your t.v. displaying your A http://www.atarihq.com The Vectrex FAQ (Frequently high score? Rodney Siddall has Keita Iida, has amassed an Asked Questions) displayed pictures of many of the amazing amount of information for http://www.gamesdomain.com/ patches that were available at some the “Atari Gaming Headquarters”. games/vectrex.html point including the Intellivsion Filled with pictures, interviews, Maintained by Gregg Woodcock, patches. Be sure to check out the system and cartridge information for it’s everything you need to know military style Starmaster patches everything Atari, including the Jaguar about the Vectrex game system. decorating a sleeve. Go relive the and Lynx. Keita and his staff leave Includes game list, repair tips and days when earning points in video no stone unturned and display their the history of our favorite tabletop. games got you something in return. vast knowledge impressively. We It doesn’t appear it has been updated NOT Recommended... give this site our highest recently but then again it probably The VGS bulletin board area on

Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 recommendation. doesn’t need to be! America Online (keyword: VGS) is The Blue Sky Rangers a huge disappointment for http://www.makingit.com/ fans of classic gaming. bluesky/home.shtml What could be a great The Blue Sky Rangers bulletin board is instead were the programmers for the plagued by the never Mattel Intellivision and M ending chants of thirteen Network games for the Atari year olds proclaiming VCS. Their site gives the “Playstation ROOLS! inside scoop of what really Atari DROOLS!”. The happened back in “the days”. AOL board moderators do Great stories, unreleased absolutely nothing to keep prototypes of hardware and people on topic as they software and the hype of seem to be too concerned what never came to exist are with the multi-level all here. You can also relive marketing scams that seem your old favorites there as to engulf these boards. well. Available to download We can only recommend on the site are six classic this classic gaming spot if Intellivision games to you enjoy psychotic download and play on your rantings and unintelligent Mac or PC compatible as posts. well as an old “Burgertime” commercial. The History of Home Video Want your website to be Daves Video Game Classics Games Homepage considered for a listing in this http://www.davesclassics.com/ http://videogames.org/ column? Just send us your The emulator capital of the What this page lacks in style it particulars....website URL, contact Internet. Every video game system makes up for in content. It’s name and a valid e-mail address. emulator you could possibly want is basically an interactive timeline here for your Mac or PC. Download where you can choose a year Drop us a line via snail mail at: classic as well as newer system between 1972-1996 and find out Classic Gamer Magazine emulators and game ROMS to play what happened in video game 769 E. El Camino Real #268 (for most of them). We highly history during that era. If you do Sunnyvale, CA 94087-2919 recommend you download the nothing else at least go to the site to Or send us your site information MAME emulator (Multi Arcade view the picture of Sesame Street’s via e-mail: Machine Emulator) which allows you Grover. [email protected] to play arcade perfect versions of Activision Patch Page http://www.classicgamer.com vintage games. You can also http://members.aol.com/ download older computer emulators donna0169/rodneys433a/rw/ such as the Apple II and the Atari actptchs.htm 400 and 800. Chat rooms, message Remember the patches you could boards and utilities for the emulators win from Activision if you sent in a

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

When I was in high school, the however did manage to laugh at us... paper finish of the wood grain, my only friend of mine that had an Atari a lot. Mrs. Goldberg felt it was her fingers gently fondled the six levers. video game was Rosalind Goldberg. place to mock us endlessly. She Taking the cartridge out of the Roz, as we called her, was from a would always say, “No hard plastic holding case (“holds up to 16 family that not only owned the most feelings. Right?” This was after games!”), I inserted . ultimate high tech video game crushing the ego of a 15 year old As I picked up the paddles my heart player available—the Atari 2600— boy. began to race; my palms began to but also had a home computer! It was not until Rosalind was sweat. Suddenly, I felt a calm They were the first on the block to leaving for college that she finally envelope me and confidence filled own a real life home computer - an told me why her mom played so my soul with an inner peace I had Apple II. The Goldbergs kicked well. The woman slept only 4 hours not felt in years. I pressed start and ass. a night and spent all of her free time began to play. I spent almost all my free time, playing video games! For every I promptly missed the damn ball with 4 other neighbors, at the second I struggled to get the paddle three times in a row. Goldberg’s waiting for my chance to hit the ball, Mrs. G had 3 hours of Trying again, I clicked start and to play a video game. My favorite solid playing time. That old bag (no again missed the ball. My second was Super Breakout. I loved the hard feelings, right Mrs. G?”) had ball shot out from its hiding place rainbow bright colors shimmering set us up. Once Roz left town, I and slowly drifted down to my on the Trinitron, and the goofy little figured I would never play video awaiting paddle. Just before the ball noises it made. Plus, it was games again. hit my paddle, I thought to myself, reminiscent of the first (and yes still Then fate stepped in. “is the paddle working? Better my favorite) video game: Pong. A dear friend had heard me check!” and whiffed it again. There was only one problem when I boasting about how ‘I could have On the third try, I hit it! Man, I played: I sucked. been a contender,’ far too many smacked it! I punched it good! I could not hit that ball with the times and so, he proceeded to Maybe not “punched,” but it did paddle for my life! And the present to me a pristine condition lightly bounce off my paddle. I felt Goldbergs being such fair people, Atari 2600, several cartridges and a the raw energy just smacking made sure everyone got a turn until cartridge storage case (in smoke). something, even if it was only they lost. For me that was about 2 Amongst the collection of games lay virtually. I felt electricity surge seconds, usually to Rosalind’s mom, my teenage nemesis: Super through me as the ball gently Gladys. Suffice to say that every Breakout. smacked a green square and make a afternoon I would wait an hour for a I glared at the black plastic cute little “bloop” sound. As the chance to play, only to lose to a 53 cartridge with its simple text and ball gently drifted down to my year old woman that was suffering colorful graphics that looked awaiting paddle, I again felt the the ravages of menopause. She was nothing like the game and hissed surge of confidence. Naturally, I not what one would call a “gracious “We meet again.” missed it. winner.” With its faux wood grain finish However, the fact that I had My friends didn’t laugh at me and easy to use levers, I admired the made my first shot filled me with a too much, because they were getting sleek lines of the 2600. I let my new sense of well being. No, not their asses kicked too. Roz, hand gently slide over the contact well being… a sense of immense

34 On the VERY off chance you Surprisingly Atari left out the voice part of human nature. (People gave happen to find this game intact, synthesization in their conversion of up the efficiency of DOS in play a few rounds, and see if it Pole Position even though the 5200 exchange for the graphical flash of isn't infectious and well done. Or, was capable of it. Windows 95). check it out on MAME like I did. While the marketing term, "State My suspicion is that there will be of the Art" is generally used to hype a time when graphic technology will gaming systems ( much like Sega's reach a peak and then developers ATARI 5200 "Blast Processing" moniker) it was will be forced to think about shoot. It may not sound like much the proper phrase for the time in gameplay. Then maybe, just maybe, but there was something about it marketing to the consumer. The modern gamers will realize that this that made the arcade experience Atari 5200 truly offered "State of is what they wanted all along. that much more enjoyable. the Art" entertainment. and set the Anyone who played that game Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998 standard for future “State of the Art” would agree how great it was just Deep Thaw systems. to play a game like Space made my first shot filled me with a Dungeon at home. new sense of well being. No, not Of course not every arcade My .025 well being… a sense of immense conversion was perfect. Although the new downfall of the gaming power! Like greased lightening, my most were developed by third industry. hand smacked the reset button and I parties, disasters like Parker Now we’ve got a bunch of CD- began to play again.. Brother's Popeye, Q*Bert, Star ROMs, Polygons (The next Like a blur, my hands were Wars: The Arcade Game and graphical gimmick after Mode 7), frantically moving the paddle around Fox's Wizard of Wor made the and we’ve got super-funky as I did battle with “the wall.” Each 5200 look more like a "Stupid- controllers. The Playstation has two bing, blip and bloop the game System" than anything super. buttons on each shoulder. (I just emitted filled me with a desire to What happened to Brutus' head in HATE having buttons on the continue on. Popeye? Did the fight start before shoulder of a controller!). And the Finally, at 4:00 AM, after 10 the game was turned on? Where N64 has the most annoying and hours continuous play, with my are the intermissions in Q*Bert? gimmicky controller design this side hands tired and my eyes red and No intermission. No arcade of Intellivision. By all logical bloodshot, I put the paddle down. experience. Star Wars: The reasoning it would seem that after While I never managed to get the Arcade Game was just plain eroding to this point, the gaming entire wall to disappear, I feel that I awful, it lacked the gameplay and industry would crash again thereby grew a lot that day. I faced an old the voice synthesis the arcade forcing a new beginning and a new challenge head on and I came out the versionfeatured. Wizard of Wor basic standard. But it's worse than other side with sore fingers and a looked the same as the 2600 anyone could have foreseen...the personal high score (187). version. Surely the 5200 can do a very minds of gamers have been In my heart of hearts, I know that better version of Wizard of Wor corroded so as to not only expect, one day I will take my place among than the 2600? They looked but to DEMAND these gimmicks. the stellar champions of Atari and almost identical. Other disastrous The most basic of the three main Atari compatible games throughout conversions: Sega's Congo Bongo systems of the current generation the world. I am now anxious to start and Buck Rogers. Both are (Playstation, Saturn, and N64) was on some other games that I could not lacking some boards from the the Saturn. This made it my master in my youth, like Adventure arcade classics. favorite...but it also made it fail. (If and River Raid. I will report on my There were some splendid third you haven't played it yet, give growth and progress, both as human party titles as well. Fox's Blue NiGHTS a chance as it's the only being and as a future Atari 2600 Print and Parker Brother's Mr. polygon game I have seen to offer champion. Do's Castle were well-done. After fun, basic gameplay (it plays As for Mrs. Goldberg, here this: their other disastrous attempts, almostlike a 2-D game.) I’m coming for you bitch! I’m these stood out. So where do we go from here? gonna tear your heart out with a Some mediocre titles included Will the gaming industry ever find spoon, you old hag. No hard Atari's Defender, Pole Position redemption? Only time will tell. I feelings, right? and Qix. Fun to play but far from don't know why people can't learn to their arcade counterparts. see past a pretty face, maybe it's a

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Classic Gamer Magazine Fall 1998

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