CV Gus Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 Back in 1988, I bought a 7800. Shortly after, I bought Robotron: 2084 for it. Back in 1998, I found an Atari 5200. One of the games with it was...Robotron: 2084. A couple of years ago, I built my digital joystick. Or was it a year ago, well, whatever... As a result, I've had both games for quite some time now. My choice? The 5200 version. In order for a home version to be successful, it needs that "something" the arcade version had. The atmosphere of the times. The sort of satisfaction an effective home version can give. The 5200 Space Invaders didn't have this, while Berzerk and Qix did. The 5200 version of Robotron has it. It has that "something." You can just feel what it must have been like in 1983, when the arcade version was recent, you the 5200 owner got the home version, and were NOT disappointed. Granted, it has flaws. The movement is choppier. The color GREEN is altogether missing, making it a bit tricky to tell certain things apart (e.g. the Hulks and Mommies). The 7800 version is smoother, clearer, has the color green, things look more like they did in the arcade version. But the 5200 version has the borders, including the "invisible" one of every ninth level. The explosions, esp. of the Grunts, is better. The sound is better, and you being hit is better, too. It too has a nice title screen. Somehow, it's just more satisfying. The screen sequences are as faithful as the 7800 version, too. Does the 5200 version have the 2084-mines? Somehow, I can't remember just now. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrRetroGamer Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 I don't remember for sure, but does the 7800 version allow for dual joystick control? I don't think so, so that would make the 5200 dual stick setup even more satisfying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaxda Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 I agree. The 5200 version is probably my favorite console version, by far. It's one of the games that makes the (somewhat expensive) investment in a pair of refurbed 5200 joysticks well worth it. I always turn the volume up, too! The sounds on this game are awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariLeaf Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 Yes, you can use dual joysticks in the 7800 version. Makes it a lot easier and fun to play. Never played the 5200 version but I believe I played it way back with I had an 800XL computer, which is the same thing as the 5200 version correct? I believe you could use dual joysticks for the 8-bit version too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CV Gus Posted October 30, 2008 Author Share Posted October 30, 2008 I don't remember for sure, but does the 7800 version allow for dual joystick control? I don't think so, so that would make the 5200 dual stick setup even more satisfying! Both versions let you do that- but while Atari sold a holder for the two 5200 controllers, no such thing was offered for the 7800. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthkur Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 I don't remember for sure, but does the 7800 version allow for dual joystick control? I don't think so, so that would make the 5200 dual stick setup even more satisfying! Both versions let you do that- but while Atari sold a holder for the two 5200 controllers, no such thing was offered for the 7800. That's a shame they didn't make a 7800 specific controller coupler. The only other option is to use the 5200 ones which, although better than trying to hold them both freehand, it's still an exercise in frustration with the controllers always moving about and sometimes flipping over. I do tend to enjoy the 5200 version a bit better. Not sure if it's just the controller difference or not though. Both are great ports without a doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littleman jack Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 You can use 2600 controllers with the 7800 version, and I think there may be a coupler for the 2600 (CX-40?) joysticks. I generally use my lap or a pile of books to keep the joysticks together, or play with a friend who shoots or moves. Both the 5200 and 7800 versions are great. I like the 5200 version just a little more due to the sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Mitch Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 There was a coupler sold with the 8-bit computer version for use with CX40 joysticks. I don't think it was very high quality though. Mitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atarifever Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 I love the 7800 version. I have big hands, so I use the two controllers like analog sticks, just in two different hands. There are lots of good options though. Suction cup 2600 controllers, any heavy 2600 3rd party sticks (especially the more "arcade-like" ones), converted versions of bigger sticks, etc. Come on, the 5200 "holder" isn't exactly a huge scientific invention. You could put something like that together with a binder, some fabric, and some duct tape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjk7382 Posted October 30, 2008 Share Posted October 30, 2008 On the 7800 and 8bit versions I use a converted nes pad to move with (left hand) and an amiga powerstick to shoot with (right hand). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hughjack Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I used to play the 5200 version all the time with the controller holder. When I got the 7800 version when it came out I flipped the joystick holder upside down and the 7800 sticks fit pretty snug- provided you don't crank too hard. But overall- I prefer the 5200 version as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
82atari5200 Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I don't remember for sure, but does the 7800 version allow for dual joystick control? I don't think so, so that would make the 5200 dual stick setup even more satisfying! Both versions let you do that- but while Atari sold a holder for the two 5200 controllers, no such thing was offered for the 7800. That's a shame they didn't make a 7800 specific controller coupler. The only other option is to use the 5200 ones which, although better than trying to hold them both freehand, it's still an exercise in frustration with the controllers always moving about and sometimes flipping over. I do tend to enjoy the 5200 version a bit better. Not sure if it's just the controller difference or not though. Both are great ports without a doubt. Just Velco them to a board or super glue would work... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+swlovinist Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 I like both versions for different reasons. I prefer the 7800 version due to building some fond memories with frinds back in the day playing Co-op. One was the mover, one was the shooter. Best game session ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
godzillajoe Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 For the 7800, I just kneel on the floor and put the stick down side by side. Works pretty well, think I won the HSC that week or top 3 anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darthkur Posted November 4, 2008 Share Posted November 4, 2008 For the 7800, I just kneel on the floor and put the stick down side by side. Works pretty well, think I won the HSC that week or top 3 anyway My knees and back hurts just thinking of doing that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atari_envy Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 I give the edge to the 5200 on this version. I do like the coupler for this game and the harder gameplay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phuzaxeman Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 ... You could put something like that together with a binder, some fabric, and some duct tape... you make one out of those materials. if it holds up, then sell it. 5200 dual holder works great. if you think what was out during that time, it was break through back then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phuzaxeman Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 7800 nice graphics....overall 5200 feels like playing like that arcade more. controls on the 5200 rock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atarifever Posted November 5, 2008 Share Posted November 5, 2008 (edited) ... You could put something like that together with a binder, some fabric, and some duct tape... you make one out of those materials. if it holds up, then sell it. 5200 dual holder works great. if you think what was out during that time, it was break through back then. Uh-huh. If that impresses you, you should see this amazing thing they sell milk in. It holds milk! Edited November 5, 2008 by Atarifever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almost Rice Posted November 6, 2008 Share Posted November 6, 2008 There was a coupler sold with the 8-bit computer version for use with CX40 joysticks. I don't think it was very high quality though. It was sold with the 8bit version. It held the cx-40 together. My preference is to use an arcade panel with wico joysticks. Feels just like the real thing. I prefer the 7800 version. It feels more like the arcade. The 8bit version is what I grew up with and it feels jumpy now. 7800 is much smoother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckwalla Posted November 8, 2008 Share Posted November 8, 2008 I like all the versions of Robotron, they each have a unique feel to them. 5200 version has a cool quality to it with the controller holder... 7800 version works great with two CX-40 joysticks; i've played a few games with a score over two million with that little homemade controller holder - crude but very effective... 8- bit version I guess is the same as the 5200 version but I use that homemade controller holder so it has a different feel than using the 5200 setup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atarifever Posted November 9, 2008 Share Posted November 9, 2008 7800 version works great with two CX-40 joysticks; i've played a few games with a score over two million with that little homemade controller holder - crude but very effective... That's incredible! Where'd you get those space age materials? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godzilla Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 i still prefer the 7800 version, it just felt more fluid. Long ago, I took two wico bat sticks and a metal clothes hanger and made a solid 2-stick controller that kills the 5200 analogs. Also great for many of the amiga games that supported dual stick fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bakasama Posted December 3, 2008 Share Posted December 3, 2008 7800 version works great with two CX-40 joysticks; i've played a few games with a score over two million with that little homemade controller holder - crude but very effective... That's incredible! Where'd you get those space age materials? Umm, I'm guessing Home Depot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtariLeaf Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I've always loved the 7800 version and just recently got the 8-bit version. Is it an exact port of the 5200 version or are there some differences? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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