Colecovision ... is it worth it?

[svenski]

I'm wondering whether or not to get a Colecovision.

 

Questions are... how many games are there?, is it well supported?, what sort of mods are there?, are there different PAL & NTSC versions of the cartridges?, is it ultimately worth buying and collecting for?

 

 

I'm hoping my Atari 5200 doesn't read this !

[Kiwi]

I'm wondering whether or not to get a Colecovision.

 

Questions are... how many games are there?, is it well supported?, what sort of mods are there?, are there different PAL & NTSC versions of the cartridges?, is it ultimately worth buying and collecting for?

 

 

I'm hoping my Atari 5200 doesn't read this !

There are about 100 Colecovision games, and there are about 20-40 homebrew games. It is being supported by my bedside. There are a/v mods I think 5/11 under made. There's also Module 1 Atari 2600 add-on, roller controller and the driving controller. Don't know anything about PAL and NTSC differences. To answer your last question, YES! The games for this system are arcade or near arcade quality. I don't recommend reading the videogamecritic.net to decide which games you should get since they complain too much about the controller hurting their hands and their grade with homebrew games are just wrong. You can use Sega Master System, Atari 2600, and Atari 7800 European controller if you want to rapid fire your shots.

 

Games I would suggest are Burgertime, Venture, Cosmic Avenger, Zaxxon, Gyruss(Great with SMS controller), Lady Bug, Mousetrap, Wargame(you'll need the overlay), Mr.DO, Mr.DO castle.

[tz101]

Of course the CV is worth collecting for. Think of it this way: 5200 had its fair share of nice arcade translations from the early 80s, but is sorely lacking some fine games like Donkey Kong, Venture (unless you count the 2600 version on expansion module 1), Mr. Do, and the list goes on. Really, 5200 and Colecovision are complementary systems from that time period. Games that one lacks, the other one has.

 

What are you waiting for? Get one!

[+Yurkie]

I'm wondering whether or not to get a Colecovision.

 

The are a lot of ColecoVisions that don't work. Beware of Ebay listings for consoles, unless you get a no DOA warranty. It would be best to buy one here in Marketplace, or

locally from Craigslist from someone that will let you test before buying.

 

Questions are... how many games are there?,

 

About 140 original releases if you count the telegames releases.

 

is it well supported?,

 

Yes, The homebrew scene is alive and well. Pooyan is available right now from CollectorVision and Pixelboy has several game coming out in a couple months including Gulkave and Pitfall II Arcade. Read over the ColecoVision forums and you will find there is a lot going on.

 

what sort of mods are there?,

 

There is information for a DIY A/V composite mod available via a google search and here in the forums. I offer a single jack composite A/V mod, pause button mod, and BIOS, as well as controller refurbishing with replacement ball knobs and cord straightening. If you are interested in a Component Video mod, 5-11under offers a self install board.

 

are there different PAL & NTSC versions of the cartridges?,

 

PAL and NTSC carts play the same.

 

is it ultimately worth buying and collecting for?

 

This is for you too decide, but I sure think so.

[psquare75]

I too, was on the fence. I got one a few months . then was hooked. Had fellow member here Yurkie mod the A/V and controllers.. Well worth it. The arcade games that are both on Coleco and the 2600 look and play better on the Coleco, IMO..

 

I keep playing Venture and Turbo.

[RangerG]

I have my 5200 and Colecovision always set up. These two system complement each other so well and represent the golden age of pre-NES console gaming. I would avoid a console and get an Adam. Just buy the main Adam memory console and one of the arcade power supplies converted to work on the Adam. This is an easy and inexpensive set-up that looks good and is durable.

[cimerians]

Yes its worth it. I loved it back then for the unique games it had. I also have a 5200 setup.

 

What other games to add?

 

BC's Quest for Tires, Tarzan, Choplifter, Venture, Miner 2049er, The Heist, Jumpman Jr., Antarctic Adventure, Oils Well.

 

There's a lot to love.

[jetset]

Colecovision ... is it worth it?

 

Hells yea!

[ColecoDan]

I definitely love my colecovision and all the games but I was surprised when I was looking at some atari 2600 and intellivision sites. You can get sticker shock because the colecovision games seem to be the most expensive especially if you want CIB like me. Yes there are some expensive atari games but it seems like most of the colecovision games are expensive.

 

There are many homebrewers creating games and I think there are 4 or 5 possibly more games scheduled to release this year.

 

Yurkie is a great guy who mods and fixes colecovision systems. The mods are to make them component capable. He also mods the controllers and in my opinion totally eliminates the only thing that most people complain about which is the colecovision controllers. The controllers are amazing and my hand has never been sore again after using his controllers.

He can also fix them if you don't want them modded. All his work is top of the line, I wish I would have known about him before I got my colecovision modded by someone else. They did ok on my system but Yurkie's work always seems superior.

 

 

I have 184 games including a lot of old homebrews and re-releases of prototypes that are hard to get but once in a while they show up on ebay but of course be prepared to PAY for them.

[Lord Helmet]

If you love home translations of 80's arcade games then a Colecovision is a must own. Paired with the 5200 you get a ton of GREAT arcade games. The CV's library features a lot of the more obscure arcade ports. Games like Lady Bug, Venture, Omega Race, Gorf, etc are all available on other platforms, but they are arguably best on the CV.

[SpaceDice2010]

I have my 5200 and Colecovision always set up. These two system complement each other so well and represent the golden age of pre-NES console gaming. I would avoid a console and get an Adam. Just buy the main Adam memory console and one of the arcade power supplies converted to work on the Adam. This is an easy and inexpensive set-up that looks good and is durable.

 

Am I the only one that can NEVER seem to get an Adam?

[SpaceDice2010]

I'm wondering whether or not to get a Colecovision.

 

Questions are... how many games are there?, is it well supported?, what sort of mods are there?, are there different PAL & NTSC versions of the cartridges?, is it ultimately worth buying and collecting for?

 

 

I'm hoping my Atari 5200 doesn't read this !

 

Just as an FYI. I actually dumped the 5200 in favor of the A8 line. Almost all the games that I played on the 5200 were available on Atari Computers. Got a Colecovision w/ an Atari 2600 adapter. It was costing me a small fortune keeping the 5200 joysticks alive.

 

I would get a ColecoVision and the Ultimate SD cart for starters. Some fun times ahead with that. I haven't tried my Harmony cart on the Atari Adaptor, but I heard it works.

[Greg2600]

Definitely worth collecting Colecovision. Lots of good games, most of which are inexpensive. Only trick is to get a console that works (frequently have controller port and video issues) and a working power supply. Good news is the prices for the consoles have taken a nose dive on ebay, and can be had for probably $40 or less. And you can use a 2600 controller to play games!

Edited September 19, 2010 by Greg2600

[Rik]

There's no words to describe how worthwhile it is to buy a ColecoVision!No question about it, get one!!.Here are 10 of the best IMO that I have:

 

1.BurgerTime

2.Pepper 2 (NO...there is NO Pepper 1 !!!!!)

3.H.E.R.O.

4.Popeye

5.Squish'em Sam

6.Gorf

7.Space Fury

8.Tarzan (great for graphics, a little stiff control wise, but still a great feat!)

9.Jungle Hunt

10.B.C's Quest for tires

 

Plus, all the fantastic home brews available here at AA!

Edited September 22, 2010 by Rik

[SRG]

There's no words to describe how worthwhile it is to buy a ColecoVision!No question about it, get one!!.Here are 10 of the best IMO that I have:

 

1.BurgerTime

2.Pepper 2 (NO...there is NO Pepper 1 !!!!!)

3.H.E.R.O.

4.Popeye

5.Squish'em Sam

6.Gorf

7.Space Fury

8.Tarzan (great for graphics, a little stiff control wise, but still a great feat!)

9.Jungle Hunt

10.B.C's Quest for tires

 

Plus, all the fantastic home brews available here at AA!

 

I literally just bought my CV on Saturday, I played it all weekend. Growing up I never saw one in the wild everyone had 2600's. Since 9/18 I have bought the Multicart from Atarimax and a back up system and a few other things on eBay. This machine would have dominated and gave Nintendo a run for it's money if not for the crash and poor management at HQ.

 

I agree with Rik Pepper II is a great game, Pac man mixed with Qix and Amidar. Donkey Kong Jr is pretty good, 3rd screen gives me fits, which irrates me as I can finish the game in the arcade...

 

Rik what are some of the good home brews?

 

I am willing to admit it I am a CV addict!!

[svenski]

Thanks guys for all your feedback.

 

I'm sold, so I'm going to start the hunt for a good Colecovision and give it a go.