Starting over with the Intellivision

[BenG76]

Well like the title says I am starting over with the Intellivision. It was actually the first system we had when I was a kid. My uncle let me use his since they had a NES. Anyhow, I have one on the way to me with just 2 games to start. One of which is Astrosmash so that makes me happy.

 

To be honest I am not sure how I want to go about getting games again. I have thought about just getting one of the LTO Flash things and being done with it. I mostly use Everdrive type devices with a bunch of my systems now anyhow. Then again I got to thinking it wouldn't really cost me all that much to pick up the majority of games I'd even want anyhow other than a few exceptions. Also I kind of miss collecting carts for a system and this system is somewhat inexpensive other than a few exceptions.

 

So what do you guys think?

[Gray Defender]

I say welcome back to Intellivision. It is a great console and there are still developers making great games for the system. Some of those are freely available to download. Some are also available to purchase as a ROM download for around $10 or so and are well worth it, IMO. I picked up one of those LTO flash devices and they are great. Also if you are feeling nostalgic, then playing Intellivision is a great way to bring back those memories...

[atarifan88]

I had my Intellivision Flashback converted into a raspberry pi system and all I do is add ROMs to it. The flashback controllers are THE BEST as the side buttons are softer. It also has better resolution than a real intellivision as it's in HD so everything is crisp and clear. No more RF interference on the TV!

[mr_me]

Emulation is great but its also nice to have the real hardware. The LTO Flash is a great idea and can save you money. Get electronic copies of the instructions and overlays here http://intv.mphokie.com/. If you like collecting get the pre-1983 Mattel Electronics games complete in box, they are not expensive. Intellivoice is a good value. If you like Treasure of Tarmin get that one complete. The INTV Corp boxes aren't worth it and will cost alot of money. Be sure to check out Thunder Castle. Up to you with collecting Activision, Atarisoft, and Imagic cartridges. Checkout Dreadnaught Factor, and I find the Imagic games a little overated.

[+SoulBuster]

Welcome to Intellivision collecting.

[atarifan88]

When it comes to using the actual hardware, all I care about is using the original controller and the graphics and sound being as close to the original as possible or better. With emulation on a raspberry pi, you get better looking graphics on your TV than you do a regular intellivision (without the video upgrades). With emulation, you don't have to worry about wearing out a cartridge slot because the games are already built in and you can add more through wireless connection. I'm not sure anyone could convince me to go back to old hardware that could break down at any given moment. I guess what I'm saying is why go back to old hardware when you could use new and improved?

Edited May 27, 2017 by atarifan88

[mr_me]

But the input/ouput lag with software emulation is not the same as hardware. Someone should do a study to determine how much the difference is. And how do you know the graphics and sound are the same unless you have hardware to compare.

 

Either way, it's still good to have overlays especially for the games that need them.

Edited May 27, 2017 by mr_me

[atarifan88]

But the input/ouput lag with software emulation is not the same as hardware. Someone should do a study to determine how much the difference is. And how do you know the graphics and sound are the same unless you have hardware to compare.

 

Either way, it's still good to have overlays especially for the games that need them.

 

I have read this before and to be honest, I don't notice a lag in the output. Maybe it's because I haven't played intellivision on actual hardware since the 90's. That might be considered a curse to the die hard gamers, but for me it's a blessing because I feel like I have a greater appreciation for retro gaming being able to play on HD TV's instead of the older tube TV's. In the long run, it's saving me a ton of time and money not having to go out and hunt for cartridges. I did that for my Atari 2600 and while it was good to find the games, the return was not worth it because of the output limitations. It's like watching TV in HD for the first time. Once you have played games in HD, even though they are only 4-8 bit games, you won't want to go back to playing them on older TVs and having to deal with video imperfections.

[+JasonlikesINTV]

The Raspberry pi and LTO Flash both have their merit, especially if you're more of a gamer at heart. That said, since you'll have the original console anyway, definitely pick up some of the cheaper games CIB. INTV was my first console as well. I gave away my remaining games in middle school and didn't start up again until 2010. There's a unique nostalgic rush you get with those first couple of games....opening that gatefold box, sliding in an overlay, popping in that cart and bringing it to life... ^^

 

Flash forward to 2017 where I now own almost all 125 original releases and most homebrews. I may have milked that rush just a few too many times. Somehow I became an obsessive completist collector and had to take a break. I'm in a better place now

 

Definitely pick up some games, though. They are remarkably reliable, relatively affordable, plentiful on eBay, and fakes are largely non-existent compared to retro Nintendo stuff.

 

I'd recommend both AD&D games, Frog Bog, Night Stalker, Snafu, Tron Deadly Discs, Space Armada, Utopia, MLB, Bowling, Skiing, Burgertime, Bump 'n' Jump, Chip Shot Super Pro Golf, and as many Activision and Imagic titles as you can afford. The later INTV Corp titles are quite good and quite pricey. Good luck and welcome!

[BenG76]

Thanks guys for the input. I actually got my Intellivision in today and played some Astrosmash on it. It was good to play that game again. I also found a nice lot of carts that I should get in hopefully next week. I am actually alright with cart only since it saves space. I have never worried much about boxes. I also have a few Homebrew games on the way also so I am getting a nice variety of stuff to play pretty quickly.

[Keatah]

Emulation has a lot of advantages you won't wanna miss out on.

[+Lathe26]

If you are concerned about space, I recommend keeping the manuals, especially for some of the complex games. Other than that, going cart-only should be fine.

[atarifan88]

I have a box that I keep all my loose carts and manuals in together so they are all in one place. Plastic storage boxes work great!

[+nurmix]

But the input/ouput lag with software emulation is not the same as hardware. Someone should do a study to determine how much the difference is. And how do you know the graphics and sound are the same unless you have hardware to compare.

I also have an Ultimate Flashback, and...

 

...I almost always play on real hardware.

 

There is lag, especially with sound effects. I've found they are typically delayed just enough to notice (and just enough to annoy me).

 

Besides, I actually prefer the pixelated / pixel bleed you get with real hardware on a real CRT. You lose that with the UFB. And running the UFB at 16x9, where everything is stretched out. Not my thing (mine is set to display in a 4:3 aspect ratio).

 

For convenience sake, the UFB is tough to beat. But for the most authentic and accurate experience, it's real hardware for me.

 

No offense intended toward Byte Knight! UFBs are still awesome, and I'm glad I have one.

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my Keyboard Component using Jack's Conversational Intelli-talk cassette

[mr_me]

How about gameplay lag. IE from the moment you press the disc to when you see a response on the TV. That could mess with your timing. Do you notice a delay?

 

Some output lag is caused by unnecessary processing by digital televisions. You can reduce it by turning off features in your TV settings. Some TVs are worse than others.

 

Raspberry Pis can now output 240p on their composite video output. Plug it into your CRT television.

[+nurmix]

How about gameplay lag. IE from the moment you press the disc to when you see a response on the TV. That could mess with your timing. Do you notice a delay?

 

Some output lag is caused by unnecessary processing by digital televisions. You can reduce it by turning off features in your TV settings. Some TVs are worse than others.

 

Raspberry Pis can now output 240p on their composite video output. Plug it into your CRT television.

I haven't done a side by side comparison, but things did "feel" a bit off when I last played (but to be honest, I haven't put very much time in on my UFB). Perhaps this is a future podcast segment.

 

My TV has all that extra crap off. It was the first thing I did when I got it. Not a fan of "The Soap Opera Effect"... Ugh!

 

I got my UFB from Byte Knight. There is no (visible) composite output, but I will open it up and give that a try if it's an option (it's only a Pi 2).

 

 

 

 

Sent from my Keyboard Component using Jack's Conversational Intelli-talk cassette

[mthompson]

I got my UFB from Byte Knight. There is no (visible) composite output, but I will open it up and give that a try if it's an option (it's only a Pi 2).

 

The Pi 2 has composite video out, but it's combined with the audio on the same jack. You'll need a cable that handles both on the same plug, but they're easy to pick up.

[mr_me]

That 240p feature is new for Raspberry Pis. Old Pi's are supported. By default you get a 480i 30hz picture which could be a problem. http://filthypants.blogspot.ca/2017/03/raspberry-pi-240p-composite-output.html?m=1

 

There's websites that test and list and compare hdtv's for videogame lag. Even after turning off extra processing some TVs are better than others.

 

Myself, its hard to notice the lag with most games. Its only AD&D and I lose that I blame it on lag. But it could just be me.

[+nurmix]

That 240p feature is new for Raspberry Pis. Old Pi's are supported. By default you get a 480i 30hz picture which could be a problem. http://filthypants.blogspot.ca/2017/03/raspberry-pi-240p-composite-output.html?m=1

 

There's websites that test and list and compare hdtv's for videogame lag. Even after turning off extra processing some TVs are better than others.

 

Myself, its hard to notice the lag with most games. Its only AD&D and I lose that I blame it on lag. But it could just be me.

Definitely need to do some thorough testing and see. Future segment coming up!

 

 

Sent from my Keyboard Component using Jack's Conversational Intelli-talk cassette

[atarifan88]

All I know is I have an Intellivision UFB that works great on my HD TV and all the games I could ever want to play on that system. I haven't played Intellivision on actual hardware since the 90's and I don't notice any difference in game play except it looks and sounds MUCH better than before! Going back and spending a lot of money for a system and re-collecting the games would be unnecessary when I'm happy with what I've got!

[Keatah]

Well that's good you're having fun with UFB. It's a practical solution for today's world, so to speak. You're absolutely right, chasing down all the cartridges and working hardware and all that - that would be a major time sink, annoyance, and likely be costly for. And what would you gain by it?

 

---

 

For those of you complaining about lag and stuff, it kinda sucks that for only perhaps $3 more the manufacturer could have used a better SoC. A guess. But considering the cost-cutting..

[rhindlethereddragon]

Sounds to me like you answered your own question. You should probably get the flash cart, but collecting the real carts... Those will more fulfill your emotional happiness better. Depends on whether you want to be a gamer or collector. Let's put it this way: even if I had a multicart with all games, NO WAY would I get rid of my cartridge collection!!

[+nurmix]

...Going back and spending a lot of money for a system and re-collecting the games would be unnecessary when I'm happy with what I've got!

I get that. I never got rid of my original system, and acquired many others over the years. But I'm not really a collector in the 'Cmart / Rev' sense. Never been a 125 member, don't buy all the homebrews. And my carts are packed away for the most part. Everything is done with my Cuttle Cart 3. That's just my preferred way to play.

 

 

Sent from my Keyboard Component using Jack's Conversational Intelli-talk cassette

[BassGuitari]

I can only speak for myself, but there's nothing like a stack of cartridges.

It's not hard to get most of the more common Intellivision games CIB, or at least boxed. At the very least, you might want manuals as well, since they also depict the overlays and describe the key functions.

(FYI, if you want a cheap system to collect carts for, you should give the Odyssey 2 a look. They're not as cheap as they were 10 years ago, when you couldn't even give them away, but it's still one of the less expensive classic systems and loose carts cost next to nothing.)