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Philflound

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Posts posted by Philflound

  2. Posted

    On 6/20/2016 at 3:17 PM, BassGuitari said:

    They're the same except for the tape. I think you just have Version K. :)

    One other thing I'd add is that I wouldn't read too much into subtle color differences. I think any differences among the same label variation can be attributed to different dye/ink lots and natural ageing and fading. To use Home Run as an example, text label Version C is listed as having a gold border and text; to me, it just looks discolored. You can actually tell that the "Home Run" text is yellower than the border or the "game program" label. You can also see that the label overall has sort of a corroded-looking brownish tinge--I don't think that's a coincidence. Both points indicate that the label started out as a clean Version B and simply discolored over the years, either due to damage, improper storage, or even chemical reactions with certain ingredients in the particular inks that were used on that batch of labels. Now, I can't confirm that, but nor can anyone prove that it *is* a legit label variation. ;)

     

    I don't have it in front of me, but that "gold" text/border version is a bleed through or something like that and is not age. It is definitely gold. I've had several copies and probably still do though all my stock is packed away at the moment since I just moved. It reminds me of the purple bleed through several of the text titles have. I'm not sure if it was the label or possibly the glue they used, but it definitely discolors the text color. The purple bleed through makes the text look purplish instead of white. I'm not sure if I ever put that as a variation though. I believe the Home Run was on the initial list I got back in 1996, so I left it. 

     

    I did remove several variations from the list that either I could find no existence of or that you could fabricate. Some of the fabrication labels I may have left and put in () that this can be fabricated or some word like that. Switching end labels I believe was the most common form of fabrication. All you needed to do was glue one end label on another variation and you have a "variation". I never liked those. I'm assuming there are some out there that are legit. Anyway, when I get to my stock eventually, I'll see if I can pull out some of the Home Run gold bleed through and take a photo of them. That is if I remember. :)

    Phil

  3. Posted

    On 5/27/2020 at 6:32 AM, roadrunner said:

    Black & White Atari Corp Combat manual seems rare. Don't see it too often.

     

    I actually put that on my "should exist" list as I haven't seen one yet. Though I haven't really been looking too hard. There are many manuals on that list that I'm removing because I now have seen a copy on the internet.

    • Like 1

  4. Posted

    When I get finished with all my 3rd party carts and boxes on my website, I will be moving on to the manuals. I'll drop you a line, probably this summer hopefully, when I begin the project for manuals. There are a few 3rd party companies I've already completed to my knowledge. Apollo, Data Age, and M Network come to mind. There are also several 3rd party with few titles that I would have put the manual(s) for. Anyway, I'm hoping to update my pdf file within the next 2 weeks. That will give you an inkling of what I've documented. Though I haven't really gone through thoroughly with research as to all the manual variations out there. I've been working with Daniel (see my Giant Variation thread) and he's been helping big time and will actually be extremely helpful even more in the future. I'm about to finally get settled with my move and am going full steam with this finally. This project has been going on for a good 12 years now. Scans are a pain, especially for those manuals with 5 languages. Once I get going seriously with the manuals, any scans you can provide me will be helpful.

     

    My research on the variation list will include everything I KNOW exists. I may not have scans though due to seeing just a front/back cover on the internet but not having access to the entire manual. So anything on my list does exist and will have as much information as possible. I recently added a page on Atari items that I think "should exist". The manual list has been dwindling as I've been doing research on them, even just to prove they do.

     

    So when I get some time, I'll check out what you have and maybe will update my list if I get a chance. I'm hopefully going to unpack my collection soon and want to get more scans and detailed info if I can. I've been working on Sears with I believe 12 titles to go, but need many side box scans. So again, any help would be appreciated. 

     

    Phil

  5. Posted

    I bought from O 'Shea back in 1997 I believe, possibly 1996. I paid 87 cents shipped for games and got somewhere around 600 games. I had my receipt handy a few years ago, but since I moved to Florida, everything is in boxes. I purchased at least 6 of every title he had, unless he didn't have sealed cases. I do remember only getting 3 Midnight Mutants. I still have a copy of each game I bought in my collection. The majority of the rest were sold at $5 for the commons. I still do have a considerable amount of the 7800 games sealed, though not too many titles. Haven't put anything up for sale though in a couple of months, again thanks to the move to my new house. 

     

    I think it's crazy as to what is out there. I just read the Venezuela horde thread sylabyss posted. I can't imagine all these games just sitting down there. Anyway, it was great reminiscing.

     

    Phil

  7. Posted · Edited by Philflound

    Decided to try and finish the Sears cartridges and boxes. I was looking at Superman and discovered there are actually 2 box variations. It's hard enough to find any copy, let alone for the completist to get both.

     

    One is a standard flap style with the warranty notice in paragraph form and 2 line copyright notice below that.

    The second is a glued flap style with the warranty notice in 2 columns and 3 line copyright notice below that.

     

    I'm having someone fix my scans so when I get them back, I'll actually update this immediately on the site, even though I'd be going out of order. I think this one is important.

     

    Phil

     

    EDIT: It's up for all to see

  8. Posted

    I'm glad you will get enjoyment. I'm sort of going through the same thing and will continue for months. Almost all of my personal belongings are packed away from moving and have been for years. I'm finally getting the opportunity to open these boxes and it feels like Christmas. I know of much of what I own, but sometimes I open a box that I have no idea what is inside and when I see the contents, I think to myself "Oh, I remember this!" or even "I have no idea when I bought this or even had it". 

     

    I'm a little frustrated with the advent of WATA for the fact there are many "investors" coming into the hobby just for the money. These people have no clue about video games. But I was also told that any hobby which begins having 3rd party graders join in will always draw these kinds of people. They have no love for the hobby and don't realize the amount of time that collectors spend dedicating and enjoying it. We are the people to enjoy it. Why I get upset is that now if I try to acquire certain items, I have to pay much more for said items. The good thing is that those who want to get into "collecting" the games can do so for relatively no money as there are many available copies, even complete in box, that are available for relatively little money. 

     

    With doing this website, I get to purchase complete in box games still at reasonable prices, even though I'm paying up to double what I used to. I always tried and still try to price complete games fair. I remember selling most of the CIB games for $10-15. Now some of those same games are $25-40. I don't make a fortune, but it helps my research and gets me a little extra money to live. I heard the first graded Atari 2600 sealed Spider-Man in 9.8 by Wata auctioned off at $9000. Yes, you saw that right. The thing is that this was the highest graded and 1st to be put on the market. As others go on the market, the price will come down. But they still command a reasonable price.

     

    The thing right now is that no one knows how rare some of these variants are. Though some games are very common. I can think of many of those silver box Atari Corp issues that are extremely common from titles like Jungle Hunt, Kangaroo, Galaxian, Ms. Pac-Man, Battlezone, and others and also many red box commons that you continually see available brand new sealed. Thing is, some of those same titles have some really rare Atari Corp variations. I never put a rarity on the boxes. Most of all because someone would have to sit there and track each and every variation out there and keep the data. 99% of what is being sold isn't being noted as to which variation it is.

     

    Anyway, enjoy your collection as you see fit. You spent the money and if you get the pleasure of opening the games, all I ask is try to preserve the condition as best as possible. And thanks for everything you've provided me. You've been a big help. I'm going to try and get much done with the site this summer. I've said this many times before, and I get into these ruts where I do lots of work. If I was shut down during the whole Covid thing, I would have gotten tons done, but my company was open the entire time. I own tons of items that I need to sell online. I have a good 10,000+ comics I would like to part with, the video games, trading cards, toys and what not. And of course I got the new house and a wife I've been with for almost 20 years. So my spare time is limited as to what I can get accomplished and how to split it up. 

     

    I've been trying to keep up with everything Daniel has been providing along with adding new items myself from research. The Sears cartridges and boxes are a priority. When I finally get to open and have access to my collection, whatever Sears boxes I own I'll finally get to scan the sides and get more photos on the site. So again, be patient and if anyone can help, I appreciate it. Thanks again.

     

    Phil

    • Like 1

  9. Posted

    1 hour ago, daniel.inforede said:

    Phil thanks again. I just completed another 20 boxed print records for the requested period. I found two more different brands of printing that I will be sending you soon.

    My intention this year is to open all my sealed games (approximately 120) so we will have many more records to include.

    Please do not open sealed games. There is big money right now and I don't want to see you lose out because of research. Get your games graded with WATAGAMES and you should make a small fortune.

  10. Posted · Edited by Philflound

    I want to thank Daniel again for his ever seeking quest for new variations. He just brought to my attention a new 3-D Tic Tac Toe box variant. I have added this as box 3 now, which is the white warranty box with the date inside. This leads me to conclude that the white warranty with the date outside the box should exist as it would lie between the original and the newly discovered variation. A few years ago, I discovered both of the white warranty boxes of Superman. Daniel has sent me scans of a white warranty box version sealed with a wallet, which I'll be adding sometime this weekend. Again, I would not doubt there are many of these types of variations out there that should fill in holes. It's just a matter of finding them. It's taken years and years just to discover that some of these actually do exist, so I'm not doubting there are more out there. I'm still filling in the German Activision variations. All this is a tedious process with my full time job and my finishing moving, but I think it's well worth it. How far we've come in the past 25 years since I first looked at this "Giant list of variations". My guess is that it has tripled in size if not more.

     

    I asked Daniel, and I might as well pose the question to everyone. I'm looking to get the information of the Rev and printer/dates on the 5 language boxes that were released from like 1978-1980 off the tiny flaps. I ask this because I'm trying to get a good idea on the timeline these were released in conjunction with the original game. My guess is within a few months if not almost at the same time, but I need lots of info on these as I don't have ready access to the boxes themselves and most people don't show the tiny flaps in any listings of these games. Thanks.

     

    Phil

     

    EDIT: Just luck chance looking on Ebay and I discovered a Tic Tac Toe "ninety day limited warranty" variation. I'll update that soon. YAY!

    • Thanks 1

  11. Posted

    6 hours ago, jeremiahjt said:

    Thanks for the response.  Now I need to check that Combat gatefold box I stuck the "LITHO IN USA" manual in to see if it is a Taiwan box.  I really need to find original manuals for Street Racer and Basic Math to complete my gatefold boxes.

    Note that Combat has 2 versions of the gatefold box. I'm actually not sure which was released first. My guess is the vertical slot is the original release and they realized that removing and putting back the manual was not easy. So they probably changed it to the slanted slot. I don't have any of my games in front of me, but I think the other gatefold boxes had slanted slots.

    • Thanks 1

  12. Posted · Edited by Philflound

    Glad to see some new responses. Litho in USA is the first original release. I don't know if you looked at the PDF file, which needs to be updated. It's been several months. These are what I have documented in the way of Combat manuals and since each one has a specific size noted, that means I had them in my hands or most likely still do as I need to scan them all. Eventually I will write a detailed list about the manuals like I did with the cartridges and boxes under the GENERAL ATARI LABEL AND BOX VARIATIONS. To give a brief summary, you had the original black small release with the Litho in USA. Taiwan ones for Combat came with most likely the Taiwan box variations. Since I own dozens and dozens of Combat manuals, there are probably no black Rev 1 and 2 versions for Combat. There were some strange things going on with Rev numbers on some titles as there are some boxes that have Rev 1 and 4, but nothing in between. In fact, there may be some titles with only one release that only had Rev 4 written on the box. I can't remember offhand and don't have time to look it up. After the black release came the white larger size manuals. For some titles such as Missile Command and Video Pinball that come to mind, there were small white manuals and then afterwards went to the larger 5x7. If titles were released by Atari Corporation/Atari Corp from 1985-1988, the manuals would most likely have gone black and white. Red box versions had manuals white, but had red lettering on them, easier to distinguish that these are specific to the red boxes. International manuals I believe always had 5 languages, even for box variations that only have 3 languages. Again, don't hold me to anything, but when I finally get to this, a lot will be explained. 

     

    As for 3rd party manuals, anything goes. You may have one specific non-English language, dual English/French for Canadian versions, or multi-language versions. Again, depends on which company and whether there are lots of different county variations. My particular fun 3rd party company that covers many different languages is CBS.

     

    Anyway, below are the Combat manuals known from years ago. I haven't updated anything in a while. Since there is a 1986 box, my guess is that there should be a 1986 manual, though no 1986 cartridge exists to my knowledge.

     

    A)  Manual      ©1977, black, C011402-01 on front, 8 pages, 4 x 6.5”, Litho in USA, no Rev

    B)  Manual      ©1977, black, C011402-01 on front, 8 pages, 4 x 6.5”, Printed in Taiwan in small letters, no Rev

    C)  Manual      ©1977, black, C011402-01 on front, 8 pages, 4 x 6.5”, Printed in Taiwan in large letters, no Rev

    D)  Manual      ©1977, black, C011402-01 on front, 8 pages, 4 x 6.5”, Printed in Taiwan, Rev 3

    E)   Manual      ©1977, black, C011402-01 on back, 8 pages, 4 x 6.5”, Printed in USA, Rev 4

    F)   Manual      ©1977, white, C016942-01 on back, 12 pages, 5 x 7”, Printed in USA, Rev 1

    G)  Manual      ©1977, white, C016943-01 on back, 12 pages, 5 x 7”, Made in Macau, Rev 1

    H)  Manual      ©1977, white, C017878-01 on back, 12 pages, 5 x 7”, Printed in Taiwan, Rev 1

    I)    Manual      ©1978, white, C016973-01 on back, 5 languages, 40 pages, 5 x 7”, Printed in Macau, Rev 2

    J)   Manual      ©1978, white, C016973-01 on back, 5 languages, 40 pages, 5 x 7”, Printed in Taiwan, Rev 2

     

    EDIT: Ok, just reviewed all the gatefold boxed games. Litho in USA is only under Air-Sea Battle and Combat. The others all have black manuals with either no printed or Printed in USA on them. None of these have a Rev number because they would be the first release for the game. So if you look at the pdf giant list, you'll be able to figure out which manual belongs to the gatefold versions. They will always be Manual A.

    • Thanks 1

  13. Posted · Edited by Philflound

    With the help of Daniel, I am updating some of the photos that weren't straightened along with adding many Activision boxes. I'm working on putting some of the foreign boxes like the German ones, and I just found a Dutch sticker version for Chopper Command. (EDIT) I'm not sure if it applies to all the boxes, but it'll take some time to go through all the games. The Dutch sticker box versions as far as I can see say PAL/SECAM on them. The German sticker box versions have on the right bottom "for use exclusively on PAL/SECAM...". So it seems these 2 boxes are totally different. I wish I could get my hands on these to confirm any Rev and printer/dates on the tiny flap. But I'll be adding all these variations and probably more over the next few days. (END EDIT)

     

    I'm about to move my computer finally (hopefully) by next weekend, so there may be a delay in updating things. But for the next few days I'll keep working on this. I'm sorry I put the Sears back on hold. Can only work on one section at a time, and the bug hit me to work on the Activision boxes. I also was fixing the wording of the listings. I'm trying to remain consistent. I found there are 2 versions of PAL/SECAM on the back of the boxes, so I'm being a little more specific with that. Also, I'm trying to find all the boxes with UPC codes on the bottom and add that UPC bottom of the box scan. I have added some and will create a "blank" filler for those I don't have and hopefully will find.

     

    I've also considered adding another page directly from the Atari 2600 one listing scans I need that I know exist. There are variations out there that I don't have scans of, and I'm sure there are even more variations I don't have shown at all because I don't know they exist. It's very difficult to try and find everything out there, just to show its existence, and I'm so grateful for Daniel because he has been working as hard on finding me scans and new items as I have. I hope others will try and help me out. 

     

    Now that WATA games is grading Atari games, they'll need much help and I've been trying to be as useful as possible. Thanks for all the support.

    Phil

    • Thanks 1

  15. Posted

    On 4/23/2020 at 9:33 PM, daniel.inforede said:

    I believe that all Childrens versions of Atari Corp "86" edition (copyright 1986) are international NTSC versions (box 6 languages). And like every 1986 edition, boxes are hard to find!

     

    I've possibly thought that they put the 1986 cartridges in the 1983 boxes with the "Made in Taiwan" silver sticker over the "Made in USA" 6 language boxes. I'm hoping there are variations for those though with 1986 boxes. Thanks again for all your help.

    • Like 1

  16. Posted

    Been confirming more manuals and adding some more to the list. Will update the list soon as I go through it all. I'm adding in original release international manual 5 language versions if I don't have them on my giant list and can't confirm them. I do want to pose a question about Basic Math. I have on the list an English/French instruction manual, most likely in my inventory since it's confirmed with size and page count. So I'm wondering does anyone know what this came with? Is there a Canadian box version out there? Maybe an original box with a sticker? I'll post other inquiries as I come across evidence.

  17. Posted

    Added 1987 Phoenix box and I confirmed Adventure 1987 manual with someone selling on Ebay. No scans of the manual though. I may look through what I'm missing and try to confirm items on the list, even if I can't get scans of them. I'm doing my final move within the next week, so there may be a pause in updating things.

  18. Posted

    On 4/12/2020 at 2:43 PM, Philflound said:

    Daniel continues to help me big time. He found a 1986 RotLA box which I've now added. I'm going to create a page showing Atari items I believe should exist on the website. I think I had listed it once here, but since then have discovered some of those items. I can't edit replies here, so I'll do it on the site as more are found.

     

    Phil

    Ok, I created the page that shows items that I believe should exist. Here it is. It's on the main Atari page under General Variations. I'll double check for any spelling errors later this evening.

     

    http://www.videogamevariations.com/AtariCompanies/AtariGames/atari_items.htm

    • Thanks 1

  20. Posted

    Daniel continues to help me big time. He found a 1986 RotLA box which I've now added. I'm going to create a page showing Atari items I believe should exist on the website. I think I had listed it once here, but since then have discovered some of those items. I can't edit replies here, so I'll do it on the site as more are found.

     

    Phil

    • Thanks 1

  21. Posted

    Also, we should add those movies and shows which don't necessarily show Atari on the tv or cartridges, but show kids playing video games and you HEAR the music/sound effects of Atari games. I believe I remember Donkey Kong and Pac-Man Atari 2600 sound effects, but for the life of me will never remember what show or movie.

    • Haha 1

  23. Posted

    I fixed the ESB cartridges, but the format was using a different program than Front Page. So all my (C) have ? in front. I'll have to rebuild this page, sometime this week. The boxes are finished.

     

    One thing of note, I took photos from whatever sources I could. Though I do not like doing this as many are done with cameras on crazy angles, I figured I'd rather have something to show rather than a blank box saying I need a scan. I may do this with other scans I'm missing in the future going back to other items I've already completed. I ask if you see something that looks like it can use an upgrade, please help out. At this time though, I'd rather continue working on and finishing the other companies like Sears, Sega, Telegames, etc.

     

    Once I move, I'll eventually have access to my personal collection once again and will scan items I own to fill in the blanks. Mostly sides of boxes or such. We're getting there. Have patience.

     

    Phil

  24. Posted · Edited by Philflound

    I'm finally going to work on Empire Strikes Back. I now have 9 variations. This will be one of the exceptions where I show the top label of the box, only because they show the country made in. I actually need to get the 6 language top label. I got one, but it's on a 45 degree angle and I can't rotate the photo without losing the sides of the scan. I only have programs that rotate 90 degrees. Anyway, it should be done within 30 minutes.

     

    I'll be working on the cartridges to fill in those that have Made in countries that I haven't gotten before. There are plenty on Ebay, so I'm hoping to get them all. 

    From what I see, USA box has no Made in molded on the cart. Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore seem to go with their respective boxes, though Taiwan and Hong Kong have 2 variation boxes. Malaysia seems to be the cartridge belonging to the 6 language cartridge I think. I'll try and do more investigating. I think there is only 1 real insert for all the 5050 box variations, though that insert had a variation that had a tan interior instead of a white one. So the first 6 box variations will use all the same insert. I've yet to see a blank or plastic tray insert for ESB. I try to be honest with my finds, though switching inserts can happen at any time. So if someone feels like putting a blank cardboard or plastic tray for ESB, I guess there is nothing stopping them. But for the dozens of examples I've seen on Ebay, there hasn't been one shown.

     

    Ok, will have to finish this tomorrow. I discovered there are 2 versions of the 6 language box. One has product #31501, the other has 931501. So now there are 10 variations. I promise to finish this before the evening.

  25. Posted

    Ok, I understand that a little better. I'm assuming you're creating your own website with all this info. I already updated the Warlords. Thanks for that. Still working on Parker Brothers with acquiring the inserts. I also found Star Wars ROTJ Death Star Battle has a 2 pc box besides the 1 pc, so I'll be updating that. I'm leaving ESB for last as that has many variations, but will try and do the inserts this weekend if I have time. I'll be beginning my move to my new house tomorrow and will not have time too much on weekends to do much with the site.

    • Like 1
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