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Atari2008

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Posts posted by Atari2008

  1. Posted

    I checked out that FAQ here on Atari Age and the process does seem a bit daunting. Given the fact that I don't have much patience or any experience, I think I'll opt for having Best Electronics do it. Plus, maybe I'll have them put in those new gold circuits so that my controller will be better than new and I won't have to worry about it for a long time.

     

    The joystick itself not working was really weird, I was playing Berzerk with it and I could only move up or to the left. At some times depending on how far or to what degree I moved the stick I could get it to go right or down but it was with GREAT difficulty. But I'm assuming the joysticks were taken apart at some point since they self-center, and I know that 5200 sticks were known for not self-centering.

     

    Still overall, I really like the feel of the joystick (the working one anyway ;) ) it feels quite comfy and isn't cramp inducing, plus I like the presence of buttons for left-handed people.

  2. Posted

    Hey everyone,

     

    So I just got my first 5200 about a month ago, and I'm really enjoying it so far. I got real lucky since the joysticks to seem to self-center, not sure why but I'm not questioning it. :) However, I plugged in the second joystick and found that the start button doesn't work. I tested it further using a 2 player game, and I noticed that not only does the start button not work but the joystick won't move to the right or down (it physically moves but the character on the screen doesn't). I've heard people joke that you're lucky to find two working 5200 joysticks, I see where it comes from now. ;) I'm not tech savvy at all and have never had to tinker around with any of my systems or their controllers, but I'm curious is there any sort of maintenance or very basic repairs I could try to do on the controller? Trying to save money, but if not, I'll send it in to a professional for repair (thinking of maybe Best Electronics, especially since they rebuild them). Thanks in advance for the input!

  3. Posted

    Just played the demo...congratulations on an awesome job porting this game to the Colecovision. I've never played the MSX version, but I like the graphics and background music. I don't own a Colecovision, but trust that Colecovision owners will be happy with this new addition to the CV library. Keep up the good work...it's always nice to see the classic consoles getting some new support. :)

  4. Posted

    This movie is a give me! I am so happy when I read the announcement on this! This can EASILY be turmed into a movie ( and should have been done a long time ago). If no one knows how and why. Please watch the DVD "Once upon Atari". You could simply do a movie JUST on the work environment. Then adding in how they got paid, pushing cartridges out the door, programming the games, employees jumping the ship to make 3rd party games, etc etc... Not only can you make a movie from this, they wont even fit everything in! For the younger generation that wasnt around during this era, do yourself a favor, watch "Once upon Atari". You will see what I am talking about.

     

    I've never heard of "Once Upon Atari"...thanks for letting us know about this documentary! It's just what I have been looking for. I'll pick up the series and let you know what I think. I'm a huge Atari fan, and have been wanting to read/watch a documentary about the company.

  5. Posted

    I just got a 5200 a week ago, and I say it is more than worth getting, you just have to keep an open mind about it. The controller is different but as has been said by a few people on here you can adapt to it (or find alternatives) and some people like myself actually like it. I think it's very comfortable and convenient being that the start/pause/reset functions are all at your fingertips. Not to meantion the controllers look cool as hell. The system is HUGE and sturdy so make sure you have a nice dedicated space in your entertainment center for it. I've only played Berzerk so far but just based off that one game, I think the graphics and audio on the 5200 are still very impressive. Also I've own a 2600 & 7800, and I think the 5200 is a nice way to round out those collections. Many of the 5200 games are not available on the 7800 and although many are in the 2600 library, the graphic/audio boost on the 5200 makes them into a complete new gaming experience.

  6. Posted

    Since I'm a new 5200 owner, I'm interested in keeping it in optimal condition. I've bought a dust cover for it and follow standard procedues like unplugging the power supply. I want to know if there is any routine maintenance that I should do on the system (and/or the controllers) to ensure that it continues operating smoothly. Also, the catridge port seems to have a ton of dust...what's the best way to clean it? I would try a dust blower but I want to make sure it's safe to use one. Thanks for your input, I'm enjoying my entry into the 5200 club. :cool:

  7. Posted

    i'm glad you enjoyed the 5200. there are so many great games on the 5200. i own all of the atari consoles and the 5200 still is tied for #1 with my lynx. if you like the voice on berzerk, check out the baseball game (if you like sports). baseball for the 5200 was the best (imo) during that era...

     

    I really like the system and am glad that I got it. It was the Atari system that I knew the least about...everyone knows the 2600 and the 7800 was recent enough that I was aware of it, but the 5200 was a complete mystery. I almost feel like I discovered a hidden gem from Atari. It's funny that you mentioned that baseball game, as part of my 5200 research I watched the commercials and YouTube and I was really impressed when they showed the baseball game and you hear "you're out!" I'm not into sports games, but I'm seriously considering picking it up, I find the voice synthesis very cool.

     

    Also, I like the controller, I find it very comfy, and responsive, although it may be spoiled because the joystick does self-center, whoever owned it must have modified them. They feel great, and I like the look of them.

  8. Posted

    Ebay is getting too expensive,but that seems the only place to get one.

     

    I would check out Chase the Chuck Wagon, that's where I got mine. It's like eBay but made by gamers for gamers, and prices are much more reasonable. And you'll find working, quality systems on there unlike the "sold as is" consoles on eBay.

  9. Posted

    I finally got a 5200....and my first impression is WOW! From the moment I opened the box I was stunned by the system's immense size. Then the second thing I noticed was how attractively construced the system is, it's huge and cool looking. I will also say that I actually like the controllers very much. The joystick is more comfortable than the 7800 stick (I don't get cramps) and not as stiff as the Colecovision stick. Also, being a lefty it's nice that Atari included buttons on both sides, I used to struggle a bit with the 2600 sticks. Also, its really nice having all of the important functions - pause, reset, select - on the controllers themselves. I don't have to keep going back and forth from where I'm sitting to the system.

     

    It came with one game - Berzerk - and it's amazing. The voice synthesis is really cool and impressive, and I found the controllers very responsive. I also like the graphics, very smooth animation and bright colors. And it's true, the emulators really dont do the 5200 justice as I had played this game on my comp and wasn't that impressed by it.

     

    Overall, the 5200 is the first system that I've gotten this excited about and been pleased with in the past few years. Thanks for the suggestions everyone. :D The 5200 rocks!

  10. Posted

    The only one of those consoles that I have is the Atari 7800, and like all systems it has it's plusses and minuses. I think it's a well-designed machine, it's small and still looks cool today. It uses the same controller port as the 2600 so you have many controller options. I hate the 7800 ProLine Joysticks, but really like the European Joypads. The D-pad is a little inaccurate, but they're sturdy and very comfortable, which I know can't be said for a lot of other classic controllers.

     

    The game library is okay. There are some good arcade conversions on there (but many of the same games that are seen on the 2600/5200/8-bits), and the homebrews are a much welcome addition --- I have Pac-Man Collection and it rocks! But the majority of the games don't seem all that exciting. I've only played the 5200 and 8-bit Atari computers online but their catalogs seem to be larger and have more exciting games that given its time of release and lack of third party support never made it to the 7800.

  11. Posted

    I enjoy playing ColecoVision games using an emulator, but I'm skeptical of attempting to get into original hardware. I've heard of so many bad experiences with the controllers failing, and with the game cartridges being so rare compared with 2600 games, it doesn't seem like it would be worth the investment.

     

    I also enjoy playing Colecovision games on an emulator. That system never ceases to amaze me, they were really ahead of their time. I haven't heard many complaints about failing controllers or games being hard to find. I have heard that the system can be a bit buggy and you it may take some fiddling around with the power switch to get a cart to play but I haven't heard about controller problems. Could any Colecovision owners chime in? I'm interested in the system as well...

     

    Thanks!

  13. Posted

    you could try Best Electronics or B+C computervisions, both have a minimum order value though

     

    Good call! I'm sure I could find something to add to my order to meet the minimum. :)

    lol, it's far to easy to get to the minimum at both places :D

    Just remember that if Best don't have something listed, drop an e-mail to Brad 'cus I think there must be more stuff not listed than is actually on the website

     

    I know...it's like being a kid in a candy store! :D It's really nice to see stores that are still totally dedicated to Atari.

  15. Posted

    Hey everyone,

     

    I know this is a random question but I thought someone on this forum might know, I'm missing one of the rubber "feet" on the bottom of my 7800 and I was wondering if there was any place I could get a replacement. What I do now is insert a post-it pad in the bottom of the area where the rubber "foot" is missing to keep the system from wobbling when I power it up, but I'd like something permanent that doesn't detract from the beauty of the 7800.

     

    Thanks for your insights... :)

  16. Posted

    but can people at least consider the 2600 when they have these conversations? That's all I ask.

    Or can people consider any console made previous to the NES in these conversations? NES fanboys and their revisionist history really irk me. The disrespect of previous systems amazes me. This garbage does not happen in other hobbies. Marvel is a better company but people still are found of D.C. and other comics of the golden era. 1952 Topps was an Amazing set but people still care for Goudy and the T206 cards. Yet with this hobby most NES collectors are posers who barely know what an Atari 2600 is. And they have no clue what a Colecovision, Intellivision, or Odyssey 1 + 2 is. :x

     

    Hey now...I know this is an Atari forum, but it's possible to love both, which I do. Sometimes I feel like playing Atari, sometimes I feel like playing Nintendo (and Nintendo consoles after the NES don't qualify as "playing Nintendo", thank you very much). I grew up with both. My parents shelled out $139.95 in 1981 for my woodgrain 4-switch. They shelled out much more than that the next year for my Atari 5200. I spent my hard-earned pizza delivery money on my NES in 1988 (can't remember the amount offhand...what were those going for when they were new?). Great memories. I like the Sega Genesis too, but didn't have one of my own back in the day...played it at friends' houses sometimes.

     

    I most certainly agree! The NES was my first system as such it introduced me to video games. I have many, many fond memories of playing NES for hours. The 2600 on the otherhand I got into many years later because it was that system sitting in the storage closet that I was curious about. Once I was finally able to hook it up, I was hooked on it as well, and always respected (and still do) it's rightful place in video game history (and present :) ). I see the NES and 2600 as being side by side to each other. Their both, in my opinion, two of the great pillars on the foundation of video games. They both dramatically had an impact on their respective generations of gamers. Of course this isn't to denigrate the Intellivision, Colecovision, Odysseys, or even the Atari 5200, but none of those had the impact of the 2600 or the NES.

     

    So no I don't think there needs to be warring camps among NES and Atari gamers, you can appreciate both, sicne some days we're in the mood for one flavor, and on other days for another. It's the best of both worlds. :)

     

    PS. And yes "playing Nintendo" only refers to the NES. ;)

  17. Posted · Edited by Atari2008

    I'm really impressed with all of the enthusiasm over the 8-bits. I've been looking for a while to get another pre-NES classic system but have shied away from many of the other systems due to the fact that they had various drawbacks (I won't name names) some with unreliable controllers others have hardware made with cheap parts. It's nice to see that the 8-bits have a lot of enthusiastic users and a very supportive community. I did begin sampling some of the games on Atarimania -- wow what a large library to choose from! I see that I will have many games to choose from for a long while since I like variety. I will probably get a unit from either Atarimax or B&C since I do like supporting merchants that still focus on Atari products, and I don't mind paying a slightly higher price for better service and a good product.

     

    Are the 8-bits user-friendly? I don't really know anything about early computers so is gaming on them just as easy as firing up a 2600 or 7800? Also, is there any sort of pause feature on the games? I'm pretty sure that I'll stick to cartridges at least in the beginning, so it sounds like an XEGS (although I've read console isn't designed the best way and that the controller ports are hard to reach) or an 800xl would be my best bet?

  19. Posted

    I'm looking for an Atari 800xl since it seems to be the most popular, and I wanted to know where do most people go to purchase their Atari computer?

    Tough to find in departments these days ;)

     

    What...you mean I can't just go to Best Buy and pick one up? ;)

     

    Wow, I hadn't realized there were so many options when it comes to places you can purhase an Atari computer from. Originally I was only going by what I saw on eBay and because I didn't see as much I was avoiding getting an Atari computer since I just assumed they were tough to find. Glad to see that I was wrong.

     

    Thank you everyone for all the links, I look forward to acquainting myself with this piece of Atari gaming/computing history. I feel like I've discovered a hidden Atari treasure since the 8-bits have such a HUGE library. I look forward to joining the club, I can tell the enthusiasm.

     

    Just be prepared after I do some research I'll probably have lots more questions...I'm not as well versed in early 80s computers as some folks on this forum. :)

  20. Posted

    Wow...I didn't know I still had so many options left. :) Thank you for all of your responses. I've been a 2600 and 7800 user for quite some time now, and have been looking into a 5200 when I heard people say that an Atari 8-bit might be a better option so that got me curious. So is an Atari 8-bit computer a good way to round out a 2600/7800 collection? I'm looking for a platform that will have more than just different versions of the same games. I like the look of the Atari 800xl very sleek. Which of the Atari 8-bits tend to be most popular? Is a 600 just as good?

  21. Posted

    Hey everyone,

     

    I'm fairly new to the Atari computer scene but I've been reading about how great Atari computer games are, and I'm looking to get one. I'm looking for an Atari 800xl since it seems to be the most popular, and I wanted to know where do most people go to purchase their Atari computer? I've seen a few on eBay but a lot of the are just the computer itself without the power supply or any hookups. I'm not sure if it makes sense to get a bare computer and purchase the power supply and TV hookups separately.

     

    Thanks!

  23. Posted

    ....Although the 7800 was outdated and a bit of an oddity when it was released in '86, it must've seemed revolutionary in '84 when it would've been released. From a cursory glance it seems to solve many of the problems -- 2600 compatible and self centering joysticks...

     

    while somewhat advanced if the 7800 was released around 84, the lack of 3rd party support, bad advertising, and the lacking list of stellar games would have still killed the system. add to the fact the sound on the 7800 was pretty much 2600 quality, it wasnt that all great. i didnt get the 7800 immediately because i thought the 5200 was still better. even today, my opinion still hasnt changed.

     

    That's funny because I've recently hooked up my 7800, and I enjoy the 2600 games better.

  24. Posted

    It took me many failed and aborted attempts at setting up various Atari 5200 emulators, and finally with a stroke of luck and persistance I got the Atari800Win Plus emulator working. I will admit it's not as easy to use as Stella or the ProSystem emulator but it's a good way of being introduced to the 5200 for a newbie like me. I do think that the tutorial on AtariAge was very very helpful, but it isn't easy. However for some reason I can't get any 5200 Popeye rom to work on the Atari800Win Plus, too bad since it's one of my favorite games and I hear that the 5200 has one of the best home versions. :cool:

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