gamecat80

Those arcade versions make my ears bleed. Sounds like they are using that Yamaha FM sound chip used in the Sega Genesis. Blech. The C64 versions sound much better, imo.

Very interesting read, thanks. I agree the ColecoVision influenced Nintendo and especially Sega with their early consoles. But I will still say that the NES revived the console market by the mid-late 80s. Not "save", but revive. There is a difference. Coleco wasn't messing around when they really wanted to bring the "arcade experience" home. The ColecoVision ports of Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr.,were good ports for a home console at the time. But the Coleco ADAM ports of those games were/are just amazing and even closer to the arcade (not the best Youtube video quality, but you get the idea): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlFF8JCfBS0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35fBcsORTCo

Seems like it's a fully-loaded, ready-to-go multicart to me. I think it has 8 dip-switches and looks like a regular Astrocade cart, but don't quote me. Can't wait for mine

Didn't the NA video game crash really last until the NES revived the market around 1985-86? I have also heard the ColecoVision sold until 1985, but that the console was manufactured until 1984. Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I dunno for sure. But a quick look on ebay will tell you that there are always at least 1/3 more Intellivisions than there are ColecoVisions for sale on there. That means the ColecoVision is most likely more rare than the Intellivision. The numbers I've seen for # of Intellivisions manufactured have been around 3+ million. So I'd expect the number to be a bit lower for the ColecoVision. Well, Sega & Nintendo both had a relationship with Coleco and the ColecoVision. Coleco bought the rights to Nintendo's Donkey Kong, and Sega made many games for the CV (Turbo, Carnival, Subroc, etc). Sega's first console, the SG-1000, uses the same hardware as the ColecoVision -- same CPU, same Texas Instruments video & audio chips. The SMS is more-or-less a SG-1000 or ColecoVision with an upgraded/more advanced video chip (more colors, better scrolling, etc) that is based off the original one used in the SG-1000 and CV. I am just going off what I have read. Someone more-in-the-know like NIAD could give better info and clarity..

I do the same thing with my old systems (the ones in use) - I keep them plugged into a power strip. I only turn the main power strip switch on ("Reset") when I play games, and turn it back off after turning off the console. That way, I figure the systems plugged into the strip will be fine and not use much - if any - current, since the main power strip is shut off. I think a power strip or surge protector adds a layer of protection for your consoles/systems from the main outlet in case of spikes. A power strip also adds additional outlets for other systems to be plugged in. Keeps the wear & tear down on your console power plugs, too. I will try to unplug the whole power strip if I know a big storm is on the way, though.

Yes, absolutely. If the emulation of the original hardware is perfect (sound, graphics, behavior, etc) and even the outside looked like the original system, I would be quite happy with it even knowing it wasn't the "real thing". Actually I would promote this because, lets face it -- many of these old classic systems are 30+ years old. Many of them have already crapped out, and it's only a matter of time before the rest eventually crap out. Not a question of IF but WHEN that happens. And if the new technology looks and sounds exactly like the original (perfect emulation) AND even does away with some of the issues of the originals (bad power supply, bad RF, overheating, etc), that would make it even better, imo.

^ Yeah, a lot of the homebrew games are already good or excellent.

^ Yes, I agree. Again, I don't want any rules to change just to "make it easier". Keep it the way it is. I was just explaining my decision. I am simply saying I'm not participating in the HSC -- nothing more, nothing less.

Can't really think of anything. I don't want you to change the rules just for me. I just can't imagine sitting down and even attempting to get four-million-seven-hundred thousand points for a game. I mean seriously.......4 MILLION points for one game? WTF? Who even has the time and patience for that I'm lucky to get 40,000-50,000 on Mr. Do after a couple attempts......then I get bored and go to another game. Stud......j/k

I have more-or-less dropped out of the HSC. I only played 2 rounds. It was fun at first, but I'll just sit back and let the "studs" play for the extremely high scores. I just cant see myself taking the time needed to even come close to these crazy high scores for one game -- I much rather play multiple fun games on my various systems. I play for fun and as an escape

But don't most TVs (new and old) have cable/antenna connections? As long as there is a cable/antenna connection, you can use RF hook ups. I guess some monitors don't have that though. But I agree with an earlier poster who stated that the O2 gives a very good RF picture; looks more 'composite' because of it's clarity.

The Incredible Wizard (Astrocade) Bally Pinball (Astrocade) Astro Battle (Astrocade)

That actually went for a decent price for that system. I was kinda interested in the Dina. But I recently bought a Bally Astrocade (which I had been lusting after for months now ), so I need to 'recoup' for a while before I make any more system/game purchases. The Dina seems to be pretty rare, so it will command a higher dollar. The fact that it plays ColecoVision and SG-1000 games is pretty cool, I think.

Nice job on the first podcast

Where is Maxim? Anyway, a few things I don't miss about CRTs: - Weight - Lack of connections and picture/audio options. - CRT display looks dull and muted compared to the bright, vibrant display of LCD/LED TVs.

The ColecoVision was a victim of the video game crash and bad management, plain and simple

Doesn't matter. Those 16-bit systems (including TG-16) have a distinctive sound. They generally sound tinny and metallic......like they were done on a low-dollar Casio keyboard. And the Genesis is the worst offender of them... Everyone has preferences. I prefer the 8-bit sound; especially on some of the arcades. But I'm sure some here would think they are too "primitive", and would prefer the tinny, metallic 16-bit generation sound... And I play my games completely thru regular TVs; not sound systems.

Do you think most of the Astrocade problems are perhaps with the power adapter? A bad power adapter can kill any system. Maybe the voltage and/or current is too "hot" on the typical power supply for the Astrocade. Maybe something with a slightly lower voltage would work better? Just a thought...

I agree, and I primarily grew up during the NES era. "Golden Age" of video gaming: pre-NES / heavy arcade era. Graphics wise, I LOVE the ColecoVision way better than the 5200. Already mentioned the Astrocade earlier: Both the Astrocade and ColecoVision were systems with a heavy focus on arcade games & gameplay.

Lets keep this on-topic, guys. Thanks

That is why I rarely mention the VCS module when I talk about the CV. The ColecoVision was and is a great console on it's own without the VCS module. The Atari VCS had a TON of games and was still very popular when the ColecoVision came out, so having the VCS module was just another perk to getting a CV. Remember, the ColecoVision, Atari 5200, and Intellivision all had VCS adapters. And the Atari 7800 was backwards-compatible with VCS games, so it shows just how popular the VCS/2600 still was well into the 1980s. IMO, I think the CV is the greatest "Golden Age" console -- the OP summed it up nicely.

That's why I don't like the sound of most 16-bit systems (I know the TG-16, like the Intv, are "hybrid" systems). The sound of most TG-16, SNES, Genesis games - to me - sound 'tinny' ---- like a cheap electronic keyboard. Gimme the more simple/primitive, but fuller "analog-like" sound of most 8-bit systems anyday

How about the most-advanced-console-for-it's-release-date during the "Golden Age" (pre-NES era). I nominate the Bally Astrocade Graphics on-par with the Intellivision and Arcadia 2001, heavy arcade-like sound, BASIC, 4 built-in programs, pistol-grip controllers w/joystick-paddle, interesting library of games, carts look like cassette tapes, etc. Very impressive for it's time And Flipper Slipper. It also works really well with the Roller Controller. My Atari 5200 crapped out last year, but it worked for me for about a year. Had it right next to my ColecoVision. They are comparable systems, and they came out the same year. But there are some differences. Most games on the ColecoVision look higher-resolution (graphics look more 'rounded') than do most Atari 5200 games, IMO. But the Atari 5200 games tend to have more background detail graphics. Sound is comparable on both systems. Games like Frogger look better on the 5200 (still looks good on the CV), but sound better on the CV. Pitfall 1&2 look better on the 5200, but sound better on the CV. But then games like Mr. Do's Castle and Q*Bert look much better on the CV (again, higher-res). And as "bad" as the stock CV keypad controllers are, the 5200 keypad controllers are just atrocious. The 5200 controllers don't "break" often like many ppl say they do......they just get "dirty" easily. What I mean is, the flex circuits inside the 5200 controllers tarnish and get dirty easily, making the buttons unresponsive. You have to clean them much more frequently than other controllers. Add to that, the joystick doesn't self-center. And the little rubbery side buttons hurt your fingers after a while. Both systems had their Roller Controllers and Atari 2600 adapters. But the CV has a couple more peripherals -- steering wheel/peddle hook-up, super action controllers. The CV and 5200 are comparable in many ways, but IMO, the CV is just an overall more "polished" system.

Well said! With the easily available info out now there is no excuse to just blindly (and incorrectly) label a system "4-bit" just because it is more primitive than the NES. Luckily, other gamers correct those ignorant remarks. I group the 8-bit systems like this: Early 8-bit: Channel F, Atari VCS, Odyssey 2 Mid 8-bit: ColecoVision, Atari 5200, Arcadia 2001 Late 8-bit: Atari 7800, NES, SMS All the above use 8-bit CPUs. The late 8-bit systems were obviously more advanced than earlier systems, but should not define "everything 8-bit". So it seems to me that some ppl use the NES or SMS to "define 8-bit", which was really only a small part of all 8-bit systems.

Well, both .......since my 15" CRT and Atari 5200 both crapped out last year! But in my experience, old consoles last longer than old CRTs. I am all for preserving old game systems and TVs, but I am pro-new TVs and consoles too. Hence my like for new "retro" systems like the new, good plug-n-plays, new chips, emulation, and flash/multicarts.