Starhopper

Actually, if you look at it hard enough, the 'star voyager' looks like it was made from an exploded Millenium Falcon model

With today's game engines, H.E.R.O. would make a rather Doomesque contribution to the scene. I would also like to see Solaris transcribed into a modern format.

It certainly has plenty of sequels

Point taken, but the thing that still attracts me to the games with the 'crap graphics' is the fact that they depended on game structure, rather than visual effects, to attract buyers. I admit, even when the system was new, I felt a slight disappointment between seeing the box and seeing the screen for the first time. (And, yes, there were quite a few dogs out there) But games like Adventure, Riddle of the Sphinx, Solaris, H.E.R.O., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pitfall I & II. . . Those were games that captured the essence of sci-fi 'shoot 'em ups', the old D&D games, and Indiana Jones. I agree that games are getting better, overall, as we progress (I am a LARGE fan of BloodRayne) but, I wonder if they aren't losing something in their artistry. Bouncy pixels are nice, but sometimes I want to get my hands on the little block with the funky-looking sword.

There is morbid curiosity in all generations. Some, like us, are afflicted with an affinity for all things old and dusty. My six and five year olds are staunch players of the GBA system and do very well with them. When I pull out the 2600, though, they gather round and are more than willing to try to kick dad's tucas on the blocky, old greats. I must admit, too, my daughter is better at centipede than I ever was.

Hate to sound like a broken record, but 'Adventure' is my fave for the 2600

Ouch. Bet you wished you'd played it first.

Same here. A console is just too costly of an investment to get for only one game. I think the closest I ever got to getting a system for a single game was when I got a Virtual Boy. At the time it was marked on sale (a significant discount!) so I got it. Mario Tennis and that third-person, shoot'em-up were the only games I ever played on it. But that had more to do with Nintendo dropping support on the Virtual Boy before they managed to build up a library. I think we've all built up a library on these systems. I just meant which one game attracted you to the system, while having faith that other titles would come out later that appealed. I quickly bought 'Starfox' after Super Street Fighter II.

As I am very sleep-deprived, it wouldn't surprise me if this hasn't been asked before. If that is the case, I apologize:P . We are all gathered here because we suffer from a technological illness in one form or another. After years of the ATARI 2600, I finally upgraded to a new system in the late days of the NES. I was rather unimpressed, as the only game that held my attention was 'Legend of Zelda'. After that, I came to own several systems, but after a particular pattern. When SNES came out, I purchased it merely so I could play Super Street Fighter. I bought the Atari Jaguar so I could play 'Pitfall, the Myan Adventure'. Most recently, I bought a Game Boy Advance so I could play 'Pitfall, the Lost Expedition'. (Wow. It all goes back to ATARI, doesn't it?) I have, of course, picked up new games for those systems as I went along, and my love for my original Atari has not diminished. But, I wonder, how many others are like me, out there? Have you ever purchased a system just for a single game? What were they? Or, am I alone in my affliction?

I picked up my first 7800 at a Salvation Army thrift store for $5. That included a box full of controllers, a couple of power supplies, and one of the dirtiest systems you've ever seen. A little 'Orange Blast' cleaner and some alcohol, and I've got a system that looks and plays store-bought. I must say, though, it sucks trying to re-switch those 7800 sticks, though. Since this system, I've gotten three more for anywhere between $10 and $25 from both ebay and other thrifts. All a bit dirty, but repairable.

I absolutely could not STAND Breakout, but now I'm hoplessly addicted

Well, I used to play the vines off of 'Jungle Hunt', but now it just bores me. Air-Sea battle is a yawner now, too. One game that I no longer play because of the lack of difficulty is Atlantis. I LOVED that game as a child, mopping the skies with aliens. Now, though, I can just keep playing and playing and playing. . . I hung on for an hour before giving up to play something worthwhile, like Adventure and Solaris.

I've gotten two, so far. Both were in the original packaging, brand-spanking new, with no indication that they were intended for anywhere but the good ol' US of A or Canada. I remember reading of a production error, but do not remember the source. No big, though, as Solaris is very common in the wild. I have run across many that worked beautifully (and cheaply, too)

I've been looking for this one for some time, now. Anyone have an extra they're wanting to part with?

I've encountered some that have physically shattered when they failed. A.J. is right, though. Even a sloppy solderer can effect a fast repair

ADVENTURE was my first all-nighter. Good Show!

I remember it vividly. . .My first ATARI ever. . . Combat Slot Racers Pac Man In that order

If you feel yourself handy enough, a quick trip inside the console and a shot of mineral oil contact cleaner from Rat Shack will clear up most 'switchiculties'.

My latest ATARI listing is for a complete 7800 system! I'm including two 7800 games and the sticks have been reswitched.

It takes some getting used to, though. There's just something fundamentally wrong with playing Pac-Man without a joystick

Am I? Normally I don't deal in anything that isn't ATARI, so I'm a bit clueless on the going rates. I thought $19.99 sounded like a good start, since Game Stop and EB always want $30 for their PS1s with only one controller and no games. Up until a little while ago, you would have been hard pressed to convince me that anything but ATARI and PC existed And as for the swords, everyone needs stressbusting hobbies, right?

Just thought I'd drop a line. I have a Jaguar listed on eBay, with one controller and original power supply, works fine. I also have a complete Playstation system and some odd PS1 controllers. Keep your eyes skinned. . .I'll be listing some 2600 and 7800 equipment, games, and systems very soon! http://stores.ebay.com/Raiders-of-the-Lost-Cart

One Sears Tele-Games Light Sixer, and all 78 of my original carts. . .No boxes, but manuals for all and one snazzy little dust cover my mother made for it

Has anyone seen one of these in the wild? I've been looking for a looooooooong time http://www.atarihq.com/museum/2678/hardware/pgp-1.html

I have never used the Tac 2, but I've heard enough to agree with you on their quality. I'm a 'Wico Bat' gamer, myself. If you want to tear into the stick on your own, I'm betting Suncom used the same screws on the tac 2 as they did on the 'slik stick'. If that's the case, it's just a #2 robinsin-head (the screwdrivers are available at any good hardware store). If not, I know a place that could repair it for you, if you were willing to go the postage.