A top ten worst console list that doesn't suck!(finally)

[Atarifever]

You know, with all the discussion and debate, and the moving things onto and off the list, this is quickly becoming the "Official Atariage Worst Console Ever List" It's actually shaping up into a pretty strong list (way better than the ones from sites lke Gamespot, where the list is usually actually the "Systems that took the most journalistic abuse list).

[Segataritensoftii]

You know, with all the discussion and debate, and the moving things onto and off the list, this is quickly becoming the "Official Atariage Worst Console Ever List" It's actually shaping up into a pretty strong list (way better than the ones from sites lke Gamespot, where the list is usually actually the "Systems that took the most journalistic abuse list).

I know. Isn't this great?

Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if this topic got pinned.

Edited May 3, 2007 by Segataritensoftii

[PsychedelicShaman]

Well, I just bought an action max thanks to this thread. $10 shipped off ebay! It even came with a sealed game/VHS tape...

 

I really like the direction this thread is going. At first it was just another top ten list that sucked, but having a live list that people can make suggestions on is fantastic.

Edited May 3, 2007 by PsychedelicShaman

[Gabriel]

My oh my, this is a great list and a really fun thread.

 

It's interesting to note that the CDi has now slipped out of the bottom 10.

 

The Game.com might be a bit of a concession to general negative hype. However, it does seem to belong in this list of game systems of the damned.

 

The Creativision now forms a sort of point where the horrid systems go from being about typical video games to becoming "unconventional", more about using a different technology, focusing more on FMV, or edutainment, or just outright being cheap crap like the R-Zone.

 

Another interesting thing is just how little most of these game systems would be recognized by most people. Even as a fairly hardcore gamer, I had never even heard of a few of these. There are a couple of exceptions. The Game.com and R-Zone have name recognition. The Hyperscan is fresh in many people's minds because of it's current presence in stores.

 

I'm still iffy about the location of a couple of things, but I think it's a really good list. I hope the thread get's stickied.

[Atarifever]

My only problem right now is the Gizmondo. I think maybe it's negative publicity might be influencing that one. With the other real bottom of the barrel stuff on the list, I don't know if it wouldn't get a pass just because of halfway decent emmulation (or so I read somewhere) and multimedia capabilities. That poor thing was even bashed to pieces on the N-Gage forums for goodness sake. With games like "Sticky Balls" and a GTA type game where you get out of prison by letting yourself be violently raped... well I guess bad press was guaranteed even before all the extortion stuff.

 

I know one guy here used to have one. Anyone here own one and want to offer a defense?

[Segataritensoftii]

My only problem right now is the Gizmondo. I think maybe it's negative publicity might be influencing that one. With the other real bottom of the barrel stuff on the list, I don't know if it wouldn't get a pass just because of halfway decent emmulation (or so I read somewhere) and multimedia capabilities. That poor thing was even bashed to pieces on the N-Gage forums for goodness sake. With games like "Sticky Balls" and a GTA type game where you get out of prison by letting yourself be violently raped... well I guess bad press was guaranteed even before all the extortion stuff.

 

I know one guy here used to have one. Anyone here own one and want to offer a defense?

By your request, Gizmondo has been banished from the list. I knew there was something wrong with it's inclusion. Edited May 3, 2007 by Segataritensoftii

[Segataritensoftii]

Sorry for double posting. I just wanted to inform you all that I'll be at a retreat for the weekend, so don't expect any updates on Saturday. You can expect updates on Friday morning-afternoon and Sunday afternoon, though.

Edited May 3, 2007 by Segataritensoftii

[Atarifever]

My only problem right now is the Gizmondo. I think maybe it's negative publicity might be influencing that one. With the other real bottom of the barrel stuff on the list, I don't know if it wouldn't get a pass just because of halfway decent emmulation (or so I read somewhere) and multimedia capabilities. That poor thing was even bashed to pieces on the N-Gage forums for goodness sake. With games like "Sticky Balls" and a GTA type game where you get out of prison by letting yourself be violently raped... well I guess bad press was guaranteed even before all the extortion stuff.

 

I know one guy here used to have one. Anyone here own one and want to offer a defense?

By your request, Gizmondo has been banished from the list. I knew there was something wrong with it's inclusion.

Now, no need to take it off on my account. I haven't played it; I just read about it. Besides, if you have it at 12 and then just drop 12, we can't be sure that it isn't actually 12 anyway. I mean, what would be 12 now? I was just wondering if anyone wanted to argue to keep it (I'm already preparing for the fight over where the N-Gage goes as the list expands over time; as my guess is this list may be quite awhile shaking out, and may count 25 or so by the end-- although maybe that won't be as fun, as people will likely argue more strongly to defend the better bad systems).

Edited May 3, 2007 by Atarifever

[Jess Ragan]

My only problem right now is the Gizmondo. I think maybe it's negative publicity might be influencing that one. With the other real bottom of the barrel stuff on the list, I don't know if it wouldn't get a pass just because of halfway decent emmulation (or so I read somewhere) and multimedia capabilities. That poor thing was even bashed to pieces on the N-Gage forums for goodness sake. With games like "Sticky Balls" and a GTA type game where you get out of prison by letting yourself be violently raped... well I guess bad press was guaranteed even before all the extortion stuff.

 

I know one guy here used to have one. Anyone here own one and want to offer a defense?

 

Hmm... nope.

 

http://www.lakupo.com/grblitz/gizmondo.htm

 

This is about as much of a "defense" as I can offer. It's an honest assessment of the system, covering both the good and the bad. The Giz isn't as bad as most people make it out to be... it's got its own 3D graphics processor and a faster clock speed than the DS or the PSP, but the limited software selection puts it well behind other handheld game systems. Sony should take a lesson from the Gizmondo... just because a system has "potential" doesn't mean that it will ever be realized.

 

JR

[Atarifever]

My only problem right now is the Gizmondo. I think maybe it's negative publicity might be influencing that one. With the other real bottom of the barrel stuff on the list, I don't know if it wouldn't get a pass just because of halfway decent emmulation (or so I read somewhere) and multimedia capabilities. That poor thing was even bashed to pieces on the N-Gage forums for goodness sake. With games like "Sticky Balls" and a GTA type game where you get out of prison by letting yourself be violently raped... well I guess bad press was guaranteed even before all the extortion stuff.

 

I know one guy here used to have one. Anyone here own one and want to offer a defense?

 

Hmm... nope.

 

http://www.lakupo.com/grblitz/gizmondo.htm

 

This is about as much of a "defense" as I can offer. It's an honest assessment of the system, covering both the good and the bad. The Giz isn't as bad as most people make it out to be... it's got its own 3D graphics processor and a faster clock speed than the DS or the PSP, but the limited software selection puts it well behind other handheld game systems. Sony should take a lesson from the Gizmondo... just because a system has "potential" doesn't mean that it will ever be realized.

 

JR

So, is it bad enough to be #12 do you think? (By the way, if the Giz had not been funded by criminals, and could have then stayed alive a little longer,, it looks like they were building up one of those decent "failed system that should have done better" libraies).

Edited May 4, 2007 by Atarifever

[sukotsu9]

I've gotta agree, I didn't recognize a few systems, too. I think some were so "flash in the pan/make a million overnight" that most people wouldn't know them. I like the criteria that's shaping how the decisions are made. To clambor for the N64 or PS1 to be on the list is more like rating the loser in that generation's console war (how media-influenced, game review sites tend to rank their lists). You can't look at muddy graphics and say "those guys sucked" without appreciating the improvement, if only in direction, over the previous systems.

 

I'd argue that a console created with vision should keep it off a worst list, or at least dilute the score. Take the Wii: I'm sure in a decade or two that someone will be bashing it hard, but Nintendo really tried something there. Unlike the 7800, where Atari tried absolutely nothing and just (re)marketed a 3 year old device.

[Gorf]

Any "worst-of" list that includes the Atari 5200 is complete bullshit to begin with.

 

Or the Jaguar for that matter. Not one Atari console belongs on a top ten worst.

Anyone who puts one of these on such a list is the worst of the worst and his/

here gaming taste is where they sit.Also the have not one clue about the industry.

Atari has always had the leading edge in hardware. ALWAYS. Those list are made

by major league douche chills! Im mean if you want to talk about a lack of games

made a system, then fine, but as far as power and technology go? Atari is number

one and always has been.

Edited May 5, 2007 by Gorf

[Jess Ragan]

What's a douche chill? Sounds like a joint venture between the feminine hygiene and soft drink industries gone horribly wrong.

 

JR

[Gorf]

ACK! When was the Odyssey 2 added to the list? If you think that's the 5th worst of all time, you might as well put the N64 in the top 5. O2s are kind of limited, but they're hella cool. Just play either of the KC Munchkin games, Smithereens, or get a gang together to play Quest for the Rings.

 

Good call on the R-Zone. That thing is terrible. It's really a tough call as to whether the Action Max or R-Zone is worse. However, by putting it on the list, doesn't that open things up to a lot of other stuff? Like maybe the Microvision? Entex Adventurevision? Game.com?

 

Nice to see the 32X and Jaguar are neatly slipping off the list.

 

Another thought. If the Odyssey 2, 32X, and Jaguar make this list, the Astrocade is a damn shoe-in. Flakey hardware, funky controllers, and a limited library with only a couple of standouts.

 

O^2 is fantastic machine and does NOT belong on any top ten worst list.

 

The Astrocade was by far the most powerful system of its time...I know...I coded that

one too. It was the ONLY console with a RAM buffer for graphics. Hardly a candidate for

worst. Im speaking technically.

[Gorf]

What's a douche chill? Sounds like a joint venture between the feminine hygiene and soft drink industries gone horribly wrong.

 

JR

 

 

um cuz they are such a douche it gives you the chills.

[supercat]

It was the ONLY console with a RAM buffer for graphics.

 

Didn't the Fairchild Channel F use a RAM buffer for graphics? I think it had 2Kbytes of DRAM for that purpose.

[Segataritensoftii]

And, I'm back online. In case you didn't hear, I have been at a retreat for the past two days and didn't get a chance to reply to anyone. But now I'm back! aren't you happy?

[Cheese007]

O^2 is fantastic machine and does NOT belong on any top ten worst list.

Agreed!

[Video]

I'm one of the few that actually liked the Game.com, it's got some great games, the trick is to stay away from the "action" games, side scrollers, fighers, Sonic (actually, Fighters Megamix wasn't half bad. Wasn't half good either, but of fighters, I actually playd that one more than once )

 

I think the Game.com was the Puzzle master though and hey, maybe where Nintendo got the Idea for touch screen in a game system (even if the com flopped)

 

Like the Virtual Boy, had this thing had it's last run of games released, I think it could have had it's must have come out (there was supposed to be some 3D shooters, doom style for the VB, and the com did do well with Resedent Evil, and Conker and the mega pets would have done well, had they come out)

 

Over all, this system gets a bad rap, cause people buy it, and the one game theyre interested in (probably a fighter, or sonic) and say the system over all sucks, even though it did Game show, and puzzle games, and heck, even Arcade games really well. And it did something that GameBoy didn't, it played Resedent Evil and Duke Nukem, and actually did quiet well for both, IMO.

 

If it slips another notch down on the list eh, I'll be happy. As a system, it wasn't great, but it was the games that killed it IMO. And comeon, for handhelds, this is actually in the top 3. GBA being first, though the player, Lynx being second thanks single handedly thanks to lemmings, and game.com being third. Hey, I played this more than my Super Vison, NeoGeo Pocket Color (though just because I beat all the games I own on that, and have no interest in others), Game Gear, Game King, Wonder Swan and Microvison. And there's more handhelds out there that I haven't played.

Edited May 6, 2007 by Video

[Gorf]

It was the ONLY console with a RAM buffer for graphics.

 

Didn't the Fairchild Channel F use a RAM buffer for graphics? I think it had 2Kbytes of DRAM for that purpose.

 

Oops...you may be right about that but as far as power, it was no astrocasde.

[Gorf]

O^2 is fantastic machine and does NOT belong on any top ten worst list.

Agreed!

 

But how could you not?

 

O^2:

 

Anyone who plays UFO on the O^2 and tells its not fun, I just would not get it!

 

Just that fact that Little saucer that comes out and cheap shots you is enough to

want you to come back for revenge. The O^2 developers were extremely creative.

 

I loved Alien Invaders too...a very cool twist on space Invaders.

Attack of the Time Lord is awsome.

 

KC Munchkin is by far better than 2600 Pac Man. Dang, just some of those

strategy games are completely amazing considering the system they were on.

 

Take The Money and Run!!! Great chase game!

 

Atari may always be my number one but my O^2 and Astrocade will always be

not to far behind them as far as classic consoles go. None of these Every belong

on a top ten worst. Again, if you want to talk about level of support, that is another

story.

 

Astrocade:

 

This system was just so flexible and expandable there is no way you can put it on a

top ten boo list. Guys! This is the same hardware as arcade Gorf, Robby Roto, Wizard

of Wor, Space Zap

 

 

This is probably the first system that encourage and allowed homebrews!!!

 

Cosmic Raiders is a great Defender clone.

Galactic Invasion (Galaxian)

Muncher (Pac Man)

The basic was really good and easy to use and even fast enough for

really decent homebrew games. You could also save them to tape with the

built in 2000 buad uart.

 

The sound system in that thing was killer. It's only real drawback

was that the chips were so capable, yet the system was crippled

in comparison to the arcade version. Less ram, which meant less

resolution. The arcade also had either an extra sound/io chip or

a VOX chip. TheHome console was expandable to 64k, key board,

modem and all that. Cold feet and a strong Atari market caused Bally

to bailly!

Edited May 6, 2007 by Gorf

[Atarifever]

O^2 is fantastic machine and does NOT belong on any top ten worst list.

Agreed!

 

But how could you not?

 

 

I loved Alien Invaders too...a very cool twist on space Invaders.

 

Nice to see someone else say that. It is a great game once you understand how to play. A lot of people think it's straight up Space Invaders with less ships in silly shapes. It's not. The first thing to do is picture those guys in the back walking around and shooting at you using the guns, not trying to land on you from above. They're in their base too. Now the game is easy to get. Shooting the guns is good, as it cuts down on offense, but they still aren't dead. However, kill the robot manning the gun and the gun becomes harmless and meaningless. The shields are, of course, shields. Like any shield, you have to get around it. That rule hasn't changed between then and Halo, so get used to it. Also, the point of the game, unlike Space Invaders, is to win enough battles to win a war. Forget points here. This is war, not some pansie hippy landing party. If more people understood that the game wasn't just O2 Space Invaders, they'd like it a lot more.

Edited May 7, 2007 by Atarifever

[ls650]

O^2:

All this talk got me looking at the O2EM emulator. I never had the chance to play with an O2 back in the day. It's pretty cool...

[BassGuitari]

O^2:

All this talk got me looking at the O2EM emulator. I never had the chance to play with an O2 back in the day. It's pretty cool...

 

Yes...yes it is.

 

Alien Invaders Plus was never one of my favorite Odyssey games though. I mean, I don't hate it, and it's fun and challenging (sometimes to the point it pisses me off) for a few rounds, but having to win ten rounds is a bit much, unless you feel you really need to prove to yourself that you're better than a 30-year old computer. It's just too much of the same...different randomised scenarios would have been nice (varying amounts of enemies, enemy fire of varying degrees on intensity, fewer shields, etc).

 

Sure, it's war, but tactics and scenarios evolve in war.

 

Alien Invaders Plus is decent, and somewhat underrated, but I'd rather play UFO.

[Segataritensoftii]

I'm one of the few that actually liked the Game.com, it's got some great games, the trick is to stay away from the "action" games, side scrollers, fighers, Sonic (actually, Fighters Megamix wasn't half bad. Wasn't half good either, but of fighters, I actually playd that one more than once )

 

I think the Game.com was the Puzzle master though and hey, maybe where Nintendo got the Idea for touch screen in a game system (even if the com flopped)

 

Like the Virtual Boy, had this thing had it's last run of games released, I think it could have had it's must have come out (there was supposed to be some 3D shooters, doom style for the VB, and the com did do well with Resedent Evil, and Conker and the mega pets would have done well, had they come out)

 

Over all, this system gets a bad rap, cause people buy it, and the one game theyre interested in (probably a fighter, or sonic) and say the system over all sucks, even though it did Game show, and puzzle games, and heck, even Arcade games really well. And it did something that GameBoy didn't, it played Resedent Evil and Duke Nukem, and actually did quiet well for both, IMO.

 

If it slips another notch down on the list eh, I'll be happy. As a system, it wasn't great, but it was the games that killed it IMO. And comeon, for handhelds, this is actually in the top 3. GBA being first, though the player, Lynx being second thanks single handedly thanks to lemmings, and game.com being third. Hey, I played this more than my Super Vison, NeoGeo Pocket Color (though just because I beat all the games I own on that, and have no interest in others), Game Gear, Game King, Wonder Swan and Microvison. And there's more handhelds out there that I haven't played.

................... Ummmmm...(dangit, I can't make up my mind whether to keep the Game.com on the list or take it off.) Tell you what, I'll get back to you in a few days.