What to build next for the ColecoVision

[+5-11under]

Hi there,

 

I'm trying to figure out what project to tackle next. Your input is appreciated. Options include:

 

1. All-in-one replacement for the driving controller and roller controller. This would also include other switches for gear shifting, difficulty setting - whatever is required for all the games. The driving and roller controllers would be replaced by a single analog joystick. The spinner might also be "emulated" this way. I'm not too far on this one yet, so I don't have a clear idea of how much it might cost to produce.

 

2. A re-issue of Lord of the Dungeon, including battery back-up, of course. Would anyone object to having a re-issue?

 

3. A ColecoVision clone. I've worked the numbers, and unfortunately, it's expensive. With emulation options available now and FPGA options on the horizon, maybe this isn't viable. I'll probably make at least a few of these at some point, nevertheless. Anyway, this would be virtually 100% compatible, because the main ICs and expansion slot will stay the same. However, the only old-stock ICs that will be used will be the video and audio generators. Issues with original ColecoVisions regarding video memory, power switches, controller inputs, power supplies should disappear. PCB size would be a generous 5" x 6" approximately.

 

4. Something completely different - VGA for the ColecoVision, video output for some other console? Any other ideas? What would enhance your gaming experience?

 

Thanks,

5-11under

[youki]

I have voted a colecovision clone, i definitivly want a new console compatible with more standard/modern component in term of power supply and video connector.

 

And my dream would be a portable colecovision something like a portable DVD player but with a Colecovision instead the DVD player.

 

Something like that one :

 

http://static.pcinpact.com/images/bd/news/57057-toshiba-lecteur-dvd-portable-sd-p71dt.jpg

 

 

And the ultimate Dream , a CD (or DVD) Reader for the Colecovision. That could allow to do very great game for that console without need of mega cart and expensive production cost to make cartridges.

Edited November 28, 2009 by youki

[Pixelboy]

I also voted to a CV clone. If someone could just manage to design the PCB for such a clone, it could easely snowball into a real large-scale project.

 

My second choice would be a new "regular" controller. I like your idea of the analog controller that would replace the steering wheel and Roller Controller, but since very few CV games use these alternate controllers, I think I would prefer a comfortable joypad with a regular D-pad, four face buttons and a 12-key keypad. If it was up to me, I'd try to add a miniature trackball as well, but that would likely double the pricetag.

 

Another fun project would be a USB interface cartridge. Not like Atarimax's 128-in-1 USB cart, but instead a cartridge equipped with a simple female USB connector, that would plug into the console's expansion port, and would allow the player to plug any USB key. This USB cartridge would override the regular cartridge port, and it would look for a "CV" sub-directory in the root directory of the USB key, and display a menu (on the TV screen) with all the ".ROM" files it finds. Once a ROM is selected, it would be loaded into a 32K RAM space and would boot like a regular CV cartridge.

[purenergy]

As much as I would love to have (and would buy) a Colecovision clone, I voted for a Lord of the Dungeon re-issue. Someday, I hope this fine game will be available again.

Edited November 30, 2009 by purenergy

[newcoleco]

A colecovision clone seems to be the best solution. first of all, there are people out there who are tires to pay for broken colecovision consoles or they already have a console but no more working. I'm pretty sure these guys will be very happy to get a new console.

[the.golden.ax]

I'd love to see a clone with OpCode Module already integrated.

 

AX

[Tempest]

LotD for me. Mainly because I sold mine...

 

Tempest

[Bill Loguidice]

I would love a Lord of the Dungeon since that game is practical mythical for me. The other options are cool too, but the second choice would be the ColecoVision clone. I'm just not sure I like your particular vision of the new controller. I like my controllers authentic, meaning a paddle for a spinner, a wheel for a wheel and a trackball for a trackball. If you wanted to a do a 1:1 replacement control panel, meaning trackball, spinner and wheel, then I'd be all for it. In fact, you'd only need the trackball and the spinner, since the knob of the spinner could be swapped out for a steering wheel.

[+5-11under]

I'm just not sure I like your particular vision of the new controller. I like my controllers authentic, meaning a paddle for a spinner, a wheel for a wheel and a trackball for a trackball. If you wanted to a do a 1:1 replacement control panel, meaning trackball, spinner and wheel, then I'd be all for it. In fact, you'd only need the trackball and the spinner, since the knob of the spinner could be swapped out for a steering wheel.

You're right. My current vision for the controller is a sort of hack of the originals. Instead of furiously spinning the trackball or steering wheel, you would just have to move the controller a few more degrees one way or the other. I've never actually played the trackball or steering wheel games, so I'm not sure how much spinning is required. With a new controller, hopefully I'll be able to enjoy the games... although obviously in a somewhat different way than was originally intended.

 

Thanks,

5-11under

[Bill Loguidice]

I'm just not sure I like your particular vision of the new controller. I like my controllers authentic, meaning a paddle for a spinner, a wheel for a wheel and a trackball for a trackball. If you wanted to a do a 1:1 replacement control panel, meaning trackball, spinner and wheel, then I'd be all for it. In fact, you'd only need the trackball and the spinner, since the knob of the spinner could be swapped out for a steering wheel.

You're right. My current vision for the controller is a sort of hack of the originals. Instead of furiously spinning the trackball or steering wheel, you would just have to move the controller a few more degrees one way or the other. I've never actually played the trackball or steering wheel games, so I'm not sure how much spinning is required. With a new controller, hopefully I'll be able to enjoy the games... although obviously in a somewhat different way than was originally intended.

 

Thanks,

5-11under

 

Well, the steering wheel games are really a non-factor for the most part as you really don't get much of a feeling of the controller as a steering wheel, save perhaps in Destructor where your movements are more free roaming than in the other wheel games. The trackball though is the real deal (at least it FEELS like the real deal) and it would be rather difficult to play games like Slither, for instance, any other way (i.e., without the free roaming ball).

[Arjak]

I voted for a Lord of the Dungeon Reproduction. Since I don't care much for driving games, and I'm fine with playing a standard ColecoVision, I think a new game is best.

[carl1966]

I don't know if its too late to put my two cents worth in but I'm all for a rerelease of Lord of the Dungeons as I've looked in vain for a copy as I'm sure many others has. I know a rom is available but theres nothing like playing a cartridge on an old console.