Cartridge, Manual, Box Photo Variation Website!

[Philflound]

I decided to start a new thread since I wanted the title to actually tell what I'm doing now. Also the other thread is so many pages, new viewers probably would not want to read through it all and may forego reading anything on it. Since the site is collector input besides my own hard work, I'd like to try and get everyone involved. Help is needed and I appreciate everything AA users have done to get it to where it is today.

 

Big changes from when I first posted the last thread:

 

- Documentation is being added. Not only instruction manuals, but any inserts that went with the games along with warranties, ads, flyers, posters, owner manuals, catalogs, and any other type of paperwork. I'm going to spend many days this summer trying to get as much of this info up as possible. Once a title is "finished", if you see I'm missing anything and you own it, contact me if you can scan and send it to me. I should have the majority of instruction manuals, maybe short of multi-language/foreign ones.

 

- Label / mold variations: Under several of the companies (usually the major ones), there will be listed a "general" explanation link(s) to get into more detail about label descriptions or cartridge mold variations. Since this is a "general" description usually pertaining to many titles, I thought it would be appropriate to show details with photos on one page instead of having to explain it on each title that has these types of variations. I know I have these types of descriptions on Atari of course, 20th Century Fox, Activision, Coleco, Data Age, and M Network. There will be others as I get to those companies.

 

- Atari box descriptions, release dates, and photos. This was probably the biggest addition to what the site had from when I first started. I saw AA users over the past couple of years post on occasion their curiosity as to which box variations were printed when. So through research, I think I figured out the official printing release of the various boxes. I just updated the page this is on and gave much more detail with general printing dates.

 

- Box printers with dates. Because I found certain boxes of titles like Adventure or Superman where the boxes look almost exactly the same, but had a minute difference, I discovered the only difference in these boxes were who the printer was and possibly the date the box was printed. So I began adding printers to the label variation giant list. When I saw the interest in printing order release, I decided to add the dates that the boxes were printed. At first I just was looking at Atari boxes, but have since decided to add the other 3rd party companies if they have printers and dates on their flaps. Activision is definitely one that I've been slowly adding. The problem is many listings have the printer, but not the date. I've sold many of the variations that I've had over the past couple of years so I can't go back and get the printing dates. So now any new boxes I acquire I check all details and add to the descriptions of what is already on the site. Eventually I'll be rearranging the box listings so they are in close to chronological order.

 

 

So what does the future hold? More printers and printing dates will be added for box variation listings. Instruction manuals will be slowly added to all the companies eventually. And of course, I have to finish the other 3rd party companies I have not listed. Again, it's a ton of work and things are slowly coming together. I make changes all the time and it probably goes unnoticed. But I want to give the collector all the information that I feel is important. Once again, any help would be appreciated. Look at the site and if you can help in any way, I'd appreciate it.

 

BTW, if anyone has emailed/messaged me or listed variations in the previous thread and I have not updated them on the site, send me a reminder so I can get right on it. I have so many things going on, I can't remember everything I've done.

 

Phil

Edited July 16, 2013 by Philflound

[Philflound]

After re-reading my initial post, I wanted to clarify one thing. On the section above that says Box printers with dates, I mention about having the printer but not the date. What I meant here was that I was only looking at the printer at the time I was adding the info. So you'll see say Adpak or Bertco on tiny flap in the box listing, but I don't put a printed date like 10/80. What I wish I did was write the 10/80 at the time I first started looking at the printer. But I didn't deem the printed date important until I decided to do a box order of printing release. Problem is most of the boxes I originally looked up the printer, I have sold so I can't go back and get the date printed info. Anyway, hope this makes sense.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Took me an hour, but Mystique has been added with carts, manuals, and boxes. I'm going to try and always add the manual listings for any new 3rd party software additions right away. I'm also going to try and add some of the manuals for the smaller 3rd party software companies already finished. This will make the site look much better.

 

Just added Milton Bradley manuals. Quitting for the evening.

 

Phil

 

PS: If anyone sees any errors, let me know.

Edited July 18, 2013 by Philflound

[Syntaxerror999]

Are you doing this for AA or your own site? Looking though the database it surprises me how many games only have HTML manuals considering how many of the missing manuals i see on ebay on any given day.

[Philflound]

This is for my site, which is 2nd link in my signature. Al will eventually update AA with photos of manuals instead of the HTML. Guess it depends on how fast I am and what time he has. He's a busy guy running AA and the store with all the homebrew carts. I got a decent amount of the scans from User42 for the manuals, but he usually has only 1 or at most 2 of a variation, so I have to fill in the rest myself with what I own. Scanning 4-6 pages isn't too bad, but when you get to those 20-40 page manuals, then it's a chore.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Just got in a nice lot of over 20 boxes (found more Frogger variations) and another lot of well over 200 instruction manuals. Time to go through and find more info. When I clicked the Imagic page on my site, I realized that I skipped this company. Not sure why, since I pretty much had all the photos ready for the carts and boxes. So I'll be doing the Imagic section and hopefully will finish it by the end of the weekend.

 

Phil

[Syntaxerror999]

Ok i see.. Would you mind posting the url... I only have my phone for Internet and signatures don't show up for some reason in the mobile version of the forums

[Philflound]

It's www.videogamevariations.com, .net, or .info. They all lead to the same place.

Phil

[Philflound]

I'm working on random Atari manuals and you'll see them on the Atari released page. The ones you see complete are ones which there is only 1 known manual for the game. These are relatively easy to do since I don't have to do any additional scanning. It's just something to get done rather quickly and give the user something to view if needed. Though I still have to modify each page image to my standard size, these titles are quick for the most part.

 

BTW, manuals include every page including blank ones. So page count is important. If the listing says 6 pages, there should be 6 pictures, even if a page is just white. If you look at a listing and a page count doesn't seem right, contact me so I can make sure all pages are there.

 

Phil

Edited July 20, 2013 by Philflound

[Philflound]

In the last batch of games I received, I got a boxed copy of Burgertime. Since it was nicer than mine, I traded it and was scanning the extra to put on Ebay today. I found I had the second manual release, so I scanned that and added it to the list under the M Network section. I also got in the new boxed version a small insert NOTICE about using the game in left controller. I've never seen this before so I added that too. You can see both now live on the site.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

I've been a part of the giant variation list for a good 15+ years now. I've had my personal copy of the list and modified it the entire time, even when the master list out there wasn't being modified. I added manuals to the list a few years ago and whittled down the listings some because it was a mess. A few years ago, I decided that I was going to create a photo website for 2 reasons. One, I could PROVE what was out there that was on the list. Two, collectors could see exactly what the variation was so they could identify their own.

 

I want to clarify how I categorize a variation and what I do to consider variations to the list. This will help anyone out there who thinks they may have a variation and wants to add it to my website.

 

CARTS

The cartridge itself instead of the label may be the variation. Something about the cartridge mold is different from others of the same title. The shape may be different, there may be the company name molded on the cartridge on some samples, but not others, there may be small physical differences, sometimes the feel of the cart, as in rough or smooth, a casting mark on some and not on others, circuit board protector variations (locking sliding, none, foam), or other difference that can be seen. Things I don't consider would be the inside that most likely cannot be seen without opening up the cartridge itself.

 

Labels should be carefully scrutinized. There are obvious differences like copyright date is changed, the color of the label is changed, logos are moved from one part to the other, PAL or "P" may be added to the label. Label variations can be the main label, end label or both if there are separate main and end labels. Other changes may be adding or removing controller information, error in controller information, or adding/removing company copyright notices. Subtle changes may be the size of the © copyright, ® registered, or ™ trademark symbols, or maybe whether or not they were added or removed. Physical changes like the title looks different (upper case vs lower case, stick letters vs bubble or fancy, changes in color on the title or photo, or shifting of the picture (size bigger or smaller included)) will also be considered variations.

 

Things I usually don't consider is a slight color shade difference unless it's very apparent and also one of a kind mistakes such as double labels, or upside down labels. Variations that can be created is a judgment call. If I can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that error labels or switched labels exist in many instances, it will be listed as a variation. Examples like Missile Command and Video Pinball have upper and lower case main and end labels. Sometimes they mix and match where the main is upper and the end is lower. These are legitimate variations. Though I don't put too much value to them because any end label that falls off can be glued to any main label. Though switching of labels may not be common practice, if there is a significant value assigned to that particular variation, sketchy people may create them to profit. Even though these are legitimate variations, I put a note next to the listing that this may be created. Double labels and upside down labels are pretty much scarce factory errors if legitimate, or like I said, can be manufactured so there shouldn't be any added value to them. Oddities to collect for some, but not worthy of a variation listing.

 

Instruction Manuals

Manual variations for the most part are extremely easy to identify. Most will change color, size, or more importantly a Rev (revision) number will be added or changed. Other things to look for with manual variations are any company copyright notices added or removed, ©, ®, or ™ added, removed, or changed from one to another after a title/company name, copyright year the manual was printed, and what country/city the manual was printed in. Since this is a rather new section compared to the carts and boxes in the giant list, I'm still evaluating and discovering new additions all the time. Also, there are very few photo references for manuals since I just began this and scanning many pages takes a long time.

 

BOXES

Box variations are also usually easily identified. The boxes will physically look different with title movement, photo changes, color differences (whole box itself or part of it) or any type of copyright or warranty information added, moved, or removed. Many have a Rev (revision) number change which will also help. Sometimes the company address changes as in the case of Activision. Also, bar codes may be added in the later releases. Atari has the standard flap, glued flap, and tab flap boxes. Parker Brothers has 2 piece and 1 piece boxes. Sears has product number changes. Like manuals, which country/city the box is printed may change. Also, sometimes the title printing on the sides or top/bottom of the box may vary as in direction or info. There are cases where stickers were originally applied to a box giving information or a sweepstakes or PAL. These technically have a variation if the sticker is removed, but unless it was manufactured without a sticker with known confirmed copies, it will not be listed as a variation. When a box looks identical with possibly only a slight variation with the tiny flap, I will usually not list a separate entry, but note the subtle differences in the listings such as flap color or printer. Examples of this are Adventure, Combat, and Superman.

 

There probably isn't much in the way of disqualifying new box variation listings. One thing I have not listed was the Imagic tray inserts. There are at least 2 maybe 3 different types of trays. Cardboard vs plastic is the obvious one. Problem is that since these trays are removable, they are easily exchanged between titles if the collector wants to. So unless every copy is originally sealed and you can see which type of tray exists, it isn't feasible to created a variation.

 

So hopefully you get a good understanding as to what it takes to do all this. Each and every cart, manual, and box I personally get my hands on, I compare with what variations are already known to see if something new has been discovered. I have come across many new additions and still do. If you can contribute anything that isn't on the site, please contact me. Only look for sections that have been "completed" meaning I've exhausted all my resources and have not run across a "known" listed variation or what you have is not listed at all.

 

I did want to note that there are still a few listings that I've never been able to verify. Most likely I will be removing these from the list. If that variation ever surfaces, I'd be happy to add them in the future. I'm also trying to "word" the variation list to be consistent. I have a specific format for each listing, but sometimes I identify a variation like say, "limited ninety day warranty" and a few of the listings read "ninety day limited warranty" instead, so I'm trying to fix all the listings to read exactly the same. I've also decided to begin to work on the Activision manuals to include the address city on each and every one along with whether the Activision has or ® next to it, as I'm finding these variations on the manuals, but the revision numbers are the same. Also, some of the manuals have the Atari copyright notice on the back and some don't, so I'm going to add this info also. It's probably easier for me to identify a variation like this if all the info was already listed.

 

One other thing before I conclude is how I'm going to handle the later release Atari manuals. Many manuals are the same with the copyright year and where it is printed, but have a very small difference. Say Kangaroo 1988 manual printed in Hong Kong. You may see something like BT.5.1988 and another with BT.7.1988. I've noticed these on the 1987-1988 releases and possibly may be on 1986. Some of the listings I've put separately, but I don't think it's worth a separate listing if this is the only difference. What I may do is combine the info under one listing, and possibly just scan the last page and add it to the end of the manual photos to show each of the last pages with those dates. Why waste room and time if this is the only difference? Anyone have an opinion on this, let me know.

 

So enjoy and I'll keep working on bringing you the most detailed information out there.

 

Phil

Edited July 21, 2013 by Philflound

[Philflound]

Ok, I started filling in the Imagic page. This is going to take awhile as I'm still seeking some scans that I thought I had. I may be missing some of pictures I should have, but since I don't have access to the closet with all my loose carts, I won't be able to do any scans of things I own myself. I'm hoping to find most of what I need on Atarimania.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Did all the Imagic cartridges last night. Will work on the boxes tonight if I have time. Filled in the Konami manuals just now.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Just added a red box Space Invaders, red box Joust, red box Moon Patrol, red box RS Boxing, red box Crossbow, red box Solaris, red box Xenophobe, and 3 boxes for Stargate, along with modifying Millipede boxes with a sort of 1984 addition and another 1987. Thanks to Andre81 for linking me to later box releases. I'll post any more updates.

 

Phil

Edited July 22, 2013 by Philflound

[Philflound]

Added 1986 box Indy 500 and 1987 box Pele Soccer. I'll update more when I get back later tonight.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Ok, just added the following boxes: 1987 grey Basketball, 1986 Sky Diver, 1986 Circus Atari, 1986 and 1987 Video Checkers, 1987 Missile Command, 1987 Yars Revenge, 1988 RS Football, 1987 and 1988 Ms. Pacman, 1987 Battlezone, 1987 Pole Position, and 1987 Crossbow. Will update more as I do them.

 

Phil

Edited July 23, 2013 by Philflound

[Philflound]

Added so many more variations I lost count of what I was doing. I know there was Dodge Em, Vanguard, Missile Command, more Millipede, Basketball again, and some others. Guess you'll just have to check out all the Atari box sections to see what good things have gone up. Also, there should be a ton more coming soon.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Decided to add Mythicon this afternoon in its entirety including manuals.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Added Panda section with carts, manuals, and boxes. Next will be Parker Brothers. Hopefully will get back to Imagic and try and finish that section and Parker Brothers this weekend.

Phil

[Philflound]

Ok, started the Parker Brothers and put up what I've done so far. Since there is a lot involved with this company, I don't believe I'll be able to finish it all in the next couple of days. I'll try and do what I can. If you have any variations not shown, contact me. Some titles have lots of cart, manual, and box variations. The manuals are going to take some time, even though I think most are 8 pages long. One thing I've decided to do with Parker Brothers is scan the sides and/or top/bottom of the box lids to show where the true variation lies. Most of the time the box is exactly the same. I've noticed subtle differences in box variations, so I'll show and explain what I mean. When you see everything, you'll hopefully understand. I'm also adding the cardboard insert as part of the variations. Frogger has actually 2 different colors. I'm going to put these under the Manual sections of the games. I'll keep you posted. Let me know what you think of the Frogger cartridge explanations.

 

Phil

[Philflound]

Been adding more boxes for Atari later releases. I'm also working on a list of Atari boxes that should exist based on the evidence I'm seeing. I'll post it up eventually after doing more work.

 

Phil

[Rom Hunter]

Phil,

 

Please keep me informed about new additions for Atarimania.

 

Not the ones from Andre, I mean.

 

[Serious]

Been adding more boxes for Atari later releases. I'm also working on a list of Atari boxes that should exist based on the evidence I'm seeing. I'll post it up eventually after doing more work.

 

Phil

 

This is a great resource. Thanks for putting this together!

[Philflound]

Phil,

 

Please keep me informed about new additions for Atarimania.

 

Not the ones from Andre, I mean.

 

 

That's what I've been adding so far. Haven't bought anything lately and anything I added I sent you.

 

Phil

[Rom Hunter]

Ok, thanks!