New to Colecovision! (looking for advice, etc...)

[orrimarrko]

So, I was just poking around on this site: colecoboxart.com, and saw that there are different versions of games/boxes.

 

I was hoping that someone could explain the ColecoVision vs. ColecoVision/Adam variations, and the CBS Colecovision?

 

Were the CBS Colecovision games released in the US, or somewhere else?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Pixelboy]

So, I was just poking around on this site: colecoboxart.com, and saw that there are different versions of games/boxes.

 

I was hoping that someone could explain the ColecoVision vs. ColecoVision/Adam variations, and the CBS Colecovision?

 

Were the CBS Colecovision games released in the US, or somewhere else?

When Coleco released the first games for their "brand new" ColecoVision console in 1982, there was no Adam yet, so the boxes and cart labels did not mention the Adam. When the Adam was released a year later, all ColecoVision games were playable on the Adam so Coleco thought it wise to put "for ColecoVision and Adam" on all boxes and cart labels from that point on, including on new copies of previously-released games. That's why both box/cart variations exist for some games.

 

CBS was the official distributor of ColecoVision hardware and software in the UK, Europe and also Australia. The CBS1, CBS2 and CBS3 box types correspond to different marketing efforts by CBS over the years, while CBS4 is the cheap plastic clamshell box style used in Australia.

 

The CBS cartridges may have a different shape, but the software and electronics inside the carts are the same, so you can play a CBS cartridge on an American ColecoVision, and an American cartridge in a CBS ColecoVision without any problem. There are a few rare exception to this rule, mostly with games published by third-party companies.

[orrimarrko]

When Coleco released the first games for their "brand new" ColecoVision console in 1982, there was no Adam yet, so the boxes and cart labels did not mention the Adam. When the Adam was released a year later, all ColecoVision games were playable on the Adam so Coleco thought it wise to put "for ColecoVision and Adam" on all boxes and cart labels from that point on, including on new copies of previously-released games. That's why both box/cart variations exist for some games.

 

CBS was the official distributor of ColecoVision hardware and software in the UK, Europe and also Australia. The CBS1, CBS2 and CBS3 box types correspond to different marketing efforts by CBS over the years, while CBS4 is the cheap plastic clamshell box style used in Australia.

 

The CBS cartridges may have a different shape, but the software and electronics inside the carts are the same, so you can play a CBS cartridge on an American ColecoVision, and an American cartridge in a CBS ColecoVision without any problem. There are a few rare exception to this rule, mostly with games published by third-party companies.

 

Ah-ha! Perfect. I was hoping that it would be something like that. So, initially, if I was only looking to collect US releases, I'd be looking for Coleco boxed games only, and those without the multi-language (Canada releases.) Does that sound about right?

 

Is there a point where US releases became multi-lingual, or did that not happen?

 

One other question for those who may know...

 

What games were ColecoVision exclusives, not available on any other system? I know this happened infrequently in the early 80's as ports were common on the 2600 and ColecoVision, but I'm wondering if there were any games that weren't available on the 2600 or Intellivision.

 

Thanks again guys, you've been a great help to a CV newbie!

 

Steve

[phattyboombatty]

Personal preference: skip the wheel and Turbo. There are much better racers out there.

I beg to differ. Although it might be lower on the priority list, pick yourself up a good used wheel, or order a new one from someplace like jackbergsales. Load 'er up with some Sanyo rechargable batteries (Costco or Amazon for the "C" type adapters). Destructor is fun, challenging, and addictive with the wheel and one of my favs. Also, Pitstop is a blast, but I keep forgetting whether or not Burn Rubber works with it. All worth it for a little extra fun in my opinion!

[Pixelboy]

Ah-ha! Perfect. I was hoping that it would be something like that. So, initially, if I was only looking to collect US releases, I'd be looking for Coleco boxed games only, and those without the multi-language (Canada releases.) Does that sound about right?

 

Is there a point where US releases became multi-lingual, or did that not happen?

In a nutshell, Coleco's canadian branch was located in Montreal, and they went out of their way to make bilingual boxes and manuals for the canadian market, mostly to cater to the French-speaking gamers in Quebec (a move that paid off, I can assure you). Meanwhile, Coleco's main US branch kept on producing English-only boxes and manuals.

 

Near the end of the ColecoVision/Adam's life, things got a bit mixed up in terms of territory: Some games were developed in Canada and were sold in the US using bilingual boxes to cut costs (this implies that you may have trouble finding English-only boxes for such games as "Evolution" and "Illusions") and things got even more confusing when some CBS stocks from Europe started to get distributed in North-America.

 

Whatever the region, the software contents of the cartridges are exactly the same (except for a few exceptions where the title screen is different, like "Dam Busters" and "Grog's Revenge") so there's not much point in trying to avoid bilingual copies since the games are the same and you get the English instructions anyhow.

 

What games were ColecoVision exclusives, not available on any other system? I know this happened infrequently in the early 80's as ports were common on the 2600 and ColecoVision, but I'm wondering if there were any games that weren't available on the 2600 or Intellivision.

There weren't that many... Even games that look like exclusives were actually released on some home computers, like War Games which was also released on the Commodore 64.

 

Here's a list I prepared to the best of my abilities (in other words, I'm too lazy to check online for correctness):

 

- 2010 - The Graphic Action Game

- Amazing Bumpman

- Destructor

- Cabbage Patch Kids - Adventures in the Park

- Cabbage Patch Kids - Picture Show

- Dr Seuss' Fix-Up the Mix-up Puzzler

- The Dukes of Hazzard

- Fortune Builder

- Illusions

- It's Only Rock'n Roll

- Ken Uston Blackjack / Poker

- Pepper II (not sure about this one...)

- Rocky - Super Action Boxing

- Slither

- Smurf Paint & Play Workshop

- Space Fury (not sure about this one...)

- Space Panic (not sure about this one...)

- Super Action Baseball

- Super Action Football

- Super Action Football (i.e. Soccer)

- Victory

- War Room

- Word Feud

[Rhomaios]

A few more were best on the Colecovision, like Jungle Hunt, Bump n Jump, Congo Bongo, Tapper, Venture, and a couple that were released on expensive or otherwise Japanese-only machines, like Girl's Garden and Gulkave (both excellent after-market conversions by members here).

[Marcks73]

I play ColecoVision games like if it was the latest thing, here's a few you SHOULD play as soon as possible! Awesome games!

 

Zaxxon

Venture

Tapper

Pepper II

WarGames

Space Fury

Omega Race

Burgertime

Montezuma's Revenge

Pitfall II

DK Jr.

Donkey Kong

Turbo

Mr.Do

 

Great gameplay and replay value!!!!!!

[Shmup Lover]

CIB is the way to go if you have the funding. I feel that the CV boxes look fantastic and really hold up from a design perspective. You have the Arcade fonts and that super sweet pic of the arcade cab on the front, but these are the more common ones for arcade ports. Plus the condition of the games are usually really good and will have all the extras such as necessary overlays. More expensive but could recoup easily if you ever decide to downsize down the road. But if you are a bit practical like me you go for some boxed ones that you are really looking forward to and mix in some lesser desired loose carts.

 

Excluding homebrews and rare titles I would say my top 5 for games are: Zaxxon, Lady Bug, Venture, War Games and Mouse Trap.

 

 

 

 

[orrimarrko]

Thanks everyone - great information so far. Whenever I decide whether to collect something, I always do my homework. Part of the fun for sure, but it's always smart to get to know what I'm getting into...

 

Appreciate it guys!

[atarilovesyou]

Here's a tip I don't think anybody's mentioned yet: Atarimax sells a multicart for the CV. Which will save you a lot of money in the long run, as long as you don't mind downloading games. This way you can try em' out and see which ones you really want to physically own, if the collecting bug truly hits. Tracking down minty games on the CV is not going to be cheap, and at least not as cheap as going the multicart route. If you're really into the CV, you'll still want the physical media. But at least you'll be able to have a lot of fun with your system in the meantime. I spent quite a bit trying to get games that I remembered, only to realize the rose coloured glasses had to come off at some point.

 

The big thing is making sure your CV is functioning. That power switch is something that will most likely need some TLC if you expect your system to be in good shape, even if you don't use it often.

 

As far as the expansion modules, I have em' all except for ADAM and...it's pure nostalgia. The wheel was the SHIT back in the day but today...not so much. Some games are downright unplayable (Dukes of Hazzard, and I had a lot of fun back in 86 with that one)...I actually like the roller controller, but mostly for the Atari versions of the classics that use the ball...ok, so maybe it's only Centipede but DANG, it plays a great Centipede!

 

If I could only keep one thing with my CV (not that it'll ever happen) it would be my multicart. It should have been my first purchase. Good luck!

[Jess Ragan]

It always makes me sad whenever someone recommends Gorf. It's an okay shooter on its own merits, but as a conversion of the arcade game it falls far, far short.

[orrimarrko]

Alrighty - looks like I'll be testing the CIB waters pretty soon. Need to get to playing something soon!

 

Thanks again guys, you've been very helpful. I'm sure I'll have more questions!

 

Orri~