Atari Adventure Square

Amazing series! It plays out like some of the best Stephen King horror novels, blending the 80s movies and pop culture that molded my geek brain. The King angle is especially strong as the the many characters are sketched out progressively in a captivating narration. Feels like The Stand, It and Firestarter dropped into blender and baked into a delicious cake of nostalgia. And the flashbacks are like a visual call to an inner dialogue. Like what King self-deprecatingly called his writer's 'elephant-itis', expanding on a character's history and psychology. It's a gutsy approach that works very well. The first episode grabs you from the get-go and I agree with Row - I had to keep myself from bingeing (which I rarely do) cuz it's more fun to let the story sink in gradually. A perfect piece of work.

Loved your review and truly agree with your rating, NSG. This one meant a lot to me back in my whippersnapper-cube days and as a grown square today. Yeah, played it daily, along with some of my top ten for quick star-mastery starship captain action and bird-plane-man-hero picking up bridge pieces (coincidence? I think not). Adventure has always been the most satisfying, in random mode. Just like life, you never know where the things you need are, or if they are out of your reach for good. You get a hold of that special thing which will bring you closer to your goals, only to have unstoppable forces bear down on you and either stop you cold, or rob you blind (or both). But once you get ahead and can open the right doors, even lock up your feared flying klepto away for good, stop feeding the ducks with a healthy dose of swordplay, and then find that shiny cup of life - its very magical essence flashing unlike anything else around you - well then, you are just a step away from your reward as the game offers a pleasant techno-rave and ends the struggle with the promise of a happy ending, the moment the Magic Chalice is brought through the Golden gates. Yes, this tiny but epic victory will always be worth the journey of switching on and resetting yourself back into the ride. It's a perfect simulacrum for existence itself, therefore I will always be an Adventure Square, whether I'm typing on a keyboard, riding the subway, or gazing at the stars. I'm sure there are many Pitfall Harrys out there. I've met some and they are fantastically cool. But they are (and have to be) always on the move. And they know where they are going, where things are. I have been known to just sit there and sigh as one of the dragons (usually Rhindle, who does lots of cardio) gulps me up and also sits there, slowly digesting me, or simply relaxing on a full stomach after a hard day's chase. Sure, we got the magic to reset the entire kingdom back to life. But sometimes a good sit is worth a thousand snores. ehh...what was I talking about? Oh yeah, thanks for spreading the word, NSG. Also makes sense to observe that Zelda took the mantle for the next gamer set who liked their adventurin' a bit more spritey. I was mesmerized by its ride, when I got the chance to travel this other kingdom. And its success as a franchise brings me such joy (even though I haven't caught up with the many releases) because it means we are not alone in adopting a view of life as an adventure to conquer. And as such, it makes this big old randomized world a bit cozier, in shared like-mindedness. Everybody play a Game 3 today, and find your Chalice.

I have a Colecovision that could use this upgrade. Of course the last time I tried it, I think it still had its original 'loose cart' syndrome, whereas a nudge (or a dirty look) could knock the ongoing playthrough out of commission. Would need some doctorin' TLC, but knobs are a good start.

I do remember how the magazine just fizzed out, seemingly in sync with the downfall of my fave early consoles. As you say, Rick, the name change, the new look, the switch to glossy, bland computer title coverage - none of that appealed to me, or seemed to be targeting our type of home console niche (becoming 'niche-er' day-by-day at that point). Yeah, Nintendo took over the home TV playground, while arcades dried out and PCs took a few years to up-convert to the new standard. But the Electronic Games mag's era was like a portal to my mindset, as it created a community to share strategies, scores, appreciation, discovery and - by gosh - just dwell on the pleasures of living that electronic dream, as represented by some great art and nifty chat about all the things I loved that carried the Atari label. There were a few mags that shared the road (Joystick comes to mind, with its garish neon explosions of strategy over odd full-page sparse, but accurate, artwork. Marvel came up with a short-lived comic format thing that did nothing for me (although I missed the Microsurgeon issue - dat cover!), But EG was tops!

This is one of those movies which re-rezzes me just thinking about it. The world it creates takes us to an alternate reality where inner existence is explored. It's like it took on quantum theory years before this was discussed in more normalized discussions, outside of specialist science and in consideration of the meaning of life itself. While these notions might seem far-fetched, the movie's basic premise, unique visuals and electro-pastoral soundtrack elevates the experience beyond the younger target audience storyline and dialogue. I dunno. I just love it to bits. (get it? To bits? eh?) ("nonononono") (ehhh, okay) And atarifan95, you're in for a treat. Just know that the blu-ray release cleaned up the the original flash-frame 'defects' which resulted from a processing error on several post-animated frames. This gave it a great flashing effect that added to the unique visual environment of being stuck inside a computer's 'thoughts'. The 20th anniversary dvd has the original print intact and looks pretty great. I still enjoy both versions, cuz the original is stuck in my head as it gained regular rotation viewing years after its release, on this lucky afternoon vhs taping of it sometime in the 80s. Used up a whole tape in SP mode, which - given tape costs back then - I didn't do often, or at all. But yeah, this is one of the greats, and much worth celebration as a movie, as a think-piece, as a sensory event. The sequel was also pretty good. I have issues with it, which I don't wanna go into cuz I'd rather build up my love for the series than pick at its weak stems. Not as colorful, maybe. But the 3D is terrific (if you can get it). Jeff Bridges has always been a film idol, but he became my film hero for coming back to do this. The animated series is interesting and lively. A nifty addition as springpoint between the original movie and the sequel. End of line

This is terrific! The box art was a portal to the imagination, as much a part of the gameplay experience as any elements. Looking forward to it.

"Hey, you dropped your cart and manual in my cart box!" "You put MY cart box with your cart and manual!" Just perfect, Rick.

That cabinet belongs IN A MUSEUM! (that joke nevers gets old) (well..) Truly great collection NSG! Like Justin said, setting it back up is the coolest thing. Nothing like seeing your personal milestones of VG fun set up like that, each glance at it a trip through joyous joystick time and happy childhood moments.

It looks like a college course book. "Professor Retrogamer, you will have to put together a History course for the school this year." "Awww jeez, really? Well if I have to, I guess I can...waitaminit! I got it!" sign me up

Oh man, what a sweet haul and pretty cool to have an overflow of carts it's kinda like having a Horn O'Plenty ...an Atari Shelf O'Plenty

My buddy had an Intellivision II back in the VCS days. It had a fairer price than its big brother and we'd play gems like: Utopia (the deathmatch arena of its day - and Sid Meier might've took it to the next level, but we were less sleep-deprived playing 15-20 minute matches than years later on Sid's evolved PC upgrade where the sun could rise before the end of those last rounds for the night). Astrosmash (might be the only game on which I could pull marathon-play until I didn't care anymore) - "Man, I'm beating all the records, how many hours have I been playing?" - "20 minutes" - "That's it, let's go for a soda" Lock N'Chase (my buddy or one of his younger siblings had this one on in perpetuity) So much fun and very original, it made the argument against 'Pac-Man clones' and helped beef up the 'Maze game' genre side of things. Night Stalker (Kolch...I mean Night Stalker is still a perennial favorite of mine and a great one to show off the INTV's qualities: *The* running man, tense background sounds, higher-detailed bushy maze and dangerous bots and bats (again!) and spider sprites making George Plimpton proud of his endorsements) The TRON series Okay, so I never played these on the INTV II. Played 'em on rented original woodgrain console a year or so beforehand.. But it's TRON, man! It's metaphysical jazz! Ya gotta talk about it! All this to say, Baker, that the graphics were fine, but same, on the II. And yeah, the controllers were not an improvement. But it was fun.

Trick Shot (2600) Tron Deadly Discs (Intellivision)

Actually, the cool original boxes give it that "Over here!" feeling that's sorely missing from my own random stashing of items in separate bags, unmarked crates and forgotten nooks.

Cool inventory, Rick! It's good to keep things organized like this for quick set-ups when the retro gaming urge overcomes the day.

First game I heard about being used with SC was Frogger. And Commie Mutants was one I wish I had played. Even at the risk of facing the commitee. Or being blacklisted. Yeah, Supercharger upped the capabilities of the cool little VCS but was very hard to find around here (Eastern Canada). Too young for mail-orders and easily impressed by current 4-bit cart powers so it never came to be.

oooh, you know what the first one to get any of these also gets? A free(loading) roomie! Me! I'll be waiting near my Pac-Man tabletop.

When Mattel ported their proprietary titles to the VCS, it was like we had stepped into a better world, an (Atari) Age of Aquarius, a peace-among-men environment, a world where the scientist approaches the invading monsterbeast and does not get ate up or zapped to little-bitty dust (OK, that would never happen). It was almost incredible to us atarians cuz our families couldn't afford both consoles (the 2600 and Intellivision - that was it) but the Tron titles were so futuro-cool and essential, Lock N'Chase was Pac-Man next-gen (just smush pac and Mouse Trap together), and - yeah Brian - froggy action for everyone! M-Network might've simply been a logical marketing step, but after the Plimpton put-downs, where Mattel's Maserati zoomed past our sweet Volks beetle and shrieked donuts in our coughing face, as all we atari younglings ever wanted was to have fun, it was the 8-bit bullies handing over *their* lunch and everybody realizing the basic components of a successful title can indeed be broken down to simpler, blockier science and still be effective. And - we get to play as Tron on our reliable VCS, get to smash the falling astros just like the rich people do. It was peace and love, man. Joysticks and discpads in harmony.

These handhelds definitely have more of a 'You-had-to-be-there' appeal to us retro gamers who started out with these mobile games back when electronics was turning out to be a kid's best friend. Portability, multi-player ops, brief time-efficient rounds, basic strategy - all-in-all some incredibly-tight fun in a small package. Battery turnover was the biggest setback, and even that didn't affect us as much as it did when larger sets came about (looking at you, Coleco Pac-Man...aww c'mere, gimme a hug old pal!). I dunno what they expected out of a big screen port. NoSwear's vid pretty much sums it up. Just a terrible idea. But those original handheld re-issues I see popping around? Pure gold! Get those instead. Impress your friends, family and co-workers. Amaze the dog! Bore the cat! Get some batteries! Still have my Battlestar Galactica: Space Alert. Had so much fun with it, it earned a spot in the family and I gave it a name. uh...I named it Battlestar Galactica: Space Alert, to avoid confusion.

Aw..here I was jumping in here, certain that someone was calling me to share a moment, but it turns out to be about a 70s handheld toy. Story of my life. But seriously cool, still. yeah, I can bet the marketing team that came up with this name were high-fiving each other. The Simon color-match craze was rather fun. The memory game tested your concentration mettle in a way that was intriguing for everybody. Did not have a SImon myself, had an 'Einstein', from Castle toys - a rectangular, white, four large buttoned apparatus that did its job well enough. As for Touch Me, I'm sure Mr. Furley could have made good use of it.

Sweet deal. Congrats on taking in an abandoned 7800 into your home! The garage sales around here should be starting soon. Here, people stick announcements to electric posts a month in advance because it's all duplexes and triplexes and sidewalks and alleys. No space, no time to walk n' stop. With the phone-in-hand walk nowadays, hardly looking up. In the town where I grew up for a while, there are now by-laws whereas you need a permit to make a garage sale and only on certain days, a few times per year. On the upside, you can get in your car and drive around to find sales at every other house. I digress. Keep us updated on the gametime status of your haul, Row. Curious about the 7800 experience.

Gotta post this link here as a follow-up to Rick's mention of the Pinball Hall of Fame. It's a page with sweet panoramas of the D.C Pinball Museum. http://pinball.rocket9.net/National_Pinball_Museum.htm Also has links within to more of same in different areas. Would you believe I found this while looking up M-Network VG titles? It's one big wonderful world of retro gaming that opens up once you dive into the portal.

Yeah, like Rick, I can go for any pinball if it's in physical proximity. But as a nostalgia item, I would say the Kiss table, for one. Played it on a daily basis at my local cheap eats spot on the way to and back from school, in those heady days of Kiss Army membership. I was a big fan (obvs) and the awesomeness that was the greatest rock band alive coming alive on the bumper thumps and flipper saves and everything well...couldn't pass it up. Also, another daily table was Black Knight, sole pinball at our corner bowling alley and teenage meeting haunt. We were both good customers - dropping all our loose change in this and the couple of cabinets present - and bad - we would stay there as long as humanly possible on a few dollars, figured out a way to shock the cabiinet coin slots into giving us free games by using carpet friction, would flick the Black Knight switch underneath until it gave us free games (peaked at 99, I think). Yeah, I didn't discover either of those tricks, felt very bad at the buds doing this, but still exploited the heck out of that friction one. Cuz (bad) science! eh, I sidetracked a bit. Oh well. Lemme finish with Caveman, that blue hybrid pinball and VG. Played only a few times on this one. It was out of town and me and my dad would stop by the big city mall were he'd go off and leave me at the arcade with a fistful of quarters. This one just impressed with its easy switch to the maze VG bit and back to the table. I liked the reward of playing that internal mini game from strategizing the pinball action. I could go on...those early model/late 60s surf tables found in hotels and diners alongside the enigmatic Pong cabinets, in those pre-arcade days...any mechanical score display table, where the gear sounds were as cool as the bumpers bells... Yeah, pinball talk Bring it on

Lol

Warms the token-filled cockles of my arcader heart to see this. Pac-Man changed the playfield from visual and sound design standpoint when it emerged onto the scene. That simple, yet effective constant-nibbler avatar, those bright colors in a suave, loungey-chic dark blue maze, that waka... Irrestible then and now. Truly deserving of celebration. I hope today's fans get to play a cabinet version to get that immersive arcade feel. Nothing beats playing this with an actual mounted joystick.

I'll tell you, there are times when a few bands go into heavy rotation in my ears (most of the bands already mentioned in this post), then are dropped to make way for the next thing. I favor instrumental, mostly. Lotsa jazz and ambient electronic. - McCoy Tyner is a fave jazz pianist and truly a go-to source of music which will tune my soul, whenever needed. - Tangerine Dream, while not really ambient, have made tracks that not only get me going but also take me back to the 80s with those tunes with the thumping double-time bass line (and also the soundtrack to Risky Business). - And I would top it off with Jimi Hendrix, whose first three albums helped define the groove in my life, and the more recent sets (like Black Gold) which reveal his improv jams and offers lessons in letting go and cutting loose. I would like to add Production Music sounds as something that offers tremendous retro appeal. You can find some on YouTube. This background music to 60s-70s commercials and movies in complete album format from DeWolfe, Bruton, Rouge and other companies was a revelation to me. I listen to this whenever I can.