Atari 5200 Guy

It's been a long while since I dragged out my Genesis, mainly due to a lack of games.  I have a few but only three of the games I have really spark my interest.  While I was playing, however, I tried to remember the games that made me want a Genesis in the first place.  My first hands-on experience with the console would happen in 1989.  
 
Mom and I were on our way home.  We had spent the day goofing off in Mt. Home, Arkansas which is a town that is roughly an hour to two hour drive east of my hometown.  Mom had to use the bathroom and stopped at a grocery store in a town called Flippin which is really a drive-thru area...or it use to be.  Next to the grocery store there was a rental store so I went in while Mom did what she had to do.  The time frame was about 6 maybe 7 pm and it was already dark out.
 
I entered the store to see if what NES games they had to rent.  The usual Super Mario Bros series was there along with titles that were not that great.  Then I seen the Genesis section and, wow, the games looked really cool.  I asked the guy at the counter about his rates.  There was no way Mom was going to want to come back in 3 days.  Then Mom enters the store and begins talking to the same guy who turns out to be the owner as well.  I showed Mom the games and told her about the new console from Sega.  Before I knew it Mom and that guy (I never knew his name) made a deal.  For $10 flat I could rent a console and two games for seven days.  If we were late when we returned it we had to pay full price for the system and games.  I turned to Mom with a worried look on my face.  Seriously...I didn't feel right having that kind of burden on something being rented.  I wasn't even sure if I would like this thing.  But...Mom winked at me so I just shrugged off my thoughts about it.
 
After that stop we continued home.  Well...I was going to my grandmother's as it was my weekend to spend there.  Granny always liked my games so I knew she wouldn't mind me hooking this up to her TV.  After Mom left Granny asked me what I had.  As best as I could I tried to explain to her it was a new game console.  
 
Up until the Genesis was actually released it seemed like the NES was the only console on the market.  That wasn't the case honestly but almost every ad seen was about or for the NES.  
 
So, with the machine hooked-up and ready to go I tried the first game I rented called Star Control.  I couldn't get the hang of it and thought I should have asked for the instruction manual.  It wasn't a bad game I just didn't take much time to learn it.  
 
Then in went the second game...Sonic The Hedgehog.  Immediately I was blown away by the intense speed the game was moving at.  Granny, on the other hand, was enjoying the music.  Being legally blind she enjoyed the sounds and music from some of the games I played around her, and Sonic became a quick favorite of hers.  For the remainder of the weekend Sonic was played.  Once I got home I switched off between the two and trying to enjoy Star Control.  
 
Then came the day to return it.  Mom and I made the trip back and what happened when we got back to the rental store was totally unexpected.  I go into the store to return the system and games while Mom waited in the car.  The same guy at the counter was waiting.  I laid the system and games on the counter.  He took them away and as I turned to walk out he said to wait a minute.  I was confused.  Did I miss something?  I was sure all the connections and controllers were in the case.  I didn't forget the games and there were no instruction manuals.  We had already paid and I don't think we were late.  I was actually a little bit scared at this point because I thought something was seriously wrong.  I walked back to the counter and waited.
 
The guy places a brand new, in box, never been opened, console and a new Sonic The Hedgehog game on the counter and says, "Here you go.  Enjoy."  Just like that.  I told him I didn't have any money and I am not walking out of the store with that thing as I didn't pay for it nor had a way to.  He placed a receipt on top of the items and said that it had already been paid for and that if we had any problems with it to return it that he did do returns for defective items.  A little worried I picked up the items and walked out the store.  I was ready to tell Mom what happened because I didn't want to get into any trouble, especially for stealing.  
 
I get in the car and had to place the items in the car first.  Mom owned a silver 2-door Datsun 280ZX.  It didn't have a back seat.  I get in and shut the door and look at her sort of wondering what just happened.  She seen what I came out with and asked about any game rentals.  Now I'm even more confused.  I have no clue what just happened and Mom was more worried about renting more games?  "But, Mom, I didn't pay for this stuff", I say.  She tells me Happy Birthday and to go back inside and get the game rentals that came with the purchase.  
 
Believe it or not this at-the-time 16 year old teen shed a few tears and gave Mom a big ol' hug and thank you.  I went back inside and that same guy was already handing out two tickets for the free rentals.  I picked out Phantasy Star III and I believe Phantasy Star II.  Not sure on the second game.  I couldn't believe what had just happened and, as much as it might sound like a made up story, I can assure you that it wasn't.  My mother was very loving but she was a master at sneaking things.  And, yes, I loved my Mother very much.  
 
Thanks to my Mother I was able to experience the Genesis and what it had.  Out Run, Space Harrier, Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 1, and Phantasy Star III became instant favorites.  Boogerman, Cyborg Justice, and Shadow Dancer were good games as well.  I can't remember exactly how many games I ended up with, and even with a Super NES picked up shortly after its release, I preferred the Genesis more.  F-Zero was a favorite on the SuperNES but Gradius III, as much as I had been enjoying the series, suffered from slow-down.  The Genesis games I had experienced up to that point didn't have that problem.  
 
The Genesis I have now is a replacement because I sold my 1989 unit off to get the next gen stuff.  And the games I have are good games but I have yet to get any of the games I had in the past.  I doubt that I will be able to as well because those games are now fetching almost 1989 face value.  Incredible.  I never located a copy of Star Control no matter how hard I tried.

The order I listed them in is right.  Dig Dug is my favorite!

Do you guys have a specific order for those? If you don't, that's ok, but it will affect how I score them for the final vote.

That is awesome! What an awesome story! Your Mom was the best!

It's been a long while since I dragged out my Genesis, mainly due to a lack of games.  I have a few but only three of the games I have really spark my interest.  While I was playing, however, I tried to remember the games that made me want a Genesis in the first place.  My first hands-on experience with the console would happen in 1989.  
 
Mom and I were on our way home.  We had spent the day goofing off in Mt. Home, Arkansas which is a town that is roughly an hour to two hour drive east of my hometown.  Mom had to use the bathroom and stopped at a grocery store in a town called Flippin which is really a drive-thru area...or it use to be.  Next to the grocery store there was a rental store so I went in while Mom did what she had to do.  The time frame was about 6 maybe 7 pm and it was already dark out.
 
I entered the store to see if what NES games they had to rent.  The usual Super Mario Bros series was there along with titles that were not that great.  Then I seen the Genesis section and, wow, the games looked really cool.  I asked the guy at the counter about his rates.  There was no way Mom was going to want to come back in 3 days.  Then Mom enters the store and begins talking to the same guy who turns out to be the owner as well.  I showed Mom the games and told her about the new console from Sega.  Before I knew it Mom and that guy (I never knew his name) made a deal.  For $10 flat I could rent a console and two games for seven days.  If we were late when we returned it we had to pay full price for the system and games.  I turned to Mom with a worried look on my face.  Seriously...I didn't feel right having that kind of burden on something being rented.  I wasn't even sure if I would like this thing.  But...Mom winked at me so I just shrugged off my thoughts about it.
 
After that stop we continued home.  Well...I was going to my grandmother's as it was my weekend to spend there.  Granny always liked my games so I knew she wouldn't mind me hooking this up to her TV.  After Mom left Granny asked me what I had.  As best as I could I tried to explain to her it was a new game console.  
 
Up until the Genesis was actually released it seemed like the NES was the only console on the market.  That wasn't the case honestly but almost every ad seen was about or for the NES.  
 
So, with the machine hooked-up and ready to go I tried the first game I rented called Star Control.  I couldn't get the hang of it and thought I should have asked for the instruction manual.  It wasn't a bad game I just didn't take much time to learn it.  
 
Then in went the second game...Sonic The Hedgehog.  Immediately I was blown away by the intense speed the game was moving at.  Granny, on the other hand, was enjoying the music.  Being legally blind she enjoyed the sounds and music from some of the games I played around her, and Sonic became a quick favorite of hers.  For the remainder of the weekend Sonic was played.  Once I got home I switched off between the two and trying to enjoy Star Control.  
 
Then came the day to return it.  Mom and I made the trip back and what happened when we got back to the rental store was totally unexpected.  I go into the store to return the system and games while Mom waited in the car.  The same guy at the counter was waiting.  I laid the system and games on the counter.  He took them away and as I turned to walk out he said to wait a minute.  I was confused.  Did I miss something?  I was sure all the connections and controllers were in the case.  I didn't forget the games and there were no instruction manuals.  We had already paid and I don't think we were late.  I was actually a little bit scared at this point because I thought something was seriously wrong.  I walked back to the counter and waited.
 
The guy places a brand new, in box, never been opened, console and a new Sonic The Hedgehog game on the counter and says, "Here you go.  Enjoy."  Just like that.  I told him I didn't have any money and I am not walking out of the store with that thing as I didn't pay for it nor had a way to.  He placed a receipt on top of the items and said that it had already been paid for and that if we had any problems with it to return it that he did do returns for defective items.  A little worried I picked up the items and walked out the store.  I was ready to tell Mom what happened because I didn't want to get into any trouble, especially for stealing.  
 
I get in the car and had to place the items in the car first.  Mom owned a silver 2-door Datsun 280ZX.  It didn't have a back seat.  I get in and shut the door and look at her sort of wondering what just happened.  She seen what I came out with and asked about any game rentals.  Now I'm even more confused.  I have no clue what just happened and Mom was more worried about renting more games?  "But, Mom, I didn't pay for this stuff", I say.  She tells me Happy Birthday and to go back inside and get the game rentals that came with the purchase.  
 
Believe it or not this at-the-time 16 year old teen shed a few tears and gave Mom a big ol' hug and thank you.  I went back inside and that same guy was already handing out two tickets for the free rentals.  I picked out Phantasy Star III and I believe Phantasy Star II.  Not sure on the second game.  I couldn't believe what had just happened and, as much as it might sound like a made up story, I can assure you that it wasn't.  My mother was very loving but she was a master at sneaking things.  And, yes, I loved my Mother very much.  
 
Thanks to my Mother I was able to experience the Genesis and what it had.  Out Run, Space Harrier, Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 1, and Phantasy Star III became instant favorites.  Boogerman, Cyborg Justice, and Shadow Dancer were good games as well.  I can't remember exactly how many games I ended up with, and even with a Super NES picked up shortly after its release, I preferred the Genesis more.  F-Zero was a favorite on the SuperNES but Gradius III, as much as I had been enjoying the series, suffered from slow-down.  The Genesis games I had experienced up to that point didn't have that problem.  
 
The Genesis I have now is a replacement because I sold my 1989 unit off to get the next gen stuff.  And the games I have are good games but I have yet to get any of the games I had in the past.  I doubt that I will be able to as well because those games are now fetching almost 1989 face value.  Incredible.  I never located a copy of Star Control no matter how hard I tried.

Well...off the top of my head and from what I've actually played on real hardware...
 
Best 5
Asteroids Galaga Dark Chambers Robotron: 2084 Food Fight Worst 
Meltdown One-on-One Sentinel I don't have enough to give a worst five.  I did get to try Meltdown and Sentinel, both being light guns.  Meltdown I felt could have been done better visually and Sentinel was actually a good game.  What hurt both of these games the most is that XE light gun.  It's not 100% accurate and never has been.  It can make for some frustrating game play.  As for One-On-One Basketball...the 7800 version seems sluggish to me and not much improved visually from the 8-bit version.  
 
As for what I picked as the best on the 7800; I will admit that the 7800 has the best port of Ms. Pac-Man out of any console, period.  It's quick, it's fast, everything is there that's in the arcade.  But it is also a very dominate game and for that reason I choose something else.  Asteroids was my go-to game on the 7800.  I really liked the sounds and visuals of this game.  And I don't know how hard a friend and I laughed playing this game on 2-player co-op mode and just flying haphazardly around the screen.  I believe the 7800 received a more faithful port of Galaga as well as being the only Atari console to get it.  Dark Chambers is as close as one will get to Gauntlet on the 7800.  The game is very fun and I've spent a good amount of time on this game recently trying to make through all rooms which I finally succeeded at.  Robotron: 2084 showcases what the hardware is really capable of.  With everything that is happening on the screen the system doesn't even break a sweat.  Last, but not least, Food Fight.  No other console that I know of got this odd but fun game.  I spent hours on this game during the Christmas vacation I got my 7800 on.  If it wasn't Asteroids it was Food Fight.  
 
The 7800 has other good games as well like Xevious, Mario Bros., Choplifter, and Ballblazer easily come to mind.  And, as I've mentioned, I only picked Sentinel because of the horrible XE Light Gun.  I own three or four of those and not a one of them hit exactly where I'm aiming.  Again, I don't have enough to make a 5 worst list but hopefully what I've suggested can go with others who do have a 5 worst list.  

Wow.  Some of the games being mentioned I have never seen.  I'd enjoy getting to at least try Alien Brigade.  I especially like the artwork on the label.  Top notch stuff.  I had Impossible Mission on the NES and never knew it made it to the 7800 until way late.  It's interesting to see how others rank the games.  Hat Trick, while not good, I didn't think was that bad either.  Never played Karateka but it looks like I'm not missing anything.

It's been a long while since I dragged out my Genesis, mainly due to a lack of games.  I have a few but only three of the games I have really spark my interest.  While I was playing, however, I tried to remember the games that made me want a Genesis in the first place.  My first hands-on experience with the console would happen in 1989.  
 
Mom and I were on our way home.  We had spent the day goofing off in Mt. Home, Arkansas which is a town that is roughly an hour to two hour drive east of my hometown.  Mom had to use the bathroom and stopped at a grocery store in a town called Flippin which is really a drive-thru area...or it use to be.  Next to the grocery store there was a rental store so I went in while Mom did what she had to do.  The time frame was about 6 maybe 7 pm and it was already dark out.
 
I entered the store to see if what NES games they had to rent.  The usual Super Mario Bros series was there along with titles that were not that great.  Then I seen the Genesis section and, wow, the games looked really cool.  I asked the guy at the counter about his rates.  There was no way Mom was going to want to come back in 3 days.  Then Mom enters the store and begins talking to the same guy who turns out to be the owner as well.  I showed Mom the games and told her about the new console from Sega.  Before I knew it Mom and that guy (I never knew his name) made a deal.  For $10 flat I could rent a console and two games for seven days.  If we were late when we returned it we had to pay full price for the system and games.  I turned to Mom with a worried look on my face.  Seriously...I didn't feel right having that kind of burden on something being rented.  I wasn't even sure if I would like this thing.  But...Mom winked at me so I just shrugged off my thoughts about it.
 
After that stop we continued home.  Well...I was going to my grandmother's as it was my weekend to spend there.  Granny always liked my games so I knew she wouldn't mind me hooking this up to her TV.  After Mom left Granny asked me what I had.  As best as I could I tried to explain to her it was a new game console.  
 
Up until the Genesis was actually released it seemed like the NES was the only console on the market.  That wasn't the case honestly but almost every ad seen was about or for the NES.  
 
So, with the machine hooked-up and ready to go I tried the first game I rented called Star Control.  I couldn't get the hang of it and thought I should have asked for the instruction manual.  It wasn't a bad game I just didn't take much time to learn it.  
 
Then in went the second game...Sonic The Hedgehog.  Immediately I was blown away by the intense speed the game was moving at.  Granny, on the other hand, was enjoying the music.  Being legally blind she enjoyed the sounds and music from some of the games I played around her, and Sonic became a quick favorite of hers.  For the remainder of the weekend Sonic was played.  Once I got home I switched off between the two and trying to enjoy Star Control.  
 
Then came the day to return it.  Mom and I made the trip back and what happened when we got back to the rental store was totally unexpected.  I go into the store to return the system and games while Mom waited in the car.  The same guy at the counter was waiting.  I laid the system and games on the counter.  He took them away and as I turned to walk out he said to wait a minute.  I was confused.  Did I miss something?  I was sure all the connections and controllers were in the case.  I didn't forget the games and there were no instruction manuals.  We had already paid and I don't think we were late.  I was actually a little bit scared at this point because I thought something was seriously wrong.  I walked back to the counter and waited.
 
The guy places a brand new, in box, never been opened, console and a new Sonic The Hedgehog game on the counter and says, "Here you go.  Enjoy."  Just like that.  I told him I didn't have any money and I am not walking out of the store with that thing as I didn't pay for it nor had a way to.  He placed a receipt on top of the items and said that it had already been paid for and that if we had any problems with it to return it that he did do returns for defective items.  A little worried I picked up the items and walked out the store.  I was ready to tell Mom what happened because I didn't want to get into any trouble, especially for stealing.  
 
I get in the car and had to place the items in the car first.  Mom owned a silver 2-door Datsun 280ZX.  It didn't have a back seat.  I get in and shut the door and look at her sort of wondering what just happened.  She seen what I came out with and asked about any game rentals.  Now I'm even more confused.  I have no clue what just happened and Mom was more worried about renting more games?  "But, Mom, I didn't pay for this stuff", I say.  She tells me Happy Birthday and to go back inside and get the game rentals that came with the purchase.  
 
Believe it or not this at-the-time 16 year old teen shed a few tears and gave Mom a big ol' hug and thank you.  I went back inside and that same guy was already handing out two tickets for the free rentals.  I picked out Phantasy Star III and I believe Phantasy Star II.  Not sure on the second game.  I couldn't believe what had just happened and, as much as it might sound like a made up story, I can assure you that it wasn't.  My mother was very loving but she was a master at sneaking things.  And, yes, I loved my Mother very much.  
 
Thanks to my Mother I was able to experience the Genesis and what it had.  Out Run, Space Harrier, Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 1, and Phantasy Star III became instant favorites.  Boogerman, Cyborg Justice, and Shadow Dancer were good games as well.  I can't remember exactly how many games I ended up with, and even with a Super NES picked up shortly after its release, I preferred the Genesis more.  F-Zero was a favorite on the SuperNES but Gradius III, as much as I had been enjoying the series, suffered from slow-down.  The Genesis games I had experienced up to that point didn't have that problem.  
 
The Genesis I have now is a replacement because I sold my 1989 unit off to get the next gen stuff.  And the games I have are good games but I have yet to get any of the games I had in the past.  I doubt that I will be able to as well because those games are now fetching almost 1989 face value.  Incredible.  I never located a copy of Star Control no matter how hard I tried.

It's been a long while since I dragged out my Genesis, mainly due to a lack of games.  I have a few but only three of the games I have really spark my interest.  While I was playing, however, I tried to remember the games that made me want a Genesis in the first place.  My first hands-on experience with the console would happen in 1989.  
 
Mom and I were on our way home.  We had spent the day goofing off in Mt. Home, Arkansas which is a town that is roughly an hour to two hour drive east of my hometown.  Mom had to use the bathroom and stopped at a grocery store in a town called Flippin which is really a drive-thru area...or it use to be.  Next to the grocery store there was a rental store so I went in while Mom did what she had to do.  The time frame was about 6 maybe 7 pm and it was already dark out.
 
I entered the store to see if what NES games they had to rent.  The usual Super Mario Bros series was there along with titles that were not that great.  Then I seen the Genesis section and, wow, the games looked really cool.  I asked the guy at the counter about his rates.  There was no way Mom was going to want to come back in 3 days.  Then Mom enters the store and begins talking to the same guy who turns out to be the owner as well.  I showed Mom the games and told her about the new console from Sega.  Before I knew it Mom and that guy (I never knew his name) made a deal.  For $10 flat I could rent a console and two games for seven days.  If we were late when we returned it we had to pay full price for the system and games.  I turned to Mom with a worried look on my face.  Seriously...I didn't feel right having that kind of burden on something being rented.  I wasn't even sure if I would like this thing.  But...Mom winked at me so I just shrugged off my thoughts about it.
 
After that stop we continued home.  Well...I was going to my grandmother's as it was my weekend to spend there.  Granny always liked my games so I knew she wouldn't mind me hooking this up to her TV.  After Mom left Granny asked me what I had.  As best as I could I tried to explain to her it was a new game console.  
 
Up until the Genesis was actually released it seemed like the NES was the only console on the market.  That wasn't the case honestly but almost every ad seen was about or for the NES.  
 
So, with the machine hooked-up and ready to go I tried the first game I rented called Star Control.  I couldn't get the hang of it and thought I should have asked for the instruction manual.  It wasn't a bad game I just didn't take much time to learn it.  
 
Then in went the second game...Sonic The Hedgehog.  Immediately I was blown away by the intense speed the game was moving at.  Granny, on the other hand, was enjoying the music.  Being legally blind she enjoyed the sounds and music from some of the games I played around her, and Sonic became a quick favorite of hers.  For the remainder of the weekend Sonic was played.  Once I got home I switched off between the two and trying to enjoy Star Control.  
 
Then came the day to return it.  Mom and I made the trip back and what happened when we got back to the rental store was totally unexpected.  I go into the store to return the system and games while Mom waited in the car.  The same guy at the counter was waiting.  I laid the system and games on the counter.  He took them away and as I turned to walk out he said to wait a minute.  I was confused.  Did I miss something?  I was sure all the connections and controllers were in the case.  I didn't forget the games and there were no instruction manuals.  We had already paid and I don't think we were late.  I was actually a little bit scared at this point because I thought something was seriously wrong.  I walked back to the counter and waited.
 
The guy places a brand new, in box, never been opened, console and a new Sonic The Hedgehog game on the counter and says, "Here you go.  Enjoy."  Just like that.  I told him I didn't have any money and I am not walking out of the store with that thing as I didn't pay for it nor had a way to.  He placed a receipt on top of the items and said that it had already been paid for and that if we had any problems with it to return it that he did do returns for defective items.  A little worried I picked up the items and walked out the store.  I was ready to tell Mom what happened because I didn't want to get into any trouble, especially for stealing.  
 
I get in the car and had to place the items in the car first.  Mom owned a silver 2-door Datsun 280ZX.  It didn't have a back seat.  I get in and shut the door and look at her sort of wondering what just happened.  She seen what I came out with and asked about any game rentals.  Now I'm even more confused.  I have no clue what just happened and Mom was more worried about renting more games?  "But, Mom, I didn't pay for this stuff", I say.  She tells me Happy Birthday and to go back inside and get the game rentals that came with the purchase.  
 
Believe it or not this at-the-time 16 year old teen shed a few tears and gave Mom a big ol' hug and thank you.  I went back inside and that same guy was already handing out two tickets for the free rentals.  I picked out Phantasy Star III and I believe Phantasy Star II.  Not sure on the second game.  I couldn't believe what had just happened and, as much as it might sound like a made up story, I can assure you that it wasn't.  My mother was very loving but she was a master at sneaking things.  And, yes, I loved my Mother very much.  
 
Thanks to my Mother I was able to experience the Genesis and what it had.  Out Run, Space Harrier, Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 1, and Phantasy Star III became instant favorites.  Boogerman, Cyborg Justice, and Shadow Dancer were good games as well.  I can't remember exactly how many games I ended up with, and even with a Super NES picked up shortly after its release, I preferred the Genesis more.  F-Zero was a favorite on the SuperNES but Gradius III, as much as I had been enjoying the series, suffered from slow-down.  The Genesis games I had experienced up to that point didn't have that problem.  
 
The Genesis I have now is a replacement because I sold my 1989 unit off to get the next gen stuff.  And the games I have are good games but I have yet to get any of the games I had in the past.  I doubt that I will be able to as well because those games are now fetching almost 1989 face value.  Incredible.  I never located a copy of Star Control no matter how hard I tried.

It's been a long while since I dragged out my Genesis, mainly due to a lack of games.  I have a few but only three of the games I have really spark my interest.  While I was playing, however, I tried to remember the games that made me want a Genesis in the first place.  My first hands-on experience with the console would happen in 1989.  
 
Mom and I were on our way home.  We had spent the day goofing off in Mt. Home, Arkansas which is a town that is roughly an hour to two hour drive east of my hometown.  Mom had to use the bathroom and stopped at a grocery store in a town called Flippin which is really a drive-thru area...or it use to be.  Next to the grocery store there was a rental store so I went in while Mom did what she had to do.  The time frame was about 6 maybe 7 pm and it was already dark out.
 
I entered the store to see if what NES games they had to rent.  The usual Super Mario Bros series was there along with titles that were not that great.  Then I seen the Genesis section and, wow, the games looked really cool.  I asked the guy at the counter about his rates.  There was no way Mom was going to want to come back in 3 days.  Then Mom enters the store and begins talking to the same guy who turns out to be the owner as well.  I showed Mom the games and told her about the new console from Sega.  Before I knew it Mom and that guy (I never knew his name) made a deal.  For $10 flat I could rent a console and two games for seven days.  If we were late when we returned it we had to pay full price for the system and games.  I turned to Mom with a worried look on my face.  Seriously...I didn't feel right having that kind of burden on something being rented.  I wasn't even sure if I would like this thing.  But...Mom winked at me so I just shrugged off my thoughts about it.
 
After that stop we continued home.  Well...I was going to my grandmother's as it was my weekend to spend there.  Granny always liked my games so I knew she wouldn't mind me hooking this up to her TV.  After Mom left Granny asked me what I had.  As best as I could I tried to explain to her it was a new game console.  
 
Up until the Genesis was actually released it seemed like the NES was the only console on the market.  That wasn't the case honestly but almost every ad seen was about or for the NES.  
 
So, with the machine hooked-up and ready to go I tried the first game I rented called Star Control.  I couldn't get the hang of it and thought I should have asked for the instruction manual.  It wasn't a bad game I just didn't take much time to learn it.  
 
Then in went the second game...Sonic The Hedgehog.  Immediately I was blown away by the intense speed the game was moving at.  Granny, on the other hand, was enjoying the music.  Being legally blind she enjoyed the sounds and music from some of the games I played around her, and Sonic became a quick favorite of hers.  For the remainder of the weekend Sonic was played.  Once I got home I switched off between the two and trying to enjoy Star Control.  
 
Then came the day to return it.  Mom and I made the trip back and what happened when we got back to the rental store was totally unexpected.  I go into the store to return the system and games while Mom waited in the car.  The same guy at the counter was waiting.  I laid the system and games on the counter.  He took them away and as I turned to walk out he said to wait a minute.  I was confused.  Did I miss something?  I was sure all the connections and controllers were in the case.  I didn't forget the games and there were no instruction manuals.  We had already paid and I don't think we were late.  I was actually a little bit scared at this point because I thought something was seriously wrong.  I walked back to the counter and waited.
 
The guy places a brand new, in box, never been opened, console and a new Sonic The Hedgehog game on the counter and says, "Here you go.  Enjoy."  Just like that.  I told him I didn't have any money and I am not walking out of the store with that thing as I didn't pay for it nor had a way to.  He placed a receipt on top of the items and said that it had already been paid for and that if we had any problems with it to return it that he did do returns for defective items.  A little worried I picked up the items and walked out the store.  I was ready to tell Mom what happened because I didn't want to get into any trouble, especially for stealing.  
 
I get in the car and had to place the items in the car first.  Mom owned a silver 2-door Datsun 280ZX.  It didn't have a back seat.  I get in and shut the door and look at her sort of wondering what just happened.  She seen what I came out with and asked about any game rentals.  Now I'm even more confused.  I have no clue what just happened and Mom was more worried about renting more games?  "But, Mom, I didn't pay for this stuff", I say.  She tells me Happy Birthday and to go back inside and get the game rentals that came with the purchase.  
 
Believe it or not this at-the-time 16 year old teen shed a few tears and gave Mom a big ol' hug and thank you.  I went back inside and that same guy was already handing out two tickets for the free rentals.  I picked out Phantasy Star III and I believe Phantasy Star II.  Not sure on the second game.  I couldn't believe what had just happened and, as much as it might sound like a made up story, I can assure you that it wasn't.  My mother was very loving but she was a master at sneaking things.  And, yes, I loved my Mother very much.  
 
Thanks to my Mother I was able to experience the Genesis and what it had.  Out Run, Space Harrier, Streets of Rage 2, Sonic 1, and Phantasy Star III became instant favorites.  Boogerman, Cyborg Justice, and Shadow Dancer were good games as well.  I can't remember exactly how many games I ended up with, and even with a Super NES picked up shortly after its release, I preferred the Genesis more.  F-Zero was a favorite on the SuperNES but Gradius III, as much as I had been enjoying the series, suffered from slow-down.  The Genesis games I had experienced up to that point didn't have that problem.  
 
The Genesis I have now is a replacement because I sold my 1989 unit off to get the next gen stuff.  And the games I have are good games but I have yet to get any of the games I had in the past.  I doubt that I will be able to as well because those games are now fetching almost 1989 face value.  Incredible.  I never located a copy of Star Control no matter how hard I tried.

Awesome that you shared this with us! Congratulations on your weight loss, feeling better about yourself, and good luck at your marathon on Saturday!

...I told justin most of this story already. I guess he just has to read it again! Ha!
 
I work for a tire delivery warehouse here in Southern California, and for my job we drive box trucks very similar to what uhaul gives for their smaller size box trucks. We are required to have physicals done what seems like every 2 years. They check height, weight, vision, hearing, and do a drug test.
 
On July 21, I was asked to do a physical.
 
When the physical started, the doctor ask me if I knew my height and weight, I told him 5'8" but I have no clue as to my weight being that I haven't weighed myself since my last physical and I didn't remember what I was then. But I knew I had gained some weight. Doc said that's ok and he'll weigh me later.
 
So after my vision, and hearing test, I was finally asked to step on the scale. I take off my boots, empty my pockets, and step on the scale.
 
It read 244.
 
I literally hung my head in disbelief. Reality had set in. Six years ago I was at 185. 59 pounds gained. I could not believe it. It was a HUGE reality check.
 
THAT NIGHT, I joined a gym.
 
I started actually attending the gym the very next day, July 22, to start working out.
 
The first day was torture. But I knew I needed to keep going. I needed some sort of motivation or push or something.
 
July 23 is my birthday. That day, legs sore, I still went to the gym and rode a stationary bike for about 20 minutes. Kept it short because, my family had a gathering planned for me and also, like I said, I was sore.
 
That night, I was talking to my brother and I had already told him that I had started running again. He asked me if I would ever run a half marathon (He already has 20+ half marathons under his belt). I said , "Well, I don't know. I know that they can get pricey and honestly it's something I wouldn't want to pay for right now."
 
He then tells me, "What if I pay for it? For your birthday".
 
It then occurred to me. That is the push I needed.
 
My brother sent me a training schedule that he uses to prep for his runs. This is what it looks like.
 

 
One month later he messages me this pic:
 

 
I was officially registered to run the Riverside Mission Inn Half Marathon.
 
Today it hit me that my Half Marathon is 6 days away.
 
I've been running ever since, pretty much, the day of my physical. Last I weighed myself, I've lost 25 pounds. That was 2 weeks ago. I'm feeling better about myself. My clothes are fitting better. And It feels like I have more energy overall.
 
Saturday I go pick up my packet, with my bib number and info. Sunday is half marathon day. I'd be lying if I said I'm not a bit nervous. I am also a bit excited for my run. But one thing I know for sure, I'm 100% determined to finish it.

Well...off the top of my head and from what I've actually played on real hardware...
 
Best 5
Asteroids Galaga Dark Chambers Robotron: 2084 Food Fight Worst 
Meltdown One-on-One Sentinel I don't have enough to give a worst five.  I did get to try Meltdown and Sentinel, both being light guns.  Meltdown I felt could have been done better visually and Sentinel was actually a good game.  What hurt both of these games the most is that XE light gun.  It's not 100% accurate and never has been.  It can make for some frustrating game play.  As for One-On-One Basketball...the 7800 version seems sluggish to me and not much improved visually from the 8-bit version.  
 
As for what I picked as the best on the 7800; I will admit that the 7800 has the best port of Ms. Pac-Man out of any console, period.  It's quick, it's fast, everything is there that's in the arcade.  But it is also a very dominate game and for that reason I choose something else.  Asteroids was my go-to game on the 7800.  I really liked the sounds and visuals of this game.  And I don't know how hard a friend and I laughed playing this game on 2-player co-op mode and just flying haphazardly around the screen.  I believe the 7800 received a more faithful port of Galaga as well as being the only Atari console to get it.  Dark Chambers is as close as one will get to Gauntlet on the 7800.  The game is very fun and I've spent a good amount of time on this game recently trying to make through all rooms which I finally succeeded at.  Robotron: 2084 showcases what the hardware is really capable of.  With everything that is happening on the screen the system doesn't even break a sweat.  Last, but not least, Food Fight.  No other console that I know of got this odd but fun game.  I spent hours on this game during the Christmas vacation I got my 7800 on.  If it wasn't Asteroids it was Food Fight.  
 
The 7800 has other good games as well like Xevious, Mario Bros., Choplifter, and Ballblazer easily come to mind.  And, as I've mentioned, I only picked Sentinel because of the horrible XE Light Gun.  I own three or four of those and not a one of them hit exactly where I'm aiming.  Again, I don't have enough to make a 5 worst list but hopefully what I've suggested can go with others who do have a 5 worst list.  

Well...off the top of my head and from what I've actually played on real hardware...
 
Best 5
Asteroids Galaga Dark Chambers Robotron: 2084 Food Fight Worst 
Meltdown One-on-One Sentinel I don't have enough to give a worst five.  I did get to try Meltdown and Sentinel, both being light guns.  Meltdown I felt could have been done better visually and Sentinel was actually a good game.  What hurt both of these games the most is that XE light gun.  It's not 100% accurate and never has been.  It can make for some frustrating game play.  As for One-On-One Basketball...the 7800 version seems sluggish to me and not much improved visually from the 8-bit version.  
 
As for what I picked as the best on the 7800; I will admit that the 7800 has the best port of Ms. Pac-Man out of any console, period.  It's quick, it's fast, everything is there that's in the arcade.  But it is also a very dominate game and for that reason I choose something else.  Asteroids was my go-to game on the 7800.  I really liked the sounds and visuals of this game.  And I don't know how hard a friend and I laughed playing this game on 2-player co-op mode and just flying haphazardly around the screen.  I believe the 7800 received a more faithful port of Galaga as well as being the only Atari console to get it.  Dark Chambers is as close as one will get to Gauntlet on the 7800.  The game is very fun and I've spent a good amount of time on this game recently trying to make through all rooms which I finally succeeded at.  Robotron: 2084 showcases what the hardware is really capable of.  With everything that is happening on the screen the system doesn't even break a sweat.  Last, but not least, Food Fight.  No other console that I know of got this odd but fun game.  I spent hours on this game during the Christmas vacation I got my 7800 on.  If it wasn't Asteroids it was Food Fight.  
 
The 7800 has other good games as well like Xevious, Mario Bros., Choplifter, and Ballblazer easily come to mind.  And, as I've mentioned, I only picked Sentinel because of the horrible XE Light Gun.  I own three or four of those and not a one of them hit exactly where I'm aiming.  Again, I don't have enough to make a 5 worst list but hopefully what I've suggested can go with others who do have a 5 worst list.  

I'm looking for feedback for the next episode of the Atari 7800 Game By Game Podcast (you can find it on iTunes, Stitcher, YouTube or use this feed: http://feeds.feedburner.com/78gbg )
 
For the FINAL, regular episode, I want to know what the 5 Best "Hall of Fame Games" on the system are as wells as the 5 Worst "Trash Bin Games". This is for the original releases only. (No homebrews or unreleased games)
Please put them in order, as I will weight them accordingly. (For Worst, your #1 will be what you think is the worst game on the system)
 
You can also e-mail text or audio submissions to atari7800podcast@aol.com on your Top 5 & Bottom5 (these submissions will get a little extra weight added for taking the time to send an e-mail) or your thoughts or memories on the system or any of the original games in general.
 
To guarantee your votes counts, please post or send them no later than Friday, November 18th at 11:18 PM EST
 
I will tally up the votes and release the results in next and final regular episode of the podcast.

Believe it or not...I never knew of the Amiga or the ST until long after they were gone.  I think most of it was because I was more into consoles and I had a 386 where I was enjoying a LOT of shareware games.  Namely Wolfenstein and Doom.  Wouldn't mind seeing one in person, though.

Good to see you are still alive and well, Max.  Glad to have you back.  While it wasn't a "dumpster" for electronic recycling in a place I lived over a decade ago I took the trash out to the apartment's dumpster and found a complete computer system in there.  It wasn't dirty, it didn't smell, so I grabbed it up thinking if it did work I could return it, right?  It fired right up, I didn't have to do anything.  It almost looked like it had never been used and Windows had not finished installing.  By now that computer would have been about 10 years old, then it might have been about a year old if that.  It was an e-Machine with AMD processor.  Really nice.  I just can't believe someone threw it out.  I ended up using it until I moved out of state in 2009.  Some of the things people throw out is amazing.  I don't normally dumpster dive but seeing that computer and been needing a new one ... yea ... I dove for it.

Good to see you are still alive and well, Max.  Glad to have you back.  While it wasn't a "dumpster" for electronic recycling in a place I lived over a decade ago I took the trash out to the apartment's dumpster and found a complete computer system in there.  It wasn't dirty, it didn't smell, so I grabbed it up thinking if it did work I could return it, right?  It fired right up, I didn't have to do anything.  It almost looked like it had never been used and Windows had not finished installing.  By now that computer would have been about 10 years old, then it might have been about a year old if that.  It was an e-Machine with AMD processor.  Really nice.  I just can't believe someone threw it out.  I ended up using it until I moved out of state in 2009.  Some of the things people throw out is amazing.  I don't normally dumpster dive but seeing that computer and been needing a new one ... yea ... I dove for it.

LOLOL what is that from Rick? Funniest post in a while!

Sanford and Son.  Whenever I collect old junk with kids in tow, they get called Lamont.  That's a Dad rule.  This still applies, and they are 17 and 20 now.  

https://youtu.be/S1hlA3BlVUA
 
Yep finally a new video, nothing too special but still a little fun. It's short so have a look. 
 
Description - Published on Oct 21, 2016
Contrary to popular opinion I AM NOT DEAD lol. Here is proof that I am still alive as I take you for a little stroll to the ELECTRONICS RECYCLING BIN to see if there are any goodies. Much to my surprise I drop the camera while filming DOH! Share in the adventure! OK not much of an adventure but still a bit of fun and hey you can check out the beautiful October scenery on our property.
 

I like when you make "adventure" videos of your vacations and trips to the dentist. Good to have you back Maximum RD 

Hi, all,
 
Sorry again for the long hiatus, but I am here with some special and exciting news. I have heard on AtariAge that the Vampire2 accelerator for the Commodore Amiga line of computers has been fitted for the first time in an Atari 1040STF computer. It looks to have a 68080 processor that can perform like a Falcon with a 68060 clocked at 150 MHz (the fastest 68060 was 75 MHz), and has 128 MB of fast RAM onboard the accelerator. Here is the link for that forum topic:
 
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/257989-apollo-68080-new-68k-core-running-on-atari-stf/
 
Please feel free to read on about this developing situation. I do not know when this accelerator will be fully ready for the ST/TT/Falcon line. But, thanks for letting me share this information anyway.

Solaris
Atari 2600 
Difficulty: None
High Score: 151,340
February 11, 2016
Notes: Watch me attempt to save every planet! (What else would our unseen space hero do?) My favorite moment in the video is at 10:25. When I entered the quadrant, the planet was attacked, and a Cobra fleet was unexpectedly in my way. (The fleet wasn't usually there on my previous attempts.) Cobra fleets are the worst! I had intended to avoid it entirely (they apparently don't attack planets), but with no other option except to allow the planet to be destroyed (the minefield would take too long) I attacked the Cobra fleet. With time running out I managed to destroy all the enemy ships and travel to the planet and save it with a bit of time to spare! Well, I thought it was exciting, anyway.  😀 

Trading with other members here at atari.io is a great way to get some rarer titles.  I know I've gotten some really nice stuff here (thanks everyone).  Prices are lower, people are nicer.  Take a look in the "Trading Post" forum.  nosweargamer's "Ye Olde Game Shoppe" has some rare stuff at this very moment at fantastic prices.  Rowsdower says he has no rarities...that's because he's a great guy that will trade us the rare stuff he finds.  And many other great people here that trade.  I love this place!
 
Otherwise, most rare stuff just comes to me by accident.  I find it in big bundles/lots of games mostly.