By the way, for those who care, I did my last video on Revver, since they were too long for You Tube, but I plan on keeping the future ones short enough to post on here. Details on Armchair Arcade. I probably won't be doing another video for another few months though, as I have some books to get done.
Good stuff Bill! I have yet to delve into the 2600 stuff (yeah I know) but figure I will start with the Colecovision Exspnsion model # 1 since I have 2 working Colecovisions.......
You should have a good, highly compatible experience with the expansion module. The only major downside is that some of the cartridges are a tight fit. The 2600 of course has some of the best homebrew.
(As a side note, for those who care, I'll probably start doing videos again in another two to three months or so, with some surprises. It's only be three years since the last one... ;-) )
I wrote Space Cavern...yeah, pretty bad. I wish you would have reviewed Laser Gates instead since it was a side scroller/shooter like the others. Could have pulled a 2 or maybe 2 and 1/2 stars.
BTW, the sounds in Space Cavern weren't "pulled" from another place. If only that were true. I ran out of ROM space and just used a pointer into code as data for sounds. I kept moving the pointer until I got sounds that were OK. Pretty bad, I know.
Thank you for replying. I think "Laser Gates" would have scored much higher than that, as it's certainly an impressive and fun game. At the time I didn't have the cartridge to review it. I can certainly see the potential in "Space Cavern", but it obviously wasn't technically sound and really didn't get more interesting or at least hold interest as the game went on.
First day I started at Apollo the Pres tossed a catalog with a screenshot of Demon Attack and said "Do this". My first game design meeting. 30 days later it was shipping. So yeah, pretty crappy.
It was cool seeing the game playing. And the piñata comment, priceless and right on. Thanks
As an almuni of programing Atari 2600 games have you ever been to CGEXPOdotcom? It is the 10th one in Vegas in July! You should email them and go if at all posiable!
I hadn't heard of CGEXPO, nor would I have thought anthing like that was going on. Very cool. I'm driving from Phoenix to Colorado around the time of the show so its on the way, kind of in an opposite direction sort of way. Sounds like it'd be a great trip down memory lane.
I live in Mesa. Here is a quote from CGEXPO. "Meet the Legends of video gaming! Dozens of video gaming's "alumni" will be present. In recent years has dignitaries such as Nolan Bushnell, Ralph Baer (the "father of home video games"), Al Alcorn (the creator of Pong), Don Bluth (former Disney artist who crafted Dragon's Lair and Space Ace), David Crane (Pitfall!, Dragster), This year's list of attendees can be found on celebrities page" Email me at r41412atfreescaledotcom if you need more info.
And Steve Cartwright and Garry Kitchen. These really are the dudes. Very impressive.
I worked in the same group or next to Keithen Hayenga when he was doing FireFox I think. He was a serious game programmer and he's still doing it.
Bob Polaro. I finished the port of his "Desert Falcon" to the 7800.
I think you'd really be seeing many of the core people that really defined game programming in that era. Every decent game designer of that time aspired to be as good as some of those guys.
As for the comment about the sounds being "pulled", I'm not suprised you didn't pull code from other games for some of the sound effects (particularly then it would have been extremely difficult), but it is amazing how close they sound to some of those other games. In any case, thanks again, and I'd love to interview you one day for Armchair Arcade once the book and some other projects are done.
It doesn't affect me one way or the other. When I was growing up, obviously it was the VCS, but "2600" eventually stuck. I use them interchangeably now. However, in the book, I almost always refer to the system as "VCS" and really only make reference to it as the "2600" a couple of times. It obviously only became the "2600" after the 5200 was released.
Can I ask what game did come first out of Chopper Command and Choplifter? Thinking of it, I'm suprised noone ever accused Choplifter of being a Defender clone.
That's a good question. Both came out in 1982, obviously, with Choplifter debuting on the Apple II and making great use of the paddles, while Chopper Command debuted on (and only appeared on) the Atari VCS. I'd say it's a coincidence that they're somewhat similar, but I'd say Chopper Command is definitely more Defender-inspired than Choplifter, though an argument can be made for the latter. All three games though are definitely worth attention for different reasons.
I enjoyed this video, despite disagreeing with most of what Bill said. Chopper Command is shallow and repetitive compared to Defender, which is definitely the deeper of the two games and has more interesting graphics. Space Jockey has boring gameplay and graphics. Space Cavern also has boring gameplay, but features some nice graphical touches, like the player's reflection/shadow on the floor and the descending ghosts from each enemy.
Thanks, I definitely will, but unfortunately not until early 2007 when I finish up some of my current projects. When I do start up again, it will likely be a regular and more polished experience.
Thanks. Just that I thought it was neat to see someone use the "original" gear as opposed to the way others might do it nowadays. I have some of that too in my collection (including the older VCS console), but often I would rather not bother digging it out in favor of emulators.
All your reviews seemed fair and accurate. Chopper Command was definitely the class of those 5 games. Once again, Activision provided the superior product for Atari users.
You pulled out the game Defender and made the comment, we only need one. Making it known that you in your personal collection have two, totally irrelivent and showing off.
ha ha, I hardly think it's showing off owning two Defender's, which can be had for about fifty cents each without too much trouble. By the way, I appreciate all the comments, good and bad. I had lots of fun with this a few years back and I'll definitely do more as time permits. Still busy with the writing stuff...
I can "show off" what I own at Armchair Arcade and my personal Website. No need to do it in a video. You don't have to understand the reasoning, but if I did another video, I'd do the same type of thing. I'd rather share what this stuff is and looks like than not for those who are not big collectors.
A few of your 5 points are not exactly true or don't make any sense in the context of the video, which is accurate as it stands. In any case, if you don't get the gag, no big deal. The video was shot by me back in 1994 by the way, just for fun, for an old issue of Armchair Arcade. I'll definitely be doing more at some point, but right now I'm busy writing a book for No Starch/O'Reilly Media on the 35 year history of home videogame and computer systems, among many other things, related and not.
All those other options have to do with the original Atari, wether it would be with the source code, company, or controllers. I was merily pointing out that those other options would do as well, and all have to so with Atari 2600 one way or another. Dispite this I still think that your Atari mini reviews are exillent, they are very ensightful, and look closily at the game play, and the background of the games. I hope that you will make some more!
Agreed. In my writing and in this particular video though, I'm a big proponent of using original software on original hardware whenever possible. As perfect as emulation can be in some cases, it's still not exactly the same. My point in the video is that I'm reviewing the games in the context of the actual system (albeit one of the last generation VCS') with the original controls, so my reviews are not "influenced" by quirks in an emulator or the use of an odd controller or something.
That's why I don't really bother with emulators(don't get me wrong)some emulators do a good job, but there always seems to be just somthing missing!. I guess it is just the feel of playing the original system...Anyway keep up the good work!
I don't get what his deal is at the into of the video. All those other options to play the Atari 2600 games, all have to do with the original Atari 2600 games in one way or another.
What happened in your childhood that made you the way you are? Sure you guys kissed and made up at the end of the thread but why can't you just enjoy the video like everyone else and give it a one star if you don't like it an move on?
If Bill made a mistake in his review, then cite some sources (not wiki you lamer) and post it. Instead you rather just attack him.
Good reviews on those games (I own them all)... I agree Chopper Command was the best overall game of the bunch. Activision made so many great playing games back then.
Good stuff, I wrote reviews on GameFAQs.com for both Chopper Command and Defender and gave them 5 and 8 respectively, though. I always thought Defender felt more playable and that it had way more depth than Chopper Command. I look forward to seeing more videos like this though.
This has been flagged as spam show
You don't know really well how to play fantastic voyage do you?
Alaska1925 1 month ago
When are we going to see another Atari 2600 mega mini review??? :)
blacklily8 1 year ago
@blacklily8 What, you want another one so soon? It's only been a little over four years for goodness sake! :-)
BillLoguidice 1 year ago
Is it okay if I refer to you as THE Shizzle Fo Rizzle?
iceburgpyro 2 years ago
Awesome review but, what's with all the showing off of the equipment in the begining. We get it, you have alot of shit.
vandalaylatex6969 2 years ago
You think that's a lot? That was over four years ago. You wouldn't want to know what's going on now at the new location.
It's not showing off, either, it was a gimmick, a gag. We all do them to add some interest to the production.
I happen to be a serious collector of such things. Some people collect stamps, I happen to collect videogame and computer stuff. No big deal.
BillLoguidice 2 years ago
I know. I was just talking shit. I'm actually jellous of all that stuff. I just started collecting. Keep up the killer reviews.
vandalaylatex6969 2 years ago
By the way, for those who care, I did my last video on Revver, since they were too long for You Tube, but I plan on keeping the future ones short enough to post on here. Details on Armchair Arcade. I probably won't be doing another video for another few months though, as I have some books to get done.
BillLoguidice 3 years ago
Good stuff Bill! I have yet to delve into the 2600 stuff (yeah I know) but figure I will start with the Colecovision Exspnsion model # 1 since I have 2 working Colecovisions.......
MaximumRD 3 years ago
You should have a good, highly compatible experience with the expansion module. The only major downside is that some of the cartridges are a tight fit. The 2600 of course has some of the best homebrew.
BillLoguidice 3 years ago
Thanks for the info Bill! Looking forward to it! Well I off to Revver to check your other stuff............................
MaximumRD 3 years ago
Very very good job buddy ! Iy almost brought tears of nostalgia to my eyes. MORE !!
kravorzlair 3 years ago
i have had "defender 2000" for Atari 2600.
O i think i called like that.
Anybody can help me?
I was 4 years old, and i dont have it anymore. Not even the Atari 2600.
Turkizz 4 years ago
I believe you are thinking of Stargate which was just called Defender 2 on the 2600
Evilmonkey66699 2 years ago
may the lord have mercy on your soul. defender is a five out of five. atari gold. whose with me!?
ivanjatson2 4 years ago
meh. Defender II (aka Stargate) is way better. I give the original Defender on Atari 2600 a 2 1/2 out of 5.
wildsmiley 3 years ago
You're not supposed to shoot the red blood cells in Fantastic Voyage! That's why you're dying so quickly.
ioport 4 years ago
11_18.BSXX111_18.BSXX1
11_18.BSXX1 BAKXX1.11_18 REBATS.81.1111_18.BSXX111_18.BSXX1
11_18.BSXX1 BAKXX1.11_18 REBATS.81.1111_18.BSXX111_18.BSXX1
11_18.BSXX1 BAKXX1.11_18 REBATS.81.1111_18.BSXX111_18.BSXX1
11_18.BSXX1 BAKXX1.11_18 REBATS.81.11
Executing...
GamingPalooza 4 years ago
Fuck!!! Im old!
WillyDIreland 4 years ago
Great reviews. It's always nice to see old games running on the real hardware
Ranxerox2006 4 years ago
Do the next video from a Radio Shak, next to a Tandy please... Thank you.
onklsven75 4 years ago
Hmm... very informative review.
TheDeadUndeadRobot 4 years ago
Very cool man!!!!5/5!
Very cool.
Revigoe7 4 years ago
(As a side note, for those who care, I'll probably start doing videos again in another two to three months or so, with some surprises. It's only be three years since the last one... ;-) )
BillLoguidice 4 years ago
Glad you are going to do more reviews, because I love this one. You did a great job.
TheFurousRetroGamer 4 years ago
I wrote Space Cavern...yeah, pretty bad. I wish you would have reviewed Laser Gates instead since it was a side scroller/shooter like the others. Could have pulled a 2 or maybe 2 and 1/2 stars.
BTW, the sounds in Space Cavern weren't "pulled" from another place. If only that were true. I ran out of ROM space and just used a pointer into code as data for sounds. I kept moving the pointer until I got sounds that were OK. Pretty bad, I know.
WaterbugDesign 4 years ago
Thank you for replying. I think "Laser Gates" would have scored much higher than that, as it's certainly an impressive and fun game. At the time I didn't have the cartridge to review it. I can certainly see the potential in "Space Cavern", but it obviously wasn't technically sound and really didn't get more interesting or at least hold interest as the game went on.
BillLoguidice 4 years ago
First day I started at Apollo the Pres tossed a catalog with a screenshot of Demon Attack and said "Do this". My first game design meeting. 30 days later it was shipping. So yeah, pretty crappy.
It was cool seeing the game playing. And the piñata comment, priceless and right on. Thanks
WaterbugDesign 4 years ago
As an almuni of programing Atari 2600 games have you ever been to CGEXPOdotcom? It is the 10th one in Vegas in July! You should email them and go if at all posiable!
virgochild 4 years ago
I hadn't heard of CGEXPO, nor would I have thought anthing like that was going on. Very cool. I'm driving from Phoenix to Colorado around the time of the show so its on the way, kind of in an opposite direction sort of way. Sounds like it'd be a great trip down memory lane.
WaterbugDesign 4 years ago
I live in Mesa. Here is a quote from CGEXPO. "Meet the Legends of video gaming! Dozens of video gaming's "alumni" will be present. In recent years has dignitaries such as Nolan Bushnell, Ralph Baer (the "father of home video games"), Al Alcorn (the creator of Pong), Don Bluth (former Disney artist who crafted Dragon's Lair and Space Ace), David Crane (Pitfall!, Dragster), This year's list of attendees can be found on celebrities page" Email me at r41412atfreescaledotcom if you need more info.
virgochild 4 years ago
And Steve Cartwright and Garry Kitchen. These really are the dudes. Very impressive.
I worked in the same group or next to Keithen Hayenga when he was doing FireFox I think. He was a serious game programmer and he's still doing it.
Bob Polaro. I finished the port of his "Desert Falcon" to the 7800.
I think you'd really be seeing many of the core people that really defined game programming in that era. Every decent game designer of that time aspired to be as good as some of those guys.
WaterbugDesign 4 years ago
As for the comment about the sounds being "pulled", I'm not suprised you didn't pull code from other games for some of the sound effects (particularly then it would have been extremely difficult), but it is amazing how close they sound to some of those other games. In any case, thanks again, and I'd love to interview you one day for Armchair Arcade once the book and some other projects are done.
BillLoguidice 4 years ago
Good stuff Bill, I enjoyed it
MK2YT 4 years ago
Are you an atari advocate that simply refuses to call the VCS the 2600? I hated the name change.
GuruLarry 5 years ago
It doesn't affect me one way or the other. When I was growing up, obviously it was the VCS, but "2600" eventually stuck. I use them interchangeably now. However, in the book, I almost always refer to the system as "VCS" and really only make reference to it as the "2600" a couple of times. It obviously only became the "2600" after the 5200 was released.
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
Why does it sucks man? Is it because you are still play it in Bosnia?
cairoboy82 5 years ago
people wake up!!! ATARI SUCKS!!!
banjaluka1 5 years ago
Nice video, Really well made!
Can I ask what game did come first out of Chopper Command and Choplifter? Thinking of it, I'm suprised noone ever accused Choplifter of being a Defender clone.
GuruLarry 5 years ago
That's a good question. Both came out in 1982, obviously, with Choplifter debuting on the Apple II and making great use of the paddles, while Chopper Command debuted on (and only appeared on) the Atari VCS. I'd say it's a coincidence that they're somewhat similar, but I'd say Chopper Command is definitely more Defender-inspired than Choplifter, though an argument can be made for the latter. All three games though are definitely worth attention for different reasons.
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
I enjoyed this video, despite disagreeing with most of what Bill said. Chopper Command is shallow and repetitive compared to Defender, which is definitely the deeper of the two games and has more interesting graphics. Space Jockey has boring gameplay and graphics. Space Cavern also has boring gameplay, but features some nice graphical touches, like the player's reflection/shadow on the floor and the descending ghosts from each enemy.
goodrob13 5 years ago
Shame there isn't another one of these, or I'd love to see more reviews from you. Hope you can do another one someday.
ProductionX 5 years ago
Thanks, I definitely will, but unfortunately not until early 2007 when I finish up some of my current projects. When I do start up again, it will likely be a regular and more polished experience.
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
Thanks. Just that I thought it was neat to see someone use the "original" gear as opposed to the way others might do it nowadays. I have some of that too in my collection (including the older VCS console), but often I would rather not bother digging it out in favor of emulators.
ProductionX 5 years ago
All your reviews seemed fair and accurate. Chopper Command was definitely the class of those 5 games. Once again, Activision provided the superior product for Atari users.
mwoelfle 5 years ago
Thanks for the interesting game reviews - I look forward to more! Well done.
inScrittiwetrust 5 years ago
You pulled out the game Defender and made the comment, we only need one. Making it known that you in your personal collection have two, totally irrelivent and showing off.
Adium 5 years ago
ha ha, I hardly think it's showing off owning two Defender's, which can be had for about fifty cents each without too much trouble. By the way, I appreciate all the comments, good and bad. I had lots of fun with this a few years back and I'll definitely do more as time permits. Still busy with the writing stuff...
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
Looks like you just want to show off what you own more than what their is.
Adium 5 years ago
I can "show off" what I own at Armchair Arcade and my personal Website. No need to do it in a video. You don't have to understand the reasoning, but if I did another video, I'd do the same type of thing. I'd rather share what this stuff is and looks like than not for those who are not big collectors.
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
U R JEALOUS
linksysrouted 5 years ago
Ya...I get that...but...
1. The emulator runs on the original source code
2. 7800 is made by Atari, the only reason why people bought it
3. Coleco moudal is made with after market Atari parts
4. Atari 2600 Jr. which he uses is not the original Atari 2600 but an reduction modual released in 1986.
5. Also all those controllers (as long as they have the analog 9 pin set up) will work on the Atari 2600 anyway
videogameknowitall 5 years ago
A few of your 5 points are not exactly true or don't make any sense in the context of the video, which is accurate as it stands. In any case, if you don't get the gag, no big deal. The video was shot by me back in 1994 by the way, just for fun, for an old issue of Armchair Arcade. I'll definitely be doing more at some point, but right now I'm busy writing a book for No Starch/O'Reilly Media on the 35 year history of home videogame and computer systems, among many other things, related and not.
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
All those other options have to do with the original Atari, wether it would be with the source code, company, or controllers. I was merily pointing out that those other options would do as well, and all have to so with Atari 2600 one way or another. Dispite this I still think that your Atari mini reviews are exillent, they are very ensightful, and look closily at the game play, and the background of the games. I hope that you will make some more!
videogameknowitall 5 years ago
Agreed. In my writing and in this particular video though, I'm a big proponent of using original software on original hardware whenever possible. As perfect as emulation can be in some cases, it's still not exactly the same. My point in the video is that I'm reviewing the games in the context of the actual system (albeit one of the last generation VCS') with the original controls, so my reviews are not "influenced" by quirks in an emulator or the use of an odd controller or something.
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
That's why I don't really bother with emulators(don't get me wrong)some emulators do a good job, but there always seems to be just somthing missing!. I guess it is just the feel of playing the original system...Anyway keep up the good work!
videogameknowitall 5 years ago
Doh! I meant 2004, not 1994. Too bad there's no edit button...
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
That's Ok there is nothing better than the original!
videogameknowitall 5 years ago
I don't get what his deal is at the into of the video. All those other options to play the Atari 2600 games, all have to do with the original Atari 2600 games in one way or another.
videogameknowitall 5 years ago
It's called having some fun with the intro...
BillLoguidice 5 years ago
What happened in your childhood that made you the way you are? Sure you guys kissed and made up at the end of the thread but why can't you just enjoy the video like everyone else and give it a one star if you don't like it an move on?
If Bill made a mistake in his review, then cite some sources (not wiki you lamer) and post it. Instead you rather just attack him.
kevthedev 5 years ago
Good reviews on those games (I own them all)... I agree Chopper Command was the best overall game of the bunch. Activision made so many great playing games back then.
billygtexas 5 years ago
Great job! I am envious of your collection. Thanks for bringing back some great memories!
I had forgotten how many changes were made for the 2600 version of Defender!
missioncodez 5 years ago
Good stuff, I wrote reviews on GameFAQs.com for both Chopper Command and Defender and gave them 5 and 8 respectively, though. I always thought Defender felt more playable and that it had way more depth than Chopper Command. I look forward to seeing more videos like this though.
retrowens 5 years ago
SwordQuest is a rpg/puzzle game, you need to put correct objects in correct rooms, this will "open" hints.
After 11 or 12 "hints", you get the "holy omnipotent sword", lol... and win the game...
HarryPitfall 5 years ago
i love your colection of old video games it puts mine to shame. but your show rocks.
ottawaoctane 5 years ago
very nice Go on!!! let me know if ou have more!
appie21 5 years ago
Very cool video - I hope you do more :-)
beverins 6 years ago