Category Archives: Vintage

Featured, Atari (Hidden Gems), Vintage

Atari 50th: Wider World of Atari DLC (Review)

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Atari and Digital Eclipse are back with a new DLC to their excellent Atari 50th the Anniversary Celebration! They are adding 19 playable games, as well as 8 video interviews into a brand new timeline to the main game. More info: https://atari.com

A second DLC entitled The First Console War will be released globally on November 8, in addition to a physical release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $39.99. The physical release contains the original game and both DLCs.

A Steelbook version for Nintendo Switch, which will include Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, will retail for $49.99 USD.

Games Included in DLC #1:
Atari Video Cube (2600)
Avalanche (800)
Avalanche (arcade)
Berzerk (2600 Voice Enhanced)
Berzerk (2600)
Berzerk (5200)
Berzerk (arcade)
Desert Falcon (2600)
Destroyer (arcade)
Football (arcade)
Frenzy (arcade)
Off the Wall (2600)
Red Baron (arcade)
Sky Diver (2600)
Sky Diver (arcade)
Steeplechase (2600)
Stellar Track (2600)
Submarine Commander (2600)
Super Bug (arcade)

Featured, Vintage

My Arcade MAME Cabinet – UPDATED for 2024!

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My standup MAME arcade cabinet was last updated back in 2017! So, today we upgrade the computer, software and add a monitor that can rotate plus other random aspects. The game room is getting upgraded!

The Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator (MAME) is a software program designed to emulate the hardware of arcade game systems on modern computers. Developed in 1997 by Nicola Salmoria and the MAME team, MAME has become the go-to emulator for playing arcade games on platforms ranging from desktop computers to smartphones and even gaming consoles. MAME’s primary purpose is to preserve and document the history of arcade gaming by accurately emulating the original hardware and software of arcade machines. By doing so, MAME allows players to experience a vast library of classic arcade games without the need for original, often rare, arcade cabinets.

MAME supports thousands of arcade games from various manufacturers and eras, ranging from the early days of arcade gaming in the 1970s to more recent titles from the 2000s. Its extensive compatibility and accuracy make it an invaluable tool for enthusiasts, collectors, and historians alike. Beyond gameplay, MAME also serves as a research platform for developers and preservationists, enabling them to study and document the inner workings of arcade hardware and software. Through continuous development and updates, MAME remains a vital part of preserving the rich history and cultural impact of arcade gaming for future generations.

Featured, System Reviews, Atari (Hidden Gems), Vintage

The ATARI 400 mini review – Is it worth $120?!

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The 400 Mini is a small version of the classic Atari 8bit computer and includes support for 400/800, XL and XE computer series, and the 5200 home console. It comes pre-installed with 25+ classic Atari games, the ability to play your own games and a new THECXSTICK joystick. Check out my review! More info: https://retrogames.biz/products/the400-mini/

The Atari line of 8-bit computers, introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, played a crucial role in shaping the personal computing landscape. The series began with the Atari 400 and Atari 800 in 1979, featuring a custom-made 6502-based chipset designed by Jay Miner. These machines boasted impressive graphics and sound capabilities for their time, making them popular for both gaming and productivity tasks. The computers were renowned for their distinctive industrial design, featuring a sleek, wedge-shaped casing with a membrane keyboard. Additionally, the Atari 400 and 800 were among the first home computers to include custom hardware for graphics and sound, which allowed for more advanced gaming experiences compared to other contemporary systems.

The Atari 8-bit line continued to evolve with subsequent models such as the Atari 600XL, 800XL, and 130XE, offering improvements in memory capacity, peripheral support, and compatibility with software and hardware expansions. These machines gained a dedicated following among hobbyists, educators, and gamers, with a wide range of software titles available, including popular games like “Pac-Man,” “Donkey Kong,” and “Star Raiders.” Despite facing stiff competition from other home computer manufacturers such as Commodore and Apple, the Atari 8-bit line remained relevant well into the mid-1980s, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of personal computing.

Buying Guides, Featured, Atari (Hidden Gems), Game Collection, Vintage

My Atari 2600 Game Collection (161 Games: Uncommon, $$$ & Hidden Gems)

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Here is my entire Atari 2600 / VCS game collection. So many great games including popular, uncommon and expensive games plus hidden gems and more! The good news is most Atari games are dirt cheap under $10 and still a ton of fun to play! What are some of your best original Atari memories? Do you still have one?

The Atari 2600 holds a timeless appeal that transcends its original release in 1977. Its charm lies in its pioneering role in the home video game industry, fundamentally shaping the way we interacted with electronic entertainment. At the heart of its allure is its simplicity and accessibility. The console featured a joystick and a single-button controller, making it intuitive for players of all ages to pick up and enjoy. Its library of games, while limited by modern standards, offered a diverse range of experiences, from classic arcade adaptations like Space Invaders to imaginative titles like Adventure. This variety ensured that there was something for everyone, catering to different tastes and skill levels.

Furthermore, the Atari 2600 was a gateway to boundless imagination. Its pixelated graphics and bleeping sound effects ignited a sense of wonder and creativity, allowing players to envision grand adventures within the confines of their television screens. The concept of interchangeable cartridges was revolutionary, offering a level of customization and expansion that was previously unheard of in home entertainment. This not only extended the lifespan of the console but also fostered a sense of ownership and agency for players. Nostalgia also plays a significant role in its enduring appeal, as it evokes fond memories of a simpler time in gaming history, acting as a cherished relic for both seasoned enthusiasts and new generations curious about the roots of video game culture.

Sponsor: CLZ GAMES for cataloging your new and retro games. Check out Google or Apple app stores or https://www.collectorz.com for more info!

Buying Guides, Vintage, Metal Jesus Likes

Commodore 64 Getting Started & Buying Guide 2024!

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The Commodore 64 stands as an iconic symbol of the 1980s home computing revolution. Released in 1982, it boasted impressive capabilities for its time, including a 1 MHz processor, 64 kilobytes of RAM, and groundbreaking graphics and sound capabilities. Its affordability, combined with its capabilities, made it immensely popular among both gaming enthusiasts and home users. The system featured a wide range of software, from games like “Pac-Man” and “Donkey Kong” to productivity applications, contributing to its widespread appeal.

The Commodore 64’s influence extended far beyond its technical specifications. It played a pivotal role in introducing computing to a broader audience and fostering a generation of programmers and gamers. Its accessible design encouraged exploration and learning, sparking creativity in countless users and leaving an indelible mark on the history of personal computing. Even decades after its release, the Commodore 64 remains a nostalgic cornerstone for those who grew up with its distinctive beige keyboard and chunky design.

Game Room Tour, Vintage

Game Room Update: Is it an UPGRADE or OVERKILL?

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I am testing the gcompsw video switcher w/ HDRetrovision cables on my gaming consoles to a old school CRT. Is it an upgrade…or overkill?

https://castlemaniagames.com: Use “metal” at checkout for a MJR discount

GAMES SHOWN
Soukyugurentai (Saturn)
Run Saber (SNES)
Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy (PS2)
Katamari Damacy (PS2)
Soulcalibur III (PS2)
Midnight Club II (PS2)
R-Type Final (PS2)
Amplitude (PS2)
Dungeon & Dragons: Tower of Doom (Saturn)
Fire Shark (Genesis)
Doom Troopers – The Mutant Chronicles (Genesis)
Heavenly Guardian (PS2)
Castlevania: Bloodlines (Genesis)
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
House of the Dead Overkill (Wii)
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Wii)
Madworld (Wii)