Substance and durability instead of tacky flash!
Written: Aug 26 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Good controller, variety of games
Cons: Bad graphics...like that's a surprise!
|
|
|
| ltrain's Full Review: Atari 2600 |
This is the video game system that began the dedicated gaming unit revolution. Looking back, it's no wonder. It was simple, fun, and durable. It set standards that are only now being matched in some categories.
The biggest asset of this system is only now being equalled by CD based systems. That is durability. Unlike the Nintendo which came later, you put in the cartridge, flip the nifty power switch, and play the game. Works every time without fail. Who wants to spend gaming time fighting the system? Nobody and this machine didn't fight it's users.
Controllers were simple enough for small children or adults on this system. The basic controller had a single red button for shooting, jumping, etc. and a black joystick. That's right, a real honest to goodness joystick! This is from the generation when a couple of hours in front of the TV wouldn't leave your thumbs blistered. This controller was more comfortable than anything offered before or since with the exception of the new Dreamcast type after you get used to it.
This system came with Pac-Man if I recall correctly. That game needs no explanation, it was a banner carrying game for more than half my life! It was easy enough that the first time you picked up the controller you knew enough to play. Heck, you didn't even use the button on this one. Just run for your life! It was the same way with almost all Atari games from this generation in that you could figure them out real quickly.
Variety was an asset to this system. From games involving almost every sport to racing games to flying games were available. You could play almost any role you were interested in. Some classics were River Raid, Q-Bert, and Stampede if you remember those.
The graphics were lousy on this game. The technology wouldn't allow a great deal of realism but given the systems limited power they did present an interesting digital world. In that time the fact that it was interactive was enough to mesmerize us, however. I wonder what the designers would do with today's technology. I bet they could boggle the mind.
This was a good system for the money without a doubt. It started a gaming revolution, bringing stand up games to the home TV all over America. The industry is still growing and strong today as those of us who grew up with this system continue to relish the gaming experience.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
ltrain
|
 in Kids & Family |
 - Top 1000 |
|
Location: Right place, right time!
Reviews written: 516
Trusted by: 131 members
About Me:
There's only football season and waiting for football season. I can't wait for football!
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.