The Evolution of console gaming: Chapter 2
Written: Aug 23 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Groundbreaking graphics, wonderful sound
Cons: Lacking library of games, poor controllers
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| fm_hunter's Full Review: Colecovision |
Oh baby! I just stumbled across this category and I am stoked! Like many people who grew up in the 1980's, video games, and the invasion of home console units mesmerized me. I was like a pint-sized addict in the throes of withdrawal whenever I passed by a video game and didn't have any quarters to feed the circuit filled machine. I went through the traditional evolution of home console units, starting with the genre busting Atari 2600, but I most fondly remember the system I received for Christmas 1982, the Colecovision.
This system was created for the sole purpose of cutting into the Atari's huge market share, and for a few years, it did just that. The Colecovision was the first home system to bring arcade quality graphics to the home console masses. Compared to the Atari 2600 or even the Intellivision, the Colecovision beat them hands down in both graphics and sounds. There was, however, one major drawback to this new system, and that was the meager library of available games.
Coleco hoped and bet on the fact that their console popularity would create enough market for companies to create new games for their system, and while this worked for awhile, technology was beginning to move faster than these games could be made. Eventually, the Colecovision was heaped onto the gargantuan pile of home console units that had come and gone.
But for a few years, the Colecovision ruled the land. Coleco brilliantly packaged the arcade mega-hit, "Donkey Kong", creating a massive frenzy for their system. I remember when I first jammed that cartridge into the game slot and powered it up; I was dumbstruck by what I saw. So accustomed to the blocky graphics of the previous consoles, I felt a form of nirvana as I stared at my TV screen. 'Had I died and gone to heaven', was the only thought that swam through my head.
For the most part, "Donkey Kong" looked as good as it did in the arcade, and sounded exactly like it as well. While this game was available on the older systems, they didn't include all the levels that the arcade version boasted, only including the first two screens. The new Colecovision version included the challenging 'Elevators' level in addition to the first two levels, blowing their competition out of the water. Unfortunately, it didn't include the final and most challenging level found in the arcade, the coveted "Pie Factory" level.
Without a doubt, the Colecovision's biggest downfall was their clunky controllers. Trying to remain unique and not copy the older consoles, this new joystick included a numeric keypad and a start and select button. The directional control was a mushroom shaped nodule that you manipulated with your thumb. This was a bad idea, as any video game addict could have told them, as it caused severe thumb cramps with any prolonged gaming session (and what twelve-year old didn't sit in front of his game console for hours on end?)
The Colecovision did have several top-notch games, like "Venture" and "Zaxxon". Still, with the miniscule number of games available compared to the Atari, the Colecovision was doomed. It was also very expensive at the time, costing $200, with the games going for as high as $40. I'll let you know I had to do some serious pleading to get my parents to spring for this setup. I also think the poorly designed controllers helped lead this console on the road to ruin.
I still wish I hadn't gotten rid of my old Colecovision, though. Where it ended up, I have no idea, but its value in nostalgia alone is priceless. It was revolutionary, opening the door for newer consoles to close the gap between arcade games and home console units. With a little better planning and more promotion this machine could have been the king for a long time, but it's better to have ruled for a day than to never have ruled at all.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
fm_hunter
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Member: Hunter Paschall
Location: Portland, Oregon
Reviews written: 254
Trusted by: 250 members
About Me:
Denizen of the pacific northwest, purveyor of atypical music, & hacker of golf balls.
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