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Armchair Arcade Issue
Middle-aged gamer collection #32-#35 - Favourite Atari 7800 official releases
Wed, 07/27/2011 - 12:50pm — davyK
Food Fight (Atari 7800)#32- #35 - My favourite Atari 7800 official releases
The Atari 7800 is a much maligned console. Released far too late to compete with the mighty NES so it had no chance. This wasn't necessarily because of hardware limitations - but more because of the games released with it which were in the main ports of 80's arcade games which sadly just didn't cut it in the era of Super Mario Bros. and Legend of Zelda.
It actually did OK for a short while but long term the lack of contemporary games finished it off. For collectors its a very interesting console though because of the small and collectable official library, its ability to play 2600 games, and a thriving homebrew scene. I'm only going to talk about official 7800 releases here - specifically my favourites:
Armchair Arcade Issue #7 - July 2005
Wed, 06/07/2006 - 1:10pm — Bill Loguidice
Welcome to Armchair Arcade's Seventh Issue!
There is a perception that Armchair Arcade is just about games. This is not true. We have always been about both computers and videogames. It is important to note though that many of us maintain older computers for three reasons: games, experimentation and programming. Programming what? Usually games. Few of us that collect have that Tandy Model I or Commodore Amiga in the corner for word processing or spreadsheet work, do we? Frankly, modern computers do that better and of course work better with modern printers. So, while everything seems to mostly revolve around games at Armchair Arcade , that's more a reflection of reality than any specific limitation we place on our subject matter or content. If you see an article in this issue on CP/M on the Apple II or on Linux from our last issue, don't be alarmed. Remember, it's all about computers and videogames and all related in some fundamental manner. In any case, we hope it always makes for fun and educational reading.
Armchair Arcade Issue #6 - January 2005
Fri, 06/02/2006 - 12:10pm — Matt Barton
Welcome to Armchair Arcade's Sixth Issue!
Thanks for checking out the latest issue of Armchair Arcade. We're very proud of all the hard work that went into this issue and look forward to discussing our articles with you. We're also pleased to showcase a fresh cover painting by our own cherished artist, Seb Brassard. We hope you'll agree that Seb's masterful work is representative of the fine articles beneath the cover.
Armchair Arcade Issue #5 - November 2004
Fri, 06/02/2006 - 12:08pm — Matt Barton
Welcome to Armchair Arcade's fifth issue!
Thanks for checking out the latest from Armchair Arcade. We're very happy to bring you our newest issue, which, unlike so many other retrogaming publications, CAN be judged by its cover--this one painted by our own Seb Brassard.
Armchair Arcade Issue #4 - August 2004
Fri, 06/02/2006 - 12:01pm — Matt Barton
Welcome to Armchair Arcade's fourth issue!
Welcome to the latest issue of Armchair Arcade. This month's cover is by industry mover Seb Brassard, inspired by Matt Barton's in-depth article on classic game audio. We're very proud to feature Seb's work and look forward to his future covers. Also new to this issue is Armchair Arcade's first video article, which is a roughly 10 minute feature on five Atari 2600 shooting games—brought to you by Bill Loguidice. We're also happy to release the System Ranking Matrix, a comprehensive guide featuring technical statistics, ratings and comparitive rankings for 75 U.S. game capable computer and videogame systems. The System Ranking Matrix will be an ongoing feature from this issue forward; as new information flows in (from our own research and reader feedback), we'll expand and improve the matrix. You can do your part now by viewing your favorite systems and making comments.
Armchair Arcade Issue #3 - June 2004
Fri, 06/02/2006 - 12:00pm — Matt BartonWelcome to Armchair Arcade's third issue!
Armchair Arcade Issue #2 - March 2004
Fri, 06/02/2006 - 11:58am — Matt BartonWelcome to Armchair Arcade's Second Issue!
Before we discuss what's new, we'd first like to thank everyone for making the first issue and Armchair Arcade in general a huge success. We've had more visitors and positive feedback than we ever expected this early in Armchair Arcade's existence. Second, we were blown away by the amount of international coverage and visits. Again, thank you! Your support is needed and thoroughly appreciated.
This month's issue features four articles that further demonstrate the ongoing editorial direction of Armchair Arcade. One article in particular concerns a topic that could be ripped straight from today's hard news headlines, but is absolutely applicable to the current state of gaming. It's sure to be controversial and a must-read. Please feel free to make comments and discuss these articles (and any others) in our forums. The editors are eager to read your praise, criticism, and questions.
Issue 2's articles:
Gay Characters in Videogames
by Matt Barton
In this article, Matt explores the issue of homosexuality in modern (and classic) videogames, starting with the rather startling endorsement of gay marriage in Atari's The Temple of Elemental Evil.
Interactive Fiction and Feelies: An Interview with Emily Short
by Bill Loguidice
(Original art by Brandon Knox)
In this interview-based piece, Bill gives us the low-down on the current state of Interactive Fiction development and marketing. "Feelies," or small products sometimes included with a game to help spur interest and player involvement, are making a serious comeback thanks to Emily Short and feelies.org. Read all about it here!
Atari 7800 Double Dragon: A Comparative Look
by Mark Wiesner Jr.
In this comparative review, Mark explains why the little-known Atari 7800 version of Double Dragon is as good as or better than other, more popular versions. This article will interest anyone interested in the game or second generation classic consoles in general.
Early Commodore 64 Platformers: Jumpman, Spelunker, Ultimate Wizard, and Pharaoh’s Curse
by Matt Barton
If you recognize any of the games in this title, or are a fan of the Commodore 64, you will not want to miss this article. Matt explores what makes each title distinct, but also how the added features either enhance or detract from gameplay.
A special thanks to everyone who has supported us and we look forward to a continued bright future with both old and new friends!
Armchair Arcade Issue #1 - January 2004
Mon, 05/22/2006 - 5:15pm — Matt BartonWelcome to the first issue of Archair Arcade!
Welcome to the long-awaited first issue of Armchair Arcade, originally scheduled to come out in early November 2003. Obviously, there have been many unforeseen delays between that time and now, and there has been much hype and speculation about Armchair Arcade. With this first month’s articles, we think you’ll get a better idea of what we’re actually trying to accomplish.
