View Full Version : Prediction: The Atari 2600 won't age well as a console.
digitalpress
03-19-2008, 04:28 PM
In my mind, the Atari 2600 will be the least fondly remembered of consoles, at least within its generation. Between peoples' animosity towards the relative woodgrainy-ness of the console and the lack of memorable driving controller titles (Indy 500 excepted), I think the Atari 2600 won't hold a place in many gamers' hearts the way the Intellivision and Odyssey2 will.
Thoughts?
Blitzwing256
03-19-2008, 04:47 PM
totally it just won't be remebered nearly as much as the trs80 colour computer, I mean really what the hell is up with that woodgrain? did they want it to catch on fire or something?
s1lence
03-19-2008, 05:04 PM
I'm thinking the Channel F is going to be remembered as the best. Either that or the Studio II, screw the 2600. Who needs games like ET and Pac-Man anyway?
PapaStu
03-19-2008, 05:06 PM
It's all about Vector graphics. Yeah it came into the game a little late, but i'll be damned if its not going to be the end all be all of powerhouse for life like immersive graphics games.
GarrettCRW
03-19-2008, 05:34 PM
Is this the Joe from the alternate universe where SMB tanked in the US?
Cirrus
03-19-2008, 05:51 PM
Maybe I'm missing something here. I'm 27, and I have friends that are into their mid-30s... and 90% of them haven't even really heard of the Intellivision or Odyssey 2. (I have, but I'm talking about the general population).
Most of them remember fondly (or laughingly) their Atari 2600s first, then their NES, and so forth. I realize that most 20-somethings got in at the 2600, in terms of a timeline, but still. Even my older friends consider the 2600 to be the first really popular console that a large portion of people actually owned.
Jackattack
03-19-2008, 05:55 PM
Haha Joe, so... are you being sarcastic? I realize we are talking to the most devoted video game lovers out there, those that can actually name games released on the Odssey 2 or Intellivision, but for the average person I'm not sure if I agree with you here. I'm a gamer and have plenty of gamer friends, most if not all of which are less "devoted" than myself but still would be able to recognize, at least by name, the 3 systems you brought up. However I have never once heard them say man, you remember those odyssey 2 games we played, they were awesome... they all seem to be focused on the Atari 2600. Taking it one step further of my other friends that occasionally play games the only one they could even name would be the Atari 2600.
Maybe it's not fair to include either of these sets of people as they have barely played any of those systems but since we here make up such a small portion of the gaming community and the majority of people would only be able to name one of the three you named, the Atari 2600, I believe that the Atari 2600 will be the only one to hold a place in gamers hearts, even if it's not as "real" as some of us here.
Maybe I'm missing something here. I'm 27, and I have friends that are into their mid-30s... and 90% of them haven't even really heard of the Intellivision or Odyssey 2. (I have, but I'm talking about the general population).
Most of them remember fondly (or laughingly) their Atari 2600s first, then their NES, and so forth. I realize that most 20-somethings got in at the 2600, in terms of a timeline, but still. Even my older friends consider the 2600 to be the first really popular console that a large portion of people actually owned.
Darn it, you barely beat me... looks like I took too much time writing my response. Well at least someone agrees with me this time :-p
JerseyDevil65
03-19-2008, 06:10 PM
Me thinks someone is drunk and playing with us. LOL
Frankie_Says_Relax
03-19-2008, 06:12 PM
Wait ... the Atari what?
2600?
Was that some kind of Scientific Graphing Calculator?
bangtango
03-19-2008, 06:17 PM
In my mind, the Atari 2600 will be the least fondly remembered of consoles, at least within its generation. Between peoples' animosity towards the relative woodgrainy-ness of the console and the lack of memorable driving controller titles (Indy 500 excepted), I think the Atari 2600 won't hold a place in many gamers' hearts the way the Intellivision and Odyssey2 will.
Thoughts?
Its all about which console got a better version of Donkey Kong. We all know from the 2600 version of Donkey Kong that Atari's system just can't cut it in a console war *wink, nudge*
This thread came just in time for the following list:
http://retro.ign.com/articles/860/860116p1.html
Frankie_Says_Relax
03-19-2008, 06:22 PM
Its all about which console got a better version of Donkey Kong. We all know from the 2600 version of Donkey Kong that Atari's system just can't cut it in a console war *wink, nudge*
This thread came just in time for the following list:
http://retro.ign.com/articles/860/860116p1.html
Not to derail or side-track this brilliant bit of satire ... but on the subject of Donkey Kong,
why the hell is it that Nintendo hasn't made any realistic attempt to release an arcade ... not even "perfect" but freaking arcade ACCURATE version of the game since the Famicom/NES. Every version is gimped ... no opening animation, missing level completion animations, no difficulty curve, missing conveyer/foundry level ...
The closest we've gotten in terms of having all the original levels in play order was on the original GB, and as awesome as that version is, even that's not truly accurate as it doesn't cycle back.
... for one (if not the) top arcade unit of it's era, Nintendo hasn't done that game any favors on their home consoles.
I recall somebody saying at one point that there was an arcade accurate version on the game hidden in DK64 ... any verification of this?
Mianrtcv
03-19-2008, 06:42 PM
I'm thinking the Channel F is going to be remembered as the best. Either that or the Studio II, screw the 2600. Who needs games like ET and Pac-Man anyway?
Studio II FTW
Cornelius
03-19-2008, 07:21 PM
You folks that don't 'get it' need to check out the Modern Gaming forum occasionally.
In my mind, the Atari 2600 will be the least fondly remembered of consoles, at least within its generation. Between peoples' animosity towards the relative woodgrainy-ness of the console and the lack of memorable driving controller titles (Indy 500 excepted), I think the Atari 2600 won't hold a place in many gamers' hearts the way the Intellivision and Odyssey2 will.
Thoughts?
I couldn't agree more, Joe. You've really hit the nail on the head. The 2600 has become the equivalent of silent movies. They have their place in history, but the novelty wears off and you're left thirsting for cinematic greatness like Transformers.
The Intellivision will always be remembered fondly for its superior sports titles that left the 2600 in the dustbin of history. "Home Run" indeed.
Lemmi_Is_God
03-19-2008, 07:51 PM
You folks that don't 'get it' need to check out the Modern Gaming forum occasionally.
where is that at?
what does modern gaming mean?
oh now i see it, its the one i skip over 100% of the time to get to the off topic forum
cyberfluxor
03-19-2008, 08:12 PM
where is that at?
what does modern gaming mean?
oh now i see it, its the one i skip over 100% of the time to get to the off topic forum
Good one.
Although I like modern gaming, most of my gaming is either classic or PC, and PC is in the shadow of consoles here. I lurk in there from time to time, posting only when something really seems interesting.
As for the thread "topic," taking it seriously the VCS is by far the most common cartridge from that era of gaming. The others are almost non-existant and is easily overlooked unless you are active looking into these early systems. One of the more annoying things is when someone believes that saying Odyssey or Intellivision is off-topic, exotic, and makes them a specialist in older games. When you ask "what's your favorite game?" they will generally say Donkey Kong or reference Atari E.T. suddenly. I understand helping to educate the gaming community but what the hell.
Fuyukaze
03-19-2008, 08:20 PM
where is that at?
what does modern gaming mean?
oh now i see it, its the one i skip over 100% of the time to get to the off topic forum
Hey, what's wrong with modern gaming? That's one of the best forums on this site what with all the free porn links and half off coupons for hooters. You should check it out sometime.
scooterb23
03-19-2008, 08:20 PM
Since I use the Atari 2600 on pretty much a daily basis to play Fishing Derby, stream copies of Starpath games off my cassette player, play games based on movies (such as the great E.T.) and emulate the arcade experience, not to mention ports of games from the Colecovision, and Intellivision.
You are wrong. Good day sir.
The Atari 2600 is easily the best console ever released.
The Intellivision will probably be the system least remembered. It's a fragile piece of garbage that breaks at the drop of a hat, it's got the worst versions of multiplatform titles, and the controller is a pile of ass.
blue lander
03-19-2008, 08:22 PM
Everybody knows that home video games are just a passing fad anyways.
Wonder007
03-19-2008, 08:29 PM
I bet you that if you do a survery across the country on what is more famous, an Atari 2600 or, say, a TRS 80, the Atari 2600 would win hands-down!!!
otoko
03-19-2008, 08:46 PM
Honestly, I don't see where Joe is coming from either. I'm rather surprised by this prediction. I'm not going to go into it further since any point I have is already taken.
rbudrick
03-19-2008, 09:14 PM
NES...now there's an NGage if there ever was one. I hate the NES.
I hate this forum too. Fuck all you guys.
-Rob
Garry Silljo
03-19-2008, 09:20 PM
Maybe classic and modern should become one forum again so that so many people won't miss the jokes, even when directed to it in previous posts. Seriously, anyone still confused just doesn't want to get it.
neuropolitique
03-19-2008, 09:32 PM
Enduro you robot bastard
DigitalSpace
03-19-2008, 09:36 PM
I played some stupid tank game on the 2600 once. It sucked. The controller sucked. Those switches sucked. The sound sucked. What the hell was Atari thinking?
I just typed this naked with a towel over my lap.
You are wrong. Good day sir.
Nuff Said...
alec006
03-19-2008, 10:25 PM
Well everytime i think of videogames, Atari or Pong comes to mind first,then Nintendo,Sega Or Playstation,its just everyone remembers Atari being THE console that made videogames popular and brought an end to arcades.
debian4life
03-19-2008, 10:30 PM
If you consider that the prices going for the Atari 2600 and games are going up and people are still paying them, then I would consider that memorable.
boatofcar
03-19-2008, 10:39 PM
Wow, I've never been a subject of satire before! Thanks for the honor, Joe :)
Iron Draggon
03-19-2008, 11:54 PM
In my mind, the Atari 2600 will be the least fondly remembered of consoles, at least within its generation. Between peoples' animosity towards the relative woodgrainy-ness of the console and the lack of memorable driving controller titles (Indy 500 excepted), I think the Atari 2600 won't hold a place in many gamers' hearts the way the Intellivision and Odyssey2 will.
Thoughts?
as well it should be the least fondly remembered console of its generation, if not the least fondly remembered console of all time... we're talking about the console that caused the great crash, people! so why would anyone have fond memories of the console that killed the industry? if it wasn't for the NES, this site wouldn't even exist to bemoan the awful 2600!
Rob2600
03-20-2008, 12:10 AM
I recall somebody saying at one point that there was an arcade accurate version on the game hidden in DK64 ... any verification of this?
It's true. I haven't played Donkey Kong 64 in a while, but there's a Donkey Kong arcade cabinet in the factory level. Find the token and you'll get to play it. It's an emulated version of the arcade game.
thedeityofhardcore
03-20-2008, 12:30 AM
I can't play anything on the 2600. I can enjoy intellivision games though.
Lemmi_Is_God
03-20-2008, 12:34 AM
Hey, what's wrong with modern gaming? That's one of the best forums on this site what with all the free porn links and half off coupons for hooters. You should check it out sometime.
oh crap FREE porn links?
and to think ive been paying for them this entire time
the last 2 games ive bought
Beggar Prince - genesis
Beef Drop - 7800
before that was the Zelda collection for the GC in 2006
and the Guy Game for the Xbox in 2005
im done with modern systems and seeing the name PS2/PS3 drives me nuts
FrakAttack
03-20-2008, 12:48 AM
It's true. I haven't played Donkey Kong 64 in a while, but there's a Donkey Kong arcade cabinet in the factory level. Find the token and you'll get to play it. It's an emulated version of the arcade game.
Unfortunately, you only get one man per game for some reason.
video_game_addict
03-20-2008, 04:37 AM
Funny thread.
2600 Rocks!
Intellivision crap controllers doesn't hold a candle to the 2600 joystick.
I too wish there were more driving controller games & paddle games too for that matter. Even games like Gyruss could have adpoted that type of control a shame theres not more to enjoy these awesome controllers with. :( There have been a few hacked conversions made over the years, but a true pitty these weren't more properly executed back in the day.
YoshiM
03-20-2008, 08:26 AM
What's going to be interesting is what we're going to see ten, fifteen or twenty years down the line. With the 2600 we're seeing rereleases like the Flashbacks, the multi-game-in-one controllers and even key chains that can be hooked up to TVs to play Pong or Warlords. If trends stay they way they do, will we see something like that for the Xbox?
scooterb23
03-20-2008, 08:41 AM
I shudder to think of how big my pockets would have to be to carry an XBox keychain...
The Shawn
03-20-2008, 08:45 AM
I bet you that if you do a survery across the country on what is more famous, an Atari 2600 or, say, a TRS 80, the Atari 2600 would win hands-down!!!
LOL
Good thread. Actually the funny part is the people who don't "get it"
weird really as I just purchased my first 'modern game': DOA Xtreme Beach Volleyball, and I haven't even got a XBOX yet
Poofta!
03-20-2008, 07:36 PM
Since I use the Atari 2600 on pretty much a daily basis to play Fishing Derby, stream copies of Starpath games off my cassette player, play games based on movies (such as the great E.T.) and emulate the arcade experience, not to mention ports of games from the Colecovision, and Intellivision.
You are wrong. Good day sir.
The Atari 2600 is easily the best console ever released.
The Intellivision will probably be the system least remembered. It's a fragile piece of garbage that breaks at the drop of a hat, it's got the worst versions of multiplatform titles, and the controller is a pile of ass.
fail.
you didnt get it.
Poofta!
03-20-2008, 07:38 PM
Beef Drop
did you calm it first?
scooterb23
03-20-2008, 07:56 PM
fail.
you didnt get it.
Clearly, you didn't get it.
Clearly, you didn't get it.
Also, I never get anything
PingvinBlueJeans
03-20-2008, 09:17 PM
Also, I never get anything
Prediction: tom won't age well as a DP poster.
Oops...too late. ;)
Sweater Fish Deluxe
03-21-2008, 01:44 PM
I'm thinking the Channel F is going to be remembered as the best. Either that or the Studio II, screw the 2600. Who needs games like ET and Pac-Man anyway?Studio II FTW
1292 Advanced Programmable! 1292 Advanced Programmable! Rah, rah, rah! GoooooooOOOOooo, 1292 Advanced Programmable!!!
Actually, all silliness aside, I'm continually surprised by how many people really don't remember the 2600. maybe "don't remember" isnb't the right word, but just "don't think about." Even people my age (30) who were kids in the early '80s often seem to date the beginning of video games with the NES. I grew up playing the 2600 and it was a big part of my childhood, so I remember it fondly. However, I guess it was a smaller proportion of children who played video games in those days compared to the NES era or later generations, so the 2600 is at a nostalgic disadvantage compared to later systems.
I know some of you guys are old enough to remember the Pong systems, but that's just ridiculous. You guys must be ancient. Video games began with the 2600.
...word is bondage...
jb143
03-21-2008, 02:05 PM
1292 Advanced Programmable! 1292 Advanced Programmable! Rah, rah, rah! GoooooooOOOOooo, 1292 Advanced Programmable!!!
Actually, all silliness aside, I'm continually surprised by how many people really don't remember the 2600. maybe "don't remember" isnb't the right word, but just "don't think about." Even people my age (30) who were kids in the early '80s often seem to date the beginning of video games with the NES. I grew up playing the 2600 and it was a big part of my childhood, so I remember it fondly. However, I guess it was a smaller proportion of children who played video games in those days compared to the NES era or later generations, so the 2600 is at a nostalgic disadvantage compared to later systems.
I know some of you guys are old enough to remember the Pong systems, but that's just ridiculous. You guys must be ancient. Video games began with the 2600.
...word is bondage...
I almost agree with that. Most people I know in their late 20's do know what "an Atari" is and remember playing it but they have no clue what 2600 means.
mailman187666
03-21-2008, 04:22 PM
whoa whoa whoa now hold on a minute. Call me old fashioned, but are you saying that there are machines that you can hook up to your TV which shows moving pictures which you can actually manipulate on the screen with a controlling device? thats amazing, what will they think of next? chairs that give you a back message while sitting in it?
Push Upstairs
03-21-2008, 10:37 PM
2600? Please.
We all know damn well that "Nintendo Entertainment System" ain't going nowhere.
"Entertainment System"...pfffft.
Maybe I'm missing something here. I'm 27, and I have friends that are into their mid-30s... and 90% of them haven't even really heard of the Intellivision or Odyssey 2. (I have, but I'm talking about the general population).
I can't believe that number. Maybe a sampling of 15 year olds, but 90% of people 27-35 you know never heard of Intellivision?
DigitalSpace
11-26-2008, 06:11 PM
I can't believe that number. Maybe a sampling of 15 year olds, but 90% of people 27-35 you know never heard of Intellivision?
Talk about an odd thread to bump.
JunkTheMagicDragon
11-26-2008, 07:21 PM
necroposting ftl
klausien
11-27-2008, 01:37 AM
I've only read Joe's OP, but here's my take:
I agree with Joe in that the 2600 is really a sub-par gaming experience so many years later (nostalgia keeps those rose-colored glasses firmly planted upon the noses of those of us who experienced the 2600 at its height of popularity), BUT I think it is the "Legendary" system of its Age, and will be remembered as such.
That said, the first "real" game system for the history books will be the NES (from the American perspective). Gaming has (somewhat unfortunately) become a bit more about conflict/resolution... "story" if you will. The NES was the first system that had games which conveyed a sense of accomplishment beyond besting another.
It's a true debate for the ages, but seriously. How LUCKY are we to have experienced the birth of the newest of art forms? GAME ON!