MaximumRD presents The Atari Flashback II

[OldSchoolGamer]

Here I look at the Atari Flashback II console, a modern remake of the classic Atari 2600 system.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhEtFgDaXOk

[newcoleco]

Great review.

At some points, the sound is poor... but it's a commun problem in "holding camera" video.

I like the way you did take time to talk about why they did a second one and about the possible modification for the cartridge port to improve the Atari 2600 experience. This is the kind of information I like to hear in a serious review about a game console or any other product : the features and the possibilities.

Conclusion : Continue your good job. I like watching your videos.

[Fanboy]

I like the video, but can you either get a tripod or set the camera on a table for future vids? I had to listen to the video rather than watch because I was getting nauseous.

[newcoleco]

I like the video, but can you either get a tripod or set the camera on a table for future vids? I had to listen to the video rather than watch because I was getting nauseous.
Well... I watch it another time and it's not that shacky, I didn't had a nauseous feeling.

I remember watching a movie with intentional terrible camera movements, and I was unable to keep watching, I had to close my eyes. But this video? no, it's ok.

But yes, a tripod should be a good idea to free up your hands.

[vintagegamecrazy]

I didn't think the video was too bad but a tripod wouldn't hurt, the only thing I would try to improve on is your liveliness and be more excited about the review but it covered the main points of the console well.

[newcoleco]

I didn't think the video was too bad but a tripod wouldn't hurt, the only thing I would try to improve on is your liveliness and be more excited about the review but it covered the main points of the console well.

Yes, a more enthousiast tone should be a nice touch, like you did in your Super Action controller review (I really like this one). A more regular and informative tone may be the way to go for this kind of review, but I'm not an expert.

In my humble opinion, this is a good review with good informations and details some people may not know about this console, and you made it in your way.

[Tupin]

Very good, informative review.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Nice review.

I had my Flashback 2 modified with a cartridge port by Ben Heckendorn of www.benheck.com fame last year. My cartridge port is on the front like a toaster NES.

It's a great little AV 2600 unit, and the controllers that come with it are fantastic, unfortunately, when modded - it does NOT have 100% compatibility with 2600 games, in fact there's a good amount of classics that don't work properly or at all with the hardware that's in the Flashback 2.

I was also fortunate enough to get my hands on a BEAUTIFUL condition 2600 Jr. at the last NAVA ... and the thing happened to have an amazingly strong RF signal - so much so that I don't really feel the need to get it AV modded.

[OldSchoolGamer]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yeah I try not to be too shaky, these are made on the cheap with my tiny Samsung digital camera so it's the best I can do, I will say that some people are much more sensitive to shaky video than others though. Unfortunately that isn't likely to improve just for the fact I do these on the cheap and actually I personally like the amateur look to them, I am not trying to come off as to professional since I can't anway LOL! As for any lack of enthusiasm I will be honest, my problem is I work, A LOT, more than full time, add in a wife and well I am sure many of you can relate, sometimes I am amazed I can get any videos done at all. These simple looking videos often require take after take believe it or not and on top of that a lot of this video was shot while I was actually at work and I am often pretty damn tired while making them. I am not complaining or making excuses, just explaining and being honest. I was surprised and happy to see people subscribe and I don't want to disappoint them but I never realized how much time a ten minute video can take to make, time I really don't have, yet I love it and feel compelled to do this as it one of my few personal enjoyments, so I will keep it in mind and try to sound more excited/enthusiastic but I can't promise it.....

[OldSchoolGamer]

RE: Frankie Says Relax.....

Cool! Thanks for the info!

[newcoleco]

It's a great little AV 2600 unit, and the controllers that come with it are fantastic, unfortunately, when modded - it does NOT have 100% compatibility with 2600 games, in fact there's a good amount of classics that don't work properly or at all with the hardware that's in the Flashback 2.

Can you elaborate on the subject? I really want to know which classic game I will not be able to play with it if I bought one. Is there a compatibility list somewhere?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Can you elaborate on the subject? I really want to know which classic game I will not be able to play with it if I bought one. Is there a compatibility list somewhere?

Here's the definitive list!

http://kennedy.greg.googlepages.com/fb2compat.html

A lot of games work perfectly ... but there are some serious classics that don't work at all.

[Blitzwing256]

pitfall 2? thats a deal breaker right there

[OldSchoolGamer]

pitfall 2? thats a deal breaker right there

Well as I said in my video I had no means of playing actual carts but FYI
I just won an auction for a great conditioned SEARS ARCADE II! Woo HOO looks like I am good to go now! :D

@NEWCOLECO: Don't worry I STILL intend to get and do a video for the Colecovision module # 1 !!!! :-D

[WizDawg]

I modded my Atari FB2.

I made a blog at it at http://thewizdawg.blogspot.com

Also I don't like the controllers that came with it. They are cheaply made and I already broke the top part off of one.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I modded my Atari FB2.

I made a blog at it at http://thewizdawg.blogspot.com

Also I don't like the controllers that came with it. They are cheaply made and I already broke the top part off of one.

Interesting.

I personally like those controllers a lot ... especially the action on the fire button, it seems to have a bit more spring and press "registration" than a real 2600 controller.

[WizDawg]

My problem with it is that the joystick itself has no "give to it" like a regular Atari 2600 joystick. I already broke the stick part off of one of them.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

My problem with it is that the joystick itself has no "give to it" like a regular Atari 2600 joystick. I already broke the stick part off of one of them.

I've got a pretty delicate touch when it comes to controllers ... they seemed sturdy enough to me, but I suppose they might not be able to take the overall abuse of a classic 2600 controller.

Thankfully you can still find classic 2600 controllers out there that are pretty much brand new.

[c0ldb33r]

Good job - I subscribed

[OldSchoolGamer]

Good job - I subscribed

Thanks aprreciate it! Trust me good stuff is coming, lots of ideas, some video just in editing process, damn never new a 10 minute videos require so much time lol! New respect for all the great ones like AVGN/spoonyOne/Stanburdman etc, I will keep trying though as time permits!