suggestions and comments on new guide

[Goblin]

In my readings of the new guide I've come across a few things that may or not be errors.

First related to the 2600: Why is their no listing for the Cyber Punks, Stella gets a new brain. I would assume the original and the re-release should show up somewhere, perhaps non-cartridge items. Similiarly why no listing for Stella Sketch? This I understand was never released in cartridge form, but from a Bob Colbert interview I see it was available on casette at one point.

The Atari XE section: Why was the name changed from 8-bit to XE? This is a minor nit-pick, but I think 8-bit is more encompassing. Also why is the lightgun the only listed non-cartridge item? I know when dealing with classic computers, there are a variety of peripherals which have no gaming connection, which rightfully should be excluded, although I think every computer type should probably be included for completeness. (ie. 400, 800, 800XL, etc, ...) Why was Frantic Freddy removed from the 8-bit software list ? Personally I have never seen it, so I didn't know if it proven not to exist or was left off by accident.

As for the Pong System, my definition of "pongs" includes all dedicated systems be they ball/paddle games, stunt cycle, or tank. If you exclude these from this section they should be included elsewhere. Also in the pong section you might want an appendix listing some of the magazines from the 70's which included plans for homemade systems. I have a few of such systems that were made from magazine artwork etched onto a PCB, that can't be otherwise classified.

Overall I think the book is a good improvement over version 6. The magazine and pong sections are nice additions. I still don't see a need for the foreign 2600 release section, but I guess enough others do.

Hope this helps.

[slapdash]

Why is their no listing for the Cyber Punks, Stella gets a new brain. I would assume the original and the re-release should show up somewhere, perhaps non-cartridge items.

Hmm, plus there were two versions...


Similiarly why no listing for Stella Sketch? This I understand was never released in cartridge form, but from a Bob Colbert interview I see it was available on casette at one point.

And CDR if I remember correctly.

I don't have the Guide in front of me and haven't dug in much... Are the various "Worship The Woodgrain" and "Cuttle Cart Underground" collections listed? It's possible the above were left out because they were deemed to similar to these, at least in the case of SGANB. But StellaSketch should be there regardless.

[Captain Wrong]

As for the Pong System, my definition of "pongs" includes all dedicated systems be they ball/paddle games, stunt cycle, or tank. If you exclude these from this section they should be included elsewhere.

I second that! I don't collect these, but I love reading about them and I was kind of dissapointed to see Stunt Cycle and Coleco Combat missing. Maybe change the title to dedicated systems?

[Sly DC]

Humm...

Looks like some people doesn't read the intros of each sections. It is plainly written WHY that NO Coleco Telstar Combat, Atari Stunt Cycle, etc...were listed in the Pong section.

Anyhow, in the next version of the guide, there will be more Pongs listed (South Americans, Europeans and Japaneses). There will be around 700 of them listed (it will be a pain in the ass to put prices and rarities for each of them...argh!).

But for dedicated (or standalone) systems, it would be a great add-on for the next DP guide, and if no ones want to do the section, i would do it!! :)

[slapdash]

But for dedicated (or standalone) systems, it would be a great add-on for the next DP guide, and if no ones want to do the section, i would do it!! :)

Would there really be enough to warrant their own section? I think they should be put in with the pongs and the section called "Dedicated units" instead. But that's just me...

[Sly DC]

Hi Russ,

Humm...that's a good question my friend. The problem is that there are new dedicated systems like the Radica Play TV series. Either we do a brand new section or just list the old dedicated systems (between 1975 and 1985) in a sub-section of the Pong section.

A question off-topic Russ: What the hell is a Epoch PokeKon ? Do you have a picture of that thing ? This one eludes me....

[Goblin]

Looks like some people doesn't read the intros of each sections. It is plainly written WHY that NO Coleco Telstar Combat, Atari Stunt Cycle, etc...were listed in the Pong section.


It's not that I didn't read the intro, it is just that I didn't agree with your definition. I personally consider all dedicated consoles to be "pongs". GI's AY-3-8700 used in combat is from the same "family" as the AY-3-8500 used in the pongs so in my collecting I tend to group them together. However you are the author of the section :) so you can do want, I just wish the other dedicated consoles were included.

[Six Switch]

I really have to say I liek the new guide,alot!I have always wanted one,and all the other ones were sold out and I was mad!But this time,I got one when it just came out!Mna am I happy!Thanks again Joe and keep up the good work! :D :mad: :P

[digitalpress]

Thanks. I am merely the "glue" that puts it all together. It's the section editors that deserve the applause. I was a little disappointed with some of the editing mistakes when I first got the book but the benefits far outweigh these little issues.

And I *will* have that addendum soon!

[slapdash]

Humm...that's a good question my friend. The problem is that there are new dedicated systems like the Radica Play TV series. Either we do a brand new section or just list the old dedicated systems (between 1975 and 1985) in a sub-section of the Pong section.

Except that the PlayTV stuff isn't likely to make it into the Guide anytime soon, right? In other words, that stuff (which I DO find eminently fascinating, by the way, especially the Japanese ones that aren't coming over here) should be left out. That leaves dedicated units like the Telstar Combat, the Atari Stunt Cycle, and the unreleased (I think) Entex Space Invaders joystick.


A question off-topic Russ: What the hell is a Epoch PokeKon ? Do you have a picture of that thing ? This one eludes me....

Uh... Not sure I have a picture... But it's basically an LCD portable system. It's the kind of thing I'd like to put in my proposed "Japanese classics" section, if it were to be done.

[Sly DC]

@ Goblin:

I did think over and over about what "IS" the definition of a Dedicated Pong System. Almost all of them are based on the AY-3-8500 and variants, but what was the name Pong were taken from ?

Ping-Pong of course (was slashed in 2), and Ping-Pong is a sport which is similar to Tennis. Since the first Pong system only had sports game, i classified all dedicated systems that only has sports game to be "Pongs". The rest, misc. dedicated systems, and the ones that has sports game and other games like the Polycon C4016 (has sports games and stunt cycle games), i called them dedicated-hybrids game systems.

After so many years of gathering informations about Pongs and game systems, all the data i've gathered i had to categorised them more specifically or i would be in a nut farm by now. :)

Be sure in the next version of the DP guide, all the other dedicated game systems will be included in a sub-section od the dedicated system section.

@Slapdash (Russ):

I don't think that the Play TV (and others) will end up soon i a version of the guide, surely in a future time but not in a near future. The Epoch PokeKon you're refering to, do you know a web site which does dispaly this system or talks about it ? Sound like the Nintendo Mini-Pokemon thing. 8)

[slapdash]

@Slapdash (Russ):

I don't think that the Play TV (and others) will end up soon i a version of the guide, surely in a future time but not in a near future. The Epoch PokeKon you're refering to, do you know a web site which does dispaly this system or talks about it ? Sound like the Nintendo Mini-Pokemon thing. 8)

Don't know any URLs either; I lucked across mine on eBay and spent a lot on it, but sadly missed out on one of the two games the guy had for it.

It's bigger than the Mini-Pokemon deal, and older. Somewhere between Microvision & GameBoy, you know...

[Sly DC]

That old ? Damn....then we definitely need to see a picture of this portable system. Since you won it on Ebay, has it been less than 3 months and did it have a picture ?

Sorry to be so persistent, when it comes to any game system i don't know, i'm very curious to learn about it. :P

[slapdash]

That old ? Damn....then we definitely need to see a picture of this portable system. Since you won it on Ebay, has it been less than 3 months and did it have a picture ?

It was over a year ago now, I think. I'd see if I have a pic, but I'm having some computer problems at home right now (dammit, like the next issue of 2600 Connection isn't late enough).

[Captain Wrong]

Humm...

Looks like some people doesn't read the intros of each sections. It is plainly written WHY that NO Coleco Telstar Combat, Atari Stunt Cycle, etc...were listed in the Pong section.

Actually I did read it and I know that wasn't the point of the section. I was just saying I'd like to see them added next time around, if not in the Pong sections (because they aren't technically Pong machines) then a section by their self.

[Sly DC]

@ Russ:

If you find a picture of your Epoch PokeKon, don't hesitate to post it here or send it by e-mail. :D

@ Captain Wrong:

Be sure in the DP Guide #8, all the other dedicated systems will be
listed, either in a sub-section or in their very own section. That i have to discuss this with Joe in the future. And if i have time, maybe i'll do the section (or sub-section) for the Master List Database.

Would this do the trick ? 8)

[Captain Wrong]

To quote Montgomery Burns:

"Exxxcelent."

8)