View Full Version : Merlin Re-release
Jimmy Yakapucci
10-04-2006, 08:23 AM
I was at a Kay-Bee Toys the other day and saw a new Merlin on the rack. It was smaller than the original, and I was wondering if anyone has bought one, and if son, is it as good as the original?
Captain Wrong
10-04-2006, 08:35 AM
It's not the same, I can tell you that much.
I think it's analgous to the Mattel handheld reissues where it looks the same and plays the same but just doesn't feel right if you know what the real deal is.
Still have all the same games?
I played more than my share of Music Machine, Black Jack, & that number-guessing game.
Good times.
Pantechnicon
10-04-2006, 09:21 AM
I was playing with one at Target the other day. The games all seem to be the same. But it talks, and it plays small samples of music. I think it also does some fancy stuff with the lights.
I don't know. I 'd probably buy one for my kids, but for me rather have an original. The enhancements seem to detract from the charm of the original device.
Back in the day I was a whiz at Magic Square. 8-)
Arcade Antics
10-04-2006, 11:13 AM
I was at a Kay-Bee Toys the other day and saw a new Merlin on the rack. It was smaller than the original, and I was wondering if anyone has bought one, and if son, is it as good as the original?
In short: it's crap. Spend $5 on the original model on feeeBay.
Darth Sensei
10-04-2006, 11:28 AM
I have a couple of originals I bought at Garage Sales so I'll pass.
DKTheArcadeRat
10-04-2006, 03:19 PM
I have a Merlin handheld game, but mine has a screen and has ten games, is it the same basic thing?
Pantechnicon
10-04-2006, 04:12 PM
I have a Merlin handheld game, but mine has a screen and has ten games, is it the same basic thing?
I don't think so. Original Merlin:
http://www.haar.clara.co.uk/images/merlin2.jpg
Actually a very fun handheld game despite its apparent simplicity.
InsaneDavid
10-04-2006, 04:32 PM
Old Merlin (http://www.handheldmuseum.com/ParkerBros/Merlin.htm).
New Merlin (http://www.handheldmuseum.com/MB/Merlin.htm).
Kid Ice
10-04-2006, 06:49 PM
I have a Merlin handheld game, but mine has a screen and has ten games, is it the same basic thing?
I have that one too. It came out in the mid 90s. The one with the voice, right? Far superior to the original IMO.
DKTheArcadeRat
10-04-2006, 07:50 PM
Yeah, it probably is from the 90's, seeing as I am a child of the 90's. It's maroon in color, and has a bunch of buttons, and is kinda shaped like a universal remote, but a large one.
fishsandwich
10-05-2006, 08:49 AM
Man, I LOVED my Merlin back in the day. I got it for Christmas one year and played with it for months. Then I lost it. I'd pick one of these new one up if I saw one.
:D
Cryomancer
10-06-2006, 07:10 AM
Got one of these awhile back at a garage sale for a dollar or 25 cents or some such price. have yet to throw any batteries in it though. I do believe these are older than myself, but hey, that hasn't stopped me from enjoying my Vectrex.