Bring Back the Overlays

[IntvGene]

I don't know why they stopped doing this? I know that cost was a big factor, and the size of the joystick too... but, I loved overlays.

Intellivision overlays were necessary for some games, but bright and colorful, if not a little thin and cheap.

Vectrex also had cool overlays. Simulated color. Nice and thick plastic. Playing Vectrex games without the overlays just isn't the same.

The Colecovision had overlays for some games, and actually had two types, for the regular games and then the super-action controlllers. I hated when they went to those super-action controllers because you couldn't use your old overlays with them.

Can't forget the old Arcadia 2k1 too.

Atari even had their attempts, rather unimaginatively with the 5200 and a better attempt with the Jaguar.

I loved the feel using the overlays when I was a kid, it was like customizing your system for each game. I didn't have to look at the manual every time. I also loved it when they used different ones for the two-players. Anyone else, love ' em or hate 'em?

[omnedon]

Love 'em. They are one of the joys (and frustrations) of Intelly collecting. It adds a special layer of satisfaction to a find when you find it has both inlays (YESSSSSS!!). The next best thing is when you find loose inlays (or trade for 'em) and complete that rare "Truckin'", or some other Intelly game.

A minty Intelly one, with Deadly discs playing, and an inlay in the controller, is a thing of beauty.

[Perkar]

Even the Atari 2600 had a keypad controller with overlays... i have Big Bird's Egg Catch and Brain Games which both use it, although Brain Games didn't have an overlay, i don't think. i played the crap out of big bird's egg catch when i was small tho... love it.

[Phosphor Dot Fossils]

Don't forget the original Odyssey overlays for the TV! :P

[AB Positive]

PDF, I take it that your area is getting a few storms, huh?

-AG