Retro Gamer - Issue 125

[Scooter-Computer]

Glad you liked my Atari 8-bit article! 

you wrote it? I've always wanted an Atari Computer, but never had one until a yard sale much later, and that one didn't work.  I used to dream of having an Atari 400, or 800,...or 1200...? ? ? decisions decisions. I like the look of the 400, but bigger numbers =  better to a 12 y/o of that era.
I had to settle for TRS-80 CoCo and then Apple IIc and IIGS later.  You should check-out my instagram stream where I shared snaps of the pages I read.
http://instagram.com/scootercomputer70

[TL]

Yep. See the name? Kieren Hawken? That is me 

If you get an A8 the best model to get is probably the 800XL as it is 64k and has the best compatibility, although I personally prefer the looks of the XE machines.

[Scooter-Computer]

I really REALLY want an XE, the gamer console. is it as good as the 800XL?

[TL]

I really REALLY want an XE, the gamer console. is it as good as the 800XL?

In the issue before this one I did a big article on the XE Games System:



But there are also the 65XE (64k) and 130XE (128k) computers, they look sexy as hell but the cartridge port is on the back, which is a bit annoying!

[Scooter-Computer]

I think it's the big round buttons that are so sexy, imo.

[TL]

I think it's the big round buttons that are so sexy, imo.

Yep, how can you not love this:



 

[Scooter-Computer]

I think it's the big round buttons that are so sexy, imo.

Yep, how can you not love this:



 

So sexy! Except that joystick! I am surprised that they used it, instead of a 7800 controller.

[zapiy]

I am one of those that think it looks like it was designed for young children.

[dot.fyre]

I am one of those that think it looks like it was designed for young children.

I'm with you there.
It looks more like a design concept that would end up in the bin rather than go into production.
The asymmetric design, the over-sized buttons. The actual colour of the buttons.
The 2-tone joystick. 
The gun is ok though!

[Scooter-Computer]

I think it looks like CANDY, much like those iMACs with the translucent colorful monitor cases that we had at school 10 years ago.

[Scooter-Computer]

Today I'm ready the article of the dude that made the game DEATH RACE (love the concept) and helped create EXIDY. I loved his game MOUSETRAP when I was a kid. I remember saving my allowance for several weeks to get that game for my Colecovision for $45, and then it was on sale for $40 which was even better.

[TL]

Today I'm ready the article of the dude that made the game DEATH RACE (love the concept) and helped create EXIDY. I loved his game MOUSETRAP when I was a kid. I remember saving my allowance for several weeks to get that game for my Colecovision for $45, and then it was on sale for $40 which was even better.

I thought that was a fantastic interview, and he answered my question about Venture too. I would like to get him to do an interview for here! 

[Scooter-Computer]

I just think it's so exciting to hear from one of the fathers of videogaming that lived during that era, and made the games that I enjoyed. He saw it all first hand.  I also find it interesting that there are so many games that were designed but NEVER released like his X+Y moving PONG game.