AUSRETROGAMER

The Pop-Culture E-Zine

You are here: Home / Archives for History

History

Nuts For Nintendo In 1988

By

NutsForNintendo

Even as far back as 1988, the age old economic model of ‘supply and demand’ generated hype and hysteria in video games. Who better to exploit this hysteria than Nintendo.

This VHS recording of a special report on ABC News‘ 20/20 (US) program features the Christmas hype and rush for Super Mario Bros. 2 and Zelda II: The Adventures of Link games. There are parents lining up for games, parents that think their kids play too much Nintendo, and then there are certain interest groups that deplore violence in video games. This Nuts For Nintendo special has it all. I guess some things never change.


source: Steven Hertz

Atari’s 8-Bit Home Computers: A Belated Love Affair

By

Ah Atari, how I love thee, but back in the ’80s it wasn’t all love. You see, I chose the Commodore 64 as my 8-bit home computer. Do I have any regrets? Absolutely not! But, with my nostalgia tinted glasses on and the benefit of hindsight, perhaps I should have given the Atari 8-bit (affectionately known as A8) home computer range more attention.

With the passing of time and my nostalgic nerves tingling, I had the urge to delve into the world of A8 computing. To my surprise, the Atari 800XL I procured turned out to be a lot of fun. It was built to withstand a nuclear catastrophe, just the way I like it. Whilst on this A8 bandwagon, I also experienced the Atari XEGS system – the half computer, half console beast.  This sudden interest in the A8 home computers piqued my 8-bit senses. I knew that I had to find out more about the lineage of Atari’s 8-bit home computers.

The Atari 8-Bit Home Computer timeline
Atari 8-bit Computers - ausretrogamer

From the 400/800 (1979) to the XL (1983), the XE (XL Extended) (1985) and finally to the XEGS (1987), Atari left no stone unturned when it came to unleashing their 8-bit home computer range. The A8s were definitely on-par with their contemporaries, but with the upheaval that was going on within Atari and the change in ownership, the 8-bit home computers never stood a chance to shine bright.

The A8 range was officially discontinued on January 1, 1992 – an impressive 13 year run! The Atari 8-bit home computers will forever be played – yes, they will last that long!

ILoveAtari

 

Get Your Atari On!

By

AtariOn_title

Dudes and dudettes, June is ATARI month! Have you got an Atari  story to tell? If so, read this and get writing!

Over the last few years, we have written a few Atari pieces, from 8-bit battles between the XEGS and the C64, to lesser known Atari facts, book reviews and even a homage to one of my favourite handhelds, the Atari Lynx!

So what are you waiting for, celebrate by getting your Atari on!

ILoveAtari

Blast From the Past: Nintendo Interactive Store Displays

By

Nintendo_Retail_Title

Ah, the Nintendo of old. How I miss thee, when times were simpler and there was no Microsoft nor Sony. There is always room in my heart for Nintendo, as they have endured through thick and thin in this video gaming business that is now on par with Hollywood.

So let’s take a trip down memory lane, some 22 years ago and see how Nintendo presented their wares to the retail fraternity. Golly gosh those interactive display units were awesome!


source: PenguinNintendoAge

Atari: 42 Years Of Fun

By

Atari_42

Atari. Can you believe that they have been rocking our video gaming world in one shape or another since 1972! The video gaming industry would never be the same once Atari entered the fray some 42 years ago. Nolan and Ted’s little enterprise baby grew into an arcade and home gaming entertainment Goliath.

Much has been written (and rewritten) about the history of Atari, but rather than recite every sordid detail, just gaze upon this Atari timeline. A lot has happened since June 1972!

atari_timeline_42source: Atari

Fun Facts: Mario Kart

By

MK_Title

Talk about perfect timing! With the release of the brand spanking new Mario Kart 8 on the Wii U, Cinema Suite brings you five very interesting facts about the Mario Kart franchise.

We predict fact number two will have to be revisited, as we are sure that Mario Kart 8 will help shift a fair few Wii U units at the registers.


source: Cinema Suite Inc.

Top 5 Games Charts: November 1990

By

Top5_Title

There is no denying that there were some awesome games released towards the end of 1990. The below charts are testament to these great games that still endure till this day (Ed: well, some of them anyway).

So, take out those Amiga Operation Stealth diskettes and blow into that dusty Super Mario Bros. cartridge for some unabashed retro gaming experience. Nostalgia rules y’all!

  1) Golden Axe (Sega)
2) Chase HQ (Sega / Taito)
3) Operation Wolf (Sega / Taito)
4) Battle Out Run (Sega)
5) Double Dragon (Sega / Technos)

 

  1) Super Mario Bros 2 (Nintendo)
2) Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Nintendo)
3) The Legend Of Zelda (Nintendo)
4) Super Mario Bros (Nintendo)
5) Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest (Konami)

 

Amiga_108 1) Corporation (Core Design)
2) Shadow Of The Beast 2 (Psygnosis)
3) Operation Stealth (US Gold / Delphine)
4) Shadow Warriors (Ocean)
5) Wings (Mirrorsoft / Cinemaware)

 

atari_st 1) F-19 Stealth Fighter (Microprose)
2) Their Finest Hours (US Gold / Lucasfilm)
3) Shadow Warriors (Ocean)
4) Operation Stealth (US Gold / Delphine)
5) Midnight Resistance (Ocean)

 

Remember 1988

By

1988_title

Do you remember how awesome 1988 was? I do! I was a teenager with not a hassle in the world. My life revolved around my family, friends, school, sport, tv, music, movies and video games – particularly the Commodore 64 and arcades! 1988 was the year I went from playing games on cassette to playing games on floppy disk. Life was good.

Oh yeah, there was the Seoul Olympics and Australia was celebrating its bicentennial. Ah 1988, you were a great year.  What are your memories of 1988?

Press play and immerse yourself with some 1988 awesomeness!


source: thepeterson

Atari Gambles On New Era

By

atari_casino_HDR

The meteoric rise and equal fall of Atari has been documented umpteen times. Nevertheless, it does break my heart that a former trailblazer and video gaming behemoth is little more than a company torn to shreds and its pieces thrown to the proverbial dogs to scrap over.

Rather than give you a history lesson in what has happened to Atari in the recent past (Ed: It has had more owners than a used 1999 Honda Civic), have a read of Atari’s bankruptcy file and then come to terms with where Atari is headed – to the glitz and glamour of the gambling business!

Yep, you read that right. Atari is now hedging its bet (pardon the pun) on gambling products. Unfortunately, Atari has debts that they need to clear as part of their bankruptcy conditions and their plan is to square the ledger with their creditors via Atari Casino – a bold push into the social casino market. This casino path may stave off the rabid dogs at their heels.

I know that my nostalgic glasses can make me a cynic, but when a company with a rich heritage sells its soul, there is no coming back. I think I will stick to remembering the old Atari, you know, the one before 1998!