A GenX Geek's view of the past, present and future

  • C64: Koronis Rift

    C64: Koronis Rift

    Koronis Rift, Lucasfilm Games’ ambitious C64 game from 1985–86, combines exploration, combat, and salvage technology. Players traverse fractal landscapes, analyze modules, and weigh profit against risk. Its exploration mechanics, atmosphere, and historical significance contribute to its enduring appeal.

    Weiterlesen: C64: Koronis Rift
  • Atari 2600: Montezuma’s Revenge

    Atari 2600: Montezuma’s Revenge

    Deep inside the fortress, Panama Joe finds a door he remembers from his last descent. This time he has the key. All that stands between him and the treasure is a rolling skull and one well-timed jump.

    Weiterlesen: Atari 2600: Montezuma’s Revenge
  • Insert Coin Here: NARC

    Insert Coin Here: NARC

    Released in 1988, NARC combined groundbreaking digitized graphics with outrageous arcade violence. Its explosive war on drugs delivered chaotic action while exposing uncomfortable contradictions between moral messaging, entertainment, and the era’s aggressive approach to law enforcement.

    Weiterlesen: Insert Coin Here: NARC
  • C64: Little Computer People

    C64: Little Computer People

    In 1985, Activision’s „Little Computer People“ revolutionized interactive software by allowing players to observe the daily life of a small character. Its focus on patience and interpersonal interaction creates a unique, emotional experience compared to traditional games.

    Weiterlesen: C64: Little Computer People
  • PC 2001: GTA III

    PC 2001: GTA III

    Michael De Santa and Franklin discuss the gameplay of GTA III, a groundbreaking game that offered freedom and urban exploration. Despite its technical shortcomings, the game remains popular because of its creative possibilities and exciting experiences.

    Weiterlesen: PC 2001: GTA III
  • Atari 2600: Crypts Of Chaos

    Atari 2600: Crypts Of Chaos

    Crypts of Chaos is an ambitious Atari 2600 game that combines dungeon exploration with a risky reward system. Despite technical limitations and complex controls, it offers exciting challenges and remains a remarkable endeavor in the history of video games.

    Weiterlesen: Atari 2600: Crypts Of Chaos
  • Insert Coin Here: Astron Belt

    Insert Coin Here: Astron Belt

    Sega’s forgotten LaserDisc revolution. Take a journey back to the early days of cinematic arcade gaming, when Sega attempted to bring the spectacle of science fiction movies to the video arcade.

    Weiterlesen: Insert Coin Here: Astron Belt
  • C64: Kong

    C64: Kong

    In the early 1980s, the video game industry experienced a boom with games like Anirog’s „Kong.“ The game brought arcade elements to the Commodore 64, although it remained modest in terms of technology and innovation, and reflected the environment of the time.

    Weiterlesen: C64: Kong
  • Atari 2600: Dark Chambers

    Atari 2600: Dark Chambers

    Dark Chambers for the Atari 2600, released in 1989, is a cooperative dungeon crawler with 26 levels. It is often mistakenly regarded as a Gauntlet clone, but deserves recognition for its innovative gameplay mechanics and historical significance in game development.

    Weiterlesen: Atari 2600: Dark Chambers
  • Insert Coin Here: Gauntlet

    Insert Coin Here: Gauntlet

    In 1985, Gauntlet revolutionized the multiplayer gaming experience by combining fantasy adventure and social interaction in a unique arcade setting, where up to four players fought together against waves of enemies and collected treasure.

    Weiterlesen: Insert Coin Here: Gauntlet
  • C64: Forbidden Forest

    C64: Forbidden Forest

    Paul Norman’s Forbidden Forest transformed a simple C64 action game into a memorable horror experience. Atmospheric music, changing scenery, gruesome deaths and distinctive monster encounters made this 1983 classic an influential showcase for cinematic game design.

    Weiterlesen: C64: Forbidden Forest
  • Atari 2600: Space Shuttle

    Atari 2600: Space Shuttle

    „Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space“ for the Atari 2600, released in 1983, stood out for its complex, realistic simulation. Players must follow precise procedures to successfully complete a space shuttle mission, which is both challenging and educational.

    Weiterlesen: Atari 2600: Space Shuttle
  • Insert Coin Here: Galaga

    Insert Coin Here: Galaga

    Galaga, released by Namco in 1981, revolutionized the fixed-view shooter genre with dynamic enemy movements and strategic mechanics such as the tractor beam. It remains a timeless classic that is still present in arcades and popular culture today.

    Weiterlesen: Insert Coin Here: Galaga
  • C64: Spy vs. Spy

    C64: Spy vs. Spy

    Revisit Spy vs. Spy on the Commodore 64: a clever mix of traps, strategy, slapstick action and split-screen rivalry. Discover its MAD Magazine roots, technical ideas, contemporary reviews, trivia and lasting influence on competitive gaming.

    Weiterlesen: C64: Spy vs. Spy
  • Atari 2600: Seaquest

    Atari 2600: Seaquest

    Seaquest, a game released in 1983 for the Atari 2600, combines the pressure of rescue missions with limited oxygen. It requires strategic thinking and adaptability as players navigate dangerous underwater environments to rescue divers.

    Weiterlesen: Atari 2600: Seaquest
  • Insert Coin Here: Asteroids

    Insert Coin Here: Asteroids

    Asteroids, developed by Ed Logg at Atari, revolutionized the world of arcade gaming in the late 1970s with its minimalist design, challenging controls, and the thrill of scoring points. It remains an icon of video game history.

    Weiterlesen: Insert Coin Here: Asteroids
  • C64: Ultima III: Exodus

    C64: Ultima III: Exodus

    Ultima III: Exodus revolutionized computer role-playing games in the 1980s with its open-world setting, party system, and tactical combat. It combined classic elements and laid the foundation for the genre’s development. Its legacy remains relevant to this day.

    Weiterlesen: C64: Ultima III: Exodus
  • Atari 2600: Cosmic Ark

    Atari 2600: Cosmic Ark

    „Cosmic Ark“ is a 1982 Atari 2600 game that follows the survivors of Atlantis on an interstellar rescue mission. It combines different gameplay phases, makes use of technical tricks, and offers a unique narrative connection to its predecessor, „Atlantis.“

    Weiterlesen: Atari 2600: Cosmic Ark
  • Insert Coin Here: After Burner

    Insert Coin Here: After Burner

    After Burner, a groundbreaking arcade game from Sega released in 1987, combines fast-paced gameplay with impressive technology. It offers an exciting experience in fighter jet combat, enhanced by movable cockpits for an immersive gaming experience.

    Weiterlesen: Insert Coin Here: After Burner
  • C64: David’s Midnight Magic

    C64: David’s Midnight Magic

    „David’s Midnight Magic“ for the Commodore 64 is a successful pinball simulator that captivates players with its simple mechanics, strategic gameplay, and nostalgic charm. Despite its technical simplicity, the game remains timeless and challenging, continuing to captivate players.

    Weiterlesen: C64: David’s Midnight Magic