ColecoVision general discussion thread Options

[DreamcastRIP]

A search of this "Other Systems" forum only produced this ancient and short-lived result so it seemed high time to reinvigorate all-things ColecoVision at JS-II by this reboot fresh start.

Any ColecoVision discussion is obviously encouraged. The two themes that to me at least spring to mind would be to hear JS-II'ers views on:

* recommended ColecoVision games
* its various peripherals and/or controllers

I've very recently picked up my first ColecoVision console after much time spent hunting one down for a sensible price and am keen to know all about it and its games. I've never previously played or even seen one played in the wild - my only prior experience was via an emulator.

To get some idea of ColecoVision experiences among JS-II's membership it seemed logical to conduct a basic poll so please all be sure to vote.

This post has been edited by DreamcastRIP: Jun 4 2010, 11:13 PM

[Tursi]

There's no "...and I dev for it" option

[tomwaits]

I haven't played my Colecovision in ages. I keep my Colecovision collection in what used to be a liquor cabinet, along with my Intellivision and 7800 collections. Surprise for friends who haven't visited in a long time... 'hey, where's the booze?' Different kind of addiction I guess...

Echoing my opinion from another thread, Colecovision had the best arcade ports at the time but there weren't a lot of Colecovision exclusives. War Games and Fortune Builder (Sim City zero?) stand out as my favorite exclusives. Smurfs is ok too.

For early console originals from Activision, Imagic, Epyx, etc. Colecovision usually had the best version. River Raid and Dragonfire were great games and far better on Colecovision. But, other classics like Pitfall were just slightly tweaked lazy 2600 ports.

For arcade ports, games from 'surviving' companies like Nintendo, Namco, Atari, Williams, Sega have better ports or emulated versions on more recent consoles. Arcade compilations or even NES versions are far better than Colecovision. Colecovision does have the best arcade ports from defunct developers though. Arcade games from Stern, Exidy, etc. vanished after the Colecovision so there aren't any better versions of games like Venture or Frenzy outside of MAME. (Vectrex has a great Space Fury homebrew though)

There are a few Colecovision homebrew developers. Opcodegames.com has probably released the most Colecovision homebrews. Their Pac-man collection is supposed to be excellent. It's so accurate that even the arcade patterns work properly. I think they're working on a Donkey Kong collection now too. For me, I'd just stick with a Namco Museum Pac-man, but if you want the best games Colecovision can handle...

For hardware, there's an AA member who was selling component video output mods for Colecovision. Price was reasonable but installation looked a little tricky for me and I don't play much Colecovision anymore. From his rf vs component pictures the improvement was amazing though. There's a Colecovision flashcart available at atarimax.com but it's pretty expensive. The 2600 expansion module is a cheap way to get 2600 & Colecovision on one console. It works with almost every 2600 game. The other official hardware isn't too impressive. Super Action controller sticks are too bulky and heavy. The trackball and steering wheel expansion modules don't have many compatible games. And don't even look at ADAM unless you've got an empty closet to fill.

This post has been edited by tomwaits: Apr 1 2010, 02:33 PM

[Tursi]

There's no "...and I dev for it" option

Okay, there is now, but since I'd already voted... Put me down both both of those dev options. 2 out, 2 in progress.

[DreamcastRIP]

There's no "...and I dev for it" option

Okay, there is now, but since I'd already voted... Put me down both both of those dev options. 2 out, 2 in progress.

I just edited the poll options for the third time solely for your benefit! I added your vote to the new poll voting option now since created (listed last).

This post has been edited by DreamcastRIP: Apr 2 2010, 10:12 AM

[DreamcastRIP]

@ tomwaits,

I found that flash cart you mentioned - Link. A little pricey for me though.

[tomwaits]

Yup, that's the one. Too expensive for me too but figured it was worth mentioning as a 'peripheral'.

[DreamcastRIP]

Yup, that's the one. Too expensive for me too but figured it was worth mentioning as a 'peripheral'.

It was definitely worth mentioning, buddy! Its a neat product and the fact its still produced for sale clearly hints at the continued existence of there being a passionate ColecoVision community out there... so if you know of any decent dedicated fan sites and 'net forums based on your own knowledge/experience then please post some links.

Before finally snagging a ColecoVision I'd read of, and sometime seen on eBay, such cool-looking peripherals as the mammoth sized trackball controller (crazily expensive here via UK-based eBay sellers), the steering wheel unit and the Atari 2600/VCS adaptor unit. The idea of playing my 2600 carts on ColecoVision really appeals to me due to its inherent quirkiness but tbh I'm content to play those carts using my 7800... unless I snag one at a great value price.

My memory of playing Donkey Kong (via a ColecoVision emulator) was one of been quite impressed although the sound effects heard when Jump Man/Mario is walking kinda grated on my ears, lol!

Oh, and have no fears re: the Coleco Adam! I may have a certain fondness at times for obscure systems but the Adam will never be on my radar!

EDIT:
I see The Video Game Critic personally rates an impressive total of 31 ColecoVision games at a "B-" rating or above.

This post has been edited by DreamcastRIP: Apr 2 2010, 01:06 PM

[Jaysmith2000]

I still have my Colecovision out in the garage. I've had it forever. Have a nice cover for it and it's in MINTY shape for it's age, but I've sold pretty much all the games (got a small fortune at the time). Still a great system....

[LS650]

This is a funny thread to see. Just before the Easter weekend one of my coworkers noticed I collect old Atari items, and she asked me if I would like an old Colecovision she has in her basement.
Of course I said yes. She will bring it in tomorrow!

[Tursi]

There's no "...and I dev for it" option

Okay, there is now, but since I'd already voted... Put me down both both of those dev options. 2 out, 2 in progress.

I just edited the poll options for the third time solely for your benefit! I added your vote to the new poll voting option now since created (listed last).

I love you too, DCRIP

[DreamcastRIP]

This is a funny thread to see. Just before the Easter weekend one of my coworkers noticed I collect old Atari items, and she asked me if I would like an old Colecovision she has in her basement.
Of course I said yes. She will bring it in tomorrow!

Lucky you! Let us know how you get on with it and which games you like best.

[NeoGeoNinja]

SO DC...
Just thought I'd check in and see how you're getting on with the Coleco? What games are you on with currently?

Just a quick update pls

[DreamcastRIP]

SO DC...
Just thought I'd check in and see how you're getting on with the Coleco? What games are you on with currently?

Just a quick update pls

I'm on a bit of an economy drive until pay day at the end of the month since having had to recently fork out for various bills so I've not yet managed to snag any games yet other than Smurfs which was included in the auction.

[Guest_Tan_*]

* recommended ColecoVision games
* its various peripherals and/or controllers

Highly recommended games for this system:

Burgertime
Frogger
Galaxian
Pepper II
Turbo
Zaxxon

Pepper II is by far my favorite CV game. It's Amidar done right. If you haven't played Amidar before, it's Pac-Man meets Qix which is an incredible combination.

Turbo is an awesome game but you'll have to find yourself a CV steering wheel for it.

In much the same way the Atari 5200 had improved ports of arcade games to a point they were nearly on equal footing, the ColecoVision did the same thing. In many cases the ports I listed above are better than the arcade versions!