Early access: Retronauts episode 85
Added 2017-01-30 23:58:00 +0000 UTCHey everyone, it's Jeremy here, with your early episode for this week. You may notice that this follows on from Bob's full-length Wii episode from last time, and yet it is not a Micro episode. That's because โ thanks to your generosity and support, we're all full-length episodes โ all the time. And we're only a short distance away from bringing back biweekly Micros on top of that. What incredible times we live in!
Anyway, this episode delves into the history of Activision. I think there tends to be a bit of snobbery where Activision is concerned, given the nature of the company these days โ all annualized mega-hits, all the time โ but it's important to remember just how good and how innovative Activision was at the time of its inception. Third parties became a viable concept in large part thanks to the extraordinary example Activision set, and the legal hurdles it overcame! Steve Lin and Jaz Rignall join me and Bob this time around to look back over those early days and the impact of games like Pitfall! and River Raid.
Comments
I very distinctly remember getting my Atari 5200 with 2600 adapter when I turned 11. Activation games truly stood out for both systems. Pitfall on 2600 was head and shoulders better the most anything else at the time. But I really remember loving River Raid on the 5200 even with the if he controller. Also I very much remember space shuttle. The 5200 version was certainly helped by Superior graphics, and probably the multi buttons on the joystick. it was certainly the first simulator type game I ever played, and I remember it was still score-based because the better you did with the various sim aspects the higher score you got after you landed safely back on Earth. My father and I would compete for the high score! I also remember really appreciating Ghostbusters on the commodore 64. It was definitely superior version over the NES. Keep up the good work!
Dennis H
2020-07-21 18:52:32 +0000 UTCGreat episode, its a good perspective from which to study a period of history.
Gareth
2017-02-01 04:38:16 +0000 UTCKeep em coming! Good stuff
Normallyretro
2017-01-31 20:02:45 +0000 UTCKilling it. Great episode dudes. Having been born in 88, I was very late to Atari, but did have one for a while. Interesting to hear more about the history of that era.
Elliot Long
2017-01-31 17:42:20 +0000 UTCJust a $150 away from micro episodes too. I can't wait until you hit the goal.
Chris
2017-01-31 02:25:06 +0000 UTCAwesome - great topic to kick off weekly full-length episodes!
Mattcom
2017-01-31 00:50:29 +0000 UTC
