Video Game Collecting Home Of The Original Video Game Price Guides

2Sep/101

30 Perfect Games Number 1: Berzerk

Berzerk is a perfect video game for many reasons.  It's influence on the video game industry still exists to this day, and sadly the newest generation of gamers would probably dismiss this title for being "simple and unimaginative... maybe even boring"  But the truth is quite the opposite.

Sure, your character is a simple stick figure who can run and shoot in 8 directions.  You can die if you are hit by a bullet, wall, robot, or Otto (smiley face).  The robots are not very bright and there is a pattern to the mazes.  So what is so great about that?  Plenty.

First of all the Berzerk inspires the imagination.  I've said it a million times that less is more, and in the case of Berzerk the possibilities are limitless.  With almost no story to go by the player cannot help but create their own.  Is the maze a prison, or perhaps a space station?  Was your character sent there, or left behind?  Did you create these robots or did someone else?

Also consider this formula for game design:  Simplicity + Randomness = Infinite Gameplay.  What does this mean exactly?  Well consider a game such as "The Legend Of Zelda".  I mention this game specifically because the dungeon levels are very similar to playing Berzerk (up to four possible exits per room, random obstacles in the room, enemies try to kill you, and you can shoot (stab) enemies).  But the game play is linear.  You have a very specific story to follow.  Complete a dungeon, obtain items that will help you with the next dungeon, kill the boss, pick up the next piece of the Triforce.  Is there a randomness to The Legend of Zelda?  A little.  The enemies move in random patterns.  So does this mean that The Legend of Zelda has Infinite Gameplay?  No, because you have a specific objective to complete the game.  Berzerk on the other hand is so simple, and the randomness of the robots guarantee that no two games are going to be exact.

Berzerk in design was probably a precursor to many other games that fit a similar gameplay.  Robotron.  SmashTV.  Xybots.  Even Wolfenstein is basically Berzerk, but '3D'.  Suppose Berzerk was simultaneously multi-player... then it might be considered a precursor to many of the modern FPS's that are so popular today.

Filed under: perfect games 1 Comment
27Aug/101

More TurboDuo Stuff

So as I mentioned in the last post I tested my TurboDuo to see if it still worked.  I hadn't turned in on in probably 17 years.  It started up perfectly.  It's been so long since I've used a disc based gaming console that didn't have a fan I was concerned that the first disc I tried wouldn't start up.  But kablammo!  The TurboDuo worked perfectly.

First up was the Gate of Thunder, Bonk's Adventure, Bonk's Revenge Disc.  It worked perfectly but I forgot how to access Bomberman... oops...

I used modified SEGA Genesis AV cables to get the picture.  The sound wasn't working because the pinouts are different from the Genesis, but the picture was perfect (the photo shows scan lines which are unavoidable when taking a photo with my phone).  Ahh Bonk's Revenge... how I missed you!

Ninja Spirit caused me another heart attack.  I inserted her into the card slot and... and... nothing.  Just a white screen.  I took it out and examined the pins.  They looked perfect but I wiped them down to be sure.  I tried it again and it still had a white screen.  Then again.  Then again.  Then I slid the CD-Rom lock and it started up fine.  I believe thats a coincidence as I don't remember the CD-Rom lock as being the trigger to start HuCard games.  In anycase, it worked perfectly.

But I've been a neglectful jerk and my TurboDuo has really shown its age and neglect.  Grime and dust caked the unit...

But she cleaned up nicely.  Now it'll be the challenge to keep her this clean.

And finally some TurboDuo games and manuals.  Looks like I'm missing the manual to Gate of Thunder and Vigilante, and the case to Tricky Kick, but it looks as though I have the manuals for the rest.  Galaga '90 and Side Arms is complete including the plastic sleaves inside the case.

The TurboDuo plays best with a good supply of Taco Bell... well, thats what I remember sustaining on while playing the TurboDuo... dozens upon dozens of tacos!

Filed under: TurboDuo, TurboGrafx-16 1 Comment
27Aug/100

Turbo Duo Still Works

I dug up all of my Turbo Duo games to see if it still works... The system fires up. Lets try some games!

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25Aug/101

Game Collector Interview: Caztro72

Caztro72 (real name Anthony) is an avid "YouTuber" who often posts videos showing his video game finds from various thrift stores. With great enthusiasm he parades the items he's purchased, how much they cost him, and an estimate of what they are worth (from Digit Press). Clearly he has obtained a wealth of knowledge and experience thrifting so we've reached out to him to gain his insight and advice.  Enjoy...

How long have you been using thrift stores for video game finds, and do you recall what the first gaming item that you found?
I've been using thrift stores as a means of finding classic video games since GameStop dropped the 8 and 16-bit bargain bins from their stores. This may have been 8 years ago! I believe the first thrift store game I found was Starship Hector for the NES.

How frequently do you visit thrift stores and do you have a specific routine in looking for items?
I usually visit a thrift store once a week, sometimes on a Wednesday morning or Thursday afternoon. I believe the middle of the week is the best time to search these stores as most product from the back rooms have been processed by then and are available for sale. I tend to check behind the main counter before I search the sales floor as most thrift shops consider video games too valuable to be left alone on the regular shelves.

What item are you most proud to have purchased from a thrift store and why?
Hmmm...tough question. I found a Namco Arcade Joystick for the PS1 for 7 dollars at the Unique Thrift Store (my main thrifting store). That was an unusual find. I don't know who would have donated that stick as they are uncommon and are compatible with PS2. Yes, I'm proud to have found that particular item! LOL!

What about regretful purchases? Do you have any of those?
Oh my! Yes! My collection has gotten to a point where I accidentally buy doubles of games I already own! Just recently I found Shadowgate for the NES at a Salvation Army Thrift. I purchased it thinking that I didn't own the game. Turns out that I did. Oh well! LOL!

Do you have limits on what you collect and why?
I tend to limit myself in terms of money. Collectors are usually frugal by nature. I try not to buy cartridges over 5 bucks. I also never buy PC games. I just don't find them collectible. I'm really just a console guy! (Sorry to all you PC fans out there! LOL!)

You seem to have a mixture in gaming tastes, from old to new. Do you have a preference of retro gaming over modern, or vice versa?
Great question. I have a preference for retro more than modern. I started going back to 8 and 16-bit games just as PS2, Xbox, and GameCube were leading the revolution. Long, drawn out story lines, and 3D graphics just don't make a game for me. I enjoy simple 2D gaming that you can pick up and play with not a lot of commitment. I also prefer the simple 8 and 16-bit ditties over today's orchestrated music.

What are your thoughts on classic games being re-released on modern consoles like the PSN? Do you feel it diminishes the collecting hobby?
Tough question. Well, I think retro downloads keep the classics alive. So in that respect I am in favor of Virtual Console and the like. And let's face it, many gamers aren't going to search out original hardware and software to play the classics when they can just download. True collectors will always search out the original carts no matter what. So these downloads are a nice alternative that I don't think hurt the hardcore collector.

If you had to pick just one what is your favorite all time video-game?
That is a tough one! I would have to go with Taito's BUBBLE BOBBLE. I think it captures the essence of what a video game should be. Simple play mechanics that require an amount of skill to master, coupled with dozens of levels, quirky game music, fun game play, and lovable characters!

What made you decide to start talking about your classic games collection and thrifting experiences on Youtube?
I had originally created a YouTube account to upload a video from my vacation in Europe. Then I started to see gaming channels that other people had created. Echo036 in particular had inspired me to start talking about my video game collecting habits. Love his channel!

What gaming websites do you frequent?
I'm not much for surfing the video game sites. I actually subscribe to Nintendo Power, Playstation Magazine, The Official Xbox Magazine, and Game Informer. I like print!! But when I feel like surfing I check out Digital Press' site and IGN.com.

Is there anyone you want to do a shout-out to?
Big shout out to Echo036! He was the first guy to comment on my earliest videos! And his channel inspired me to build mine! http://www.youtube.com/user/echo036

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
To all my subscribers out there I humbly thank you for all your support!! Happy gaming!!

I want to thank Caztro72 for sharing his time with us.  Check out his YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Caztro72

Filed under: NES Collecting, SEGA Genesis collecting, SEGA Master System Collecting, interview 1 Comment
24Aug/101

SEGA Game Gear Price Guide Now Available

I've included SEGA Game Gear Price Guide at videogamepriceguides.com!  If you see mistakes, or titles missing, let me know!

Filed under: sega game gear 1 Comment
22Aug/100

Mercenary Force For Gameboy

I once believed that Gun.Smoke was the most creative shooter ever made where by you are a human and not an aircraft. Boy was I wrong. Mercenary Force for Nintendo Gameboy has squashed that perception.

Review and praises for this game coming soon!

Filed under: Uncategorized No Comments
21Aug/100

Chris Kohler Of Wired Magazine

Chris Kohler of Wired magazine writes for the Game Life section.  Earlier today he had twittered that he was accepting questions so I jumped on the opportunity to ask three.  Two of the questions he answered which were about thrifting for video games:

What is your best/favorite find from a thrift store?

The best thing I ever found personally was a whole stack of boxed NES launch games -- with the original round seal stickers and Famicom adapters inside -- for $2 each. There was also a boxed Final Fight 3 in there. That was a pretty fantastic day.

My parents also found a boxed Vectrex with a light pen and tons of boxed games for $100 about a year ago. Everything together is worth more like $800.

How frequently do you thrift, and do you have a routine when you go?

I used to go every weekend, and yes, I had a routine -- there's a way to hit basically every Goodwill and Salvation Army in the city by looping up around through the Haight, the Mission, downtown and then back through the Richmond. These days I have a lot more to do on the weekends, so it's catch-as-catch-can.

Cool stuff eh?  The rest of the questions he answered can be found here: http://www.formspring.me/kobunheat

And the Game Life section of Wired magazine can be found here: http://www.wired.com/gamelife/

In case you are wondering the third question was about the Classic Gaming Expo...

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21Aug/100

VideoGamePriceGuides.Com Accuracy Comes Into Question

Recently a hater felt it was necessary to post a comment on videogamepriceguides.com bringing into question the accuracy of the pricing and went so far to imply that prices are artificially inflated. Also, without reading all of the text on the listing pages they decided to question the discrepancy from the list page vs. the listing page.  They ended their rant by saying the site is doing a disservice 'to the community'.

There are many mistakes in the video  game price guide, no doubt.  But there are plenty of mistakes in other guides as well.  VGPG has never been promoted as the end all of pricing guides.  It has never been promoted as the authority in game prices.  The sight is simply another tool in the long list of video game price guide sites that have the same similar flaws.

The hater also felt it was necessary to bitch and moan about the lack of historical prices being available on the site.  This would be a cool feature, but does it matter?  You can't travel back in time to buy or sell a video game.  Historical pricing might be important for some, but it’s not for others.  At this time I feel there is no need for VGPG to show historical data.

To clarify the pricing discrepancies: 1.) All of the prices are pulled from eBay.  It is the only resource that is accessible by probably everyone.  It takes in consideration of current auction and BuyItNow prices.  Is it perfect?  No.  This is why it’s a guide.  Guides are meant to point you in the right direction, and any site that claims they are the authority in pricing is full of it.  2.) Since it pulls from eBay discrepancies will arise.  People put the wrong titles in listings, 'lots' get considered when they shouldn't, the list goes on and on.  There isn't an accurate way to segregate out these listings from VGPG... at least not at this time.

It needs to be considered that the price guide is free.  Currently, there really isn't any advertising.  I'm not affiliated with eBay in anyway except for my usage to buy and sale games.  I do not actively promote my listings on VGPG.  There is no reason to.

So let’s get to the brass tacks.  If you don't like videogamepriceguides.com that is awesome.  Tell me what you'd like to see improved, and somewhere between my normal job, family, and other hobbies I might implement those changes.  If you hate the guide and would like me to recommend others go check out videogamepricecharts.com, digitpress.com, or nintendoage.com.  All three of those sites have price guides available. 

At the end of the day the value of a video game is what you put on it.  A fan will pay more.  A detractor will pay less.  If you can't figure out what a game is worth to you without a guide, then perhaps game collecting isn't for you.

And as for the site, well I will be implementing a solution here soon that will allow the prices in the guide, to never have to come under question.

Filed under: Uncategorized No Comments
16Aug/100

Classic Tetris World Championship Winner

The website never announced who the winner was of the Classic Tetris World Championship was, so if you are wondering here it is...

This was pretty exciting to say the least, but wouldn't it make sense that both players receive the same blocks in the same order? Or am I crazy. I mean, I know its purely random and each are using a different NES, but still...

Filed under: tetris No Comments
15Aug/100

iCade 60 in 1 Upgrade

Well, I had planned this for almost a year and I finally took action on it today.  My father in law and I built this iCade 60 in 1 arcade machine almost two years ago.  At the time it was going to be a mame machine with a simple computer in it.  Then at Jammaboards.Com I found that iCade 60 in 1 motherboard for cheap and bought that instead.

Since the Mame project was scrapped it was too late to remove the extra controller and 9 buttons.  So I asked my father in law to forge on with a decision to update the control panel some other time.  Well today was 'some other time'.

The first thing I had to do was remove the old one.  This wasn't too difficult.  Simply removed two screws on either side that was holding the control panel in place then chisel the edges to break the wood glue and it broke away cleanly.  I noticed the wood under the control panel was in terrible shape.  We had done our best to patch the left side with the intention of sanding and painting it fresh, but in my haste it never happened.

One of the hazards of having the control panel screwed and and glued down was the difficulty in wiring the buttons and joysticks.  At the time this was almost  a four hour project since i had to blindly reach into the cabinet and basically wire everything by touch.  Now this is no longer the problem.  The control panel will be mounted with hinges and a locking system to make the accessibility of the buttons easier.  This photo shows the mess of wires that connects the control panel to the JAMMA hardness to the mobo which is mounted to the subwoofer of the computer speakers.  That black thing center top is the power supply which is an ATX computer powersupply with two of the wires grounded which keeps the unit running.

And finally this is what the control panel looks like.  All of the games are single player or two players alternating so only one controller is necessary.  Only one game is configured to use all three buttons and thats Gun.Smoke.  The wood is poplar.  It smells nice and looks beautiful. 

Filed under: arcade No Comments
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