2600: Because it's so damn different ("riding the beam") and limited (128 bytes of RAM). It's, simply said, a challenge to create something good on it. Which makes those real wonders like Pitfall and Solaris all the more exciting, IMHO.
Don't forget games like the two Space Shuttle simulators or Pitfall II, the first cartridge I can think of with assistive hardware (other than RAM) in the cartridges to enhance system capabilities.
I think since the Atari 2600 was the first big machine and associated with Atari goes a long, long way. I'm blown away by the power of Batari BASIC, which allows creation of commercial quality games using little more than an enhanced BASIC-style language. Something like that would only be created on what is truly the most popular retro platform.
Vintage Games book!
Xbox 360: billlog | Wii: 1345 2773 2048 1586 | PS3: ArmchairArcade Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.
*************************** Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.
2600: Because it's so damn different ("riding the beam") and limited (128 bytes of RAM). It's, simply said, a challenge to create something good on it. Which makes those real wonders like Pitfall and Solaris all the more exciting, IMHO.
Don't forget games like the two Space Shuttle simulators or Pitfall II, the first cartridge I can think of with assistive hardware (other than RAM) in the cartridges to enhance system capabilities.
I think since the Atari 2600 was the first big machine and associated with Atari goes a long, long way. I'm blown away by the power of Batari BASIC, which allows creation of commercial quality games using little more than an enhanced BASIC-style language. Something like that would only be created on what is truly the most popular retro platform.
Vintage Games book!
Xbox 360: billlog | Wii: 1345 2773 2048 1586 | PS3: ArmchairArcade
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.
***************************
Bill Loguidice, Managing Director
Armchair Arcade, Inc.