VCS FUTURA - SEP/OCT 1992.¢¢¢ Within this new column I will look at the world of the 2600 and 7800 VCS systems in the 1990s. Yes, believe it or not, I still use both these systems and buy cartridges for them whenever possible. In the eyes of many the VCS has travelled from being the worlds number one computer games system to simply an introductory system for young children. This is true but what they don't realise is that many people who grew up with a VCS still use it. I consider myself to be a VCS enthusiast - there must be others out there.¢¢ I've been VCSing since 1980 and purchased a 7800 a couple of years back. Unfortunately, I sold many of my cartridges to finance the buying of new releases during the 1980s. Over the last three or four years I have attempted to increase my collection to it's origianal level.¢¢ I don't know what it is about the VCS that makes me such an enthusiast. It's just such a friendly system to use. The Sega and Nintendo consoles may have the upper hand in technology but the old VCS has by far the upper hand in classic, highly playable games.¢¢ Anyway, I hope you VCS owners out there will enjoy reading this column. This issue there is information on where to obtain VCS cartridges - an increasing problem for VCS owners.¢¢¢NO CARTRIDGES?¢¢ Perhaps the main problem for VCS owners in the 1990s is the lack of support from computer stores. In Aberdeen only one store offers a limited range of 2600 cartridges (no 7800 carts!) - Computer Gallery on Rosemount Viaduct. How long this limited support lasts is another question! Considering the amount of VCS machines out there I find it incredible that no shop can successfully market VCS cartridges.¢¢ Support from the major chain stores has almost completely dried up. Littlewoods (Index) has withdrawn the 2600 from its latest catalogue. Argos (where I bought my 7800) will probably follow in the not too distant future. I fear the major stores are a lost cause.¢¢ Home catalogue shopping does offer some hope. Many catalogues offer 2600 machines and cartridges. My catalogue carries the 2600 VCS at ✓39.95. Cartridges at ✓9.95 include Defender II, Mario Bros II, Crystal Castles, Q*Bert, Ikari Warrior, BattleZone. Cartridges at ✓12.99 include Junior Pacman, Road Runner, Midnight Magic and Secret Quest. This support should last well into 1993.¢¢ Some mail order companies offer both 2600 and 7800 cartridges. Miles Better Software carry a wide range of 2600 cartridges as well as a few 7800 super carts. Send a SAE for their full list to:¢¢Miles Better Software,¢219/221 Cannock Road,¢Chadsmoor,¢Cannock,¢Stafordshire,¢WS11 2DD,¢England.¢Tel: (0543)466577.¢¢ Over in the USA, Telegames USA carry an amazing range of cartridges for both systems. A recent advert in US Atari User features dozens of titles for the 2600, including Bump'n'Jump, Kung-Fu Superkicks, Baseball, Glacier Patrol, Towering Inferno, etc. The 7800 is also well supported. Titles offered include Hatrick, Baseball, Dark Chambers, Cracked, etc. Prices range from $4.95 to $14.95 for the 2600 carts and $9.95 to $21.95 for super carts. As soon as I receive their full lists I will place it in VCS Futura. If you would like to send for their lists yourself simply send $1 or a couple of International Reply Coupons. Telegames also accept Access or Visa orders. Their address is as follows:¢¢Telegames USA,¢Box 901-A,¢Lancaster,¢Texas 75146,¢USA.¢Tel: (214)218-5800.¢¢ One final point worth mentioning is the bargains available at local markets. Quite often you will come across VCS machines and cartridges at incredible prices. Recently, at the Aberdeen Sunday Market, I picked up Double Dunk, Defender II, Breakout and Dice Puzzle for only ✓1 each. Many others were on offer for under ✓5 each. Give your local market a try each month and you'll probably find some bargains for yourself.¢¢ Well, I hope all this information will aid you in expanding your VCS collection. Why not show Miles Better Software some support for maintaining a stock of cartridges and consider sending for their lists.¢¢Happy VCSing,¢¢S.J.Murray,¢North Of Scotland Atari User Group.¢
