Versus Mode: Contra vs. Contra

by David Oxford | Dec 6, 2018 | 1980s

In 1988, Konami changed the gaming landscape when it released Contra for the Nintendo Entertainment System, bringing 2-player guerilla warfare action against invading aliens right into your living room. But what some people don’t realize is that Contra was not...

RIP Joel West

by Todd Friedman | Dec 5, 2018 | 1980s, 1990s, 2010s, Columns

Bezerk Champion, Star of Chasing Ghosts, and a dear friend of mine passed away today.   I will miss his kindness and love for the gaming industry.  He was a huge help in the Walter Day Trading card project as well as helping sell merchandise for charity and other...

An Overview of Special-Colored Game Cartridges

by Conor McBrien | Dec 5, 2018 | 1980s, 1990s, 2000s

Video game cartridges have a long and interesting history. It’s hard to say how long that history will ultimately be, given that Nintendo will likely make cartridges for the Switch over the next several years. Today, I would like to examine one of my favorite aspects...

Video Games Live, Tommy Tallarico and the Intellivision – By Michael Thomasson

by Michael Thomasson | Dec 5, 2018 | 1980s, Console/Handheld, Magazine Preview

Video Games Live features video game music performed by a complete live orchestra presented in tandem with various video game content including gameplay footage, dynamic stage lighting, and over-the-top special effects. There is nothing that adds more POP to...

Soundtrack Review: Dungeon Explorer (TurboGrafx-16, 1989)

by Adam Johnson | Dec 4, 2018 | 1980s, Columns, Console/Handheld, Reviews

Dungeon Explorer, released in 1989 for the TurboGrafx-16, is a multiplayer-capable action RPG (one of the first, in fact) with an excellent soundtrack. It garnered generally positive reviews, which cited its clever puzzles and fun gameplay mechanics (borrowing heavily...

Video Game Trading Card Spotlight – Derek Sorrells

by Todd Friedman | Dec 2, 2018 | 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, Columns

Our next Trading Card Spotlight features Derek Sorrells, who is displayed on card number 832, from the Superstars of 2014 Collection.  Derek is also featured on cards 1280, 2158 and 2254.   Derek is an old school gamer who loves arcade machines.  He grew up in the...