CD-I

"ummm...yeah...hmmm"

The CD-I hit the gaming market on…oh hell, who cares, it’s over and done with. The CD-I was one of the first CD-ROM based home video game consoles released by the people that brought you compact disc technology, Phillips. The CD-I was capable of playing CD-I games, music CDs, photo CDs and VCDs (video CDs). Altogether, The CD-I was made by a host of different companies (kinda like the 3DO). Some models could cost you as much as $500. I bought the $300 model (hay, shut up, I was desperate) that was capable of playing all but VCDs (that was a $100 attachment). One thing the was really odd (among many things) about the system I got was that the AC adaptor used an RJ-45 end to power your system. An RJ-45 is a connector that resembles a regular telephone connector (RJ-11) but bigger (has 8 wires inside, not 4). Another odd thing, the power switch is way over on the side. What’s with that?

Graphics – 4
The CD-I wasn’t capable of much. It has a 32-bit processor with a graphics card about like the Sega Saturn had. Some games had great graphics but some games were down right awful.

Sound – 6
It really depends on the game and the type of sound system you use. The systems sound chip ain’t exactly state-of-the-art, so don’t be expecting Dolby quality.

Features – 5
It has built in memory thus, no need for an external memory card. At also has this feature where you can enter the title of any CDs you play into it and it will keep them in memory. One of the WORST things I’ve ever heard is one controller port. I mean, just plain dumb. And if you wanted two controller ports, you had to buy the adaptor. Disgraceful, that cannot be forgiven.

Games – 5
With the limited number of games I have played, I can’t really give this an accurate score. So I’m going to lay it in the middle of the road here. But, from what I have played: there are some great games, there are some stinkers. My CD-I came with four games in all. Pretty nice pack-in bundle, but not worth 300 bucks.

Overall – 4
Don’t get it (like you can even find one anymore). This is even a worse investment then money sunk into 8 tracks. Do not get this, save your money and get something that you’ll get more enjoyment out of, like a cookie.

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 08/02/01, Updated 08/02/01