Intellivision

"A good system, but horrible controllers"

Graphics: 9

Being a huge fan of classic video games, I have to admit that the Intellivision has some amazing graphics for it's age. Whenever I compare games like AD&D Treasure of Tarmin to anything on the Atari, I have to wonder how this system didn't do better. Most games are able to keep a decent number of sprites on screen without resorting to flicker... and colorful playfields make for some excellent graphics. I also like the consistency in the graphics from game to game; most games use the same graphics for the characters in the game (the same ''running man'' sprites) as well as the numbers. All that is built into the system from what I've heard, and this was a good idea on Mattel's part.

Sound: 6

Sadly, I was always a little disappointed by the sound from the Intellivision. Sure, the Atari and other competing consoles didn't exactly blast out CD quality sound or anything, but the Intellivision certainly could have done a little better than it did in my opinion.

Something should probably be said about the voice module... but I've never found one of these devices yet, and I've never found that voices really enhance much of anything. However, I've heard that the voices are quite good. Too bad this is an added thing that you have to buy instead of being built into either the system or individual cartridges.

Games: 8

There aren't as many Intellivision games out there as there are for the Atari, but there are some real gems that you won't find on any other systems. For example, AD&D Treasure Of Tarmin is an exceptional game that was way ahead of it's time, not to mention numerous quality sports titles, and a lot of Atari ports that exceed their counterparts (Usually not by a huge margin, but it's nice to see a few enhancements) for example, in Dragonfire, there is an added challenge of an archer on the rooftop that doesn't exist in the Atari version.

On top of all this, there's even an adaptor so you can play Atari games on the Intellivision... I suppose it's not much more convenient than having an actual Atari right next to it (Nor is it any cheaper with today's prices), but it's still a great idea. I suppose the voice module deserves a mention in this section too. But again, I don't have this thing yet, so I can't say wether or not it really adds to the gameplay.

Control: 3

Ay-yi-yi... what were they thinking? I'd like to think that my specific console just has poor controllers, but I just can't imagine these things ever working well. I know that these things were marketed as having 16 directions, but I really don't see much advantage to that... after all, look how many other systems got by with just 8 directions without any problems. Not to mention that the whole disc idea just doesn't work well... it's hard to be sure which direction you're really pressing unless you make a conscious effort to hold the controller very straight. On top of this poor disc, there is the added problem of the side buttons on the controller. They're not as huge a problem, and could be forgiven... but they don't have a very good feel to them, and they don't give you the satisfying feeling of a real press that you get from other controllers.

However, I like the idea of having a telephone pad on the controller... you can never have too many buttons, especially for complicated games like RPG's and sports games where you have to choose your plays. It's a little annoying when games rely on you using the telephone pad more than the side buttons (since it's a little distracting to have to look down to see what you're pressing), but it's not a huge problem. One complaint I have is that a lot of INTV games have lost their overlays over the years... but this is hardly a fault in the system.

Oh yeah, and not only are the controllers bad... but they're built into the system, so there's no chance of replacing them with anything better! This was a very poor idea in my opinion (Some versions actually did have replaceable controllers... but I'm not aware of any non-crappy controllers ever being made. And besides, I think the built-in systems are the more common ones anyways)

Overall: 7

This is a very good system, and I highly recommend you pick one up at your local flea market or thrift store... I got mine for about $4, and it was definitely worth it. The controllers are a huge black eye for an otherwise great system.

--Zero

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/01, Updated 12/28/01