RetroDefense

I think this is a fantastic idea! It should go without saying - if we want video game magazines to continue we've gotta support 'em. Would it be easier to simplify the "Back Issues" and "Digital Downloads" buttons though? Maybe one all encompassing "Purchase Issues" button? I've noticed many magazine publishers list their digital and physical issues together, both back issues and current. It'd probably be simpler (and less work) to just link to their online storefront and let the customer decide. For that matter, I've seen subscriptions offered alongside individual issues too. Other times, not, so it'd probably be best to have two fields available. Again, fantastic idea - I really hope you can make this happen.

I think there is some kind of permissions issue with this 'zine. I can't view cover images. :/ Just me?

Wanted to give this a bump as it looks to still be a work in progress. Two database entries exist for the magazines but as yet no issue entries are present (viewable?). Here's the latest issue breakdown based on the discussion we've been having (thanks VGBounceHouse!): As Video Games Player: Fall 1982 (v1n1) Aug/Sep 83 (v2n1) Oct/Nov 83 (v2n2) As Computer Games: Dec 83/Jan 84 (v2n3) Feb 84 (v2n4) Apr 84 (v3n1) Jun 84 (v3n2) (indicia incorrectly dated 'April 1984') Jul/Aug 94 (v3n3) Nov/Dec 84 (v3n4) Jan/Feb 85 (v3n5) We'll also need a Video Games Player cover gallery along with splitting the current Computer Games gallery eventually. (There appears to be at least two distinct publications masthead titled Computer Games.)

Agreed! I'm not sure the official RetroMags stance regarding newsletters - I think we archive newsletters that eventually evolved into full-fledged mags? But this seems to be hit or miss sometimes, like the Nintendo Fun Club & Top Score newsletters but not the Atari Age newsletters, for example. But there are several newsletters I'd love to see archived here. They often encapsulated corporate video game history not found elsewhere - most were house organs - and given their (usually) mail-order only scarcity are arguably in more dire need of preservation than most magazines. Internal newsletters are especially awesome - you only need to read a couple installments of The Gospel of St. Pong to get an idea of what early Atari was like. In keeping with the topic though, here's some more info on Arcade Express. It ran a total of 26 issues before evolving into Electronic Games Hotline. Here are the remaining issues to compliment VGBounceHouse's list: Volume 1, Number 1 - August 15, 1982 Volume 1, Number 2 - August 30, 1982 Volume 1, Number 3 - September 12, 1982 Volume 1, Number 4 - September 26, 1982 Volume 1, Number 5 - October 10, 1982 Volume 1, Number 6 - October 24, 1982 Volume 1, Number 7 - November 7, 1982 Volume 1, Number 8 - November 21, 1982 Volume 1, Number 9 - December 5, 1982 Volume 1, Number 10 - December 19, 1982 Volume 1, Number 11 - January 2, 1983 Volume 1, Number 12 - January 16, 1983 Volume 1, Number 13 - January 30, 1983 Volume 1, Number 23 - June 19, 1983 Volume 1, Number 25 - July 17, 1983 Volume 1, Number 26 - July 31, 1983 With the exception of issues 16 and 22, all issues are readily available about the 'net - via Digital Press and (I believe) mirrored via the Internet Archive. VGBounceHouse, even if RetroMags opts not to archive these newsletters, if you could find the time to scan your 16 and 22 and disseminate those via the Interwebs, that'd be fantastic. (Bill Kunkel had donated his collection to DP for archiving but these two issues were apparently missing.) And here's a list of the remaining Electronic Games Hotline issues. It looks to have run a total of 27 issues (a total backed by DP and also mentioned by Kevin Gifford in a MagWeasel installment): Volume 2, Number 3 - September 11, 1983 Volume 2, Number 4 - September 23, 1983 Volume 2, Number 5 - October 9, 1983 Volume 2, Number 6 - October 23, 1983 Volume 2, Number 8 - November 20, 1983 Volume 2, Number 11 - January 1, 1984 Volume 2, Number 12 - January 15, 1984 Volume 2, Number 13 - January 29, 1984 Volume 2, Number 15 - February 26, 1984 Volume 2, Number 16 - March 11, 1984 Volume 2, Number 17 - March 25, 1984 Volume 2, Number 18 - April 8, 1984 Volume 2, Number 19 - April 22, 1984 Volume 2, Number 20 - May 6, 1984 Volume 2, Number 21 - May 20, 1984 Volume 2, Number 22 - June 3, 1984 Volume 2, Number 23 - June 17, 1984 Volume 2, Number 24 - July 1, 1984 Volume 2, Number 25 - July 15, 1984 Volume 3, Number 1 - August 12, 1984 I've had no luck tracking down any Electronic Games Hotline issues, unfortunately. I'll keep looking but I suspect these have yet to be archived publicly.

Circa 1988. And I actually didn't start buying magazines until I was well into video gaming, sadly. There were literally no video game 'zines available in my area for the longest time.

Areala named most of the state-side in-house 'zines & newsletters but here are a few unofficial 'zines I'd also recommend. None are 100% 2600 (aka VCS) specific - and all eventually began pushing computer gaming hot and heavy by the end - but they all offer various levels of 2600 content. Reviews, strategies, interviews, etc. Electronic Fun with Computers and Games (eventually Computer Fun) - good source for reviews and designer interviews. Joystik - if you thought it impossible for someone to write a multi-page strategy guide for a 2600 game, Joystik will prove you wrong. Mostly arcade strategies though. The 'zine adds more home game reviews over time. Electronic Games - considered the grand daddy of golden age video gaming magazines but EG liked to cast a big net - you basically get a little of everything (including the 2600). Videogaming Illustrated (eventually Videogaming and Computer Gaming Illustrated, then Video and Computer Gaming Illustrated) - hefty news section, reviews, and celebrity guests (Walter Koenig, Adam West, Ben Bova, etc). You'll find some industry interviews here (though mostly from a corporate angle). Video Games - some reviews and mostly corporate-centric interviews and commentary. Video Games Player (eventually Computer Games) - another good source for reviews and misc. interviews. (The database entry is still a work in progress here at RetroMags so I linked to a forum discussion instead.) Vidiot - apparently what happens when video games begin cutting into music sales. Mostly arcade coverage but with some home console reviews. You may also want to check out a 90s era fanzine newsletter titled 2600 Connection. It ran 100 issues I believe - the editor eventually collected the first 50 across two volumes but I'm not entirely sure if they're still offered. I'd contact Tim by e-mail before placing any order. Digital Press covered the 2600 too.

I have that particular issue of VG&CE but my cover is actually rougher than the current scan. (VG&CE covers never did hold up well.) I'm inclined to agree with Areala - would love to see more niche stuff.

Looks like they bumped their planned Atari Lynx coverage (which is mentioned on the cover) to next issue. This explains the page numbering disparity. I guess they felt their infamous hidden Cyberball message deserved cover story status.

Go ahead and put me down for editing PLAY #4. Perhaps an "Editors Wanted" notice can be added to the site's running sidebar? Or as a classified ad? Phillyman's Patron status offer may attract more interest that way. Maybe mention "Photoshop experience recommended" in the job description.

"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum." So genius, so versatile, so iconic - it is the story.

So I was setting up my retro game systems the other day - after a recent move - which probably explains why this sprang to mind for some reason. I find the tune comforting for whatever reason. Maybe because it's a fairly good indicator my Sega CD still works.

Great game!

Congratulations Areala!

1) In my youth, purchasing a SMS instead of a NES. There are many fine gems on the SMS - don't get me wrong - and I'm very fond of the system. But buying a SMS on the promise of an 8-bit Afterburner port was not the best idea. 2) Years ago, a local Toys R Us eventually began blowing out their Saturn stock for cheap. With $20 in my pocket, my options were Street Fighter Alpha ($10), Street Fighter Alpha 2 ($10), and Panzer Dragoon Saga ($20). I still think about it every time Ryu is kicking my arse. 3) Selling Golden Axe Warrior (SMS), Ghouls n Ghosts (SMS), and Magic Knight Rayearth (Saturn).