A New Look at Some Old Arcade Favorites

By Michele Blandino

Those of us who grew up in the early 1980's likely spent a great deal of time - and more than a few dollars - in video arcades playing games like Ms. Pac-Man(tm), Pac-Man(tm), Galaga(tm), Dig-Dug(tm) and Galaxian(tm). Over the years, many video game manufacturers tried to replicate some of these games, but none were able to come close to providing the type of experience gained from the original arcade version.

That is, until the introduction of TV Games.

What are TV Games?

TV Games, one of the most intriguing innovations in the video gaming markets comes from California-based Jakks Pacific. With five versions currently available and at least two more on the way, JAKKS Pacific seemingly has found a way to capitalize on the wave of nostalgia that has become so popular in recent years.

So, exactly what are TV Games? Essentially TV Games are a small (as in portable), self-containing gaming system. After simply inserting 4 AA batteries and plugging the A/V input jacks that are provided with the controller into your television set, you will be instantly transported to those long-ago days where the only thing that seemed to matter was catching up with  Inky, Blinky, Pinky & Clyde. And, with graphics and sound effects true to the original versions, you will soon forget that you are playing via a small handheld device.

And, because each TV Game unit is self-contained, there are no cartridges to buy; all of the software for each of the units' games is built-in. Retailing at around $20 each, TV Games provides an excellent value for those who simply want to relive some of life's past pleasures, introduce their children to the first generation of gaming or who occasionally like to relax with a video game.

What's Available?

The five versions currently available include arcade favorites Pac-Man(tm) and Ms. Pac Man(tm). The Pac-Man(tm) unit also offers the classics Bosconian(tm), Dig Dug(tm), Galaxian(tm) and Rally-X(tm); while Ms. Pac Man unit includes Galaga(tm), Pole Position(tm), Mappy(tm) and Xevious(tm).

For those who got their video game fix via the old Atari or Activision systems, TV Games offers an Atari unit that features 10 games including Asteroids, Breakout, and Centipede. The Activision unit contains old favorites such as Atlantis, Pitfall and Spider Fighter.

Finally, probably in an effort to capture the younger crowd, there is a SpongeBob Squarepants version which contains five games featuring characters from this Nickelodeon network television series.

While nothing can equal the experience of slipping a quarter (remember when it only cost a quarter to play video games?) into one of these beloved machines and then trying to beat the machine's high score, TV Games come pretty close.

I just hope they introduce a Q-Bert version soon!