Guide to Thanksgiving Gaming

Written by: Adam "ManKorn" Korenman, CC2K Video Games Editor

 Go Old School

If you lived with your folks growing up, as I imagine is the case for most of you, then your old room must be a treasure trove of old toys and games. Sadly, my days of staging epic G.I. Joe battles are behind me, but there are still ways to get my Old School game on.

Unlike more modern gaming systems, the early-generation consoles were built to last. I’m no electrical engineer, but I’m betting on magic. That’s why, during this holiday season, I’m going to play my family’s Intellevision.

Oh, are you unfamiliar with the Matel Intellevision? First designed as a competitor for the Atari 2600, the Intellevision helped launch some amazing franchises, such as Armor Battle, Sea Battle, and The Electric Company: Math Adventure.

There was also Empire Strikes Back, Frogger, and Burger Time, so it wasn’t all bad.

Instead of sulking on the sofa and wasting my time with some book, or risking my life to go “outside,” I can hook up the various adaptors and de-HD-ofiers and game 8-bit-style.

Am I winning or losing here? You know what, don’t tell me

I prefer the mystery

If you have the luxury, perhaps you can throw down with a Nintendo Entertainment System, or an original Sega. Or maybe you were like my brother, who bought every third party brand of console during the Great Ascension of the 1990s. Then you’ll have your choice of a 3DO, Jaguar, Turbographix or NeoGeo.

Of course, if you decide to play one of those, you’re a bad person and don’t deserve any pie.

If all else fails, and you have no consoles on which to rely, you may have to go nuclear. That’s right, I’m about to suggest the unthinkable.