#GamingHistory

[carelessly-generic]

Favorite obscure video game console?

Oh this is a great question!

Now normally I'd answer this with something like the SEGA Dreamcast(One of my Fav systems of all time), or the Atari Jaguar(A console slightly ahead of its time), but you didn't say failed console, you said obscure, So I'll stick to the prompt I was given.

Some part of me would love to say the Apple Pipin, or gosh the CD-i(Look up the God awful Zelda games), but I can securely say my favorite obscure console is the Tiger Game.Com.

Imagine if you will, A game system, An internet capable device, And a PDA, all rolled into a touch screen device(with included stylus), all in 1997(10 years before the iPhone came around). Sound too good to be true? You would be correct. The game.com was the madcatz controller of the handheld world, All the features of a Nintendo DS, in a cheap feeling case, with a real bad monochrome LCD screen. If you want an idea of gameplay, imagine those cheap video game handhelds some McDonalds toys used to give, and then add some input lag and real bad motion blur, That's a generous idea of this game system in action. Worse yet, this came out with a $70 price tag, no native internet(at release) on a device with .com in the name, and such a limited library of games, even someone on a virtual boy could point and laugh. When you factor in that the year it released was strewn with great games for better, more popular consoles, that many likely already had, and that the PDA capability was primitive even at release, you understand that the game.com, was failed from the start. A dead Pac-Man wakka wakka'ing.

Still for all it's faults, I love it, It's such a ludicrous idea to try and release so early in the history of touch screen devices. And so underpowered for it's time that watching it try and run a game is hilariously charming. For all it's faults the game.com is a cute, funny little piece of gaming history, that I love to hate on, and highly recommend looking into if you want some laughable bits of knowledge of yesteryear.

And it's my favorite obscure little console

[legiongamerrd]

#Gamefemerides Hace 29 años se lanzó Streets of Rage 3. Es un beat’em up 2D desarrollado y publicado por @SEGA. Es la 3ra y última entrega de la serie Streets of Rage. Fue luego lanzado en la versión japonesa de Sonic Gems Collection para el Nintendo GameCube y PlayStation 2, y para la Consola Virtual de Wii en septiembre de 2007. El juego también apareció en Sonic’s Ultimate Collection para Xbox 360 y PlayStation 3. #LegionGamerRD #ElGamingnosune #Videojuegos #Gaming #RetroGaming #RetroGamer #CulturaGaming #CulturaGamer #GamingHistory #GamerDominicano #Podcast #SEGA #StreetsofRage #StreetsofRage3 #BareKnuckle3 #ベアナックルIII #SEGAGenesis #Nintendo #GCN #Wii #PlayStation #PS2 #PS3 #PS4 #Xbox #Xbox360 #XboxOne #beatemup #Multijugador https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp46XJDNlve/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[playstation-mags]

PLAY magazine UK | Issue 37 August 1998

[husheduphistory]

Dealt a Hand of Death: The Terrible Table of the Delta Saloon

When gold was discovered in California on January 24th 1848 it changed the landscape of the country with approximately 300,000 people swarming to the state from all over dreaming of striking it rich and finding fortune in the ground. Undoubtedly, the California Gold Rush was familiar to Henry T. “Pancake” Comstock, a Canadian miner and acquaintance with brothers Ethan Allen and Hoesa Ballou Grosh. The Grosh brothers were veterans of the California gold fields and in the fall of 1857 they discovered a promising ore deposit in Virginia City, Nevada. But, before they could claim the land both brothers tragically died. Hearing of their deaths, Comstock took it upon himself to take over their cabin, open their belongings, find the documentation connected to their find, and essentially claim it as his own. In the spring of 1859, two miners named Peter O’Riley and Patrick McLaughlin began to work the area around Six-Mile Canyon when they made a huge discovery, a deposit of silver ore, but their elation was short lived. Comstock claimed the men were working on land he had already claimed for “grazing purposes” and he proceeded to threaten them to the point that in order to avoid issues the miners made him a partial owner in the claim, later named the Comstock Lode.

Mining on the Comstock. Image via wikipedia.com.

The men had no idea what they had discovered. The Comstock Lode was a massive deposit of silver ore, the first of its kind in the United States, and news about new riches found under the earth brought back the excitement of the California Gold Rush from less than ten years earlier. From its discovery in 1859 to 1882 the Comstock Lode yielded what would today amount to over ten billion dollars worth of ore. However, none of the men who discovered the claim never saw that level of wealth. Patrick McLaughlin sold his 1/6 interest in the claim for $3,000 but the money was quickly lost and he died after working multiple odd jobs to scrape by. Peter O'Riley held on to his interests at first but eventually sold them for approximately $40,000. He used the money to invest in other endeavors including a hotel and another venture into mining but his attempts were unsuccessful. He lost everything, was declared insane, and his life came to a close in a California asylum.

Henry Comstock sold his interests and went on to open various shops in Carson City and Silver City. He too lost everything in bad business decisions and in September 1870 he died in Montana after shooting himself in the head.

Henry T. "Pancake" Comstock. Image via legendsofamerica.com.

When the Comstock Lode was discovered it completely transformed Virginia City, Nevada. Once a small mining town it was quickly filled with hundreds of thousands of prospectors, driven by the re-ignited dreams of fortune just waiting to be dug up. The influx of people brought everyone imaginable to Virginia City, and it quickly transformed into a place where law dared not tread. Filled to the brim with bordellos, saloons, and opium dens, the city became the darkest definition of the wild west. In 1872 Mark Twain published his semi-autobiographical novel Roughing It where he wrote about his travels by stagecoach through the American West and later the islands of the Pacific. In the book he writes about his trip to Virginia City stating that “Two days before I lectured in Virginia City, two stagecoaches were robbed within two miles of the town.” Twain himself was later robbed at gunpoint once he arrived in the city, losing his money and a gold watch.

Dreams, greed, and human beings all swept through the west and Virginia City, but there was one more thing that was keeping all of their minds occupied, a card game called Faro. Played using one deck of cards and being fairly easy to learn, gamblers quickly made Faro the dominant card game of every gambling hall in the west from 1825 to approximately 1915. One man who was well versed in the game was a Virginia City gambler named “Black Jake” who decided he was going to capitalize on its popularity, buy himself a Faro game table, and make himself rich taking cash out of every pocket he could. He was known for being a greedy man, but one night in 1861 karma came back strong and the table turned on its owner with Black Jake losing multiple rounds and $70,000 in one night. With absolutely no way to pay out that amount of money, the equivalent of two million dollars today, the disgraced gambler grabbed his pistol and took his own life at the table. With Black Jake gone the table needed a new home, and a few years later it found a new owner whose name has been lost to time. This new owner operated the table for exactly one night where he too lost everything, including his life. It is unknown if he chose to take it himself, or if it was taken from him.

Playing Faro in a saloon circa 1895. Image via wikipedia.com.

Having claimed two lives, the table was stored in the back room of where it was last used, The Delta Saloon, where it would sit undisturbed for decades. It wasn’t until the late 1890s that wealthy businessman Charles Fosgard laid eyes on the table, and he was happy to buy it. Fosgard had a lot of money, but he was looking to reinvest it and in Virginia City with its thrill-seeking gamblers looking to strike it rich in the saloons when they couldn’t in the mines, it made perfect sense to Fosgard to bring the notorious table out of retirement. After converting it into a blackjack table, Fosgard went into business.

One night a drunk miner sauntered into The Delta Saloon and made his way to the blackjack table. To Fosgard’s delight the miner lost hand after hand until he only had one thing left to offer the businessman, his gold ring. He bet the ring against a five dollar coin and finally, he won a hand. Then he won another….and then he won another. The miner and Fosgard went face to face over and over again and a crowd grew to watch as the businessman was forced to hand over everything. By the end of the game the miner was the new owner of Fosgard’s stagecoach, his share in a local gold mine, and $85,000 (over 2.5 million dollars in today’s money.) Fosgard’s fortune was decimated and he did the only thing he could think of, he pulled out his gun and took his life at the same table as the previous two owners (and in the same way as not only them, but also the less-than-legit founder of the Comstock Lode that brought them all there.)

The table was soaked in enough tragedy and it was put out of commission with a new dubious nickname of The Suicide Table. Year after year, and as the population of Virginia City depleted, the story of the table only grew and it was eventually made a feature of The Delta Saloon. People came from all over to see the table, guided by a sign that cheerfully read “See the Suicide Table” in bright paint as you approach the building that had been restored as faithfully as possible to how it was in its heyday in the 1800s. The table itself was also restored, brought back to its original state as a Faro table. It stayed a Delta Saloon attraction for decades, saw in new centuries, and lived quietly with its tragic past and infamy.

Vintage postcard showing The Suicide Table on display at The Delta Saloon. Image via ebay.com.

Then, on March 11th 2019, Virginia City was shaken when a gas explosion occurred at The Delta Saloon. Amid the damage sat The Suicide Table, unscathed other than receiving a coating of dust. Movers were brought in and the table was relocated to the Delta’s sister saloon, The Bonanza Saloon, right across the street where it remains on display under protective plastic housing.

The Suicide Table is still a major attraction in Virginia City, attracting the gaze of thousands of people lured in by its horrific past. In a time and place that encompassed the lawless American West like Virginia City, there are many shocking tales to tell. But standing out in the crowd is a simple Faro table, created as a game of chance, and tied to at least four lives suddenly lost in the bloody name of greed.

*****************************************************

Sources:

Step Back in Time Virginia City Nevada by The Virginia City Tourist Commission. 2022. https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/history/

Comstock Lode – Creating Nevada History by Legends of America. 2023. https://www.legendsofamerica.com/nv-comstocklode/

The History and Nostalgia of The Delta Saloon by The Delta Saloon. 2023.

The Old West Card Table With a Deadly Past by Danielle Hyman & Adam Aronson. The Daily Beast. September 3, 2018. https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-old-west-card-table-with-a-deadly-past

Men’s luck ran out at gaming table by Dave Maxwell. Boulder City Review. June 17, 2020. https://bouldercityreview.com/community/mens-luck-ran-out-at-gaming-table-61432/

[pjsgames]

Ah, Blue Dragon, released back in 2006 for the Xbox 360. It's been quite some time, hasn't it? This role-playing game brought together the talents of Hironobu Sakaguchi and Akira Toriyama, and you could certainly feel the influence of their work in the likes of Final Fantasy and Dragon Ball Z.

The game follows young protagonist Shu and his friends as they embark on an adventure, discovering their mysterious shadow powers. While the story might not have been groundbreaking, it did a decent job of keeping players engaged. The turn-based combat system, on the other hand, was a familiar and comfortable experience for fans of the genre.

The world itself was vibrant and colorful, sporting Toriyama's signature art style, which gave it a certain charm. In the grand scheme of things, Blue Dragon may not have been the most revolutionary RPG, but it did provide a solid experience for Xbox 360 owners back in the day.

Looking back at Blue Dragon now, it's interesting to see how it's aged. While it may not be a top-tier classic, it remains a memorable title for those who played it during its heyday. As a piece of gaming history, it's worth revisiting if you're feeling nostalgic or if you're interested in exploring the rich library of the Xbox 360.

https://pjga.me/bd

[gameznewsinfo]

Discover the most iconic female video game characters who have redefined gaming and inspired millions!

Top 10 Female Game Characters Every Gamer Must Know 🎮👑

[tachyonblu]

Today at 6:30PM EST! Join Kraut and I as we revisit GamerGate ahead of the 10th anniversary for my upcoming book of interviews.

[ggworldnews]

Blast from the Past: A Rapid-Fire Review of Five Atari Classics!

Asteroids (1979) Dodge and destroy in "Asteroids," where players navigate a spaceship through a cosmic shooting gallery of space rocks and UFOs. Its simple vector graphics and wrap-around screen mechanics make it an enduring arcade staple that still tests reflexes and spatial awareness. Centipede (1980) "Centipede" brings a bug-infested frenzy to the screen, challenging players to take down an ever-descending horde of insects with a trusty pixelated blaster. The mix of shooting action and a touch of the "bottom-up" strategy keeps the adrenaline pumping and the quarters flowing. Missile Command (1980) With the fate of six cities in your hands, "Missile Command" offers a frantic battle against an endless barrage of ballistic missiles. Its trackball control and apocalyptic overtones deliver an intense, defense-focused experience that's both engaging and harrowing. Adventure (1980) Considered one of the earliest action-adventure games, "Adventure" sets players on a quest through a maze-like kingdom filled with dragons and chalices. Its blend of exploration and simple puzzle-solving pioneered key concepts that would define the adventure genre for years to come. Yars' Revenge (1981) "Yars' Revenge" offers a unique twist on the shooter genre with a titular Yar ravaging an alien shield while avoiding deadly counterattacks. The game's colorful graphics, coupled with its distinct sound design, creates an alien atmosphere that's as eerie as it is addictive.

[oldschoolretrogames]

About Oldschoolretrogames.com

Introduction

In an era of cutting-edge graphics, immersive virtual reality, and complex storytelling, there's a special place in the hearts of many gamers for the simplicity and charm of retro video games. These classics from the past offer a unique experience that resonates with gamers of all ages. If you're a fan of nostalgia and love to revisit the golden age of gaming, www.oldschoolretrogames.com is a digital treasure trove you won't want to miss.

The website www.oldschoolretrogames.com is a haven for gamers who appreciate the beauty of vintage video games. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the virtual halls of this remarkable website, exploring its offerings and why it has captured the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts.

A Time Capsule of Gaming History

www.oldschoolretrogames.com is more than just a website; it's a time machine that transports you back to the bygone days of gaming. This platform is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of retro video games, making these gems accessible to a new generation of gamers while rekindling the fond memories of those who grew up with them.

The website offers a vast collection of classic titles from various gaming consoles and eras. Whether you're a fan of the Atari 2600, NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, or any other vintage system, you'll find a wide array of games to choose from. The curated library is a testament to the diversity of gaming experiences that have evolved over the years, from simple, pixelated adventures to more complex 16-bit narratives.

A Wealth of Retro Games

The heart and soul of www.oldschoolretrogames.com lies in its extensive library of retro games. Gamers can explore a diverse range of genres, including platformers, shoot 'em ups, RPGs, and puzzle games, each offering its unique charm and challenges. Some notable games you'll find on the website include:

Super Mario Bros. (NES): Travel through the Mushroom Kingdom with the iconic plumber Mario and save Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser.

Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega Genesis): Join the fast-paced adventures of Sonic as he collects rings and thwarts Dr. Robotnik's plans.

The Legend of Zelda (NES): Embark on a heroic quest as Link to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon.

Pac-Man (Arcade): Navigate mazes and gobble up dots while evading colorful ghosts in this timeless arcade classic.

Tetris (Game Boy): Challenge your puzzle-solving skills as you arrange falling blocks to create complete lines.

These titles are just a small sampling of what www.oldschoolretrogames.com has to offer, and there are countless other hidden gems awaiting discovery.

Emulators and Playability

To ensure that these classic games can be experienced by modern gamers, www.oldschoolretrogames.com provides emulators that enable you to play them on your computer or other compatible devices. Emulators are software applications that replicate the hardware of retro gaming systems, allowing you to enjoy the games without the need for the original console.

The website's emulators are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for even those who are new to retro gaming to get started. You can relive the nostalgia by playing these classic games with the same controls and graphics as you remember, all within your web browser.

Community and Social Features

www.oldschoolretrogames.com not only serves as a repository of retro gaming history but also fosters a sense of community among like-minded enthusiasts. The website offers various features to enhance your retro gaming experience:

Forums and Discussion Boards: Engage in conversations with fellow gamers, share your experiences, and seek advice on game-related topics.

User Reviews: Contribute your thoughts and opinions on your favorite retro games and read what others have to say.

High Scores: Compete with other users for the highest scores in different games and aim for a spot on the leaderboard.

Fan Art and Mods: Explore user-generated content, including fan art and game modifications, which can breathe new life into classic titles.

Legal Considerations

It's essential to mention that while www.oldschoolretrogames.com offers emulators and ROMs for classic games, the legal status of these activities can be a gray area, and it varies by jurisdiction. Some argue that preserving and sharing these vintage games for the sake of history and nostalgia should be permissible, while others believe that it infringes on copyright law. It's crucial to understand the legal implications in your region and consider the ethical aspects of retro game emulation.

Conclusion

www.oldschoolretrogames.com is a digital treasure trove for gamers who yearn for the nostalgia of the past. The website's vast library of classic games, user-friendly emulators, and vibrant community make it an excellent destination for those looking to relive the magic of vintage video games.

As you dive into the pixelated worlds of these retro classics, remember to appreciate not only the games themselves but also the history they represent. Whether you're rediscovering your childhood favorites or exploring these titles for the first time, www.oldschoolretrogames.com has something to offer every gamer who seeks the timeless allure of retro gaming.

[otakubakery]

It is really weird, but also great to see, even though that retro game collecting is VERY expensive it is such a great time at the moment to get into retro gaming. Especially with the amount of emulation devices available, flash cards if you want to play on OG hardware and other options.

[legiongamerrd]

#Gamefemerides Hace 18 años se lanzó Star Fox: Assault. Es un juego de disparos con desplazamiento 3D y disparos en 3ra persona, desarrollado por Namco (@bandainamcolatinoamerica ) y publicado por @nintendolatam para el GameCube. El juego fue promovido en Blockbuster y Movie Gallery el 1ro de febrero. #LegionGamerRD #ElGamingnosune #Videojuegos #Gaming #RetroGaming #RetroGamer #CulturaGaming #CulturaGamer #GamingHistory #HistoriaGaming #GamerDominicano #GamingPodcast #Podcast #BandaiNamco #Namco #StarFoxAssault #StarFox #Nintendo #NintendoGameCube #GCN #Disparos #Multijugador https://www.instagram.com/p/CopFvjLh4E_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[schooledu4]

#gaming #jerrylawson🕹 #googleartsandculture #thanksjerry #videogames #joystick #gaminghistory https://www.instagram.com/p/ClpwzLUuDPL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pjsgames]

🔙 #ThrowbackThursday: A Look Back at Spec Ops: The Line

Today, we turn the gaming clock back to 2012 to spotlight a significant title that left a lasting impression on the industry: Spec Ops: The Line. This third-person shooter became a paragon of narrative-driven gaming, forever altering the way developers approached storytelling within the genre.

Set against the backdrop of a sandstorm-devastated Dubai, Spec Ops: The Line follows the harrowing journey of Captain Martin Walker and his squad as they navigate through the city's ruins. The game's thought-provoking narrative grapples with complex themes of morality, heroism, and the human psyche. It pushes players to confront their own actions and the consequences that follow, ultimately questioning the traditional boundaries of right and wrong in video games.

With its innovative storytelling, exceptional voice acting, and meticulously crafted gameplay mechanics, Spec Ops: The Line has garnered widespread critical acclaim. The game's impact on the industry is evident in the way it challenged conventional tropes and inspired developers to pursue deeper, more meaningful narratives within the third-person shooter genre.

For those who appreciate gaming history and have not yet experienced the groundbreaking world of Spec Ops: The Line, we highly recommend revisiting this influential title. As a turning point in the evolution of narrative-driven games, it remains an essential piece of gaming heritage.

To learn more about the game and to view screenshots, please visit the product page: https://pjga.me/specopstl

[robertalanclayton]

Gamer Den, RA Clayton #gaminghistory

[tachyonblu]

I had an interesting conversation with @petercoffin last night. Peter Coffin talks about how he initially got involved with the anti-GamerGate community, because his first interaction with pro-GG was an uninformed person asking him to condemn Zoe Quinn without receipts. [VIDEO]

Peter took a more anti-GamerGate stance. He soon found himself in an ecosystem that painted an increasingly one-sided view of the view. He knew the GamerGate supporters said the things that some people claimed about weren't true, but remained skeptical. He saw things through an us versus them mindset. Peter, who says he tried to remain pretty independent even within the anti-GG community over the several years he fought against GamerGate, began to realize more and more was wrong here. He saw people on his side defending srhbutts, he initially was suspicious of the allegations, but as he saw more, it began to trouble him deeply.

Peter says he tried to convince the others that it was true, but few listened. It was this incident, as well as other incidents like when he saw someone claiming that changing the stars to hearts on Twitter was a form of sexual harassment and the person was unhinged when he confronted them on it. He began to look into things more and boy, oh boy, let's see what he found. We also discuss the recent Sweet Baby Inc controversy, which he made a video about.

Yesterday's fiery, but mostly peaceful protest. How Peter contends with an anti-GamerGate person's arguments against GamerGate. The upcoming four-day ALT+F4 conference to investigate GG, hosted by LTU.

The recent Pokemon Go "uglification" & Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection controversies. Metal Gear Solid V and Quiet as a character. Was Hideo Kojima right about Quiet's critics being ashamed of their words and deeds?

Peter and I discuss what think of the people who made large claims against the entirety of GamerGate in what he sees now as having been an unjust way. How he and other people opposed to GamerGate were tricked into defending power.

If Peter will kick himself in the nuts again at the ALT F+4 conference with Steve Harvey presenting? Peter also shares his current definition of GamerGate, his thoughts on the gamer identity and the Gamers Are Dead Articles. Peter and I also begin to discuss the games journalism section of the GamerGate book interview... and a lot more. And this is just part one!

Watch here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=oWZQvPFRKzI