This will be a forum series where I'll talk about the history and my experience with the gaming consoles I own and this time I'm reviewing the Bally Astrocade.
Bally Astrocade
History:In 1977 Bally entered the home console market with the Bally Home Library Computer, it was only available through mail order and didn't actually ship to costumers til early 1978. Then released it as the Bally Professional Arcade, by 1981 Montgomery Ward re-released the console as the Bally Computer System the changed it again in 1982 to what most people know it as the Bally Astrocade.
How did it do?Poor, The system went through so many changes it never took off. The system was discontinued by 1985. With limited games, very little third party support it never had a chance. It didn't help the system was only sold by Montgomery Wards after 1981.
Graphics: The systems graphics where a little better then the Atari 2600, but really never had anything to show it off.
Is this system still fun to play?It can be, most are clones of classic Atari games.
What games are worth playing? Clowns & Brickyard (Circus Atari), Space Invaders, The Incredible Wizard (Wizard of Wor) Muncher (Pac-Man) & Sneaky Snake (Centipede). Like I said the games are fun to play but there's nothing you cant play on Atari 2600.
How many versions are there?Four, Most are just different badges of the names with different button colors, Arcade, Computer System, the ultra rare Home Library Computer and the rare white version of the console.
What do I need to know if I start collecting this system? While finding a console in the wild would be a feat, not impossible, but a feat. Online the consoles can fetch $150 - $600 depending on model and condition. The game carts look like small tape cassettes (first 8-tracks now cassettes) and I notice many have terrible glue bleeding. Finding a 100% working system can be difficult too. Especially it's weird fragile controllers. Most might be missing the top plastic cover. Unlike the Channel F the controllers are not hardwired into the console but the AC Adapter is.
My Experience with the Consolemy first console I bought off a guy online for about $80 some years ago, it came with 12 games and everything worked great. It was a Computer System Model. Then just last year I found an Arcade model with 23 games, the Basic Computer accessory and 6 controllers for $130. (one of the games alone sells for over $200) The controllers remind me a lot of the Channel F, but this time a stick with a knob on top with a fire trigger. They really feel small and fragile. I honestly don't play this console a lot just due to lack of original games and I feel I could break it easy. I love how you can store the games inside the console itself. All the games I have are stored inside the two consoles I own.
Final ThoughtsThis is like the Channel F, Great piece for collectors who love the "wood age" but kinda pointless for the casual collector / gamer.
But if you see one under $100 and its in excellent shape I wouldn't hesitate in picking it up.
Let me know what you think, I'm planning on continuing the reviews in a somewhat order of when they came out, kinda makes you see the evolution. I'll try and have one up every weekend.
Leave reply's on your experience with the Bally Astrocade, I would love to hear them.
Next week a really obscure console.
By the Numbers: 17 people own this console, but no one has a Home Library Computer or White models.
Past Reviews:
Atari 2600
Coleco Telstar Arcade
RCA Studio II
Fairchild Channel F
PC-50X
Pong Consoles
Magnavox Odyssey