I've been planning to get an Intellivision for years and I put a little money aside every now and then to fund the project.
I got the model 1 Intellivision. I was going to go for an Intv 2 but it has a different sound chip and some great games (mostly games from Coleco) are not compatible.
The games: The system came with all these games except for Utopia. I had to buy that separately.
Game box and Controller w/overlay:
My thoughts
1) The System Design:
I like the overall design of the system. It looks sleek and stylish even some 20+ years later.
The Good:
-The controllers are hardwired into the system so finding controllers isn't a hassle.
-The controllers fit into the system itself. I like this design. I wish systems today would do this. I have all these other consoles that I have to use boxes just to store the controllers. It's an innovative feature that unfortunately didn't last.
-The power supply is built in and the cable is hardwired to the system. Another thing virtually impossible to lose.
-The power and TV cords are really long.
The Bad:
-The controllers are hardwired into the system! While ideal for storage, it makes it a big problem when a controller is either not working or needs some cleaning. This is what initially drew me to the Intellivision 2 but finding spare controllers for those is easier said than done.
-The power supply is built in! If it burns out you're screwed. You'd have to get another Intellivision for parts and you'd have to have the technical know-how to fix it.
-The controller wire is too freaking short! I have to huddle up beside the system just to play this thing. Although, it helps that the power/video cords can stretch really far.
-The cartridges insert into the right side of the system. It's a little awkward...
-The Intellivision is "For Color TV Viewing Only". Those still holding on to those black and white sets will have to upgrade to play an Intellivision.
2) The Controller:
-Ignore the AVGN and whatever trash people talk about the controller. They've never used one. The controls are fine. Yes, some games are a little awkward to play but it functions as it should.
The Good:
-The controller design is great for Right and Left-handed people.
-The buttons feel nice and responsive.
-The control disc is very unique and fun to use.
-Overlays are very helpful when playing complex titles like Sub Hunt.
The Bad:
-Some games like Lock 'N Chase need an arcade stick. The disc just doesn't do it.
-The 4 side buttons are not easy to use.
-Some games just don't have a good use for the controls and playing them feels very stiff.
3) The Games:
The Good:
-Excellent exclusive titles.
-Very complex games for the time.
-Great multiplayer games like NFL Football make for some intense gaming. No joke!
-Not many people care for the Intellivision so getting most quality titles isn't difficult for someone on a budget.
The Bad:
-A lot of great titles come at a great price. Dead serious. Games like Tower of Doom are expensive for a game system this old.
-Expect to pay more for games that come Complete In Box. A CIB game usually contains the Box, Game, Instructions, and 2 Overlays.
-These games are old and a lot of them have significant corrosion on the contacts. Deep cleaning doesn't usually remedy the problem for some games. You'll probably end up buying some loose carts just to play the game you want.
4) The Voice Synthesis Module:
The Good:
-It's a pretty cool add-on. I like hearing the synthesized speech in games like Space Spartans.
-Has a volume slider on it so you can control how loud the voices are.
The Bad:
-It extends the width of the system. It becomes a little wider than a Model 1 Genesis attached to a Sega CD Model 2... and that's without the game inserted!
-Very few games used it. I think it was only 4 maybe 3 games?
Overall:
It's a really fun system and I wish I got one sooner. Some of the games I want I'll have to save up some serious dough for... especially if I'm going to buy them CIB. If anybody here has a copy of Thunder Castle they want to get rid of let me know!
