Commodore VIC-20 Worth Owning?

[Ghudda]

I'm considering picking up a VIC-20 boxed for $30. One of the keys is damaged (still works) but may be repairable? Anyways, it seems like a fair deal and an opportunity to pick one up. I've always wanted to own a Commodore and use it on my PVM but am not real confident in the game library. Any reason to really own one of these in this day?

[CRTGAMER]

For only 30 bucks, jump on it! That is cheaper then most games!

Sirus Type Attack and Commodore Omega Race carts. Both better then the C64 version. Oh and maybe Shamus as well. The Commodore 64 has a much larger Library though.

[Ghudda]

Sirus Type Attack and Commodore Omega Race carts. Both better then the C64 version. Oh and maybe Shamus as well. The Commodore 64 has a much larger Library though.

Yeah, I can't get past the fact that if you're going to own one Commodore system, it probably needs to be the 64, which is what I should probably hold off for. $30 is a great price, though and it is in it's original box (though slightly beatup). Not real sure about the specifics of the damaged key, but it does actuate and register, and the key itself may just be broken and not stay on. I imagine this is repairable, even if it means soldering or replacing a switch?

I'll check it out tomorrow. I don't think it comes with any of the floppy or tape drives, but who knows.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Yes.

It's a good system. Carts are still cheap but you'll have to go online to find them.

It mainly feels like a 2nd gen console. Do you like games of the Atari/Intelli/Coleco era? If so, you will enjoy the VIC-20.

If you really get into you can go after some of the RPGs and adventure games on cassette.

[CRTGAMER]

No harm in getting both "consoles", the 8 bit computers are great retro game machines. I have a few Commodores on my list along with all kinds of unusual accessories. None for sale though. Any questions concerning the Commodore line just post here, be happy to answer and offer ideas.

Oh and be sure to get one pair of Atari 2600 paddles and a just one 2600 Wico or EPYX 500J Joystick, the Vic20 only has one 9 pin joyport. Spiders Of Mars cart a great Defender style of game play for the Vic20.

[Ghudda]

Yes.
Do you like games of the Atari/Intelli/Coleco era? If so, you will enjoy the VIC-20.
If you really get into you can go after some of the RPGs and adventure games on cassette.

Thanks for the input, Deez. Being a bit young for the generation (1992), I have really only experienced the classic arcade offerings of the 2nd generation, but do have a slight soft spot for that era. I primarily just have a fascination with retro computing and would even be interested in learning some assembly programming for the unit. I feel like it's something i'll really enjoy having later down the road and you're spot on about the attractiveness of the low costing software library.

Any questions concerning the Commodore line just post here, be happy to answer and offer ideas.

Will do! I'll surely have some sort of questions since it'll pretty much be my first retro computer. Most likely regarding the use of it's attachments (playing games on tape, wut? )

Oh and be sure to get one pair of Atari 2600 paddles and a just one 2600 Wico or EPYX 500J Joystick, the Vic20 only has one 9 pin joyport.

I watched Lazy Game Reviews video on the VIC-20 and heard his suggestion of the Atari sticks/paddles, which the shop also has in stock, so i'll make sure to grab one or two of those as well.

[BoneSnapDeez]

The fact of the matter is that Commodore brand sticks are 1) rare and 2) not very good. Virtually everyone uses Atari 2600 or 3rd party sticks for Commodore computers.

The cassette stuff is interesting. Note that some cassette games require additional RAM. I think this plugs right into the cartridge slot, but don't quote me on it. Additionally, some cart games (like text adventures) can use blank tapes for saving your progress.

But again, the tape stuff is for hardcore VIC-20 users. I don't own any of that shiz. I simply hook my VIC to the TV and use it like a 2nd console. With the exception of text adventures the keyboard is rarely used for cart games - usually just initially to choose "1" for 1-player or whatever.

[Ghudda]

The fact of the matter is that Commodore brand sticks are 1) rare and 2) not very good. Virtually everyone uses Atari 2600 or 3rd party sticks for Commodore computers.

The cassette stuff is interesting. Note that some cassette games require additional RAM. I think this plugs right into the cartridge slot, but don't quote me on it. Additionally, some cart games (like text adventures) can use blank tapes for saving your progress.

But again, the tape stuff is for hardcore VIC-20 users. I don't own any of that shiz. I simply hook my VIC to the TV and use it like a 2nd console. With the exception of text adventures the keyboard is rarely used for cart games - usually just initially to choose "1" for 1-player or whatever.

Appreciate the insight! Could you give me a few suggestions on the must play RPGs for the vic-20? I came across what looks like a homebrew series called "Realms of Quest" by Psytronik that looks pretty interesting. Do you know anything about it? Other than that, the only other game i've seen is the classic Adventureland.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Epyx released StarQuest: Rescue at Rigel, Crush, Crumble & Chomp!, and The Sword of Fargoal on VIC-20. Those are all at least RPG-ish.

Haven't heard of the homebrew you mentioned.

There's also Ultima: Escape From Mt. Drash - but that's literally one of the most expensive games of all time.

[Ghudda]

Epyx released StarQuest: Rescue at Rigel, Crush, Crumble & Chomp!, and The Sword of Fargoal on VIC-20. Those are all at least RPG-ish.

Haven't heard of the homebrew you mentioned.

There's also Ultima: Escape From Mt. Drash - but that's literally one of the most expensive games of all time.

Wo, the history behind Ultima Escape from Mt Drash is pretty interesting. StarQuest looks extremely appealing and one I think i'd want to track down. Same goes for Sword of Fargoal.