Most people think of vintage hardware computers and consoles as simply old. However, they are far more than this. Before 8 bit computers came on the market, there was no home computer market. Before the first generation game consoles, there were no video games.
Back in 1970, there were no computer standards. The only computers available cost into the millions and occupied entire rooms in large corporations. Microsoft did not exist, nor did Oracle or Apple. People used typewriters to write letters and publish reports. The world was a very different place.
With the introduction of 8 bit computers, the world began a paradigm shift. There were dozens of computer manufacturers with each one having its own operating system and software, which was in compatible with the others. Colour and sound usually consisted on no more than eight colours and a beep.
The computer industry of the early 1980s is much like the wild west of the 1800s: each company tried to outdo the other in terms of price, performance and features while trying to set their own standards and gain market share. By the end of the 1980s, standards began to appear with the dominance of companies like Microsoft and products like Windows and DOS becoming the standard.
What Hardware Do We Cover?
Having grown up during this dynamic time where memory was measured in bytes and there were hundreds of software developers, we decided to focus on those hardware companies that created innovative products and helped shape the computers we used today. During the early 1980s, it was common to hear people say things like: "Who needs multiple colours?", "No one will ever need more than 640KB", and "Multitasking is great, but it serves no purpose in the business world."
Pioneering companies like Apple, Atari and Commodore pushed the leading edge by being the first to offer killer apps and features like desktop publishing, desktop video, full-colour, stereo sound and pre-emtive multitasking. Computers from these companies are covered in detail, chronicling their successes and reasons for their failures.
Share Your Thoughts?
VintageGameSite.com is always looking to improve and expand our site and database of classic and vintage video games and hardware. If you'd like to add to the database by providing additional information, pictures or critiques, we'd love to hear from you. Please help us to continue to improve the site. You can provide your game and hardware related information to us through the Contact Page. Your contributions are greatly appreciated.
Game Description Example: "
Three girls have been reported missing. Among the missing girls is the Mayor's daughter. Once again, you must track down five vehicles, which are covered in the mission briefings.
Using a Dual overhead cam V63000CC Twin Turbo Engine, five sets of nitro-fuel boosts and a gun attached to the steering wheel, patrol the streets and find these vehicles.
The game-play is similar to Chase H.Q. with a few differences. Cars travel in both directions instead of one and some will catch up to your car and shoot at you. A helicopter drops grenades to damage your car and a guy on a motorcycle will also throw grenades at your car. And most importantly, shoot at the target vehicle rather than just bumping into it.
Remember, there is a strict time limit so don't waste any time. "
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