Computer & Video Games Magazine Hands-On NES Impressions
The U.S. video game magazine market has collapsed over here, but popular U.K. gaming magazine, Computer & Video Games finally weighs in on its first encounter with the Nintendo Entertainment System. Most of the impressions seem rather positive and the writer had a chance to play Super Mario Bros., Kung Fu, Excitebike, and Gyromite.
Marshal Rosnetual concluded his article by stating:
I would recommend the Nintendo Entertainment System for the person who wants to move on from his old game machine (Atari, VCS, etc.). It is also well suited for the family wanting to play games. But why shy away from all the complexities and questions involved in buying and maintaining a personal computer. This is a game system that does a good job. But doesn’t present anything new or innovative.
Now, we must remember that this magazine is primarily a computer magazine since the big video game crash a couple years ago. So, it’s no surprise he’s advocating a computer over a home gaming system. I do find it funny that he mentions “complexities and questions involved in buying and maintaining a personal computer” as if it’s something to be proud of. I like the plug and play approach of gaming systems as it takes the guesswork out of worrying about specs. I also take issue with him saying the NES doesn’t present anything new or innovative. R.O.B. is definitely not something we’ve seen before and the Zapper really brings the feeling of arcade machines home. Plus, Super Mario Bros. is a truly revolutionary experience with so many stages and secrets to discover. Not to mention the NES is a lot cheaper than a computer at $139.99 and comes with two games.
No word on when or if the NES will be hitting Europe. Heck, we’re still waiting for it to arrive across most areas of our country. The good news is that we shouldn’t have to wait much longer.
Craig has been covering the video game industry since 1995. His work has been published across a wide spectrum of media sites. He’s currently the Editor-In-Chief of Nintendo Times and contributes to Gaming Age.
