July 1987 Computer Entertainer
After last month’s CES special filled with NES announcements, the July issue of Computer Entertainer is rather sparse. In fact, only one NES game has been reviewed for this month: Athletic World, which comes packaged with the Family Fun Fitness control mat. The reviewer seemed to like the included games, giving the entire package a 3.5 out of 4 for graphics and 4 out of 4 for entertainment value. This might just be the best game for concerned parents to purchase to get their kids up off the couch and into the action!
While the reviewers weren’t too enthusiastic about Bandai’s new “Super Controllers” – a small shell and joystick add-on that attaches to your existing NES controllers, they were really digging the new EPYX 500XJ Joystick just released for the Nintendo. It comes recommended thanks to its Autofire function, where you can simply hold the button instead of repeatedly pressing it. No doubt this would be very handy in games like Track & Field. The joystick retails for a reasonable $24.95 and gets the stamp of recommendation from Computer Entertainer.
In other Nintendo news, Computer Entertainer reminds its readers that they can join the Nintendo Fun Club to get its quarterly newsletter. We’ve featured the first one already, and are eagerly anticipating the second issue, which we hear is being mailed out right now! So, if you haven’t already, be sure to give Nintendo a call at 1-800-422-2602 to join the free club. Remember you’ll need your NES serial number handy to register.
Also interesting is a sales graph that Nintendo has provided. It showcases the rise and fall (and rebound) of the video game industry. As you can see, Nintendo is forecasting $825 million in revenue for this year alone. Will it ever reach the heights seen in 1982 and 1983?
You can download the entire July 1987 issue of Computer Entertainer below!
July 1987 Issue of Computer Entertainer
Computer Entertainer Review Guidelines:
THE RATING SYSTEM:
4 SYMBOLS = EXCELLENT
3 SYMBOLS = GOOD
2 SYMBOLS = FAIR
1 SYMBOL = POOR
♦ = ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of diamonds = quality of graphics; 2nd set = quality of game play and entertainment value)
Any program for a given system is compared only to other programs for the same system. In other words, all C64-compatibles are judged separately from Apple. Some programs, which are virtually identical for multiple systems, will be so noted. When we review software for more than one system, we will note differences and which system we reviewed.
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.
