November 1987 Computer Entertainer
The November 1987 issue of Computer Entertainer has arrived. They kick off their Video Game Update section of the newsletter dissecting the Atari XE, which after a few delays has finally begun shipping to many retailers across the country. To say that the reviewers don’t like the new system would be an understatement. From wonky joysticks to an odd keyboard, this hardware seems undercooked. The game selection is also bleak and includes games like Missile Command. I mean, come on! Haven’t we all played this ten years ago? Apparently the 5200 version is even better than this one – not a good sign. With the rebirth of the video game industry at hand and Nintendo and Sega bringing amazing looking software to market, one wonders what in the world Atari is thinking here.
Moving over to Nintendo content, the writers have gotten their hands on the newest must-have accessory: the NES Advantage joystick! We’re still waiting for some to appear on store shelves, but they’ve already had a chance to try it out. Their impressions are very impressive, calling it the “most advanced joystick for ANY system”. It comes highly recommended, despite the steep $49.95 asking price. We’ll deliver our impressions once we find one.
This issue also has a slew of NES reviews. The highest rated game this month is Double Dribble from Konami, earning a perfect 4 for graphics and 4 for entertainment value. The editors liked Data East’s Ring King more than Nintendo’s Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!. This is surprising given our own reviewers have been having a more entertaining experience with the latter – far from the “disappointing” opinion of Computer Entertainer. They also didn’t seem to latch onto Rad Racer as much either – citing the poor 3D mode as a point of contention. Here’s a wild thought – ditch the glasses and play like normal people.
Read the full issue below:
11-87-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.
