Can a Console THIS Old Still be Fun? - The Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Review)

[@ParkImaging]

Any chance you could post a link to the RF adapter you purchased to get this working? Thanks!

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Hey! Sorry for the delay, had some stuff to sort out with amazon associates. Here you go! amzn.to/41ljyD9

[@Brazbit]

The Odyssey2 was my first console. There was a "Home Computer"/Basic expansion module, a chess module (both of which are fairly rare) and a much more common Voice module which I had as a kid (still have) that allowed certain games and utility programs to talk. 47 games were released for it, however, in Europe it was released as the VideoPac and a slightly enhanced version was known as the VideoPac+, they received 60 games (58 of which were compatible with the Odyssey2) and Brazil got 60 games. Third party support for the system was virtually non-existent. Parker Bros. released Frogger, Popeye, Q*bert, Super Cobra, Spider-Man and Tutankham while Imagic released Atlantis and Demon Attack. 24 of the games were programmed by a single programmer, not team, one guy, Ed Averett. Regarding the games you played: KC Munchkin! was inspired by Pac-Man and lost a famous court case because of it (despite it being far more different than any other knock off at the time, but the most damming thing was that despite being told specifically not to, salesmen in stores would call it Pac-Man) and had to be pulled off store shelves. There are a variety of premade maps, try different numbers when selecting your game. Beyond different layouts, there are modes that make the maze invisible, and I believe some have moving walls. There is also a map maker where you can design your own map and play it. This is probably the best known/most infamous game. Pick Axe Pete! is inspired by Donkey Kong's first stage but there is a lot more to it. Obviously, there is the pick, which times out but new ones can spawn if two rocks collide and fall to the bottom of the screen. More importantly a key can spawn when this happens instead, grab the key and touch one of the spinning doors that the rocks come out of and you progress to the next level. When you do not have the pick, if you time it right you can jump over the rocks. This was a very popular game at the time. U.F.O. might borrow a from Asteroids but the gameplay is unique with the laser rotating around you based on how you move and the shield around the ship. The shield can be used to destroy the "mines" (obviously not asteroids) and it fades the more you use the laser, but recharges (you can hear and see it recharge) the laser point never fades and can be used to ram mines while your shields are down if you want extra challenge, it will also reflect shots back at the alien ships I believe. This was a family favorite at my house. Armored Encounter/Sub Chase! You guys did pretty good figuring this one out. Addditional modes have invisible walls, mines, guided shots, straight shots, and bouncing shots. Speedway/Spin Out/Cryptologic! This was the pack-in cartridge. Speedway was a common driving game of the time, electromechanical arcade machines and portable games used the same mechanic, and it reproduces those games fairly well. Spin Out was a take on the arcade game Sprint/Super Sprint, the same gameplay showed up in games like R.C. Pro-Am on Nintendo. A fun little thing about this one, in addition to being able to race either way around the track, you can do donuts over the start/finish line, and it will count them as completed laps, a great way to annoy siblings. Congratulations on figuring out Cryptologic. This game required an honor system and no peeking. If you had the right opponent(s) it could be surprisingly fun for being so simple. And yes, there is no language filter. A quick note about the graphics. The system can't really do traditional graphics, even at its limited 16 color 100x200 resolution. It has a character set preprogrammed into its 1k ROM and those make up 90% of every element you will ever see on the system. Programmers had a limited number of custom characters they could add beyond this, the system had 64 BYTES of RAM, which is less than even the Atari 2600. Somehow IMagic managed to make Demons to Diamonds look great but most games are just rearranging the limited character set with maybe a custom hero or villain. Despite this many of the games have a certain charm.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Man... That's some great info. Honestly that's a pretty solid script for a video right there and it's just in the comments!

[@Brazbit]

@@CanadianComputerCollector Thank you for the kind words, I really enjoyed the video. What's funny is I was trying to keep it brief. I could have easily gone on at that length about any one of the topics. 😂

[@tombeckcollect...]

As I see, you are very interested in Odyssey2/Videopac and have a lot of knowledge! Very rare nowadays. Feel free to visit me. My little channel is almost all about this console. I've loved this Videogame since I was a kid and the fascination hasn't diminished with all the homebrews to this day!

[@desdinovvilla-lobos]

@@Brazbit Programming my own mazes for KC was one of my favorite things to do as a kid.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Hey brotha! I've been thinking about this comment quite a bit and I just wanted to come back around and drop another compliment. You provided a lot of information and in a super positive way, which I appreciate greatly. My brother and I were both born in the late 80s so we were exploring this thing for the first time, and we had a blast! Anyway, keep it cool! Take care.

[@tommymorris7329]

I still have the 1st & 2nd consoles. A game for the 2nd called "Quest for the Rings" is a combination video/board game. Good times.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

The depth of games back then, even though quite limited by the hardware, is impressive.

[@HighwayUK]

yea I had that, and the other one that had the keyboard overlay based on risk

[@itsjustagamechannel]

I have this game in my collection if only for the stunning box art and presentation.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

We had an Osyssey2 when I was a kid. Pickaxe Pete was my favorite game, but I loved KC Munchkin too.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Thanks for sharing your memories - hope you enjoyed our foray into this blast from the past!

[@tombeckcollect...]

With KC Munchkin, Pickaxe Pete and UFO you have 3 beautiful games for this console. In the 80`s, they were the blast for me!

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

I have to wonder if these were some of the most common games on the system

[@tombeckcollect...]

@@CanadianComputerCollector The rarest Odyssey2 game is definitely "Power Lords". You can see it in my video on my channel "Odyssey2" at the very end. You get quickly over $ 200 depending on the condition even more. The games you show are quite common. Now, however, the peculiarity of Canada is added. There are the Odyssey2 games in cardboard packaging as they are also sold in the USA. Here, however, a cardboard slipcase printed in two languages was pushed over it for Canada. These Odyssey2 games with cardboard slipcase have become rare, as these slipcases were mostly thrown away. They also included French instructions. The Canadian games in the plastic packaging, you can see in my video "Odyssey2 Canada", have also become rarer in the meantime. Also they have a bilingual cover page and 2 instructions in English + French.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

@@tombeckcollect... Mind blown! This is awesome info. Thanks Tom! I just threw you a sub and I'm checking out your Odyssey video right now! Imagine, French packaging ADDING something in the end. Hahaha.

[@jakobole]

UFO was a blast. It was actually best to play defensively and use your shield instead of using your laser - I loved it.

[@tombeckcollect...]

@@jakobole It was one of the first games I got for Christmas. The console is running hot with this game. That's one of the reasons why I still collect for this video game.

[@itsjustagamechannel]

I own this console which is one of the Crown Jewels of my console collection. It’s design was certainly ahead of its time. Such a cool piece of video game history.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

How long have you owned it?

[@itsjustagamechannel]

@@CanadianComputerCollector about 7 months ago. Got it complete with original sales receipts in pristine condition.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

That's a very cool piece of history!

[@JediMindTrix420]

It was my first console when I was 3 years old. Actually found one at a yard sale a few years back for 10 bucks.

[@itsjustagamechannel]

@@JediMindTrix420 It’s an amazing first console.

[@iana6713]

I had never heard of this thing, so your video was a great intro to it. Really interesting little system - and I see in the comments that we got them here in Europe too under the Philips brand. You two made this a great deal of fun to watch!

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Glad you enjoyed the video - we had fun making it!

[@fododude]

Favorites were Showdown in 2100 AD, Golf, Football, War of Nerves, UFO, Cosmic Conflict (days of fun), Monkeyshines, Quest for the Rings, and KC Munchkin (the build your own maze mode).

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chfgn]

KC Munchkin and Pick Axe Pete are legitimately two of the best games I've ever played. Give them another chance; they have real depth once you get past the arcade knockoff appearance. You might need to find the Pick Axe Pete manual to figure out how it works. (Not speaking from nostalgia, I first played these earlier this year)

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

If you're into that style of game I can see it, but neither me nor my brother are super enamored with it. I think nostalgia for that style of gameplay helps a lot because the games are quite rough around the edges, especially pickaxe Pete.

[@mikethomas1901]

Ever tried KC's Crazy Chase? A cross between Pac-Man and Centipede. Very cool idea

[@jakobole]

KC was great!

[@larryroyovitz7829]

Gord here - happy to see my old machine on KZbin!

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

What were your favourite games on this one?

[@larryroyovitz7829]

@@CanadianComputerCollector You know, it's been forever since I tried them all. Recently, I only tried a few and I'd have to say the pacman knock off was the best? Again, I only tried one or two lol

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

@@larryroyovitz7829 Well either way, thanks again for this machine. And thanks for the recent CoCo2!

[@larryroyovitz7829]

@@CanadianComputerCollector Thank you!

[@shsrpr]

This was my first console. We had Pick Axe Pete, Smithereens!, Quest for the Rings & KC Munchkin (or KC's Crazy Chase I don't remember which), and maybe some others...

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

This was definitely an improvement over the original Odyssey

[@shsrpr]

​@@CanadianComputerCollector Yep, the first Odyssey was the first ever commercial video game console, which according to wiki released 2 months before Pong was even released into the arcades. The Odyssey2 was several years later, and was more akin to the Atari 2600.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

@@shsrpr Yeah it is wild to think there was a console on the market in 1972 in NA. I never would have guessed.

[@fododude]

You guys are like time-traveling astronauts who travel back to earth and discover ancient relics. You're basically visiting my house on Christmas morning 1980.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

More like Quantum Leapers 😊

[@InternetGravedigger]

I remember the Odyssey 2 from when I was a kid... I definitely remember having that 3-game cartridge that included Spinout, possibly the armored combat one, a game called Cosmic Conflict (though I remember just calling it Star Command), and an educational one called Nimble Numbers Ned.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Star command is definitely a cooler name than cosmic conflict

[@mikethomas1901]

Cosmic Conflict. That alarm that would go off made my parents put a household ban on this game

[@aa-au]

The Magnavox Odyssey and Magnavox Odyssey 2 were never released in Australia. I read a little about them on wikipedia and they were one of the first home video consoles to be ever released. You have a gem there my friend, so don't wear it out. I should have kept my Haminex 7-in-1 game console which I had in the late 70s. Sold for $11 at a flea market in the 80s, probably worth about $18 today.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

How will you ever financially recover from such a loss?

[@aa-au]

@@CanadianComputerCollector I am *just* managing, financially, as my kids have to go without the Haminex 7-in-1 that I sold, but instead have a PlayStation 1/2/3/4/5/PSP/PSVITA, X-Box One, Nintendo 64/GameCube/Wii/Wii U/Switch, Game Boy Advance/DS Lite/3DS... and multiples thereof...

[@nbrown5907]

Thanks for the memories. That was the first console I played.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

When was the last time you played one?

[@nbrown5907]

@@CanadianComputerCollector A real console back when I was 13 I think but I have an emulator now and did check that out last year lol. I am 57 now.

[@knowpassword]

We had one.. I remember looking through the catalog to pick out games. We’d have to go to the post office to pick them up.. the memories. 👍

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Would be cool to flip through one of those old catalogs!

[@chriswheatley3146]

UFO is actually quite fun. The biggest thing is realizing you can use the shield (the ring that fills up) to ram into your opponents instead of shooting them.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Oh cool!

[@dallowspicer]

I owned one of these in 1980. In the UK it was known as the Philips Videopac G7000. I've still got it.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

When was the last time you busted it out?

[@LajitasRain]

My first console. Christmas '79. Even had the voice synthesizer.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Voice Synthesizer? Wish we'd had one to try!

[@dross1705]

My two favorite brothers. ❤️

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Much appreciated!

[@bogrot69]

This is too funny. I had the original Odyssey as a kid. It was basically Pong with different transparencies you taped to your TV screen Like an ice rink for the hockey game and a football field, etc 🤣🤣I'm not kidding

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Ok that makes sense because that's what we were both thinking of when we thought Magnavox Odyssey, but neither of us knew much about the Odyssey 2.

[@bogrot69]

@@CanadianComputerCollector Yeah, I never knew they made a sequel 🤣 The Odyssey was misleading . The box and ads gave the impression that you were seeing the game screens but they were actually the overlays 😁

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

@@bogrot69 As soon as I picked this thing up I Googled the Odyssey (original) and boy was it basic. Looks like its NA release was '72 and in the EU/UK '74. I Had no idea consoles went that far back. Amazing stuff.

[@bogrot69]

@@CanadianComputerCollector It really is a trip. I'm 57. I was around 8 or 9 when I had that So technically I've been a gamer for almost half a century 🤣🤣

[@toddburgess5056]

LOL!!!

[@stevenwilliams2617]

brings me back to childhood, played combat and air and sea battle on atari 2600. before then i had a mechanical electronic game like speedway, it had a little wheel, and like a rotating roll for the road with cars on it and if you hit a car it would make a crash sound and a red light would blink. it would get faster as you went along and you tried to see how long you last before you crash. it was actually quite fun.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

We found one of those in an antique shop it's in an old video but sadly it had batteries leak in it so we couldn't try it

[@GameOfDepth]

I had this in the early eighties in Boise Idaho. We once got a weird cross pin in the game pack in that allowed you to drive the cars through the word game. It shouldn’t have worked but did.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Do you still have it? That sounds worth documenting.

[@nealfrost12]

i had that system decades ago ,it was fun

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Still is

[@SlideRock]

I subscribed…wanted to be here for the ride from the beginning

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Welcome aboard! I picked up collecting a couple years ago and wanted to share the journey. Enjoy the ride!

[@siliconinsect]

I had a boxed Odyssey with a ton of games I bought as a teenager at a junk store for $15. Played with for a day or two and got bored. Sold it to a guy from Brazil where Odyssey 2 was apparently popular as VideoPac by Phillips.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Yeah - the master system is also huge there

[@The_Real_DCT]

Videopac was the UK name, it Brazil it was the Phillips Odyssey

[@luvmenow33]

I absolutely l9ved k.c. munchkin & pick axe Pete. So many great games on this system

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

We came into as absolute noobs but in reality it was quite fun. I keep an eye out for these now when hunting for old tech!

[@HighwayUK]

I love that console, was better than atari 2600. In Europe it was badged Phillips g7000, I had one as a kid in UK around 1978 I think.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

I once played through 30 Atari 2600 games and felt so dejected that none of them were much fun. We definitely had more fun with the Magnavox than we did with an Atari 2600.

[@kevinlawson1746]

You should check out the Odyssey Voice module.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Sounds intriguing

[@TheBasementChannel]

Wow, old fashioned wordle was really hard!

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Even harder to share on social media back then

[@GarthBeagle]

13:15 oh wow, that's just like Combat on Atari 2600, pretty fun tank game.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

The 2 players games were surprisingly enjoyable

[@randylewis1779]

I own two of these one near mint in box and most of all the games in boxes my odyssey the US version is1978

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

78 eh? That's an early one!

[@toddburgess5056]

I actually have a brand new/old, still in the package RF Modulator lol *EDIT, Magnavox Odyssey 2 was my first console before getting the NES.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Nice!

[@retrokelpie7606]

I feel like im watching a kids try to use a walkman and cassette type video LOL.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Pretty much - except these "kids" are in their mid 30s hahaha - we love tech old and new, and it's fun to try things from before your time!

[@caezer6300]

You could make your own maps in kc munchkin.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

No way, that's really cool!

[@johneygd]

It can be a really fun system if you got those games,munch man,chase man,pick axe pete,attack of the timelords and popeye etc,,, for it,but you do need to have deep pockets for it🤣

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Oh really? I bought a fair few of these games pretty cheap at garage sales. What are the valuable ones going for these days?

[@johneygd]

@@CanadianComputerCollector i think alot,depending on it’s condition,it’s age and availibility of it.

[@water.77]

Interesting idea for a video fellas, I tuned in to see weirdos mess with a tv

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Hahaha it was so much harder than expected to get it working!

[@jakobole]

UFO - don't shoot, use your shield instead.....

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

There's a shield?

[@jakobole]

@@CanadianComputerCollector The dotted ring is also a shield :) Use it to take out asteroids by bumping into them

[@BryonLape]

Commodore monitor.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Nice catch

[@robbieburns3564]

For a channel called "canadian computer collector", they don't seem to know a lot about old collectable computers. I think the lads like to collect things a little more more than they are enthusiasts about the things.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

Hey Robbie! We don’t profess to be experts. We are simply passionate collectors of classic tech and get more enjoyment out of learning about it than pretending to know everything about it. It’s a journey, one I, especially, have decided to take out of my own interest in these machines. I don’t think the channel title is inaccurate at all.

[@thegroove5099]

Sigh. You completely misunderstood the games in the way far too many reviewers do with O2 games, namely going into "oh, it's just like game X" and then play it badly because it's NOT game X. K.C. Munchkin has a goal that's nearly the opposite of Pac-Man. Instead of merely clearing the maze, you really want rack up points by eating the bad guys as often as possible. Also, it helps to start with maze number three. Pick axe Pete has a completely different goal than Donkey Kong. You want to grab the key and jump through the mine doors to rack up big points. The next level will remove part of the mine shaft, changing how the boulders move. Eventually so much of the mine is gone that the boulders are bouncing all over the place. UFO has far different strategy than Asteroids. Instead of clearing the screen, you want to clear enough space to stay alive. I've scored well over a thousand points on all three of these games; and they get better the longer your game goes on. The Challenger series of games (KC Munchkin, UFO, Pck Ace Pete, Freedom Fighters, KC's Crazy Chase, Attack of the Timelord, Killer Bees and Turtles) are remarkably addictive fun. If you play only one more game for the O2, make it Killer Bees.

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

This was really two kids born in 87 and 89 opening an old machine to explore it and get a sense of how gaming was back in the day. We gave honest opinions on things. I appreciate you reaching out and explaining this though. I hope you will stick around. This channel is about learning and exploring - we are not experts and do not claim to be. Anyway, have a good one!

[@retrogamestudios6688]

Hell no

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

The two player games were pretty fun

[@retrogamestudios6688]

@@CanadianComputerCollector I have different memories. I recall a big brother always giving me wet willies

[@CanadianComputerCollector]

@@retrogamestudios6688 Did you at least get to dry the ear before the next willy?

[@retrogamestudios6688]

@@CanadianComputerCollector after yelling MOM, she finally had enough after years of me complaining so she told me to just ignore it and he'd stop, but instead my father said that whenever he does it gently poke a finger at his hernia and he'd stop....yay it worked