Love the TI-99/4A! Fest West 2017

[@djugel]

So glad the youtubers are slowly posting more TI stuff... I've played it since I was 3 years old (36 now)...

[@abckristler]

Love the intro and info I use to be really heavy into the TI and Geneva 9640, but suffered a stroke in 2019 i am back and better but limited, love the TI forever

[@whopooted255]

I started collecting older computers I had or used in school as a kid a few years ago. I have been looking at the TI's, thinking of starting a collection. I think you have helped me decide to check them out! Thanks for the video!

[@davecates9095]

TI-99 wow brings back memories. First computer I ever got to play on. I loved Parsec played it any chance I got.

[@stevewheeler5792]

Hats off to the TI-99. May this amazing computer live on.

[@stabarnak9841]

Thanks for the coverage of an event celebrating my first great love - the TI-99/4A (my third great love, cooks, cleans and is cheaper to maintain, but the TI still wins out hands down!). This video is a gift for those of us who could not attend (seeing as it was in conflict with the last week of the NLL's regular season (LAX being my second great love) Bought my TI, back in 83, a few months before TI pulled the plug, but with all the systems I have owned since then, the TI always comes back as the one that has most influenced my love of computers. IT was a quirky system...a 16 bit processor (the first on a production computer) jerry-rigged onto an 8 bit-architecture, 16k of Video Memory, but only 256 bytes of CPU (scratchpad) memory, the worlds first hand-crippling joysticks...but looking back, it was the quirks that made the TI such an enthusiasts favourite! We might have been the also-ran back in the 80's, but today, other vintage system drool over our VGA output, and the TI's design has allowed for massive memory sizes in cartridges as well as modern day expansion possibilities that leaves other 80's systems in our wake! Thanks for the support and for recognizing what TI fans have always known..the 4A was (and is) one helluva wiz-bang piece of pioneer tech, that is as much fun today as it was 35 years ago!

[@TortureBot]

Got my first TI-99/4A from a friend when I was probably about 14 years old in 1985. I learned how to program in BASIC and would even type in games I found in books and then alter them to make the graphics better and add better sound effects. I really love the computer and still remember a lot of the BASIC command syntax because it is just ingrained in my brain from sitting up night after night and typing in programs. I remember getting a TI-99/4A before I got a Commodore 64 and learned more on it than on the Commodore. Today I have at least two TI's in the box with all the hookups and have collected many cartridge-based games and accessories like the joysticks and the tape recorder and hookups. Hope that I can one day locate a couple of my cassettes that I had saved programs on back in the day and possibly get them to load. Awesome computer, and it's great to see people still showing it some love today!

[@OmegaTI]

Thanks for showcasing the TI-99/4A! It's my favorite computer.

[@johnhancockretro]

Your passion for the system is contagious. Thank you so much for hosting this event. I had a great time. I look forward to taking the recommendations of everyone and upgrading my TI computer to play all the cool things.

[@stabarnak9841]

Ω, don't ever sell yourself short! You are THE chief motivator for our community in the TI sigs over at atariage.com. Your enthusiasm is a virus that infects us all . While others might be producing some kick-butt software and hardware that re-invents the 4A wheel, your contribution is every bit as valuable as you pull us together, keep us together, and makes us a family. Love ya brother!

[@redsyrup1138]

Omega, When my father passed away two years ago his classic TI99/4A (Silver and Black) was the one computer I chose to keep from his collection. I have the fondest memories of him sitting at it and playing/learing BASIC, playing Hunt the Wumpus, Parsec and Buck Rogers. He loved this computer. I'm going to restore it one of these years with the VGA and Memory Expansion mod. Groups like yours represent (faithfully) what the early computer scene looked like in the 1980's. Complete with photo copied news letter. Thanks for covering John.

[@slag02]

Growing up in a small Kansas town the local library had Ti99/4A as the computers to play on in the mid 90s, this allowed me to gain a love for the machine long after its hay day. I recently picked up my first own Ti99 locally in a trade and the nostalgia is strong! So happy to see you cover this and for helping me not feel so crazy for my love for this system!

[@Chanur67]

It's amazing to see, just how much new stuff there is for our TI. You folks are awesome!! Thanks for this Video, John! :)

[@Phantom8Bit]

Nice to see so much support for a system that didn't get near enough love back in the day, and thanks for giving the rest of us a glimpse of this event!

[@VGCollectaholic]

Great stuff John! The TI-99/4A was my introduction to video games. I got one for my 4th birthday back in 1983 and was immediately hooked on Hunt the Wumpus. I still have my original silver TI-99/4A system, which I recently upgraded with an F18A V1.8 video board so that it can output VGA.

[@scriptguru8]

IMO TI-99/4a (the "metal" version) is the coolest looking home computer of that era. The first time I've learned about this little computer is just a year ago (read about it in the awesome Retro Tech book). Now I have one with the speech synthesizer, a few epic cartridges and even a tape recorder. I had to fix the keyboard and make a cable with RCA support, but it was a part of fun, in fact! Just today finally managed to find a way to make the awesome 500XJ Epyx joystics to work with it and play Parsec and Car Wars, and I love it! I never had one as a child (never even heard of it), but I wish I did!

[@tomy.1846]

Hope you got Tunnels of Doom! It's the best!

[@joeygray1984]

I'm so glad you showcased this computer. I have never heard of it before but it seems to have a lot of potential.

[@lordfortescuesgamingodysse3547]

Great video! The TI99/4A was my first computer and I have very fond memories of Playing Munch Man and TI Invaders...badly;-)

[@justinbrown3920]

Enjoyed learning about this computer. It is one that I had no knowledge of. This channel is the best!

[@maes_runner9187]

Love the Intro!!! Your passion for collecting is contagious!!!

[@Sobou]

Love seeing content like this. Not nearly enough exposure for retro PC games, especially ones that aren't your typical DOS / Win95 and up. Great video, keep it up!

[@StonedRambo01]

Awwwww my very first PC TI-99/4A. Loved that thing! Munch Man and Parsec was my jam... Long live the TI99!

[@NEROBAT1]

Great Video John it takes you back in time to the wonderful eighties

[@ElDukeofTaco]

Wow, that's cool. My dad bought a TI-99/4A before I was born, and it was set up in the basement when I was a kid for as long as I could remember- it was my first console/home computer growing up. He had a bunch of games on cartridge for it, a few on disk that required some arcane BASIC commands to load, and a few where the engine was on the cart but the supplementary data was on tape or disk- Tunnels of Doom being the main one, which was my first exposure to a roguelike (though I didn't realize it at the time). I think the TI is directly responsible for my love of retro gaming to this day- I spent a large amount of time playing it even after I got an N64 for Christmas. I moved out years ago to go to college and haven't had the room for it until I got a house recently- and I know my dad hasn't had the time to play it since he moved to Indiana. I'm looking forward to one day taking ownership of it: my (admittedly small) retro collection feels a bit incomplete without my true roots being represented. (He actually had two... the beige one became more and more unreliable over time until he finally replaced it on the table with the silver one. I have no idea if he has both, but I guess I need to find someone on AtariAge who can help me figure out what's wrong with that beige one when I get hold of it.) Thanks for the video! I knew there was a homebrew scene, but I had no idea people had done things like port the Mario or Zelda engines to it. I'll definitely have to look into hardware modding for it when the day comes.

[@allanmailer4427]

I'd recognise that homebrew joystick anywhere, great video.....looks like a fun time was had by all.

[@Brandewey]

I love the to 99/4A. I played on it as a kid like 6 years old. my parents worked at ti in the early 80's and my mother bought the computer for my father. still have it and still works. have the original monitor, expansion floppy drive, voice thing, assorted carts, books, 5in floppies, around 40 carts, cassette tapes. it brings back so many memories when I was a kid playing dungeons and dragons. so much fun :D

[@irondom]

Great video. The TI-99 doesn't get enough homebrew love. It's clear from the demo's being shown that this machine is capable of much more than we have seen in games this far.

[@shredsnotdead]

I picked up a ti994a new in the original box with about 30 games at an estate sale yesterday. Can't wait to get it setup! I grew up familiar with the c64 as I played it a lot at my cousins house as a kid.

[@GrocerGames]

This was my family first computer. It was kind of fun. I no longer have the computer but the monitor is a beast. It was manufactured in 1981 and still runs perfectly.

[@metarog]

Great video... the TI-99/4a is the only classic gaming computer I currently own and I have about 20 carts along with the voice Synthesizer. My favorites are TI Invaders, Munch Man and Parsec. Thanks for sharing this.

[@sfundawge]

it was my 1st home computer on which I learned to program in basic; real joy , sweet memories.

[@joshuabement]

Great video John I love watching new content about systems I don't know much about.

[@Miler97487]

That's cool to see those Gamevision cartridges as those were some of the earliest games for the original TI-99/4. My father bought Zero Zap in 1982 for the TI-99/4A but it was the later version released by TI (Milton Bradley still being the third party provider).

[@eriknystroem]

Thanks for all your videos. I have recently discovered your channel and have now watched all your videos. I collect PS1 games and consoles myself. :) Greetings from northern Sweden.

[@mikemac2188]

this computer expo is awesome I'll have to check to see if they come to Indiana this is definitely right up my alley great video man

[@jobojoe1]

Awesome man! Never seen this computer before. The event looks fun; nice crockery at the end there too :)

[@randomthoughtsoftheday5397]

Nice video! I just bought a TI-99 beige case from an Estate Sale for $40, not bad when they originally wanted $75. I need to find some games now.

[@johnhancockretro]

Very nice!

[@OfficialKeithInTexas]

Man, this takes me back

[@verygreedy100]

I received the Ti-99 as a gift when I was 5 years old back in 1983. I loved Parsec, Congo Bongo and I used to be afraid to play Hunt The Wumpus. I think my dad helped put some fear in me about Wumpuses...lol. Car Wars I was actually REALLY good at as a five and six year old and had many levels memorized. Parsec was probably my favorite game though. Great system and led me into my love of the NES.

[@cor1128]

just got my TI-99 last week and now A great video on it NICE

[@johnhancockretro]

You won the package that was shown in the video. PM me on facebook and I can send it to you. Also will be sending you some TI controllers and a few games as well.

[@pinfarmer]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing. I never heard of this system

[@MatthewMcGravey]

I would love to go to this event ....only have 3 games for the T.I. but it is very interesting...good to see ppl are keeping it alive

[@shawnleggett6375]

Cool system. My 3 year old watched with me. I said it's John from school, and she said "I love him."

[@johnhancockretro]

haha, that is awesome.

[@dazsly]

Great video. I like the cart designs. Gonna have to look into the ti99. dont remember this in the UK.

[@lancelange9377]

The theme music sounds like a video game music'd version of Foreigner's "Double Vision". That aside it's nice to see the TI-99/4A getting some love. I wanted one so badly back in the day. Hope to get one sometime.

[@TheCarpetedGarage]

I had one of these a long time ago. I miss it.

[@TheWiccanSuperstar]

Thanks Jon for the video I honestly didn't know much about that computer. As always your passion for the subject really showed through your video. It's always nice to learn something new.

[@robertweise4058]

it was my first computer. thank u so much. i had the steel version soccer was my favorite

[@QuasarRedshift]

Love your happy enthusiasm

[@betonvrket5262]

Great video , great computer , great TI99 life 😊👍🏼

[@jbtubas]

Neat looking computer. Definitely want one now

[@heinzpilot]

Awesome video! I love my Ti99/4a!

[@destruktolux]

Love the video. Also love your channel. I just got a TI-99/4a!

[@All_Hail_Mighty_Cobra]

Never played one. But that first homebrew game (Sparkrunner's Challenge) looks great!

[@TheMeanJoeGreen]

Your awesome dude. Live the great content!

[@rixmix5036]

I really enjoyed this video blew my mind how you can push the software thanks

[@mhannola]

I keep seeing a Craigslist posting for 2 ti99s as well as software. I may have to take the plunge and try it out

[@bluearmy893]

Is the price right?

[@mhannola]

Soup or Nintendo? Seemed fair to me.

[@ilj1259]

love to hear your review on the commodore vic 20. That is also a system thats not very well known and had some hidden jems.

[@kevinstrade2752]

I have one with a tower and cassette recorder. great little computer.

[@alexhansen4376]

I just recently got one of these and fell in love with it. I really want to dig into making music with it, because there is a ton of untapped potential in the speech synthesizer.

[@EDFCentral]

Hey John, Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@Rikky-gl4ex]

can u make a video about how you keep a overview of you collection. you now... with games u allredey have

[@rager-69]

I caught the retro computing bug. I saw a TI 99/4a on Craigslist for $100 (ended up being from a guy I bought from before) and it was not only in great shape but was in box, had eight carts, composite cable, tape cable (tape recorder not included), speech synth, RS-232 add-on, joysticks and a FlashROM99. It think it was an awesome deal.

[@wmerritt72]

Hey can you provide a link to the events page so we can follow when the next one will be?

[@OOOHBILLY]

Great video. Very interesting stuff. Plus a giveaway!

[@maybebabyny]

I just got a TI-99 4A. Can you recommend a monitor to buy? Thanks

[@AngryCalvin]

My first gaming system. Back when everyone else had an Atari 2600. Everyone was at my house playing video games even after they got an Atari 800 or C64. Especially after I started getting all the 3rd party arcade ports on it

[@chakrazoo]

Really neat content. :D

[@andrewlyons9188]

terrific video. really wish I could find one here in toronto cheap

[@MrSEA-ok2ll]

The Super Mario game ..very cool. It appears that the Ti994a had some real potential. I have one, but have not done much to it. Another capable machine, but it's potential was mostly missed and not pushed.

[@System-1541]

There's a retro computer convention in Woodland?! Awesome! where're you? I'm in Winlock.

[@OmegaTI]

I'm in Winlock too!

[@verisimilitudeteller]

The beige monstrosity was my first "PC" :)

[@skunkcabbages5040]

Parallax scrolling in the original Mario bros, wicked snazzy. & plus it all was written for hardware that had adventure back in the day, in its lineup

[@stabarnak9841]

Plus, it was written with no Nintendo code resources...just painstakingly playing the game over and over again, and duplicating it by hand!

[@johnhancockretro]

S Tabarnak wow, that is awesome

[@JamesThames1987]

"John Hancock. It's Herbie Hancock." -Chris Farley

[@cyrillobaggins8789]

the intro theme song gets me everytime

[@feldhamer]

Hi John, great video. Do you know if there's a cart dumper that can be purchased for the TI 99/4A so that the carts can be played in an emulator without owning a TI 99/4A itself? Thanks.

[@johnhancockretro]

feldhamer omega TI would be the one to answer that

[@googleaccount1860]

I don't know if the 8 people (as of this writing) who gave a thumb-down, is because you kept saying the name of the event wrong... but it IS "Fest West" not "West Fest" (as you kept repeating - even though you had the sticker right in front of you). Anyway, I was surprised to see they were still having Fest West - which I thought had ended after 1999 (which was the last one I heard of)! This was fun to watch!!!

[@stevetb7777]

Ahhh, this was my first computer. I was around 6 years old. We had NO software. All we could do with it is program BASIC... And pretend we were in a spaceship and the TI-99/4A was our computer console. Ended up playing with it in the backyard for a couple of days and the rest is history. There are probably still keys from that keyboard lodged in that yard.. hahahah.

[@nettgyver]

I love your hat! Where oh where did you get it?? I grew up with the TI-99/4a, it was my first computer, and will always have a special place in my heart.

[@davidevans199]

Didnt even know this computer existed untill i found one at a garage sale with 20 games. I only paid $20

[@TheScaredofsilence]

Three words: Tunnels of Doom

[@shanekemp8583]

WHO else is taking a bubble bath while watching this video? JUST ME LOL

[@JasonVectrex_187]

good video john

[@briansegarra9312]

cool system thanks for the video , I would love to have one sadly here are none existant

[@MyNameIsBucket]

Just bought a 4a. I've never actually owned one before. Now what to do with it?

[@johnhancockretro]

On Atariage forums, there is a great community of TI-99 4a users. Check them out if you want to know more about the what to do next!

[@rogerphillips642]

Is Fest West no longer held?

[@OmegaTI]

I put two on one in 2016 and the one shown in 2017. Another guy put one on in 2018 but it sort of petered out after that.

[@8bitevolushroom312]

lol nice run, u need last life to get pressure, like all of us :) funny thanks vid

[@prodos8]

I loved Tunnels of Doom on this thing.

[@dave4shmups]

Great video John! Where can you buy that joystick adapter?

[@johnhancockretro]

ebay

[@dave4shmups]

OK, thanks!

[@stabarnak9841]

Also check out arcadeshopper.com. He sells his own custom joystick adapters for the TI (and a plethoriaa of other TI goodies and essentials!) All with more stable pricing than eBay!

[@dave4shmups]

OK, thanks!

[@Voidsworn]

Zelda! Nice.

[@OOOHBILLY]

Seen some of this at my local thrift store. Decent price but it's all beat up.

[@herohunter81]

4:17 is that Flappy bird? 🐥

[@kyleklank2903]

John question i self a gamer what would u advice me , i self now have ps4 ps3 ps2 i grey up with nitendo the nes super nitendo never had a sega , i soon wanne buy a 2 hand console what one would u advice me? i self like adventure action rpg style games kinda platform kind? u probaley seen lot console an all the games on so?

[@johnhancockretro]

I would pick up a Sega Genesis. Great classic console if I am understanding you correctly.

[@kyleklank2903]

probaley yesh im from netherland , (my english aint perfect)i self never had a sega , i seen on KZbin on youre channel as on others ther, also lot real good games ,on sega , any way greets john i like the channel since short i look almost everytime, verey intrested as gamer , greets ronald

[@boredsights3923]

Very cool! +1

[@RealisticFishing]

Hunt the Wumpus!

[@catgarcia2238]

can I get one please.

[@fmmIfig]

john hancock here with oxiclean

[@tron3entertainment]

I find it nostalgic that your subscriber base is 32K. {:-D

[@SickSickPhil]

Car Wars was always a favorite of mine. It was an Atari rip off but played much better

[@kl9932]

Thanks for your coverage of the event for those who couldn't make it! I would like to see a video of your TI-99 collection. The Yahtzee Gamevision is especially hard to get and was to my knowledge not yet dumped for emulation. It contains a sofware bug which made the computer cheat. Afaik that lead to a replacement offer for that one within it's short living time. According to our historians only 2-3 are out there in total. You can check out my channel for some TI-99/8 and TI-99/2 videos. And my website www.ti99.eu to cover all kinds of TI-99 stuff. Let's keep enjoying this machine, kl99

[@Schush]

That's the only I need to complete that Gamevision collection.