The History of Robotron 2084 - arcade console documentary

[@fredhurst2528]

Williams had such iconic sound design in both their pinball and video games. Defender, Robotron, Joust and The Black Knight are etched in my memory even decades since playing any of them.

[@gozorak]

no matter how good or bad or average you were at this game....when you experienced one of those Im about to die yet somehow you thread the many needles and make it to the next level...there were not many games capable of producing that kind of thrill. Of course for those of us who were average or worse the excitement of surviving those moments were quickly dashed by reality. Such a freaking great game

[@jamiegwhite30]

1 million percent agreed

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

It really is fantastic. Especially if you're lucky to play it back in 1982 when it was state-of-the-art

[@gozorak]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries I most certainly was. I loved Berzerk and Frenzy so when Robotron came out...my 16 year old brain exploded

[@alaricsanford4301]

Ooo weee, everyone watching would cheer! No one watching was silent!! One of the best quarter gobblers of all time!!

[@codyguindon2090]

New Patman! Ill buy that for a dollar!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Big money big prizes I love it

[@peanutbutterjeff5364]

I’ll never forget that in an interview, Eugene Jarvis said the proper way to play Robotron is to max out the difficulty and keep playing until you get so mad, you’re slamming the machine on the wall by its joysticks.

[@Dorelaxen]

I have a theory that Jarvis actually hates gamers and every game he's ever made is just an elaborate troll, while he cackles evilly in his...video game...tower?

[@tonymoretti2347]

Surely one of the greatest quotes of the last 100 years

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

LOL that's classic

[@MrBoyYankee]

The Father of the term "Rage Quit."

[@ThunderFist1978]

Dorelaxen Nah, Eugene just believes that a game isn’t doing its job if it doesn’t kick your butt the first time you play it. He said that humans are naturally masochistic and want to get their butt kicked so they can come back and get revenge. I met Eugene in 2015 and had a real blast talking with him. I wish we had talked about Robotron a bit more, but we talked more about Defender.

[@jamiegwhite30]

Well we all love the Cadence of your voice that's the thing that keeps us coming back man

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

aw Shucks, Thank you very much :-)

[@jamiegwhite30]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries not on the

[@jamiegwhite30]

Queef side of things LOL

[@jamiegwhite30]

Thanks for everything you do buddy I thoroughly enjoy your videos every single one of them they hit a really nostalgic nerve and if anybody says different they are lying

[@jamiegwhite30]

To be honest if you have something negative to say why did you watch the whole video in the first place?

[@Mr_Oggie]

Robotron!!!! This game was one of the biggest culprits at taking all my quarters when I was a teenager!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

LOL, no doubt

[@kyleking284]

WOW!! This video was fantastic! I remember playing this game in every arcade, pizza shop, and corner store that had it! This was and still is one incredible game of fight or flight survival! Had no idea there were so many home versions of this title the MS DOS version takes the cake with those sound effects!😅it sounds like "Id the Squid" This was a great video that brought back fond memories of those arcade days Thank You so MUCH! 🌟🙏❤🤖👍👊

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I show its in the video

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks a lot, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's definitely one of my favorite games and I play it whenever I get the chance

[@BlackburnBigdragon]

This and Smash TV were two games that I just could never get the hang of in the arcades. I would put a quarter in and the game would be over in two seconds. I was and still am not ambidextrous enough, or twitchy fingered enough, to play these dual joystick games. But damn. The sound this thing had. I LOVE the sounds. This game and Defender have some of the best and most recognizable gameplay sounds throughout all of arcade history. For sounds, there's very few that can match Robotron and Defender.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Yes they were. The sound effects were a huge part of the game and you could tell it was a Williams game just from the sounds

[@vandal21891]

Don't forget about Joust- it had a lot of the same cool sounds.

[@kdj29]

robotron, defender, and joust all borrow the same sounds from one another, and their pinball cousins.

[@PixelsNcreatureS]

I got this from the clearance bin for my 5200 (because I didn't know 5200 was a dead system) so that was my first experience . loved it

[@thelatenightattempts]

Same story here. Parents bought the 5200 for Christmas of 84 Not realizing it was already dead. Luckily we ended up with a bunch of clearance games at Sears Surplus and this was one of them. I never knew about the twin stick control of the arcade original but this was one our favorite games on the 5200.

[@foxfireinferno197]

I remember this baby from back in the day ... when I played it in the arcades, I lacked the coordination to make use of the two-stick setup and had a hard time not just pointing them both in the same direction.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Eugene Jarvis has said that the two joysticks threw off some people which is why the dual stick combination didn't really take off

[@goofyfoot390]

Yes!! Finally! I’ve been waiting for your awesome commentary of the history of Robotron! Thanks again and awesome as usual!! 👍

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks 😊

[@midnightkitty8172]

The way you show a movie poster from the year you're referring to is such a great idea; it brings the audience back to that era. The 80's were a great time all around, I see so many people saying so ( I was a kid so had no idea ). However, I do know that the early games were treasures to behold. It's really good to see so many people keeping the videogame dream alive in the form of MASSIVE and new Arcades. I'm still finding a game here or there; found Street Fighter 2 in a convenience store, stood there and, with the help of my kids, we played and beat the entire game on only 1 quarter. Honestly, I think the owner of the machine set the difficulty to 'Easy'. Love Robotron! Right from the very first time I saw it, I was sure that most of my money would find its way into that machine.

[@rrabpats]

YES!!! Me and my brother used to go to the bowling alley every Saturday and play Robotron for hours...doubles, on 1 quarter each. Love this game!

[@MPK112233]

I still find these graphics to be impressive.

[@yeoldecurmudgeon1969]

This was and still is one of my absolutely favorite and loved game! And your documentary is so well made and accurate! I don't know where you find all the informations, I really admire your work! This channel is, to me, a better way to understand and enjoy my youth. I grew up in arcade game malls and have been a gamer since 1985.

[@rockdesu]

Great name for a game that's for sure.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree

[@jamiegwhite30]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries free KZbin video man you knocked it out of the park

[@Brian-Vader4633]

Loved playing Robotron in the arcades. Played it a ton on my atari 5200 with the dual controller holder.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Excellent

[@MrBrownAlliance]

one of the greatest games ever! When you had the priviledge of watching an expert player, it was a thing of beauty. Pure Gaming...

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree

[@lethalwolf7455]

Let’s just appreciate the fact they had to actually program, there were no engines back then

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree 100%

[@phj9894]

Not only that, he programmed a very impressive AI capable of calculating player movements that many twin stick shooters today lacks.

[@riversarcadereview385]

I had this game for the Atari 400, and it came with a tray that held two joysticks giving you great gameplay. I remember reading the 5200-also coming with a tray that held both joysticks. for the 400 there was no setting for dual sticks, and it defaulted that way

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Very cool, thanks for the info

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

The tray for the 400 version was part of the game's box and does not feel all that sturdy to me. The controller holder for the 5200 version is plastic and very sturdy.

[@riversarcadereview385]

@@jeremiahthomas8140 - we used the 400 tray for years and never had any problems...I believe the Joysticks added stability

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

@@riversarcadereview385 I only tried it once and I felt I was going to tear up the box.

[@thefourhorsemen91]

One of my favorite games of all time. If I had free play, I'd still be playing. Another great video!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks!

[@hernansaez5475]

Excellent video and voice comments! Loved Robotron since the first time I played it on its original arcade cabinet back in 2012/14 at the Musee Mechanique in San Francisco, CA. Sounds, colors and the attitudes you have to take to play the game make it unique and hypnotizing. Thank you!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks a lot for the nice words. The game's definitely stood the test of time

[@stunthumb]

Such a vivid, fun game. I remember I'd play this with my little sister a lot, in fact whenever we found a machine we'd play it - I could never figure out how she was so good at it, but she's left handed so that might be solved now. It's a game I often come back to, but mostly I play Llamatron on the Atari ST, a fantastic version of the game with a traditional Minter twist... it's not quite so tricky and quite light hearted really. Anyway, another awesome interesting video, thank you for making these - I always make time to watch them front to back.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I talked about llamaTron in the video. Thanks for watching

[@stunthumb]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries Yeah, you got onto Llama just after I posted that :D

[@Mr_Oggie]

Do you have any history and lore on the game Gyruss? And I don't think you've yet done videos on Missile Command or BattleZone... :) :) :)

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I love gyrusS and no I haven't done videos on any of them. If you want to make a request and get pushed the top-of-the-line sign up for my patreon

[@NeoAmericanRealism]

Missile command for sure

[@Invidente7]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries Don't forget about the gyruss tribute in GTA San Andreas.

[@chichiboypumpi]

I got to know about that game from the show Starcade

[@TV-Tony]

You said in your older videos if anyone likes your videos. Well I'm here to say I love your videos, Patman. LOVE them. Almost done going through your playlists. Slowly going through the big playlists as I'm marathon gaming GTA.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

That is fantastic And I really appreciate the nice words. Glad you enjoyed the content so much. Thanks

[@BAZFANSHOTHITSClassicTunes]

Cameron Philips from the sarah connor chronicles was a scarey robot. Another awesome video PatmanQC.Please keep these "Happy little games" going. Thankyou Sir.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks a lot!

[@JK-fv9xk]

PatmanQC #1!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thank you my friend

[@goryjim1313]

I’ve been waiting for you to cover this game and it was well worth it. Great job and please never stop.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks, will do!

[@barry-allenthe-flash8396]

I'm glad they changed the name from Robot Wars to Robotron. There's something just far more iconic and pleasantly retro/clunky about slapping -tron onto the word robot, lol. There are plenty of generic sci-fi things called Robot Wars anyway. I've enjoyed Robotron ever since first playing it on my cousin's Atari Lynx. Then I used to rent Robotron 64 a whole lot as a kid. It really is just straightforward fun, and it's got that retro sci-fi charm that I personally find more appealing than Total Carnage or Smash TV.

[@jeremiahthomas8140]

You might be the only person in the world introduced to Robotron: 2084 on the Lynx. Not saying that is bad, just unlikely.

[@DaRealJohnDaGamer64]

I'm glad I found your channel again. I really enjoyed your videos. Robotron is one of my top favorite arcade games. Mikey needs to be saved otherwise he can't enjoy his Chex cereal.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Glad you like them! Good call on Mikey LOL thanks

[@BlackArroToons]

Thank you for the Robotron PatQC History! A very challenging game that I can only last for about 5 minutes before game over. So much stuff going onscreen at one time! I agree, the game attacks much faster after the first 2 waves.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

It's crazy how much harder the game gets after just a few levels

[@chrislaustin]

Thanks for another amazing piece of video gaming history Patman, as your vids are some of the best on YT. Yeah, I'm always amazed at what can be done on classic gaming consoles, and the 2600 game is one of the best. The best games of these types are the ones that use the original cart sizes of 4k, as you see what could have been back then if the proper talent and time was applied. Pac-Man 4k for the 2600 is insane, and makes the official released game look even worse by comparison.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree, is not just the talent and the time but is the modern development tools that helps as well. I would've been blown away having this and Pac-Man 4K (or anything champ games have done)

[@jnorten]

Such a fun and fast paced game. The main reason I go my AtGames Legends Gamer Pro.

[@jamiegwhite30]

And using the term Baddies is endearing as hell

[@stashmerkin9576]

This, Joust, & the Gorgar pinball machine all had the same sound palate. Williams must have liked it!

[@charlesn898]

Nah. It was cheaper for them to produce. All of the classic Williams arcade games used the same sound and speech boards as their pinball machines.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Probably just a stock set the sound effects that they had in their archives

[@charlesn898]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries Exactly. Helps keep the production costs down.

[@K0ntakt5]

the 2600 version is incredible- with the exception of the graphics for the grunts. maybe they achieved what they did by sacrificing some detail for the grunts, but if only they could have improved the look of the grunts instead of rendering them as multi-colored blocks, almost like a tease to get so close and yet so far

[@dangrise6182]

I am in full agreement. It's certainly a technical achievement to be able to port a game like Robotron onto the 2600. I wonder if the cartridge had some extra RAM to supplement the console's measly 128 bytes.

[@johnnywc23]

Hi there! Since the Atari 2600 only has 2 hardware sprites, the only way to have Robotron on the 2600 without massive flicker was to render the grunts and electrodes using the low-res playfield. We do use a special chip in the cart that has an ARM chip and extra ROM/RAM to help render the graphics and run the game logic. :)

[@dangrise6182]

Thanks John for providing an inside view of the game's development. It's clever to embed an ARM device into the cartridge. I guess that means the main program in the 2600 is primarily focused on drawing during the beam. And most of your game logic I imagine would run on the ARM. Anyway I like how you married old tech with new tech.

[@johnnywc23]

@@dangrise6182 You're welcome! Yes, you are correct. The 2600 still has to do all the reads/writes to the TIA so the screen is still rendered using 76 6507 cycles per scanline writing to the TIA registers. You are still limited to the TIA, so 2 8-bit sprites, 2 1-bit missiles, 1 1-bit ball and the low res playfield. The ARM is used to run all the game logic and prep the data for the screen kernels and is run during vertical blank and overscan. (about 15% of the time). It's quite challenging and fun to use the two technologies together to create a game for a system that's turning 45 this year! :O ;)

[@dangrise6182]

@@johnnywc23 I was always discouraged from attempting a homebrew game on the 2600 because of how precisely you have to follow the horizontal scan line timing. And then of course the 128 bytes of RAM is very limiting as well. But adopting a divide and conquer approach like you did makes the whole thing a lot more inviting. Thanks again for providing developer insights.

[@CarloCarrasco]

Great work on this video, PatmanQC. Easily the best about Robotron 2084.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks a ton!

[@cromagnatron7155]

As a kid I remember playing this and lasting only about 10 seconds, but would still love watching the older kids play because it was so intense and the colors are absolutely amazing.

[@tedgovostis7351]

I had the 5200 version back when it was released. Both this and the other twin stick shooter, space dungeon, had a plastic frame you snapped the controllers into so they would be held steady. Both were great for their time.

[@stevenwheat3621]

One of the most high octane, chaotic games out there.. I blame Robotron on some of the gray hairs I have . I will say that whoever is playing the demo is good..

[@way8497]

Great video. I’m always looking for Robotron info. I was fortunate to get the original arcade machine and it will never leave! IMO it is the best arcade game ever created and really should be experienced on the arcade machine with the original Wico joysticks.

[@Hologhoul]

Superb video! Great to see the respect for the crazy genius of Eugene Jarvis, not forgetting Larry DeMar either (wow, the sounds of this game and Defender!) The sound takes me back to UK the UK south coast arcade of Bournemouth pier in the 80s, but I was a kid and couldn't get far on it. I finally got it going on MAME in recent years then on the PS2 (not sure you mentioned the perfect port on there on the Midway collection). Love how you made sure to play the sound of each port (aside from ZX Spectrum for some reason?!) and showed so many versions. One of the very greatest games of all time and you did it justice here, great job!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks. I did mention the midway collection but it's not merely a conversion but is the actual arcade game running under emulation which is why it turned out so good. The spectrum version didn't have sound if I recall correctly. Thanks for the kind words

[@Hologhoul]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries Got it, thanks. Indeed, I called the PS2 one a 'port' but as you correctly say, it's perfect as it's emulated, it's fantastic to play it on the PS2 as works great with the twin-sticks (took me ages to get those to actually configure, on MAME). Spectrum one looks ace. all things considered, I didn't realise it had no sound! Cheers again, I'll be re-watching this video.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

@@Hologhoul Thanks. Smash TV and Robotron were fantastic the first time I played them with a twin stick set up on Mame.

[@lethalwolf7455]

Love this!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks

[@askcommish]

Excellent video - loved the history. I also bought a Midway 12-in-one arcade machine (used) that was originally sold exclusively at Sam's Club retail stores I think in like 2005-2006 time. It includes Robotron 2084, Defender I and II, Joust, Rampage, Wiz of Wor, Satan's Hollow, Sinistar and others.

[@jamesmoss3424]

Robotron is an killer arcade game and I will play it. 😀👍🎮

[@lafalamirr10dede81]

like always good work Patman!!!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks

[@philiple8890]

Did not know there were so many conversions of this game!! Wow that was a lot. As much as I was so intrigued with this game as a kid probably because of the dual sticks to control and fire was so cool, this was one of the hardest games in the arcade back then!! Lol. I don''t remember getting past like level 4 ever haha. Awesome video

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I always thought it was pretty difficult as well especially as a 12-year-old kid

[@shareofmoney]

Another great video! I can't believe I actually have this game as I got it in the Midway Arcade Origins on Xbox One. The fact that everyone could have a different experience is an amazing concept. I will have to play it and give it a shot.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks a lot

[@jayhays8267]

Nice Video! this game has the BEST sound effects! Classic indeed!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

In the always at the cabinet cranked way up see you get here in the matter where you were in the arcade

[@RyanRead]

Was at a classic arcade bar the other week and I was still loving this game. Still classic today.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

It sure is

[@_Vatra]

Greatest classic era arcade game ever, and one of the greatest video games of all time! It’s definitely my personal fave of all time, and not just because I have a full arcade version in my house which I bought in 1999 for only $450! Here are some fun facts that would have been nice to include in your awesome video… Eugene Jarvis wrote a short screenplay for Robotron back in the 80’s and he called the hero protagonist, Johnny Psycho. Other people have called him Ron Robot since Eugene put that on his name tag at a convention in 1982📍🤖📍

[@Repeatpeteva]

Thanks for this! This game was up there with defender as the king of quarter munchers in the arcade!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Absolutely, I agree 100%

[@NY_Mountain_Man]

Love it! Thank you for all the hard work!

[@m3talentagency680]

One of my all-time favorites! Different storyline and controls from other videogames from the same period. All Williams consoles had a great speaker! Had a chance to replay it for years again on the PS2 version. Had no idea about the connection to Orwell's 1984.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Yes, it is an absolute classic and one of my favorite shooters

[@wanderandargo]

I remember playing this on DOS when I was a kid - that squelching noise it makes when you are captured came right back to me! 22:20 That sound entered my nightmares lol

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

LOL, it was terrible

[@RichardCraig]

Vera from Superman 3 literally gave me nightmares as a kid... I remember falling asleep to this movie when I was like 4, and that part combined with being half-asleep in that hypnogogic state was terrifying.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I can see that, she was extremely creepy which is why I had to put her in there. I was 12 when that movie came out so it shook me up quite a bit as well

[@mitchelldries6628]

no joke on the warning at the end... this game always raises my heart BPM. no other game i've ever played does this...

[@RetroGamingNook]

My favorite early pure arcade game bar none. Thanks for the deep dive.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks for watching

[@BushinRyuCat]

Robotron2084 really *REALLY* deserves either an Arcade1up cab or New Wave Replicade version!

[@mrf19741]

I still remember putting my quarter up on the Robotron 1984 cabinet and waiting my turn to play. It was so popular that it wasn't in only all of the local arcades, but grocery stores, convenience stores, and laundromats. The noisy sound the Enforcers made used to drive me crazy!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I never put quarters up for this game but I did on donkey Kong and Pac-Man

[@vonVile]

There's this new game on Steam called Brotato (free demo so far), that is a tribute to Robotron. It updates the premise by allowing up to holding 6 weapons and leveling up your character. After each level you get random upgrades, so no game is the same. The game is easier to play in that all you need to control is movement. The weapons auto-target the closest enemy.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

That sounds pretty fun actually

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

Amazing such a popular 1980s game is not already on Steam in some collection or another - of Atari Arcade hits...

[@norman7566]

Robotron.....how I love this game. When I discovered MAME and figured out the dip switch allowed up to 20 men to start with, I play this more than any other arcade game. Btw, each level has a prescribed amount of robots but their positioning is randomized. The robots move by jumping pixels when they move, especially the grunts which is why sometimes when you die you can see your shot going through the enemy. Such a fast, fun game. Got to save the wee ones!!! I live this game. Tanks for the memories.....going to go play after work. Come on, arcade1up, make this!

[@cepininja1927]

For some reason, this game have a special place in my heart and mind.

[@maxbrazil3712]

This was merciless and incredibly challenging game, which is why it's the BEST ARCADE GAME OF ALL TIME!

[@786Muzik]

Definitely one of my all time favorite Arcade!

[@ivane5110]

Great video. I don't recall playing this, but know I would've loved it. I love the older bulkiervlook of robots in fiction; now those are the ones I'd love to see in modern movies. In fact I'd like to see a game authentic live action version of this, even if just for a scene.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree, all the robots nowadays are more streamlined

[@dranimations7902]

I've played this game on a PS2 collection - great video!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Cool, thanks!

[@bbuildingfan01]

Nice video ❤❤ the crazy part about this game is the difficulty. It was very simple but also very hard.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks a lot, I couldn't agree more

[@CadillacFrank]

Another gem from PatManQC! Hahaha and yes, I do have to take blood pressure breaks when playing this

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

LOL, thank you

[@lasskinn474]

have you thought about ep about escape from the planet for robot monsters?

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I have not played that game in quite some time

[@lasskinn474]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries It's a great game with lots of ports. I'm not sure how good the default setup on mame is these days, it used to be pretty bad, maybe it's better now with analog sticks on pads. it has these 16 direction hall effect sensor joysticks for the players.

[@dangrise6182]

Saddly I can't get that game to work on Retro Pie but it looks great. I would be happy to see the game featured here.

[@jamiegwhite30]

I do believe Adam Savage will agree

[@jimmybisk]

Thanks for a great documentary. One of my friends was so good at this that he could practically play it indefinitely on one credit. Sadly I was useless as I lack to coordination needed. I read many years ago that there was going to be a kind of sequel revolving around a haunted house/castle. The game was never finished but I believe a bit of concept art exists.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I wasn't aware of any follow-up to the game. Thank you though I appreciate the nice words

[@jimmybisk]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries Thanks for your reply. A few years ago I picked up some editions of a magazine called Retro Gamer and it mentioned it in an article. I can't find any info on it online for some reason.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

@@jimmybisk Retro gamer has been my favorite magazine for the last 15 or so years

[@jimmybisk]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries I had my letter published in issue 2 regarding a suggestion of covering urban gaming myths. The example I used was that there was a myth regarding Rolling Thunder. Apparently, if completed, it then let you play through it as the woman you rescue. Not the case but an interesting story.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

@@jimmybisk Very cool. I had a couple of different letters printed one about the bowling game 10th frame and quite honestly I don't recall the second one LOL

[@gmanbelieves6513]

Man I use to LOVE that game, it was my all time favorite, I was actually stopped or denied from playing this game at some arcades because I kept breaking them, atleast three of them at one location, I guess overheating the processor or something. The techs got so pissed at me because they had to continually come in to try to fix the game in that particular location or take it back to the shop, they would ask me what I was doing to this game to cause it to break, I said I would just play it for hours at a time using no more the 2 quarters, I only use two, one if I died early, I had to give myself a budget a day because when I first started playing it I would just keep dumping quarters into it like all idiot young adults who got easily obsessed with arcade games at the time, no other game just Robotron, it was in my opinion way ahead if it's time and most people didn't like to play it due to the two joystick setup I guess or they just got frustrated because they could only incorporate one side of there brain at a time and would die constantly who knows. I literally flipped the high scoreboard on this game several times, even the arcade state champion at the time, atleast he was at Defender from my knowledge and he couldn't beat me, that made me feel good about myself, you know when we're young we're small minded like that. Funny though I sucked at Defender. 😒 I guess it must be true about being a lefty or ambidextrous because I am ambidextrous which I guess is why the game came so easy for me. Anyway after third new Robotron 2084 I burnt out I was the only person at that location not allowed to play that particular game. 🙃 I told the techs it's not my fault the company can't build a reliable game, actually I was just pissed because if I wanted to play Robotron I had to go somewhere else. Anyway that was my experience of the best arcade game at the time in my opinion ever made.

[@joeboo8626]

You should play smash tv or geometry wars.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Wow, that is cool. I have never heard of someone breaking a videogame so many times LOL that is pretty crazy that they actually stop you from playing the arcade game. Thanks for sharing

[@RyanParreno]

This might be a known bug in the earlier version of the game. In the Yellow Orange version, the game can crash if you shoot into the corners. The later Blue version removed this bug, but the arcade operator probably didn't know he could get rid of it on his version, if he just turned Attract Mode off

[@Jolt7800]

Another tremendously entertaining history lesson!

[@roberthunter479]

Great video, as usual.I had no idea this was released on the TI-99. I agree, Defender is one of the best games. I am strange in that I think sound is just as important as gameplay and nothing beat the original arcade version. As for Robotron, even though I'm from the '70s, I never saw this game in the wild. I first encountered it in a compilation on the Sega Saturn. I loved it when I first played it. Man, I wish I had the money to buy the original arcade cabinets of some of these games.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

No I agree hundred percent. Sound is an important factor as it sets the mood for everything else

[@thegblob]

When a game spawns a whole new genre, you know it is something special.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree 100%

[@jamiegwhite30]

You have the perfect narrator voice, I believe you should ask for a job in the voice over work of Disney or ilm

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

That is nice of you to say, if you would like to call Disney or ILM on my behalf I would appreciate it :-)

[@jamiegwhite30]

Is it crazy world I love your channel and I think a lot of other people do keep it going man everybody loves this content

[@jamiegwhite30]

I will do my due diligence I want nothing more than for you to have the opportunity to work with industrial Light and Magic

[@jamiegwhite30]

I think that Adam Savage would absolutely love to meet you if the opportunity was presented properly

[@jamiegwhite30]

The Nintendo 64 Edition was horribly chaotic

[@jasonz7788]

Thank you Pacmanqc great work Sir

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thank you very much :-)

[@markastoforoff7838]

I used to play Robotron all the time with a couple of friends. We would put in a quarter and last forever. It was later in the 80's but we were all really good at the game.

[@Cafeman_2D]

I have the 5200, 7800, and Sega Saturn (perfect port!) Versions, all are great fun. Thanks PatmanQC!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Absolutely, thanks for watching

[@phj9894]

Eujene jarvis is legendary. his games during williams electronics are the greatest and my favorite video games.

[@daerth4423]

I've probably played this game 1000s of times and and I still suck balls at it. The fact that I keep coming back for more is a testament to how awesome a game it is.

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

I agree, killer game design

[@kenwheeler3637]

One of my all time favorites. The standard controllers for the 5200 are perfect for that port when used with the coupler that came with the game originally.

[@ALWTunes]

Well, it’s nice to know there are 245 levels I’ll never see. Haha. This game was way too hard. But then I was pretty young at the time. Thanks for the video. I always love the time you take showing all the janky ports.

[@StevesRetroGaming]

This is great information and I never knew the Berzerk link to Robotron!

[@smeghammer305]

Never played the game until recently when I went to one of the pay on entry retro arcades that are springing up in the UK at the minute. I was blown away by the gameplay and spent a good hour playing and next time I go back I will be making a bee line for this

[@erneststackhouse1133]

i was visiting my cousins house & they had a good old Commodore 64 & they had Robotron 2084 on it! i don't think i really visited my cousins once i sat down to play this game! Ha-Ha! A cook at our airport loved this game & it was in front of the restaurant where he worked. Robotron 2084 was set up so you could play without needing an airline ticket. We would ride our bikes to that airport every weekend just to play that game! It's one of those games where it is fun to watch & play! To this day i still listen to someones longplay on KZbin just to listen to it.

[@stevetowle6843]

Great video as usual sir. Back in the 1983 I had Wild West Hero for my ZX Spectrum. This was an amazing Robotron 2084 clone and was super addictive with decent graphics and sound. Check it out on KZbin. Take care Patman!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Thanks for sharing! I'll check it out, thanks

[@TheEvilFungi]

keep up the good work, pat man. I would love to see a video on Team Zero. That was an arcade game I played back in the day and I would love to learn more about it.

[@mocrg]

Simple to learn hard to master ! Great graphics and sound .

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Yes, it's a classic

[@PhriekshoTV]

An icon of the arcade survival genre Gonna be playing it as part of a marathon soon Just in time

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Excellent

[@PhriekshoTV]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries yes you are

[@hoover2501]

Thanks for the video. Favorite arcade game of all time. You didn't include the PlayStation version. It was developed for PS1 but was also available on both PS1 and PS2 consoles as a Williams greatest hits which also included joust, sinestar, and a few others. Of all of the console versions you showed this one is clearly the best for PS1 unless there's one out there that's better that I don't know about. Once the PS1 and PS2 had to joysticks on the handle you could play it that way as well but I always preferred sliding around on the four buttons on both sides of the controller. Many blisters on my thumbs but well worth it

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Yes, I did include the PlayStation version. I also mentioned the Williams greatest hits compilation on various systems

[@hoover2501]

@@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries sorry, I must have missed it. But it's still a go to disc on my PlayStation 2 after 25 years 😂

[@jeff-ds2pr]

I have a 5200 and this game with the coupler. Despite what this guy says, it works awesome because it is one of the few that allows you to use a twin stick controller similar to the arcade, which is a must when playing this game. Of course finding two working 520 controllers is quite a challenge.

[@data123]

Llamatron 2112 by Jeff Minter is one of my Favourite games on the Amiga

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

It is fantastic

[@jamesragsdale3069]

Love me some Robotron and its many many children. How do you hammer these videos out so fast? Keep rocking!

[@PatmanQC-Arcade-Documentaries]

Lots of blood sweat and tears. Thanks

[@fredc1923]

Crank it up to level 10 and enjoy the chaos. Still play it today and never get tired of it!

[@TomTokyoYugi]

The ROBOTRON 2084 Arcade Cabinet Uses the Joysticks Controller and the Buttons That's How Later They Uses the Same Gameplay for Later on SMASH TV the Arcade Cabinet that means "BIG MONEY BIG PRIZES I LOVE IT!!!!" 4:59

[@TomTokyoYugi]

I Used to play Robotron 2084 and Smash TV the Arcade Cabinets and Two Games Were Later port it on Midway Arcade Treasures Collections Trilogy Series on PS2 GameCube XBOX PSP and Microsoft Windows PC Computer and also Later Part of Midway Arcade Origins on PS3 and XBOX 360 that's How I Remember.

[@TomTokyoYugi]

28:44 NOW THAT'S TOTALLY WICKED AWESOME!!!! Now That's How You Play Super Nintendo Entertainment System, I Wish I Could Play that Version on SNES System PatmanQC I Never Heard and Play that Game? Williams Arcade's Greatest Hits on All Versions included on The Super Nintendo Entertainment System Now that's 16-Bit Super Processor Power System Right There it's Pretty Good Pretty Awesome and Pretty Excellent Ports PatmanQC 👍👍

[@TomTokyoYugi]

13:48 And I Haven't Forgotten About the Midway Greatest Arcade Hits Volume Collections Series included Midway Greatest Arcade Hits Volume 1 on MS-DOS Windows Sony PlayStation and SEGA Dreamcast.

[@TomTokyoYugi]

29:22 The Sega Genesis Version Too Also Huh? it's a Same Version But the Sound Effect is Slightly Different But Okay But it Doesn't Sound that Bad and Not that Perfect Compared that to it's 16-Bit Counterpart the SNES Version But Hey Overall the Sega Genesis Version is Awesome and Overall the Sega Genesis Six Buttons Controllers are Awesome Too 👍👍

[@TomTokyoYugi]

23:17 The ZX Spectrum Version of Robotron 2084 is Pretty Awesome Game Nice and Well Done!!

[@busterkeaton1041]

I think Robotron 64 is one of the most underrated n64 games. It's not just a straight port of Robotron X, a lot of improvements have been made, the most important of which is the ability to zoom the camera out to see the whole play field.

[@seansullivan7928]

Im sorry to say but nothing good ever came from the N64

[@gswanson]

I came here to say this. It is similar to Robotron X, but the psychedelic graphics, music, and the ability to play with one controller I'm each hand for true twin stick action make it one of the best ways to play Robotron outside the arcade.

[@gswanson]

​@@seansullivan7928Kind of a braindead opinion.

[@GizmoMaltese]

I never played this game back in the 80's. I only discovered it on my MAME arcade. It looks like it uses some assets from Defender/Stargate. The sounds for sure. It's hard as hell and can be very addictive. I map the player 1 and player 2 joystick to move and shoot. Works brilliantly just like the original.

[@tndabone]

I've got a Multi-Williams arcade cab with the Williams SYSFPGA board (It has a 6809 cpu, so not emulation), and imho the best joysticks you can every play Robotron on, Original Wico Perfect 360's. They use light beams to detect the joystick movement, and are just a joy to play robotron with. The controls make this game..