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Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade

 

 

 

 The Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade is a second-generation home video game console released by Bally Midway in 1977. It was one of the early cartridge-based systems, using cartridges known as Videocades that were designed to be as close in size and shape as possible to a cassette tape.


The Astrocade was designed by a team at Midway, at that time the videogame division of Bally. The console also included two games built into the ROM, Gunfight and Checkmate, along with the simple but useful Calculator and a "doodle" program called Scribbling. Most cartridges included two games, and when they were inserted the machine would reset and display a menu starting with the programs on the cartridge and then listing the four built-in programs.


The Astrocade was not as successful as its competitors, the Atari 2600 and Intellivision. This was due to a number of factors, including its high price tag, its lack of third-party support, and its limited library of games.


The Astrocade was discontinued in 1980, after only three years on the market. However, it has since gained a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts.


Here are some of the key features of the Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade:


  • Cartridge-based system
  • Two built-in games
  • Library of over 50 games
  • High price tag
  • Lack of third-party support
  • Limited library of games
  • Cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts


If you are a fan of retro gaming, then the Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade is definitely worth considering. The console is relatively rare and can be expensive, but it has a library of classic games that are still enjoyable today.


Here are some of the things that critics have said about the Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade:


  • "The Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade was a technically advanced console, but it was not as successful as its competitors." - IGN
  • "The Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade had a lot of potential, but it was ultimately unsuccessful." - GameSpot
  • "The Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade is a cult classic that is still enjoyed by many gamers today." - PC Gamer


If you are considering buying a Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade, be sure to do your research and make sure that you are able to find a console in good condition. The console is relatively old and can be fragile.


Here are some of the pros and cons of the Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade:


Pros:

  • Cartridge-based system
  • Two built-in games
  • Library of over 50 games
  • Cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts


Cons:

  • High price tag
  • Lack of third-party support
  • Limited library of games
  • Rare and expensive


Overall, the Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade is a capable home video game console with a library of classic games. However, it was not as successful as its competitors, the Atari 2600 and Intellivision.


 




Bally, a pinball giant with moderate success in arcade games, had been completely side-swiped by the video game explosion of the First Generation. Unlike most arcade gaming companies during the late seventies, Bally had not been approached by an upbeat engineer with an idea for a new form of home entertainment. They did not even have the opportunity that RCA, Zenith, Teleprompter, and the like, had to turn down a video game system only to brood about it later. They were simply left standing at the starting line of a race they had not even known they were in.

Thus, in 1978 Bally released their own home system. Dubbed the Bally Professional  Arcade, the system was to be in direct competition with Atari's 2600. Lack of software support and media coverage decimated the Professional Arcade before its first Christmas competition with the 2600.

After straining for three years to keep the system alive, Bally finally sold the rights to it in 1981. It was promptly re-released by an unknown company called Astrovision as the "Bally Computer System." Then, in a move that must have been an attempt to start over without the Professional Arcade's failure looming overhead, in 1982 it was renamed simply as "Astrocade." Perhaps the most significant contribution this system had to the industry, was that its programming abilities would inspire many of the current generation of video game producers. 



In 1977 Bally/Midway introduced a home video game system called the "Bally Home Library Computer" Available only through JS&A by mail order. A keyboard expansion was to follow in a few months. Unfortunately, Due to production delays, no units were shipped until 1978. In 1978 it was released to a wider distribution as the "Bally Professional Arcade". Sold primarily through Computer & Electronics stores, It didn't get the exposure that a retail store offers. Due to "stiff competition", they withdrew the system in 1980. A group of users who had enjoyed the system's games & learned its potential through the Basic Programming Cartridge got together & bought the system from Bally. They reintroduced it in about 1981. as the "Bally Computer System". When you purchased this system they gave you a Basic Programming Cart FREE. The New company's name was Astrovision. In about 1982 the company changed its name to Astrocade and re-labeled its system as the "Astrocade". The system continued till about 1985.

Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade Review: An Underrated Classic with Unique Appeal

Released in 1977, the Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade (often simply referred to as the Astrocade) was an ambitious attempt to enter the home gaming market at a time when competition was already heating up. Developed by Bally, a company better known for its pinball machines and arcade games, the Astrocade stood out in an era dominated by systems like the Atari 2600 and the Magnavox Odyssey.

Despite its relatively limited success, the Astrocade had a cult following due to its advanced graphics, unique capabilities, and impressive library of games. It's a fascinating console that offered more than just simple gaming experiences, positioning itself as a multi-functional device capable of programming and expansion.

Design & Build

The Bally Astrocade has a distinctive design, showcasing the bold aesthetic of the late 1970s. The console is housed in a black, boxy case with a set of color-coded buttons on the front panel, as well as two joystick ports for player controls. The design is quite utilitarian, focusing more on function than flair, but it still stands as an iconic product of the pre-NES era.

The joysticks themselves are simple but functional. They are reminiscent of early arcade controllers, featuring a single button and a stick for movement. While not the most comfortable for long gaming sessions, the joysticks were a practical choice for the time and still managed to provide reasonable responsiveness for the games.

The system's build quality is solid, though it lacks the premium feel of later consoles. The Astrocade was designed with affordability in mind, which means it didn't have the sleek finishes of more modern systems, but it was a reliable piece of hardware.

Game Library & Performance

The game library for the Astrocade was a standout feature, offering a selection of innovative and advanced games for its time. The Astrocade was capable of more sophisticated graphics than many of its contemporaries, which led to some standout titles like "Astroflight", "Gun Fight", and "Space Invaders" clones, as well as more original titles such as "Bally Pin" and "Alien Invaders".

The system was also capable of programming, and some of the games came with a programming manual that allowed users to create their own games. This was a unique feature not often seen in consoles of the era, and it added an extra layer of engagement for creative players interested in developing their own content. The Astrocade was a programming-friendly system, with a BASIC programming language available for those who wanted to try their hand at coding. This made the console more than just a gaming device-it became a tool for learning and experimentation.

Graphically, the Astrocade was impressive for its time. It featured color graphics and was capable of producing smooth animations, which set it apart from the more blocky visuals of other consoles in the same price range. The sound was decent but fairly basic, with a simple beep-and-boop style similar to other systems of the era.

However, the Astrocade wasn't without its limitations. The console suffered from poor marketing and struggled with its position in a market dominated by systems like the Atari 2600. Its game library was smaller than other major consoles, and its accessories and expansion options were limited compared to the more established systems.

Market Position & Legacy

The Astrocade did not achieve widespread commercial success, and Bally eventually pulled out of the home gaming market after a few years. The system had a relatively niche appeal, especially with its programming capabilities, but it couldn't compete with the Atari 2600's dominance or the rapid growth of the NES a few years later.

However, the Astrocade still holds an important place in the history of video game consoles. Its advanced graphics and unique features made it a standout among its competitors, even though it never found a massive audience. In the years since its release, the Astrocade has developed a cult following, with retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors still seeking out the system for its underappreciated legacy.

Today, it stands as a quirky, unique relic of an earlier era of home gaming. For those interested in the history of video game consoles, the Astrocade remains a fascinating curiosity that represents an innovative but underperforming system.

Limitations & Drawbacks

  • Limited Game Library: While the Astrocade had some interesting titles, it didn't have the volume of games that made systems like the Atari 2600 or Intellivision so popular.

  • Poor Marketing & Distribution: The Astrocade struggled with poor marketing and limited availability, making it difficult for many potential customers to even know about the system.

  • Limited Accessories & Expansion: While the system offered some unique features, its expansion options and accessories were far more limited than its competitors, which made it harder to maintain interest in the long run.

Final Verdict

The Bally Home Arcade - Astrocade is a unique and underappreciated console that offered more than its contemporaries in terms of graphics, functionality, and creative potential. While its programming capabilities and advanced graphics were ahead of their time, its limited game library and poor marketing meant that it never gained the widespread recognition it deserved.

For retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, the Astrocade remains a hidden gem in the history of home consoles. It represents an early attempt to create a more versatile gaming experience-one that involved both play and creation. Though it never reached the commercial success of its competitors, the Astrocade remains a fascinating piece of gaming history that is well worth exploring.

Score: 7/10

? A unique console with innovative features, but limited by its small library and marketing struggles. Still, an interesting piece of video game history.

If you're a fan of early home consoles or underrated systems, the Astrocade is worth checking out. Would you like to know more about its games or programming features, or perhaps other forgotten consoles from the late 70s and 80s?