I’ve got a pile of broken C64s, let’s fix a couple!

Who doesn’t love a good C64 repair session? These machines are both easy to fix and also can be tricky sometimes. So let’s break out the schematics and oscilloscope and fix a couple of these machines!

The Commodore 64, introduced in 1982, stands as one of the most iconic and beloved home computers of its era. Featuring an impressive array of hardware specifications for its time, the C64 boasted a MOS Technology 6510 microprocessor running at 1 MHz, 64 kilobytes of RAM, and advanced graphics and sound capabilities. Its graphical capabilities, including sprites and a wide color palette, allowed for visually impressive games and applications. Additionally, the SID (Sound Interface Device) chip provided the Commodore 64 with rich and distinct audio capabilities, enabling it to produce music and sound effects that were far ahead of its competitors.

Beyond its technical specifications, the Commodore 64 had a massive software library, ranging from games to productivity software and educational programs. Its affordability and widespread availability made it a staple in households and schools, contributing to its popularity and longevity. The C64 also served as a platform for budding programmers and hobbyists, offering accessible programming languages like BASIC and assembly, empowering users to create their own software and games. Its robust hardware and extensive software support cemented the Commodore 64’s status as a legendary computing platform, leaving an indelible mark on the history of personal computing.

A NEW Neo Geo Console! The ORTHROS MCS-01 First Look!

First look at the Orthros Kit available here: https://www.orthros.fr/

The Neo Geo MVS (Multi Video System) stands as a legendary arcade platform renowned for its unparalleled graphics and arcade-perfect ports of popular arcade games during the 1990s. It was developed by SNK (Shin Nihon Kikaku) and released in 1990. The Neo Geo MVS was distinct in its design, offering a modular system where arcade operators could interchange game cartridges, allowing for multiple games to be played on a single cabinet. This innovation provided significant cost savings for arcade owners and ensured a diverse range of games were available to players.

One of the standout features of the Neo Geo MVS was its powerful hardware, which boasted advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its time. The system utilized custom-made hardware capable of producing colorful and detailed 2D graphics, making it a favorite among arcade enthusiasts. Additionally, the Neo Geo MVS was known for its robust and durable build quality, ensuring reliability in the often demanding arcade environment. Its library of games included many iconic titles such as “Metal Slug,” “The King of Fighters,” and “Samurai Shodown,” cementing its legacy as one of the most beloved arcade platforms of all time.

Top 10 Judas Priest Songs

In celebration of the excellent new album Invincible Shield by Judas Priest, let’s Rank the Top 10 Judas Priest Songs!

1. “Painkiller” – This speed metal anthem is often considered one of Judas Priest’s greatest achievements. With its blistering guitar solos, powerful vocals by Rob Halford, and relentless drumming, “Painkiller” showcases the band at the height of their musical prowess.

2. “Breaking the Law” – A classic heavy metal anthem, “Breaking the Law” is instantly recognizable with its catchy riff and rebellious lyrics. It’s become a staple of Judas Priest’s live performances and remains one of their most popular songs.

3. “Electric Eye” – Known for its driving rhythm and futuristic lyrics, “Electric Eye” is a standout track from the album “Screaming for Vengeance.” The song’s catchy chorus and memorable guitar work make it a fan favorite.

4. “Victim of Changes” – This epic track from the album “Sad Wings of Destiny” showcases the band’s versatility and musical complexity. From its haunting intro to its powerful crescendo, “Victim of Changes” is a masterpiece of progressive metal.

5. “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’” – With its anthemic chorus and infectious energy, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” became one of Judas Priest’s biggest hits. The song’s driving rhythm and memorable guitar solo have made it a classic of the heavy metal genre.

6. “The Hellion / Electric Eye” – Opening with the ominous instrumental “The Hellion” before launching into the electrifying “Electric Eye,” this track sets the tone for the album “Screaming for Vengeance.” It’s a perfect example of Judas Priest’s ability to create powerful and memorable music.

7. “Living After Midnight” – A staple of radio airplay and arena sing-alongs, “Living After Midnight” is a quintessential Judas Priest anthem. Its infectious melody and catchy chorus make it impossible not to sing along to. My band would play this as our encore song during live gigs. It always brought the house down.

8. “Turbo Lover” – From the album “Turbo,” this song showcases Judas Priest’s foray into a more glam metal sound. With its synthesizers and catchy hooks, “Turbo Lover” is a departure from their classic style but remains a fan favorite.

9. “Hell Bent for Leather” – This fast-paced anthem is a perfect showcase for Judas Priest’s trademark sound. With its driving rhythm and memorable chorus, “Hell Bent for Leather” is a classic example of heavy metal at its finest.

10. “Beyond the Realms of Death” – Often hailed as one of Judas Priest’s most emotionally powerful songs, “Beyond the Realms of Death” explores themes of isolation and despair. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, it’s a standout track from the album “Stained Class.”

Full Length Movies Playing on the 2600? It is Now Possible!

I have a fun video today showing a new product that has been in development for many years. The MovieCart allows full-length videos to run on stock 2600 hardware.

Order here: https://www.tindie.com/products/lodefmode/moviecart-atari-2600/

The Atari 2600, while groundbreaking in its time, posed significant challenges for programmers due to its hardware limitations and unconventional architecture. One major obstacle was the system’s limited memory, consisting of only 128 bytes of RAM. This scarcity meant that programmers had to be incredibly efficient in their use of memory, often resorting to creative techniques such as reusing memory locations for multiple purposes or employing complex algorithms to squeeze the most out of the available resources. Additionally, the system lacked hardware support for features commonly found in modern consoles, such as sprites or tile-based graphics, forcing developers to manually manipulate the display using the system’s limited capabilities.

Another significant challenge was the Atari 2600’s lack of dedicated video memory. Unlike later consoles that featured separate memory for graphics data, the 2600 required programmers to generate the video signal in real-time, synchronizing their code with the television’s electron beam to draw each scanline and pixel. This “playfield” approach meant that developers had to carefully orchestrate their code to render graphics and update game logic within the tight constraints of the system’s vertical blank interrupt. Consequently, programming for the Atari 2600 demanded a deep understanding of both the hardware’s limitations and its idiosyncratic design, requiring developers to employ innovative programming techniques and optimizations to achieve their desired gameplay experience.

Top 10 Gene Simmons of KISS songs!

Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-lead vocalist of KISS, has collaborated on numerous songs throughout his career, both with KISS and other artists. Here are ten notable songs featuring Gene Simmons:

  1. “God of Thunder” by KISS – From the album “Destroyer” (1976). This song features Simmons on lead vocals and has become one of KISS’s signature tracks. It’s also the centerpiece of Gene’s fire breathing bass solo when played live.
  2. “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS – From the album “Dressed to Kill” (1975). Another classic KISS anthem featuring Simmons on vocals. Fun fact, it was actually the live version of the song that eventually became the popular version of the song.
  3. “Calling Dr. Love” by KISS – From the album “Rock and Roll Over” (1976). Simmons delivers a commanding vocal performance on this hard-rocking track.
  4. “War Machine” by KISS – From the album “Creatures of the Night” (1982). Simmons’s powerful vocals drive this heavy-hitting song. This song was actually co-written by Bryan Adams of Cuts Like A Knife and Summer of ’69 fame!
  5. “Deuce” by KISS – From the album “KISS” (1974). Simmons sings lead vocals on this track, which has become a staple of KISS’s live performances. “You know your man is working hard…he’s worth a… “
  6. “Christine Sixteen” by KISS – From the album “Love Gun” (1977). Simmons’s distinctive voice shines on this catchy rock tune. This song was famously sampled by Tone Lōc in his 1989 song “Funky Cold Medina”.
  7. “I Love It Loud” by KISS – From the album “Creatures of the Night” (1982). Simmons co-wrote and sings lead vocals on this anthemic track. Probably some of the heaviest drums in any KISS song..and that chorus is a highlight at any live KISS show.
  8. “Unholy” by KISS – From the album “Revenge” (1992). Simmons delivers a gritty vocal performance on this heavy metal song. The song is considered by many fans to be a return to the Demon persona by Gene Simmons in the 90s.
  9. “Domino” by KISS – From the album “Revenge” (1992). Another great track from the “Revenge” album featuring Simmons on lead vocals. This has a killer groove and a fairly naughty bridge spoken by Gene.
  10. “Goin’ Blind” from the album “Hotter than Hell” (1974) is a bit of a deep cut but has a great groove and amazing guitar solo! The Melvins did an amazing cover it as well.

These songs showcase Gene Simmons’s vocal prowess and his significant contributions to the sound and legacy of KISS.

The Game: What Happened to David Fincher’s Most Underrated Movie?

David Fincher is a visionary director known for his meticulous attention to detail, dark storytelling, and innovative visual style. Emerging in the 1990s, Fincher quickly gained recognition for his work on films like “Se7en” and “Fight Club,” which showcased his knack for crafting gripping narratives that delve into the complexities of the human psyche. His films often explore themes of existentialism, alienation, and the darker aspects of modern society, drawing audiences into immersive worlds filled with suspense and intrigue. Fincher’s distinctive visual aesthetic, characterized by moody lighting, sleek cinematography, and meticulously composed shots, creates an atmosphere of tension and unease that is unmistakably his own.

Beyond his feature films, Fincher has also made significant contributions to television, directing and producing acclaimed series such as “House of Cards” and “Mindhunter.” His work in television demonstrates his ability to adapt his cinematic style to the episodic format while maintaining the same level of quality and intensity that defines his films. Known for his perfectionism and rigorous approach to filmmaking, Fincher is a director who consistently pushes the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema.

Top 10 Ace Frehley Songs

 

Ace Frehley, best known as the former lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Kiss, has a number of great songs throughout his career, both as a solo artist and with Kiss. With the release of Ace Frehley’s latest song and album I thought it was a good time to RANK the Top 10 Ace Frehley’s Songs Ever!

  1. “New York Groove” – A cover originally recorded by Hello, this song became one of Frehley’s signature tracks from his 1978 solo album.
  2. “Shock Me” – A classic Kiss song written and sung by Frehley, known for its electrifying guitar solo and catchy chorus.
  3. “Cold Gin” – Another Kiss classic written by Frehley, known for its gritty riff and memorable chorus.
  4. “Rocket Ride” – A high-energy track from Kiss’ “Alive II” album, featuring Frehley’s distinctive guitar work.
  5. “Rip It Out” – A standout track from Frehley’s 1978 solo debut album, showcasing his songwriting and guitar prowess.
  6. “Into the Void” – A heavy-hitting song from Frehley’s 2009 album “Anomaly,” displaying his continued ability to deliver powerful rock anthems.
  7. “Strange Ways” – A dark and intense song from Kiss’ “Hotter Than Hell” album, featuring Frehley’s unique guitar style.
  8. “Snow Blind” – A track from Frehley’s solo album, “Ace Frehley,” known for its infectious groove and memorable guitar melodies.
  9. “Rock Soldiers” – A hard-hitting anthem from Frehley’s 1987 album “Frehley’s Comet,” reflecting on his struggles with addiction and his journey to sobriety, with powerful guitar solos and a memorable chorus.
  10. “Into the Night” – A standout track from Frehley’s 1987 album “Frehley’s Comet,” featuring heartfelt lyrics and melodic guitar work that highlight his versatility as a musician.

These songs represent just a glimpse into Ace Frehley’s impressive catalog of music, showcasing his talent as both a guitarist and songwriter.

Ken and Roberta Williams Interview w/ Matt Barton (New for 2024)

Ken and Roberta Williams are the founders of Sierra On-Line, one of the most influential computer game developers and publishers of all time. Recently, the couple returned to their gaming roots with a 3D, AR-enabled version of the classic text adventure Colossal Cave.

Sierra On-Line was a powerhouse in the gaming industry throughout the 1980s and 1990s, known for producing some of the most iconic and influential adventure games of the era. One of their standout titles from the 1980s was “King’s Quest” (1984), a groundbreaking adventure game that introduced players to the fantastical world of Daventry and the daring adventures of King Graham. With its innovative use of graphics and text-based commands, “King’s Quest” offered players unprecedented freedom to explore its richly detailed environments and solve puzzles, setting a new standard for the adventure game genre. Its success spawned numerous sequels, each building upon the legacy of the original and further cementing Sierra’s reputation as a leader in interactive storytelling.

In the 1990s, Sierra continued to push the boundaries of gaming with titles like “Space Quest” (1986) and “Quest for Glory” (1989). “Space Quest” combined humor, science fiction, and adventure in a series of games following the hapless space janitor Roger Wilco as he stumbled his way through various interstellar misadventures. The series was known for its witty writing, colorful characters, and imaginative settings, earning it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. “Quest for Glory,” on the other hand, blended elements of traditional adventure games with role-playing mechanics, allowing players to create and develop their own character as they embarked on epic quests in the fantasy world of Gloriana. With its innovative approach to gameplay and rich narrative, “Quest for Glory” left a lasting impression on the gaming landscape and remains beloved by fans to this day. Overall, Sierra On-Line’s catalog of games from the 1980s and 1990s showcased the company’s pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the history of gaming.

I Beat Every Single 2D Mario Game…

Josie Woah completes every 2D Mario game in anticipation of Super Mario Wonder on Switch.

The first three Super Mario games—Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3—were pivotal in shaping the landscape of video gaming on the original NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) for several reasons. Firstly, Super Mario Bros., released in 1985, revolutionized the platformer genre by introducing tight controls, imaginative level design, and a memorable protagonist in Mario. It set the standard for side-scrolling action games, establishing many conventions still used in the genre today. Its accessible yet challenging gameplay appealed to players of all ages and skill levels, helping to popularize gaming as a mainstream form of entertainment and cementing Nintendo’s position as a dominant force in the industry.

Following the success of the original Super Mario Bros., its sequels—Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Bros. 3—further solidified Mario’s status as a cultural icon and Nintendo’s flagship franchise. Super Mario Bros. 2 introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to play as multiple characters with unique abilities, and showcased Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with new ideas. Meanwhile, Super Mario Bros. 3 pushed the NES hardware to its limits with its expansive world map, diverse environments, and plethora of power-ups and secrets, offering players an even deeper and more immersive gaming experience. These games not only helped drive sales of the NES console but also fostered a sense of community and shared experiences among players, laying the foundation for the enduring legacy of the Super Mario series and its impact on the gaming industry as a whole.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection Official Announcement Trailer

Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection is coming to Xbox, Playstation, Switch and PC.

The appeal of the first two Star Wars Battlefront games lies in their immersive and action-packed gameplay set within the beloved Star Wars universe. Developed by Pandemic Studios and published by LucasArts, these games allowed players to engage in epic battles across iconic locations from the Star Wars films. Whether fighting on the forest moon of Endor, storming the beaches of Kashyyyk, or engaging in dogfights above the Death Star, the games captured the essence of the Star Wars saga and allowed fans to experience the thrill of being a part of the galactic conflict firsthand. The seamless integration of ground and space combat, along with the ability to play as various iconic characters and vehicles from the franchise, offered players a diverse and dynamic gameplay experience that kept them coming back for more.

Moreover, the first two Star Wars Battlefront games excelled in their attention to detail and faithful recreation of the Star Wars universe. From the authentic sound effects of blaster fire and lightsabers to the visually stunning landscapes and meticulously designed character models, the games immersed players in a galaxy far, far away like never before. The inclusion of single-player campaigns, multiplayer modes, and cooperative gameplay options ensured that there was something for every type of player, whether they wanted to embark on solo missions as a hero of the Rebellion or team up with friends to conquer the galaxy together. With its combination of thrilling gameplay, faithful representation of the source material, and ample content for fans to enjoy, the first two Star Wars Battlefront games remain beloved classics in the realm of Star Wars gaming.

Retro Gaming with a Heavy Metal Soundtrack