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Saving a Amiga 500 retro computer from the trash (Kari Lawler)

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Bringing back to life a Commodore Amiga 500 that was heading to the trash, through replacing it’s broken floppy drive with a brand new Gotek (floppy drive emulator) drive, not from a kit bought online but from scratch using a bog standard drive bought from AliExpress.

The Commodore Amiga 500 is renowned for its vibrant gaming scene, with many classic titles that still hold a special place in the hearts of retro gaming enthusiasts. Here are ten of the top games that defined the Amiga 500 experience:

  1. The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)
    • A legendary point-and-click adventure game from Lucasfilm Games, known for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and challenging puzzles.
  2. Lemmings (1991)
    • A puzzle-platformer where players guide a group of lemmings to safety, overcoming various obstacles and traps.
  3. Sensible Soccer (1992)
    • A fast-paced and highly addictive soccer game, famous for its simple controls and deep gameplay mechanics.
  4. Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe (1990)
    • A futuristic sports game combining elements of handball and ice hockey, with a heavy emphasis on violence and power-ups.
  5. Cannon Fodder (1993)
    • A military-themed action game with a satirical tone, featuring small squads of soldiers undertaking various missions.
  6. Shadow of the Beast (1989)
    • Known for its stunning graphics and atmospheric soundtrack, this action-adventure game challenges players with its difficulty and intricate level design.
  7. Another World (1991)
    • Also known as Out of This World, this cinematic platformer is praised for its storytelling, visual style, and innovative gameplay.
  8. Turrican II: The Final Fight (1991)
    • An action-packed run-and-gun game with sprawling levels, impressive graphics, and a memorable soundtrack by Chris Huelsbeck.
  9. Worms (1995)
    • A turn-based strategy game where players control a team of worms using a variety of weapons to defeat opposing teams.
  10. Chaos Engine (1993)
    • A top-down run-and-gun game set in a steampunk world, featuring cooperative gameplay and diverse character classes.

These games showcase the diversity and creativity of the Amiga 500’s game library, spanning multiple genres and leaving a lasting impact on the gaming industry.

Metal Jesus Likes

Digital Decay Of 2000’s PC Game DRM (Tech Tangents)

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I’m tired of modern video games being shut down from pointless server requirements and wanted to help the cause to spread the word that we might be able to do something about it. It also made me wonder, how many of my physical games are now dead? It was a lot more than I thought it would be.

DRM is always annoying…but it was really bad in the early to mid 2000s!

DRM (Digital Rights Management) in video games – the ultimate test of a gamer’s patience and the digital equivalent of a bouncer at an exclusive club. Imagine you’ve bought a brand-new game, full of excitement to dive into its virtual wonders, only to be greeted by DRM, standing there like an overly cautious gatekeeper. It’s as if the game developers invited you to an awesome party, but first, they need to scan your ID, your fingerprints, and your grandma’s recipe for lasagna before letting you in. DRM, designed to thwart pirates, often ends up making honest gamers feel like they’re trying to break into Fort Knox just to enjoy a little digital escapism.

Picture this: You’re ready for an epic gaming session, snacks at the ready, comfy chair perfectly positioned. You click “Start Game” and BAM – you’re hit with a barrage of DRM hurdles. First, it’s the online verification, where your internet connection is questioned more than a suspect in a crime drama. Then there’s the infamous “please insert the original disk” message, despite the game being digitally downloaded. Let’s not forget the DRM that decides it’s a great time for a system update, because nothing screams fun like watching a progress bar. By the time you finally break through the DRM fortress, you’ve burned more calories from sheer frustration than you would have playing the game. In the world of video games, DRM is like that overly cautious friend who checks all the locks three times before leaving the house, while you just want to have some fun.

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Ninten-Drawer – The Ultimate NES Fix! – Adam Koralik

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Adam reviews the Ninten-Drawer, a replacement for the original 72 pin connector on the NES. What does it do? Basically makes the system work every time, and even disables the region locking.

Ah, the original NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) – the 8-bit wonder that turned living rooms into pixelated playgrounds and made “blowing on cartridges” a recognized form of technical troubleshooting. Released in the mid-80s, this gray box of joy brought us countless hours of jumping plumbers, princess-saving, and more pixelated ducks than anyone knew what to do with. With its rectangular controllers designed to fit perfectly into the hands of a young gamer or serve as a medieval torture device for adults, the NES redefined our understanding of entertainment.

Every game started with the suspenseful moment of inserting the cartridge and praying it would work without the dreaded flicker of a glitched screen. When faced with technical difficulties, the ritualistic blowing into the cartridge – a move endorsed by no one and yet practiced by everyone – often seemed to summon gaming miracles.  In the era of the NES, every pixel was precious, every game was a challenge, and every player was a hero in their own 8-bit saga.

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The CAR WIZARD Shares 6 Super Reliable Vehicles $6K-$8K

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The Car Wizards gives us his six reliable cars to buy from $6,000 to $8,000 based on his personal experience fixing and maintaining them.

When buying a used car, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect various aspects to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Here are the top 5 things to look out for:

1. Vehicle History Report:
– Accident History: Check for any reported accidents, their severity, and the repairs made.
– Title Status: Ensure the title is clean and not salvaged, rebuilt, or branded.
– Ownership History: Look at the number of previous owners and how the car was used (personal, rental, commercial).
– Service Records: Review maintenance and service records to see if the car has been regularly maintained.

2. Mechanical Condition:
– Engine: Listen for any unusual noises, check for leaks, and look for excessive smoke from the exhaust.
– Transmission: Ensure smooth shifting in both manual and automatic transmissions.
– Suspension and Steering: Test for smooth and responsive steering, and check for any clunking sounds or vibrations while driving.
– Brakes: Check the condition of the brake pads and rotors, and ensure the braking is responsive without any noise.

3. Exterior and Interior Condition:
– Exterior: Look for signs of rust, dents, and mismatched paint which might indicate previous damage.
– Tires: Check the tread depth and look for any uneven wear which could indicate alignment issues.
– Interior: Inspect for wear and tear on the seats, dashboard, and upholstery. Ensure all controls and electronics (windows, lights, air conditioning, etc.) are functioning properly.

4. Test Drive:
– Performance: Assess the car’s performance in various driving conditions—city traffic, highways, and different speeds.
– Comfort: Evaluate the comfort level of the ride, seating position, visibility, and noise levels.
– Handling: Pay attention to how the car handles, the responsiveness of the steering, and the braking efficiency.

5. Professional Inspection:
– Certified Mechanic: Have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic who can provide a thorough evaluation of its condition and identify any potential issues that might not be obvious during a casual inspection.
– Diagnostic Tools: Ensure the mechanic uses diagnostic tools to check for any hidden issues, especially with the engine and transmission.

By thoroughly checking these aspects, you can make a more informed decision and avoid potential problems down the road when buying a used car.

Featured, System Reviews

Xbox One Buying Guide – Hardware + Great Games

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Metal Jesus & Kelsey Lewin present a Xbox One Buying guide covering the different console variations, controllers and accessories and Xbox games to play!

The Xbox One is a home video game console developed by Microsoft and released in November 2013 as the successor to the Xbox 360. It features significant upgrades in hardware, including an AMD Jaguar 8-core CPU, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a custom GPU, enabling enhanced graphics and performance for gaming and multimedia applications. The console supports a wide range of games, from exclusive titles like “Halo 5: Guardians” and “Forza Horizon 4” to multi-platform hits. It also offers robust online services through Xbox Live, allowing for digital game downloads, multiplayer gaming, and access to various entertainment apps. The Xbox One introduced features like voice control via Kinect, backward compatibility with select Xbox 360 games, and integration with Windows 10, making it a versatile entertainment hub.

Retro Gaming with a Heavy Metal Soundtrack