Deep Pockets (1990)
No, this late release isn't about some really generous guy, it's actually a pool game. The table isn't green (probably due to the Intellivision's limited colour palette) and the balls flicker, and the controls aren't nearly as precise as many would want either, but there are tons of options and it's pretty good fun for two players.
No, this late release isn't about some really generous guy, it's actually a pool game. The table isn't green (probably due to the Intellivision's limited colour palette) and the balls flicker, and the controls aren't nearly as precise as many would want either, but there are tons of options and it's pretty good fun for two players.
Defender (1983)
Duplicating this Williams arcade classic was always going to be a tall order, and accordingly this version is slower and less precise, but that's actually a good thing if you struggled a bit with the lighting-fast chaos of the arcade game as I usually do. It's still tricky but addictive enough to keep you coming back.
Duplicating this Williams arcade classic was always going to be a tall order, and accordingly this version is slower and less precise, but that's actually a good thing if you struggled a bit with the lighting-fast chaos of the arcade game as I usually do. It's still tricky but addictive enough to keep you coming back.
Demon Attack (1982)
This one is a fixed-screen shooter like Galaxian which is set on the surface of a moon or something and features waves of winged creatures of various types to shoot down. This version even features a 'demon mothership' boss too. It's a common type of game but there are several game variations and all are enjoyable and addictive.
This one is a fixed-screen shooter like Galaxian which is set on the surface of a moon or something and features waves of winged creatures of various types to shoot down. This version even features a 'demon mothership' boss too. It's a common type of game but there are several game variations and all are enjoyable and addictive.
Dig Dug (1987)
Another early 80s system, another version of Dig Dug. A lot of people seem to hate this game for some reason but Intellivision owners got a good version, regardless. It doesn't do anything the other don't really, but it plays nicely and I really like the crisp and colourful graphics. One of my favourite versions of this classic.
Another early 80s system, another version of Dig Dug. A lot of people seem to hate this game for some reason but Intellivision owners got a good version, regardless. It doesn't do anything the other don't really, but it plays nicely and I really like the crisp and colourful graphics. One of my favourite versions of this classic.
Diner (1987)
I had never heard of this one before but apparently it's the sequel to Burger Time which isn't one of my favourites of the early classics. The action is now viewed from an angled overhead perspective and the idea is to kick balls of food all the way down the screen, but the controls aren't great and it's really frustrating to play.
I had never heard of this one before but apparently it's the sequel to Burger Time which isn't one of my favourites of the early classics. The action is now viewed from an angled overhead perspective and the idea is to kick balls of food all the way down the screen, but the controls aren't great and it's really frustrating to play.
Donkey Kong (1982)
I've played quite a few versions of this classic over the years and most are at least half decent, but this version is not one of the best, to put it mildly. It only has two stages which are repeated over and over for one thing. The graphics are also rather unpleasant and the controls aren't great. Give another version your time.
I've played quite a few versions of this classic over the years and most are at least half decent, but this version is not one of the best, to put it mildly. It only has two stages which are repeated over and over for one thing. The graphics are also rather unpleasant and the controls aren't great. Give another version your time.
Donkey Kong Jr (1982)
Unlike original DK, I hadn't played this one before, but it's clearly more enjoyable than the first game, on the Intellivision at least. It only loses one of the arcade version's four stages this time, and while it's still not much of a looker and the controls are a bit iffy, the rope-swinging action is pretty good fun.
Unlike original DK, I hadn't played this one before, but it's clearly more enjoyable than the first game, on the Intellivision at least. It only loses one of the arcade version's four stages this time, and while it's still not much of a looker and the controls are a bit iffy, the rope-swinging action is pretty good fun.
Dracula (1982)
Crikey, this is a real rarity - an Intellivision exclusive! It's an unusual one too. You play as Dracula and must run along the street biting (killing?) as many innocent bystanders as you can find before the sun comes up! A bit controversial in its day and a little repetitive, but pretty original too, with a clever day/night cycle.
Crikey, this is a real rarity - an Intellivision exclusive! It's an unusual one too. You play as Dracula and must run along the street biting (killing?) as many innocent bystanders as you can find before the sun comes up! A bit controversial in its day and a little repetitive, but pretty original too, with a clever day/night cycle.
Dragonfire (1982)
This one appeared on many systems of the day but this is one of the better versions. There are only two stages/screens, one side-viewed, one overhead (kind of), and you have to dodge a dragon's fireballs on both. It's tricky, and due its short length it gets trickier quickly, but it's not bad for a quick score blast now and then.
This one appeared on many systems of the day but this is one of the better versions. There are only two stages/screens, one side-viewed, one overhead (kind of), and you have to dodge a dragon's fireballs on both. It's tricky, and due its short length it gets trickier quickly, but it's not bad for a quick score blast now and then.
Dreadnaught Factor, The (1983)
I've played this one before but this is the original version which sees you as a lone starpilot taking on a huge battleship (or indeed, a dreadnaught) which is advancing on earth! You can gradually take out its many guns or go for the engines to slow it down. A tricky but excellent, immersive shooter. Superb cover artwork too.
I've played this one before but this is the original version which sees you as a lone starpilot taking on a huge battleship (or indeed, a dreadnaught) which is advancing on earth! You can gradually take out its many guns or go for the engines to slow it down. A tricky but excellent, immersive shooter. Superb cover artwork too.
Fathom (1983)
This one is a bit strange and I had no idea what I was doing at first. It's a scrolling adventure where it seems you can switch between controlling a seagull and a dolphin and must use them to explore the skies and seas to find items to free an imprisoned mermaid. It's certainly original and proves intriguing enough to keep you going.
This one is a bit strange and I had no idea what I was doing at first. It's a scrolling adventure where it seems you can switch between controlling a seagull and a dolphin and must use them to explore the skies and seas to find items to free an imprisoned mermaid. It's certainly original and proves intriguing enough to keep you going.
Frog Bog (1982)
Another strange one. It's quite literally set in a bog which features two frogs. You and a friend take control of them and leap back and forth between lily pads trying to catch bugs with your frog's sticky tongue. It gets boring quickly in single player but not bad for a laugh when you have a friend to compete against.
Another strange one. It's quite literally set in a bog which features two frogs. You and a friend take control of them and leap back and forth between lily pads trying to catch bugs with your frog's sticky tongue. It gets boring quickly in single player but not bad for a laugh when you have a friend to compete against.
Frogger (1983)
This is the frog title most gamers wanted to play, though, and it arrived a year later. Happily it's a decent version of the Konami classic, too, featuring decent enough graphics (though not quite as good as the VCS, for some reason) and sound effects along with a few jingles here and there. Good fun and as addictive as always.
This is the frog title most gamers wanted to play, though, and it arrived a year later. Happily it's a decent version of the Konami classic, too, featuring decent enough graphics (though not quite as good as the VCS, for some reason) and sound effects along with a few jingles here and there. Good fun and as addictive as always.
Grid Shock (1982)
I didn't realise at first but this actually went unreleased which is a shame as it looks pretty interesting. It's an into-the-screen puzzle game which has you shooting at squares on a grid to fill them in while a wall sweeps back and forth. It seems to be finished and is certainly playable but who knows if anything is missing?
I didn't realise at first but this actually went unreleased which is a shame as it looks pretty interesting. It's an into-the-screen puzzle game which has you shooting at squares on a grid to fill them in while a wall sweeps back and forth. It seems to be finished and is certainly playable but who knows if anything is missing?
Happy Trails (1983)
I thought this was some sort of basic RPG for some reason but no, it's actually a tile-sliding puzzle game where you must help a walking man continue to walk by sliding tiles around to keep his pathway open as he recovers stolen money bags and stuff over 16 stages. Pretty good fun and addictive once you work things out.
I thought this was some sort of basic RPG for some reason but no, it's actually a tile-sliding puzzle game where you must help a walking man continue to walk by sliding tiles around to keep his pathway open as he recovers stolen money bags and stuff over 16 stages. Pretty good fun and addictive once you work things out.
Hard Hat (1979)
This is another unreleased title, apparently, and it's a two-player-only game. Each player is on the framework of a tower block and must complete it by pushing glass panels from the central crane. Whoever does it first is the winner! According to the blurb it's unfinished, but it seems playable enough to me.
This is another unreleased title, apparently, and it's a two-player-only game. Each player is on the framework of a tower block and must complete it by pushing glass panels from the central crane. Whoever does it first is the winner! According to the blurb it's unfinished, but it seems playable enough to me.
Horse Racing (1980)
Another Intellivision exclusive, though it's not one I would've been shouting about at the time. As the name may suggest, this one is a horse racing game but also a gambling sim, for yes, you can bet on the races as well as play them. I'm not sure how much fun it would be for racing fans or indeed non-fans though.
Another Intellivision exclusive, though it's not one I would've been shouting about at the time. As the name may suggest, this one is a horse racing game but also a gambling sim, for yes, you can bet on the races as well as play them. I'm not sure how much fun it would be for racing fans or indeed non-fans though.
Hover Force (1986)
This is an ambitious one. It sees you play as a helicopter pilot flying over a pretty big overhead-viewed game map featuring several cities with the aim of shooting down bad guys and putting out fires. The momentum of the chopper(s) makes it more realistic but also makes aiming tricky. Excellent presentation, regardless.
This is an ambitious one. It sees you play as a helicopter pilot flying over a pretty big overhead-viewed game map featuring several cities with the aim of shooting down bad guys and putting out fires. The momentum of the chopper(s) makes it more realistic but also makes aiming tricky. Excellent presentation, regardless.
Ice Trek (1983)
This exclusive has my favourite title screen on the system so far, but it's a bit of a weird one otherwise. There are three stages - a side scrolling skiing thing, then you have to build an ice bridge up the screen, then shoot up an ice castle before starting over - but none are especially enjoyable. Original and creative, though.
This exclusive has my favourite title screen on the system so far, but it's a bit of a weird one otherwise. There are three stages - a side scrolling skiing thing, then you have to build an ice bridge up the screen, then shoot up an ice castle before starting over - but none are especially enjoyable. Original and creative, though.
King of the Mountain (1982)
Another interesting unreleased title. This one has you heading up several mountains along forking paths, but there are bears, rockfalls and bad weather to hinder your progress. You also need to stock up on supplies before leaving, but taking too much will slow you down. Supposedly it's unfinished but it seems to play well enough.
Another interesting unreleased title. This one has you heading up several mountains along forking paths, but there are bears, rockfalls and bad weather to hinder your progress. You also need to stock up on supplies before leaving, but taking too much will slow you down. Supposedly it's unfinished but it seems to play well enough.
Kool-Aid Man (1983)
Apparently, this VCS conversion was only available through a Kool-Aid promotion which doesn't bode well, and indeed, it's not a corker. You have to guide two children around a house collecting stuff while avoiding Kool-Aid creatures or something, but it's not much fun. I can't even say "stick to the drink!" as I've never had it.
Apparently, this VCS conversion was only available through a Kool-Aid promotion which doesn't bode well, and indeed, it's not a corker. You have to guide two children around a house collecting stuff while avoiding Kool-Aid creatures or something, but it's not much fun. I can't even say "stick to the drink!" as I've never had it.
Lady Bug (1983)
It probably doesn't look it from the rather ugly screenshot but this is actually a pretty decent version of the Pac-Man-inspired mazey arcade game. Just pootle around as the titular creature collecting the x's and avoiding the enemies with the help of twirly gates. Not as good as the Coleco version but still an addictive and fun game.
It probably doesn't look it from the rather ugly screenshot but this is actually a pretty decent version of the Pac-Man-inspired mazey arcade game. Just pootle around as the titular creature collecting the x's and avoiding the enemies with the help of twirly gates. Not as good as the Coleco version but still an addictive and fun game.
Land Battle (1982)
Yet another unreleased game. This one is some sort of strategy game for two players and features an overhead view of... some land. Which you... do battle on? Since it was unreleased and therefore doesn't have any instructions, I don't really have any idea what I'm meant to do if I'm honest. Might've been a good one though.
Yet another unreleased game. This one is some sort of strategy game for two players and features an overhead view of... some land. Which you... do battle on? Since it was unreleased and therefore doesn't have any instructions, I don't really have any idea what I'm meant to do if I'm honest. Might've been a good one though.
Las Vegas Blackjack and Poker (1979)
I guess it's pretty obvious what this one offers. I suppose it was aimed at the parents who has laid out all that cash for their kids to have an Intellivision. Why not have a spot of fun yourself too? I don't have any interest in blackjack or poker but this seems to play a reasonable enough version of them if you're into it.
I guess it's pretty obvious what this one offers. I suppose it was aimed at the parents who has laid out all that cash for their kids to have an Intellivision. Why not have a spot of fun yourself too? I don't have any interest in blackjack or poker but this seems to play a reasonable enough version of them if you're into it.
Las Vegas Roulette (1979)
Crikey, an even more gambley title. You may be surprised to hear that I don't have much interest in roulette either, but if you do it gives you comparable thrills at no risk of lost money! Well, besides what you paid for it, I guess. The table looks quite nice and it seems to play well enough though, so again, if it's your thing...
Crikey, an even more gambley title. You may be surprised to hear that I don't have much interest in roulette either, but if you do it gives you comparable thrills at no risk of lost money! Well, besides what you paid for it, I guess. The table looks quite nice and it seems to play well enough though, so again, if it's your thing...
League of Light (1983)
What's this? Another unreleased game? I had no clue what I was doing, to be honest, and didn't last long. I think you have to manoeuvre between an into-the-screen succession of coloured lights without crashing but, unless I'm missing something, it isn't enjoyable enough to spend too much time practising. It's original though!
What's this? Another unreleased game? I had no clue what I was doing, to be honest, and didn't last long. I think you have to manoeuvre between an into-the-screen succession of coloured lights without crashing but, unless I'm missing something, it isn't enjoyable enough to spend too much time practising. It's original though!
Lock 'N' Chase (1982)
Ah, another Pac-Man-style maze game - I was surprised to only see one so far! This one is an arcade and VCS conversion which has you as a bank robber trying to evade coppers while picking up all the coins in each maze, and helpfully you can open and close doors as you go. Prettier than Lady Bug but less responsive controls.
Ah, another Pac-Man-style maze game - I was surprised to only see one so far! This one is an arcade and VCS conversion which has you as a bank robber trying to evade coppers while picking up all the coins in each maze, and helpfully you can open and close doors as you go. Prettier than Lady Bug but less responsive controls.
Loco-Motion (1982)
And now another sliding-tile puzzle game! This one is quite nice actually - you have to keep a train running on the tracks and also guide it around collecting passengers by using the different tile pieces to change its route. Keep them happy or they'll make life difficult for you! A very decent conversion of the Konami arcade game.
And now another sliding-tile puzzle game! This one is quite nice actually - you have to keep a train running on the tracks and also guide it around collecting passengers by using the different tile pieces to change its route. Keep them happy or they'll make life difficult for you! A very decent conversion of the Konami arcade game.
Left out on purpose: Deadly Dogs (just TRON but with hot dogs), Game Factory (unreleased eductional game), Go For the Gold (compilation of games already released), Jetsons' Ways With Words, The (education), Learning Fun 1 & 2 (educational)
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