Backgammon: Atari Archive Episode 30

I love how even a game like backgammon has a story that is so interesting back in the early days of game history.

You're nearing the end of Atari's monopoly on the VCS/2600. Soon we're going to start seeing games from other companies.

Next time you need help tracking down video footage of O² or Videopac games, let me know. I'm a moderator of a O² Facebook group and I could likely get you in touch with someone who can help.
I really enjoy this series. Keep up the great work!

I just got into Backgammon with my girlfriend after we found a nice set at a yard sale (it’s all contained in it’s own briefcase). It’s a really fun and fast game and I’d love to get my hands on the Atari version now.

Seems like everybody who has never took the opportunity to learn Backgammon seems to like it.

Who the hell was still buying Atari 2600 Backgammon in the late 80s lol.


Old people maybe?

I find the bit about the European Odyssey2 version downright fascinating. It's like Kirby 3's clouds or the Sonic waterfall taken as far as possible... for Backgammon.

Excellent video! I just discovered your channel and I've been watching all the videos. Lots of good information on these games!

Wow, covering Channel F, APF, and Bally Backgammon games - bravo!

The boxart for Backgammon is way better than it deserves to be.

My goodness, the hours I sent on this game!

Blue Atari Logbook challenge: Play game 3 with difficulty switch on A. (There's a misprint in the logbook saying B, but that's not a play-mode, but for setting up pieces, as he said in the video.)
Pro (Good): Win 5 out of 8.
Master (Gifted): Win 6 out of 8.
Wizard (Ace): Win 7 out of 8.

I'm not sure when or where I got this. Only a few games at the thrift store had manuals with them, and this one was printed in black & white and said 1986. But it was after I learned to play on a board as a teen. In any case I had a hankering to play, hooked it up and made Wizard by winning 10 in a row in 2008. This game also often has "Special Edition" on the box, and I'm thinking that with Casino and Superman, that might indicate 4K ROM games.