Activision TV Games Video Game System
Toymax/Jakks Pacific
Ages 5 and Up

What It Is

If you are over 25 years of age, you probably remember all those great home game console system and computer titles of the early 1980's that had state-of-the-art graphics and fun, exciting themes (at least that) what we thought at the time.. You know, classic video games like...

Pitfall	Grand Prix
River Raid	Ice Hockey
Atlantis	Spider Fighter
Boxing	Crackpots
Tennis	Freeway

In reality, these now-ancient games did indeed revolutionize the home entertainment, as well as the computer, industries with their technology. And even though they look very dated by today's gaming standards, they still offer challenging, yet none-too-complicated, game play.

Well, you'll be happy to know that Toymax/Jakks Pacific has brought all of these titles back in a simple-to-use, portable gaming unit. The handheld game pad has all of the 10 games programmed into it, so no cartridges are necessary, and it connects to your TV by simply plugging the audio and video ends of the cable into the corresponding TV jacks. (Amazing how technological advancements in the last 20 years have pared down the once-bulky console units!) The game pad is fitted with two standard up-down-left-right cursors, as well as left and right "fire" buttons.

Why It's Fun

While you may think that some of the games may lean towards the boring side of gaming, titles like "Pitfall," "River Raid," and "Atlantis" are still pretty darn fun. Even "Freeway," can get that competitive streak out in hard core gamers. The fact that the game unit costs about 15 bucks and is portable is a real draw, as well.

Who's Going To Love It

Younger kids not familiar with the games popular in their parents' day will get a hoot out of Activision TV Games. The skill level required on all of the games is not so high that it will exclude even the youngest of video game enthusiasts. Heck, parents might just want to get this product simply for nostalgia's sake. As U.S. families increasingly have more TVs, this system also allows any TV to become a game unit easily and inexpensively.

What To Be Aware Of

These are not the graphics that most of today's players are used to. However, we continually find that today's kids care more about a good, entertaining, even if relatively simple, game than they do about the graphics. As with any games, the play is what makes it exciting and engaging. These are also a very good value for younger kids who might want to play games but who might not be ready for a console system.