In the realm of second-generation video game consoles, the Bally Astrocade stands out not just for its technology but also for its resilience. Released by Midway, the video arcade division of Bally, in 1977, the Astrocade’s life span stretched beyond the notorious video game crash of 1983/84, finally being discontinued in 1985.
The Astrocade’s Early Years
The Bally Astrocade’s initial release was met with enthusiasm, owing to its advanced capabilities compared to its contemporaries. However, Bally’s waning interest in the consumer technology sector led to the sale of this division in 1979. Despite this, the console managed to survive in a highly competitive market.
The Power of Astrocade’s Graphics
The Astrocade was renowned for its powerful graphics capabilities. Developers had to creatively exploit the system to access its full potential. This involved significant effort but resulted in some of the most visually impressive games of that generation.
Rebranding and Technical Evolution
In 1981, the console was rebranded as the Bally Computer System, and in 1982, it was renamed again to Astrocade. It was powered by a Zilog Z80 processor, which drove the display chip with a RAM buffer. This architecture was somewhat similar to how memory management was handled by the later Amiga systems.
High-Resolution Aspirations and Challenges
The Astrocade offered two resolutions: a low-resolution at 160 x 102 and a high-resolution at 320 x 204. However, realizing the high-resolution mode’s full potential was a challenge. The workaround involved reading a line at a time at high speed into a buffer within the display chip. This approach, while ingenious, was limited as the necessary pins for this high-resolution mode were not connected, making it practically unachievable.
The Blitter: Early Graphics Innovation
An interesting aspect of the Astrocade was its color capabilities, with access to 256 colors. While it didn’t include hardware sprite support, it used what could be considered an early blitter system, similar to that in the Amiga. This allowed for more efficient graphics rendering, contributing to its reputation for superior graphics.
The World of Astrocade Gaming
Games for the Astrocade were available through cartridges, with each cartridge containing two games. The console used a gun grip joystick, providing a unique gaming experience. Despite its limited library compared to giants like Atari, the games on the Astrocade showcased its graphical prowess and offered distinctive gameplay.
The Legacy of the Bally Astrocade
The Bally Astrocade’s story is one of innovation, challenges, and survival. While it didn’t achieve the legendary status of some of its peers, it remains a significant part of video game history. Its advanced graphics, unique design, and resilience through a turbulent period in gaming history make it a fascinating study for gaming enthusiasts and historians alike.
The Bally Astrocade’s journey from its launch to its post-crash survival is a testament to the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of video gaming in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It remains a beloved piece of gaming history, cherished by collectors and retro gaming fans around the world.
