Rack Em Commodore 64 – A Review of Gaming Nostalgia
As a lover of all things retro and vintage, the Rack Em Commodore 64 definitely stirred some excitement in me. Released in 1982, the Commodore 64 was one of the most popular home computers of its era, with a vast library of games that have become classics in the industry. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Rack Em Commodore 64 and how it stacks up as a retro gaming console in today’s modern age.
Design and Build
The Rack Em Commodore 64 has an unmistakable retro charm with its beige plastic casing, large keyboard and rainbow-colored logo. It’s a throwback to a simpler time in technology, and for gamers who grew up in the 80s, it’s a welcome sight. The build quality is solid, and there’s a reassuring weight to it that makes it feel substantial. The keyboard is responsive and tactile, with a satisfying click and tactile feedback.
One downside is that the Rack Em Commodore 64 is a bit of a space hog. It’s large and bulky, taking up more room than modern consoles, so you’ll need to have some dedicated space on your desk or shelf to accommodate it.
Setup and Performance
Setting up the Rack Em Commodore 64 is relatively easy, especially if you’re familiar with classic consoles. It comes with a power cord, AV cables and joystick, and you simply need to plug everything in and power it up. The console performs admirably, with graphics and sound that are reminiscent of classic arcade machines. The colors are bright and vivid, and the sound effects and music are catchy and memorable.
Game Library
Speaking of games, the Rack Em Commodore 64 has a massive library of titles to choose from, with over 17,000 games in its library. Many of these games are classics that have stood the test of time, such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. There’s something for everyone in the library, from platformers and shoot ’em ups to adventure and role-playing games.
One thing to note is that the Rack Em Commodore 64 doesn’t come with any games pre-installed. You’ll need to purchase them separately or find ROMs online to load onto the console. While this may be a turn off for some gamers, it’s also an opportunity to discover new titles and experiences that you may have missed out on in the past.
Connectivity
The Rack Em Commodore 64 comes with a variety of ports for connectivity, including AV output for connecting to a TV or monitor, a joystick port for gaming, and two cartridge ports for expanding the console’s library. While the AV output is limited to composite video, the video quality is still quite good and can be improved by using a higher-quality cable.
Price
At around $80-$100, the Rack Em Commodore 64 is definitely on the pricier side compared to other retro consoles. However, considering the massive library of games and the solid build quality, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious retro gamers.
Conclusion
All in all, the Rack Em Commodore 64 is a great retro gaming console for those looking for a blast from the past. With its large library of games, solid build quality, and nostalgic design, it’s a must-have for fans of classic gaming. While the price may be a bit steep, it’s a small price to pay for a window into gaming history.