The Top 10 First Party Atari 2600 Shooter Games

 

When people think of classic video game consoles, the Atari 2600—originally known as the Video Computer System (VCS)—almost always springs to mind. Released in 1977, this legendary system helped popularize home gaming, setting the stage for everything that followed. Long before modern-day shooters dominated our screens, Atari was creating early examples of the genre, right in your living room. In my latest YouTube video, I take you back to that golden era with a countdown of the Top 10 First-Party Shooters for the Atari 2600—that’s right, only official Atari releases, no Activision, Imagic, or Parker Brothers this time! So, no Demon Attack or River Raid!

These first-party titles are still incredible fun to play day, brimming with innovation, intensity, and surprising variety. The video walks through some true greats—like the unforgettable Missile Command, a nuclear nightmare of twitch reflexes and edge-of-your-seat defense, and Yars’ Revenge, arguably the system’s most imaginative shooter, which combines colorful visuals, coded backstory, and an almost hypnotic gameplay loop. Not to mention, it was the best-selling original Atari game for the system (not based on an arcade game).

But that’s just scratching the surface. The countdown features ten titles, ranked from #10 to #1, highlighting not just the classics but also a couple of slightly deeper cuts you might have missed. These are the games that pushed the limits of what the 2600 could do—technically, creatively, and gameplay-wise—offering everything from fast-paced action to arcade-style thrills.

If you're a longtime collector, a nostalgia-chaser, or a younger gamer who is simply curious about what Atari was doing when it owned the home gaming industry, this is a must-watch. I bring the perspective of a retro historian and lifelong fan to each pick—and yes, I expect some debate!

Watch the full countdown on YouTube by clicking HERE.

Did I overlook your favorite Atari-published shooter? Was your personal #1 ranked too low? Let’s talk shop in the comments—because celebrating gaming history is even better when we do it together.

Inside Pins Mechanical Co: Austin’s Best Retro Arcade with Free Games, Pinball, and Bowling

 

Looking for the best retro arcade in Austin, Texas? Join us for a full tour of Pins Mechanical Co., a standout destination for classic gaming, pinball action, and family fun. In this video, we explore one of the coolest arcades in Austin, featuring a massive lineup of free-to-play retro arcade games like Donkey Kong, Super Pac-Man, Gauntlet, Asteroids, Mario Bros., Popeye, and Kangaroo. My wife Charis shows off her Centipede skills, my son jumps into Kangaroo, and even beats us on the Elton John pinball machine.

Pins Mechanical offers a deep selection of modern and vintage pinball machines, including X-Men, Pulp Fiction, Scared Stiff, The Mandalorian, The Godfather, Iron Maiden, Guns N’ Roses, Hot Wheels, Looney Tunes, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Pinballs cost $1 per play, while all arcade games are free. Even better, the quarters you do spend benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, combining gaming with a great cause.

But the fun doesn’t stop with games. Pins also features duckpin bowling, arcade basketball, patio pong, and foosball. There’s a retro-styled lounge setup that looks like a 1970s–90s living room—complete with working NES and Sega Genesis consoles you can actually play. It’s the perfect spot to sit back, sip a cocktail, and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere.

Don’t miss me shooting hoops and taking on the strength meter—will I ring the bell or come up short? Whether you're a retro gaming collector, pinball wizard, or just visiting Austin with family or friends, Pins Mechanical is a must-visit arcade and bar experience.

Watch the full video now to see what makes Pins Mechanical Co. in Austin, TX one of the most unique arcades in the country. Be sure to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if you’ve been to this amazing place—or are planning to go!

#AustinArcade #PinsMechanical #RetroGaming #PinballAustin #FamilyFunAustin #ArcadeTour #DonkeyKong #NESGaming #AustinTexasAttractions

I Was DEAD WRONG about the Nintendo Game Boy

 

When the original Nintendo Game Boy launched in 1989, I’ll admit—I didn’t see what the big deal was. In fact, I made a whole YouTube video recently talking about just how wrong I was. You can watch the video by clicking HERE.

During the early 1990s, I preferred the Sega Game Gear. It had a larger, full-color, backlit screen, a more comfortable form factor, and seemed like the obvious choice for anyone who wanted a handheld gaming experience. In comparison, the Game Boy felt underpowered, with its greenish monochrome display and no backlight. I figured it was only a matter of time before it faded away and its games hit clearance bins.

But history, of course, had other plans.

What I failed to appreciate back then was the genius of Nintendo’s approach: the Game Boy was affordable, durable, and, most importantly, fun. The battery life crushed the Game Gear’s, and the killer app—Tetris—was an instant classic. It appealed to gamers of all ages and quickly made the Game Boy a cultural touchstone. Even as more powerful competitors came and went, the Game Boy held its ground. It was hard to compete with Nintendo’s excellent marketing and their killer first-party titles.

It wasn’t until the late 1990s that I had a change of heart. When the Super Game Boy was released, it gave me a fresh perspective—I finally saw those tiny cartridges on a big screen and in color, and it completely changed how I viewed the system. From that point on, I started playing and collecting for the console, discovering just how rich and varied the Game Boy’s library truly was—The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Kirby’s Dream Land, Donkey Kong, interesting ports of Mr. Do!, Dig Dug, and Miner 2049er, a Star Trek-themed side-scrolling shooter, and way too many others to mention.

Looking back, the Game Boy wasn’t a technological marvel—it was a triumph of design, software, and smart business decisions. It redefined portable gaming and left a legacy that still resonates today. And yeah… I was way off. Until the Super Game Boy arrived…

Happy Jaws 50th Anniversary YouTube Video - Incredible Movie, Game, Book, Toy & More Collection

 

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Jaws, we’re excited to share something truly special—a video of my son’s absolutely AMAZING Jaws collection, built over many years with passion, dedication, and a deep love for the legendary shark film franchise. [Click HERE to watch].

Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, released in 1975, was a groundbreaking cinematic event that forever changed the film industry. Adapted from Peter Benchley’s best-selling novel, the story of a great white shark terrorizing the small beach town of Amity Island gripped audiences and became the first true summer blockbuster. Its suspenseful direction, unforgettable score by John Williams, and iconic performances by Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss made it an instant classic—and sparked a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today.

My son’s collection is a jaw-dropping tribute to that legacy. It includes everything from Benchley’s original hardcover novel to rare vintage magazines, action figures, and View-Master reels that bring scenes from the movie to life in 3D. You’ll also see original theatrical posters from Jaws 3 and Jaws: The Revenge, vinyl records, laserdiscs, paperbacks, and even an Atari 2600 homebrew game.

One highlight is a PS2 copy of Jaws Unleashed—signed by the Angry Video Game Nerd, a beloved figure in retro gaming circles. Each piece in the collection tells a story, and in the video, my son shares how he found many of these treasures, from used book stores to major department stores.

We’ve even included vintage photos of him as a young child, already obsessed with sharks and Spielberg’s masterpiece. His passion has only grown stronger over the years.

Whether you're a die-hard Jaws fan, a movie memorabilia enthusiast, or just love a great collector's story, this is a must-watch.

🎬 Stay tuned till the very end for a special surprise you won’t want to miss!

🦈 Happy 50 Years of Jaws!

Fan Expo Dallas 2025: A Pop Culture Powerhouse with an Unbelievable Celebrity Lineup

Fan Expo Dallas 2025 is right around the corner, and from the looks of the guest list, it’s shaping up to be an awesome weekend. As always, the show is bringing together fans of comics, sci-fi, superheroes, classic TV and film, and everything in between. I’ll be there covering it all for AntiqueWeek, my YouTube channel, and my social media platforms, so if you’re planning to attend, be sure to track me down.

One of the biggest highlights this year is the Back to the Future reunion, which is going to be a real treat. Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, Claudia Wells, James Tolkan, Harry Waters Jr., Donald Fullilove, and even Huey Lewis will be there. It’s rare to see this many cast members in one place—and yes, that means photo ops, autographs, and probably a lot of folks quoting “Great Scott!” all weekend long.

And the guest list just keeps going. It’s stacked with familiar faces from across pop culture:

Action icons and wrestling legends like Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren will be in attendance, bringing plenty of throwback energy for fans of '80s cinema. John Cena, now a Hollywood staple as well as a wrestling champ, will also be making an appearance.

On the sci-fi and beyond front, Star Wars fans can look forward to meeting Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and John Boyega (Finn). The Lord of the Rings crowd will be excited to see Orlando Bloom, and Walton Goggins—whose work spans everything from Justified to The Hateful Eight to the recent Fallout series—is another solid addition. LOVE him in Righteous Gemstones!

Fans of superheroes and teen-era favorites are covered, too. Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum—Clark Kent and Lex Luthor from Smallville—are both confirmed. There’s also a nice lineup of '90s and early 2000s film stars like Alicia Silverstone, Heather Graham, Heather Locklear, and Parker Posey, whose careers defined a generation of coming-of-age classics and cult hits.

Comic book fans have plenty to get excited about as well, with big-name creators like Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley, Clayton Crain, and Alessandro Cappuccio, among others, appearing at the show. Whether you're into Batman, Spawn, Invincible, or Moon Knight, there's going to be something to geek out over at Artist Alley.

On a personal note, I’m really looking forward to meeting Seth Green and David Boreanaz. As a longtime Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, that’s definitely high on my list. And my wife, Charis, is hoping to meet Steve Guttenberg—she’s always had a soft spot for the Police Academy and Short Circuit star, and I can’t say I blame her.

Gamers aren’t left out, either—Garrett Hedlund from Tron: Legacy will be there, which is exciting. I’m hoping he’ll talk a bit about his experience in the Grid.

Beyond the star-studded guest list, Fan Expo Dallas is always a great place to explore. The vendor room is one of my favorite parts of the show. Whether I’m hunting for collectibles for my personal stash or items to resell in my antique mall booth, there’s always something interesting to find. From vintage games, toys, and comics to original art to trading cards and oddball treasures, it’s easy to lose a few hours just browsing.

There will also be cosplay photo ops, Star Wars-themed events (lightsaber battles included), and appearances from top video game voice actors. Add in panels, Q&As, and fan meetups, and it’s the kind of weekend where you’ll wish you had more time just to take it all in.

If you’re going to be there too, I’d love to connect. I’ll be sharing updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the weekend on all my channels. Keep an eye out—there’s no telling who we might run into.

See you in Dallas!

Texas Frightmare Weekend 2025: The Ultimate Horror Convention Returns!

 

If you’re a horror fan, there’s no better place to be than Texas Frightmare Weekend, one of the largest and most legendary horror conventions in the nation. Now in its 16th year, this event has solidified itself as the Southwest’s premier horror convention, drawing in fans from all over for a weekend packed with celebrities, vendors, panels, and all things macabre.

This year’s lineup is absolutely stacked, featuring Bruce Campbell, Ti West (I LOVE the X trilogy!), Lauren LaVera, Linda Blair, Sybil Danning, and Tom Savini, among many others. I’m especially looking forward to meeting Kevin Dillon—I’ve been dying to ask him about his experiences working on The Blob remake and The Doors, one of my all-time favorite movies. Another highlight? Jack Osbourne will be there, and I’m hoping to share a fun piece of personal history with him. Back in 1986, I met his dad, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, and even asked him if he wanted to play Pac-Man! I still have the photo, and I can’t wait to see Jack’s reaction when I show it to him.

Of course, no horror convention experience is complete without diving into the vendor’s room, which is always my favorite part of any show. This is where the true gems are found—vintage horror collectibles, rare VHS tapes, posters, t-shirts, books, toys, and more. I’ll be on the hunt for some unique treasures while also recording footage for my YouTube channel and taking notes for my upcoming article in AntiqueWeek. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding a rare horror relic or an obscure movie collectible that you never knew you needed until you saw it.

Between the celebrity meet-and-greets, the incredible vendor hall, the film screenings, and the energy of being surrounded by fellow horror fans, Texas Frightmare Weekend 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable event. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or a first-timer, this convention is truly a celebration of all things horror. See you there—just don’t forget to check behind you… you never know what might be lurking in the shadows!

Texas Frightmare Weekend - March 23-25

Irving Convention Ctr

500 West Las Colinas Blvd Irving, TX 75039

Texas Pinball Festival 2025 Walkthrough Tour - Rare Pinballs and Arcade Games

 

If you’ve never been to the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas, you’re seriously missing out on one of the most electric, nostalgia-packed events in the state. Held this year from March 21–23, the festival once again transformed the Embassy Suites Convention Center into a buzzing, blinking wonderland of classic and modern pinball machines and arcade cabinets—and yes, I was there, camera in hand.

If you want a full look at what this amazing event has to offer, I’ve got two walkthrough videos I highly recommend checking out. One focuses entirely on the arcade games, featuring everything from rare oddities to fan-favorite coin-ops. The other is a deep dive into the pinball lineup, showing off just how many machines you can actually play at the show—no quarters needed.

This year’s festival was packed wall to wall with pinball greatness. Among the many standouts were Star Trek, Star Wars, KISS, Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, and Super Mario Bros.—I love video game-themed pins. The lights, sounds, and gameplay brought these iconic licenses to life in ways that only pinball can. And that was just the classics! They also had some fantastic modern tables like X-Men, Elton John, and Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye, which drew massive crowds and proved that the art of pinball is still very much alive.

But it wasn’t just about flippers and multiballs. The coin-op arcade selection this year was extremely interesting, including several machines I had never seen in person before. One of the highlights for me was stumbling upon a machine that holds a special place in my heart—the very first arcade video game I ever played. Sure, it got crowded at times, especially Saturday afternoon, but this just shows how popular pinball has gotten in recent years.

Whether you’re a die-hard pinball wizard, a retro arcade fan, or just someone looking for a blast of nostalgia, the Texas Pinball Festival delivers. And for those who couldn’t make it this year, my walkthrough videos will give you the next best thing. It’s an experience I look forward to every year—and if you love classic gaming, you owe it to yourself to check it out.