technabob » asteroids

rom check fail!… retro arcade games go berzerk

technabob — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:44:16 +0000

Have you ever loaded up a retro arcade game with MAME, only to be greeted with an error message about those bad ROMs you downloaded 2 years ago? Well one enterprising developer decided to take that idea and actually turn it into a game.

The chaos that ensues in ROM CHECK FAIL! is one that really needs to be seen to be understood, but basically, the virtual arcade machine starts out with a failed startup sequence, and proceeds to land you in a warped 8-bit game mashup, where worlds continuously collide.

One second, you’re controlling Mario as he navigates the Mushroom Kingdom, and the next minute Pac-Man is getting killed by tumbling Asteroids. To give you a better idea of the mayhem, here’s a video clip of the game in action:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

This is truly a must-try for anyone who loves retro gaming. You can grab both Windows and Linux installers for ROM CHECK FAIL! over at Farbs.org. See if you can spot all of the different classic games that are packed into this crazy thing.

[thanks for the tip, John!]

8-bit video game neckties probably won’t pass as formalwear

technabob — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:35:32 +0000

I’ve made it my goal in life to never have another job where I have to wear a suit and tie to work. But if I ever find myself in that situation again, I know exactly what I’m showing up to the office wearing around my neck.

These retro video gamer ties are perfect for making a statement when you don’t want to wear the boring old blue tie that you’ve got sitting in your dresser drawer. Wild Ties makes these neckties in Tetris, Pong, Space Invaders or Asteroids versions so you’re covered whether you’re looking for something colorful, or would rather go with something more minimal and monochromatic.

All four retro game ties are available over on Amazon for $24.95 (USD) each. And if you’re looking for a more generic 8-bit tie, there’s you can always try this one on for size.

asteroid lamp hits living rooms: activate hyperspace!

technabob — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:30:21 +0000

Pay tribute to one of classic arcade games of all time with these Asteroids-inspired lighting fixtures.

Each lamp is comprised of 24 facets, each slightly different in size and shape – which makes them look really cool when placed in multiples and set on different sides. They measure about 12″ in diameter and about 11.5″ high and their unique design allows them to be used as a floor or table lamp, or even hung from the ceiling as a pendant (with an optional kit).

Designer Koray Ozgen of UK lighting maker Innermost initially created a hand-blown glass version of the Asteroid lamp, but realized that a durable plastic model would be ideal for use indoors our out.

Until recently, the lamps were only available in the UK, but U.S. based DesignPublic has just started to carry the fixtures for $176 each. (damn, that’s a whole lotta quarters that I’ll need to save up!)

[via bltd]

asteroids coffee table blasts into hyperspace

technabob — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 18:52:51 +0000

If one of your fondest memories of youth is getting blisters on your fingers from zapping space debris and aliens, these most-excellent coffee tables belong in your living room.

Designer C. Macintosh (”Mac”) Morrison plans on creating a limited run of these tables (probably no more than 50 of them) for release sometime this Summer or Autumn. In addition to the Asteroids (aka “Storm”) design, Mac is working on a Space Invaders (aka “Invasion”) table as well.

The images shown above are early concept versions, and will likely change in the final production pieces. There’s no word on pricing yet, but I’ll post back with more details when I’ve got some.

[Mostly This via Wonderland]