Finally Got a Lynx!

[Xian042]

I wanted one of these ever since I saw one on the cover of Video Games & Computer Entertainment. I never had the cash to get one and I never knew someone who had one so I couldnt even try it. I finally snagged one on craigslist yesterday.

Its the older model, came with a screen visor, vinyl case, AC Adapter, and 5 games; Ms. Pacman, Blockout, Hockey, Electrocop, and Batman Returns.

I was pumped to finally have one, I took it home and plugged in. I knew generally what the games would look like, but I have to say I expected slightly better. At first glance it doesnt look any better than a Game Gear, they use a similar screen. But given some time the better quality of the hardware came though. Everthing looks VERY pixelated, but the detail was nice and played fast.

Ms. Pacman was already in the system so I played that first. It brought me back to my Atari 5200 days when my 2600 owning frineds would come over and I'd shove my version of pac-man in their faces. Now its a sub-par version of the classic, but plays well enough.

Next was blockout, this one played nice but I'll take the Genesis version any day.

I'm not a sports game fan so I didnt expect much from Hockey. But I was impressed at how fast and well the game played with so many pixels on screen at once. I found it hard to follow what was going on. I didnt know how but I found myself in a one on one fight. It was a nice touch but I got pummeled before I could figure out what was going on. Interesting but not for me.

Electrocop wouldnt work. From what I understand its one of the better games? I tried cleaning the contacts and sliding the game in and out to get a better connection. But I just get a title screen and it goes blank once I hit a button. Anyone know any tricks to get a Lynx game to work?

Last was Batman Returns. I bet there is an alternate universe where this game is good. I'd like to visit there sometime.

So all this came to $25. Not a bad deal I think. Any suggestions on what other games I should get? Are there any MUST play games?

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I wouldn't give up on cleaning the contacts on ElectroCop, it'll be worth it if you can get it to work.

I'd actually reccomend giving it an aggressive going-over with a Scotch Brite pad. I've rescued more than a few Lynx games that way.

Worst case scenario you get another copy of it in a nice Lynx lot. Lynx collecting is great as the games generally neither expensive or hard to find, and there are tons in the wild still sealed.

As far as reccomendations, there are plenty of threads here that have lists.

I'll make this rule of thumb - if it was an Atari arcade game, it's usually a phenominal port on the Lynx.

Xybots
Xenophobe
Road Blasters
Rampart
Hydra
Klax
STUN Runner
etc. etc.

[Xian042]

I'll make this rule of thumb - if it was an Atari arcade game, it's usually a phenominal port on the Lynx.

Xybots
Xenophobe
Road Blasters
Rampart
Hydra
Klax
STUN Runner
etc. etc.

Good to know! I was curious about STUN Runner, I loved the arcade game, and I didnt like the emulation on the Midway Collection. (why so FAST?) I know it wont look exactly like the arcade version but I hope it plays well.

[retro junkie]

I'll give a BIG thumbs up to STUN Runner! I have logged a lot of hours, and still do, on that game.

Try also,
KLAX
Checked Flag
Paperboy
Shanghai
Shadow of the Beast
Rygar (one of my favorites)
Toki
Crystal Mines II
Blue Lightning

There are a few others that I like, but I think it is only a matter of taste for anyone else, Gates of Zendocon, Zarlor Mercenary, Todd's Adventure in Slim World, & Super Skweek. I have even gotten into the Lynx version of Pit Fighter.

I have three of the Atari Lynx II, for back ups and multi playing. I keep my Lynx here at my desk for a quick pick up and play. Love my Lynx.

[MrSparkle]

Rampart is the only must have lynx game ive played so far. i have about 10 others hate it say it but they all pretty much suck lol.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Good to know! I was curious about STUN Runner, I loved the arcade game, and I didnt like the emulation on the Midway Collection. (why so FAST?) I know it wont look exactly like the arcade version but I hope it plays well.

It's 100% superior to the Midway Classics collection.

I'm still pissed at Digital Eclipse for the crap ass job they did of porting the arcade roms for the PS2 era collections.

[Xian042]

Thanks for the great replys guys.

By the way, Its not the older model I have, its the smaller Lynx II! Its still pretty darn big!

[LiquidPolicenaut]

Nice find, especially what you paid for it! I too have always wanted to own a Lynx and, more specifically, wanted some good opinons on Dracula for the Lynx...

[megasdkirby]

Try opening the Lynx and doing what I call a "deep scrubdown" make sure all those contacts are nice and shiny. Then try it again.

[retro junkie]

Thanks for the great replys guys.

By the way, Its not the older model I have, its the smaller Lynx II! Its still pretty darn big!

It's like holding a brick.

I like the feel of the games that is present in the Lynx. I really don't know why. There is a certain atmosphere there that appeals to me.