I honestly want one of these so bad. From the design aesthetics to the well reviewed game experiences, it’s a nice change of pace to the normal paradigm of console/pc/retro devices
Yeah it feels like a tech company that’s less about being high-tech and more about actual product design. Instead of creating something that is packed with the most features, they just made something that was unique, fun, and enjoyable to use.
I saw Sonic 2 get ported to a TI-84 of some sort. Hell, people still make games for the C64. Yes, I got the right 64. If something can be gamed on, you get someone is going to make something.
The lack of a backlit screen completely kills my desire to get one of these- no matter how cool it is. Any time I pull out my old Gameboy Advance I’m instantly appalled by how difficult the screen is to view in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
The play date display is much more visible than a gba. I think it was designed to reflect (or maybe absorb?) light in a way that makes it more visible than older handhelds. You still need some light but not as much as you’d think compared to the gba.
Fully correct. The GBA was the most difficult handheld to see… so much so that people were voiding their warranty to turn a screw behind a sticker in back that could break your screen (or make things more visible)
I could never bring myself to do it, but got dang if I wouldn’t have loved being able to SEE ANYTHING IN CASTLEVANIA
It not having a backlight is much more interesting to me. It would be perfect during my migraine episodes.
The option of a light would be good though. But not as a backlight cause that will kill visibility when the light is off. A subtle frontlight would suffice. Or at least however kindles deal with it.
Playdate: 1 year later - 400+ Games! [15:39 | Apr 14 2023 | MetalJesusRocks] youtu.be/a1DNuB4PBY8
The Playdate handheld is a year old and now has over 400 games for it. Now that I’ve lived with it for a year, has my opinion changed? And what are some of the good new games for it?
Short Summary
Metal Jesus reviews the Playdate handheld, highlighting its unique design with over 400 games, an analog crank for gameplay, a black and white screen, and high build quality.
The device’s price has increased from $180 to $200.
A recent OS update introduced a game catalog for easier access to curated games.
Showcased games include “Grand Tour Legends,” a cycling game utilizing the crank for pedaling and energy management.
Other games mentioned are “Skew,” combining elements of Star Wars’ Trench Run with Flappy Bird, and “Real Steel,” where players control a thief collecting loot while avoiding traps.
“The Botanist” is a Sci-Fi visual novel with interactive sections and 3D effects, while “Carve Junior” offers complex controls in a snowboarding game.
“Legend of Etag” is described as an old-school Dungeon Crawler with grid-based movement and real-time combat.
“Crunky” is a simple yet addictive game focusing on left or right movement to collect points and survive.
“Fusion” involves managing a fusion reactor by strategically combining numbers to control objects in a chamber.
The speaker appreciates the Playdate’s storage capacity and simplicity but hopes for a backlit screen in future versions, viewing it as a niche product for those seeking a unique gaming experience.
Add comment