Last night some of us had the opportunity to try a game that was recently released on the PSN for a mere $9.99: Digger HD. Digger HD isn’t a new concept. In fact, years before it came to the PC known simply as: Digger. Digger was written by Rob Sleath and published by Windmill Software Inc. in 1983. However, in 1982 there were two similar arcade games that likely inspired this little gem: Dig Dug by Namco and Universal’s Mr. Do. More of the elements from Mr. Do are used in Digger but the game play is engaging and Digger HD is no exception. Loaded with multiple challenging levels and crazy alien tunnel-dwellers that chase you around, you attempt to collect as many gems as possible and smash your enemies with bags of money to complete each level. Each level changes the configuration of the base tunnels and gems.  Even later on the landscape changes from dirt to ice and so forth. For ten bucks, it’s worth the download–it’s a game all ages can pick-up easily.

After belaboring the the decision to move toward a modern portable system, I finally took the plunge last weekend and bought a DS.  The reason?  Well, there are several reasons I suppose–including the Space Invaders Revolution title that was so popular it was later rewritten for Xbox.  There are also a number of retro and neo retro titles that I’ve been interested in playing–and I suppose there maybe even a couple of New games I’m interested in too.  What finally tipped the proverbial scale were these two reasons:

• The Game & Watch collections that were exclusive to Nintendo Club Members.  The two available collections consist of 2-3 ports of the classic LCD series of games that Nintendo released before the first GameBoy arrived.  Much like the DS, they consisted of a pocket-sized portable with a D-Pad layout (usually with only a single action button) that folded open and revealed two LCD screens–one on the top and one on the bottom.
• I had always said I wouldn’t buy one until I could get it for less than $100.

I ended up purchasing a used Crimson-Red DS Lite from PnT in Savage for $89.  I also bought the Game & Watch Collection (Volume 1) that they had taken in.  It has Donkey Kong, Oil Panic and Green House.  The split screen on the DS really lends to the authenticity of the ported LCD classics.  They even went so far as to emulate the latent LCD images when the graphic is not being displayed.  And at the prices those original Game & Watch collectibles go for on eBay, this was a steal.

Oh and incidentally, Kevin–the owner at the PnT in Savage just hired a new store manager.  Those of you who remember Ryan from the Game Crazy/Hollywood Video that recently closed in Golden Valley–he’s now the store manager at the PnT in Savage!

I have a couple of questions though–and if you have a DS maybe you can help me out.  I’m trying to figure out if the lower screen is a lower resolution than the upper screen or if there is a problem with my DS.  The lower screen almost looks interlaced and is a little dimmer than the top screen.  I though this may be because the lower screen is a touch screen?  My other questions are: What are some of your favorite titles and where do you usually buy them?

Sega Dreamcast with Keyboard: $40 (Complete with 2 games) SOLD

• One Dreamcast
• Dreamcast Keyboard
• RF Cable, Composite/S-Video Cable
• Power Cable
• Two Controllers (No VMU)
• Rumble Pack
• Two Games: Sega Rally Championship 2 & Sega GT (no manuals, no original cases — I probably have a couple more I can throw in too.)

Commodore 64: $20 (Power supply and cables included)

Sega Genesis (Model 1) $20

• Complete
• RF Cable
• Two Controllers (will throw in third 6-button)
• 3 Games: Sonic 2, F-22 Interceptor and Hard Drivin’

Sony PS2 with wireless controllers.  $40

• Early model (not a slim) Complete with power cable.
• S-Video/Composite Cable
• 1 Dual Shock Controller
• Two Mint in package Wireless (RF) Logitech Controllers (The best controllers ever made for the PS2!)

Super Nintendo *SNES* (Ken Griffey, Jr. Presents Major League Baseball Edition) Complete in Box –matching serial number still on box. $150.00

• Complete with power and video cables.
• Box in Near Mint Condition
• No yellowing on console.  Still has factory stickers on it.

• Accessories
  • Came with one controller you get 4 (two Nintendo Licensed two third party controllers.)
  • Mint in Box: Game Boy Adapter — Allows you to play Game Boy Games on the SNES.
  • Superscope Gun by Nintendo (Looks like a rocket launcher)
  • Justifier Gun by Konami

• Games:
  • Ken Griffey, Jr. Presents Major League Baseball Game originally included with this SNES.
  • Hunt for Red October – Complete in Box (SuperScope)
  • Lethal Enforcers (Justifier)
  • Ms. Pac-Man
  • Vortex
  • Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures
  • Mint in Box: Metroid II (For use with the Game Boy Adapter included)

Lookin’ to move this stuff so pass it on.

That’s right.  Sega console lighters.  If you can read Japanese, you can buy it here!