Prehistoric computer created in the early
80's by
Texas Instruments, used mainly as a
game console. The system connected onto the back of a
TV and consisted of a
keyboard and a slot in which to place
game cartridges.
TI produced several
generic games to go along with this system, such as
Munchman and
TI invaders, which were obviously based on
popular arcade games. The TI ripoffs, though
graphically inferior to their
Namco and
Atari counterparts, were more
creative and often had more
levels. Most games were impossible to beat, but could be "
flipped" back to level 1.
TI also created several great original games (
Hunt the Wumpus, for example), and even some
commercial games (
Burger Time, e.g.) were made for
TI use.
This "computer" was special in that you could program in your own video games. I only did this once, spending five hours punching in lines of code that dissapointingly resulted in this game where a stick figure bully chased a comma shaped victim through a row of periods. After that, I just stuck with the cartridges.
The TI Computer system showcased video games at their best. I recommend Parsec and Super Demon Attack as well as the games already mentioned. This was the only game console I owned for a great portion of my life.