The festive Willy Beamish post

Well, dear readers and retro gamers, there is something I must confess. I've always believed Willy Beamish to be the ultimate New Year's Eve game and still feel nostalgic when it comes to this amazing point-and-clicker (especially when it's combined with 50s music). Why? It's a big story really, so I guess I will link to this auction for The Adventures of Willy Beamish instead. It's the complete boxed PC (5.25" floppy) version that even includes the hintbook. Seller only ships within the US. Oh, and if you grab this one for less than 30-35$, be sure you've made an excellent buy.

As for the game itself, well, it was developed by Dynamix and published by Sierra in 1991 and was thus visually stunning, smart, polished and relatively difficult. The game still remains excellent fun and them cartoon graphics really aged gracefully. Read more about Willy Beamish here, here and here.

Oh, and a happy 2011 everyone! Expect many exciting Retro Treasures excitements for said shiny new year, but more on these in a few days. 

Bomberman Wars (Saturn)

A little something for your Sega Saturn: Bomberman Wars (at Play Asia). It's an obscure little offering that was released in 1998. Play it and let us know how the thing works.

Television Tennis by Executive Games

Television Tennis by Executive Games is one of the most obscure Pong machines I've ever encountered, and, though probably a rarity, a console that shouldn't be too expensive to grab. Have a look/bid at the thing via this Television Tennis auction. Seller ships worldwide.

Cannon Fodder for the Amiga

Merry Christmas everyone and here's a beautiful boxed copy of the glorious Cannon Fodder (Amiga) to help you fulfill your dirty consumerist needs. Seller ships worldwide. Mind you, this is a true Sensible Software masterpiece that effortlessly combines RTS mechanics with frenetic action, beautiful graphics, an anti-war message and amazing level design.

Texas Instruments TI99/4A

Back in 1981 when your truly was really -really- young Texas Instruments released its early 16-bit computer: the TI99/4A; the follow up to the not particularly successful TI99/4 that improved on its graphics capabilities, added more than a few extras and shipped with a proper high quality keyboard. Having owned this wonderful machine for over 25 years, I just can't recommend it enough.

This TI99/4A bundle currently up for auction, seems like a great way to start your TI collection. You'll be getting the computer, 14 cartridges, 2 joysticks, the power cord, the RF adapter, the rare(-ish) Speech Synthesizer and quite a few manuals. Seller ships worldwide.

V-Tetris (Virtual Boy)

This will be a very straightforward post indeed. If you own a Nintendo Virtual Boy and care for a good retro puzzle game and/or a good version of Tetris you should grab V-Tetris from Play Asia. It's cheap and supposedly good.

R-Type (ZX Spectrum)

R-Type for the ZX Spectrum might have sounded like an overtly ambitious arcade conversion, but it -shockingly- turned out quite fantastic. The graphics are some of the best the Speccy had seen, the gameplay is pacey and faithful to the original and it even comes in a lovely, relatively rare big box. It's lovely and you can grab it here. Seller ships only within Europe.

Felix Dev System (Atari Jaguar)

I absolutely love discovering true rarities and this Felix Development System definitely qualifies as one. The Felix is a development system for the Atari Jaguar, and is incredibly rare as it was one of the first dev kits released for the console. Seller ships worldwide.

Automata's PIMANIA (ZX Spectrum)

This my dear retro-heads is one of the most unique pieces of software ever unleashed, and was quite obviously something that could only appear on the Speccy. Automata's Pimania (1982) is a surreal and downright obscure puzzle game masquerading as a text-adventure form that will really tax your brain. Grab it via this Pimania auction. Seller ships worldwide.

You can grab the game for use with an emulator and play it online thanks to the World of Spectrum, but you should first have a look here.

Commodore Amiga CD32

I'm this close to bidding on this rather brilliant Amiga CD32 bundle for it, err, is quite brilliant and can conveniently be shipped to N. and S. America, Europe, Asia and Australia. It contains a boxed CD32 console, eight games, some CDTV discs, demo discs and one -ahem- backup disc filled with games. 

PocketStation Crystal

The PocketStation, just like the Dreamcast VMU, was a very interesting idea on paper, that more or less flopped and thus never made it outside Japan. Shockingly though it does work with US and European versions of the console. The machine is a glorified memory card that -sporting a LCD screen and facebuttons- can play a variety of mini-games. Happily, there is one PocketStation Crystal still available over at Play-Asia.

Shockwave (Unreleased - C64/C128)

Unreleased games for the C64/C128 and most other 80s micros are always intriguing and Shockwave, the 1987 Commodore 64 unreleased game by The Edge, seems one of the most interesting specimens. This Shockwave auction will get you a disk apparently sporting the unreleased code of the game complete with a developer's note with instructions. Seller ships to N. and S. America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Atari Lynx II Lot

Most readers of this blog should be aware of the rather disturbing fact that I absolutely love the Atari Lynx (and it doesn't even know I exist). I actually own three of the things and almost 30 games and really feel it still is a great though not particularly portable console. This Atari Lynx II  auction seems like a great place to start. The console comes with four games, the multiplayer allowing ComLynx Cable, the External Battery Pack, the official Screen Visor, a car charger, a carrying case and the -essential- power adapter. Seller ships worldwide. 

A boxed GameBoy collection

Well, this GameBoy auction is rarer than you'd think. Then again, besides the new and factory sealed original GameBoy, you'll also be getting the equally factory sealed Game Boy 4 Player Adapter, the Game Boy Rechargeable Batter Pack, Game Boy Printer, a Game Boy Color and the Game Boy Cleaning Kit. Seller ships only within the US.

Shiny Acorn A3000

The Archimedes A3000 is a beautiful 16-bit machine and one of the most powerful home micros of its time. What's more you can actually bid on a lovely A3000 on eBay. Seller ships only to UK addresses, but I guess that does make sense, as the computer comes complete with a 14" monitor, a mouse and an excellent selection of boxed and rather classic games that includes Flashback, Lemmings and Chuck Rock.

A Famicom with a Keyboard

What you see above and can grab via eBay is a proper Japanese Famicom with a lovely Famicom Keyboard and two joypads. Apparently the thing has never been tested, but as the seller allows for returns this shouldn't be a problem. Oh, and the bundle can be shipped worldwide too.

Monkey Island Bounty Pack(s)

The Monkey Island Bounty Pack, the excellent compilation of the first three Monkey Island games in a huge and rich box, might be relatively rare, but it does seem that Amazon.co.uk has a few copies of the thing left. I suggest you all have a look.

Impressive Infocom Collection

A starting bid of 2,500$ is rather steep but the jaw dropping Infocom Collection that has appeared on eBay might just be worth it. It is after all huge, sports over a dozen rare games, 50 or so Infocom titles in a variety of version, a copy of Starship Titanic, the relatively recent Zork games by Activision, a selection of Invisiclues, 10 sealed copies of the C64 version of Zork I, more games, more rarities and those hard to find choose-your-own-adventure books Infocom published. Oh, and the auction page is filled with beautiful photos of everything on offer. Seller ships worldwide.

NES Console Bundle

This Nintendo NES auction will most probably be a great chance to start a NES collection for retro gamers worldwide. Not only will you be getting the console itself, a light-gun two controllers and six games, but one of these games will be none other than the brilliant and relatively obscure Solar Jetman. The only drawback is that the AV cable is missing, but you can easily find those on eBay and Amazon.

Interplay Battle Chess (Amiga)

Browsing around Amazon can be quite surprising and at times delightful. Here, for example, is the lovely Amiga version of Interplay's Battle Chess. Have a look.

Six Apple II Games

Actually, make that five sealed, boxed Apple II games and one sealed, boxed Apple II GS graphics utility all available via one handy auction. The collection includes three excellent Infocom text adventures (Hollywood Hijinx, Deadline and Ballyhoo), two submarine sims and Top Draw. Seller ships worldwide.

Day of the Tentacle Toblerone Box

Day of the Tentacle (Lucasarts, 1993) is a beautiful and unsurpassed adventure game created by the Tim Schafer and Dave Grossman with a little help from Ron Gilbert. It also happens to be the sequel to Gilbert's groundbreaking Maniac Mansion. Though the game itself isn't particularly rare, its triangular toblerone-shaped boxed version -the one you see above- has been known to sell for over 500$. It's rare. And beautiful. Also, I own a copy which I adore, though you too dear friends can follow the link to this Day of the Tentacle auction and join our happy club. Seller ships worldwide.

Donkey Kong Game & Watch

Donkey Kong, or to be precise its Game & Watch conversion, is one of my all time favourite handheld games and still plays a mean, brilliant and highly addictive game. Trust me and bid on this Donkey Kong G&W which might just not get as pricey as these things get. Seller ships only to US and Canadian addresses.  

Boxed Sinclair ZX81

The first truly popular, truly affordable and good looking British micro that was also capable of playing some truly classic games was none other than the Sinclair ZX81; the Spectrum's daddy. Oh, and you can grab one (probably) for cheap via this boxed ZX81 eBay auction. Seller ships worldwide.

Elite (ZX Spectrum)

We all know that the Speccy never really had a chance at offering the best version of Elite, but we must also admit that, though slightly slow, this port is quite excellent. Probably one of the best Spectrum games ever too (according to Retro Gamer mag at least). So, uhm, you'll be happy to know that this boxed Elite has hit eBay. The game comes complete with novella, instructions, keymap, poster and Lenslock. Seller -wisely- ships worldwide.

Oh, and lacking a Spectrum, you can always find out more about Elite and grab a variety of free copies of the thing via the site one of its creators has created: The Elite Homepage.

Nintendo Snoopy Table Top

I might only own Nintendo's Popeye mini-arcade, but I've wasted quite a few hours of my childhood playing the excellent Snoopy Table Top by Nintendo. It never occurred to me back then that it would eventually turn into a collector's item. You can grab a boxed version of Nintendo's Snoopy via eBay. Seller will ship to most places excluding roughly 120 countries (!).

Atari Home Pong

The Atari Pong, the first consumer product of the legendary company and a huge hit during the holiday season of 1975, is a beautiful vintage console, that will shockingly let you play Pong on your very own TV! Imagine that. You can find out more about it here and here and try to grab a complete boxed version of the thing via this Vintage Atari Pong System auction. Seller ships only within the US.

Shadow of the Beast (Big Box)

The impressive and rather stunning big box of the Shadow of the Beast for the Amiga is quite a rare site these days. Not ridiculously rare mind, but this Amazon Beast listing was all I managed to find after a week searching eBay and a few other sites. It comes complete with that classic free T-shirt too.

Telegames Personal Arcade (a.k.a. DINA 2-in-1)

The Telegames Personal Arcade, the US version of Bit Corporation's DINA 2-in-1, is an obscure and pretty rare machine. To be absolutely frank, I had never heard of the thing till Retro Treasures stalwart Ion Myke let me know of his latest eBay discovery: a boxed Telegames Personal Arcade (seller ships only to US addresses). Oh, and if you're still wondering what the console is all about, well, it can play both ColecoVision and Sega SG-1000 (most of them), was released back in 1986 and looks rather nice too.

Amiga CD32 & games

Provided you live in the UK (or have someone there to buy your retro stuff for you) this lovely Amiga CD32 lot that recently hit eBay should be of interest. Not only will you be getting the consolized, CD-sporting version of Commodore's 32-bit A1200 complete with two controllers and all necessary bits, but also a fine collection of games including the excellent Chaos Engine, Diggers, Wing Commander, Heimdall, Litil Divil and Simon the Sorcerer.

Milton Bradley Microvision & games

The first cart-based handheld console was released back in 1979 by Milton Bradley and it was no other than the rather legendary Microvision. To try and grab the lovely handheld console, you could give this US only Microvision eBay auction a go. The console seems quite perfect in its condition and comes with 5 boxed games (Cosmic Hunter, Baseball, Star Trek Phaser Strike, Pinball and Connect Four) and an unboxed copy of Blockbuster. 

War in the Middle Earth (CPC)

If you are looking for an excellent real-time strategy game for your CPC look no further. War in the Middle Earth can be grabbed via eBay for less than four pounds. Seller ships worldwide, and the game is both an innovative strategy offering and incredibly faithful to Tolkien's work. 

Wonder Boy in Monster World II (GG)

Wonder Boy in Monster World II might not be the cheapest Game Gear game you can grab, but Play Asia have just slashed its price, so, well, now might just be the time to grab a copy; actually make that one copy, as there only seems to be one available. It still is a lovely and very Sega platformer mind. 

Sega's SG-1000 in a lovely box

Ion Myke, a true Retro Treasures regular, has discovered an expensive little something for the SEGA fans among you. It's this very complete, very working and possibly overpriced SEGA SG-1000 console in its very lovely box. The seller is based in Japan and is willing to sell worldwide. As for the console, well, it's a beauty in what seems like a very good condition. And if you're still wondering what a SG-1000 is all about, click here.

Zork I (Atari 48k)

As classic a text adventure as classics get. The original Zork by Infocom has once again appeared on eBay, though this time it comes boxed and in its Atari 8-bit version. The game comes complete with manual, map, disk, hint book, reply card, reference card and Infocom poster. Seller ships to Europe, United States, Australia and Canada.

SEGA Mega Jet

The SEGA Mega Jet, a slightly portable version of Megadrive/Genesis that was designed for airplane use, is a rare and highly sought-after 16-bit Sega collectible. You can find more about it here and here, and -better yet- you can try and grab a boxed SEGA Mega Jet via eBay. Seller ships to United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, Australia, and Mexico.

Vectrex Protector

Felt you had to bid on something lovely, rare and expensive? How very nice, for here is your chance to grab a boxed Protector for the Vectrex. The cartridge and box are apparently in excellent shape. Oh, and do expect to spend a few hundred dollars on this one. 

The NES Collection

The humble Nintendo NES might not be the most exotic console ever glimpsed, but it definitely is one every collector and retro gamer should own. Especially when it comes with four controllers, 2 light-guns and 43 games that include Super Mario Bros. 3, Ninja Gaiden, Dr Mario, Super Off Road and Tecmo Super Bowl. Said NES lot can be grabbed via eBay. Seller ships only within the US.

ZX Spectrum +2 Action Pack

I keep forgetting that Amazon still has the odd treasure hidden somewhere within its huge site. This tasty boxed Spectrum +2 is a most impressive example, especially considering just how shiny its box looks. Also, I do believe the Amstrad produced Spectrum +2 Action Pack is the ideal bundle for the Spectrum gamer, what with it offering 128k of RAM, a built-in cassette deck, decent sound, a joystick, a light-gun and some decent games. 

A Japanese Commodore 64

Retro Treasures super-reader Boris strikes again with the discovery of this amazing, boxed and quite rare Japanese version of the Commodore 64 on eBay. You know, the one with the lovely Japanese character set that failed to battle the MSX. Oh, but you can find more about it here.

The Retro Treasures Classifieds

Have you noticed that lovely contact us! link on the sidebar of Retro Treasures? Well, you can now use it to sell your classic console, computer or games, as this very blog has just introduced its latest cunning plan: Classifieds. Just mail your ad, contact info and at least one photo and Retro Treasures will publish it. Free of charge obviously. The point after all is to help the retro gaming community exchange stuff without having to pay those eBay (or other) royalties... Hope you all like and support the idea!

Metropolis Street Racer (Dreamcast)

MSR, Metropolis Street Racer, for the Sega Dreamcast caused many a jaw to drop 10 years ago and, impressively, still looks great. It plays even better than that -MSR is among my five most played DC games- and you can grab it for the ridiculous price of £1.49 via rewind.

Original Night Trap Artwork

Night Trap might not have been a particularly brilliant FMV game, but it certainly did have its moments; yes, beside the hilarious acting and silly plot. Oh, and it caused quite a controversy too. Anyway, all you have to do to grab a piece of its semi-naughty artwork is follow this link to some Night Trap art @ eBay. Seller ships only within the US.

Katzmedia Pippin

If you thought Apple's failed attempt at a Power PC based console was rare, wait till you see the truly rare and beautifully black Katzmedia version of Pippin. Then try to imagine the rarity of this Katzmedia Pippin developer unit that has surfaced on eBay and was discovered by Retro Treasures veteran reader Boris. Seller ships to N. and S. America, Europe, Asia and Australia.