Video Game Gazette
	Odyssey Archive
	In 1972 Magnavox released the Odyssey, the first home video game system. From its use of sparate cards to store games, to its two detachable controllers, the Odyssey laid the foundation for future game systems. It also has its unique aspects, such as its board game elements and screen overlays. These factors have made the system quite popular with retro video gamers, as well as vintage game players. Despite its popularity, you can still find systems for not much more than the $100.00 which the system originally cost in the 70s. The Odyssey is powered by 6 C batteries which were included with the system. It could also run on an optional 9-volt power supply. Like many early video game systems, it connects to your television via a special switch box. Unlike later systems, the odyssey does not connect to this box with a standard 'rca' type connector but rather with an 'audio jack' type plug. The box has wires that connect to the 300 OHM VHF screws on the back of the set. The system comes with two detachable controllers. The dial on the right side of the controller moves your sprite vertically. The large dial on the left side of the controller moves your sprite horizonatlly. The smaller dial puts 'english' on the sprite. There is a game reset button on the top. The original Odyssey came with 12 games. They are Table Tennis (PONG) Tennis Football Hockey Ski Submarine Cat and Mouse Haunted House Analogic Roulette States Simon Says The games were not built into the unit, but rather were progammed in game cards (like HUCards). Many of the games involve special screen overlays, decks of cards, and counters. In fact, some of the games use the same carts, but use different overlays. The games also function as the power switch for the unit. A second version of the Odyssey was released in 1974. It came with 10 games Analogic Hockey Simon Says Ski Soccer Submarine Table Tennis Tennis Volleyball Wipeout A handful of games were released for purchase separately. These include Baseball Basketball Brain Wave Fun Zoo Handball Invasion Interplanetary Voyage Percepts Volleyball Win Wipeout A shotgun was also released. It had four games: Dogfight Prehistoric Safari Shooting Gallery Shootout They used carts 9 and 10.