The History of Zaxxon - arcade console documentary

The history of the innovative isometric best-selling arcade game

[chrisnizer]

I remember how absolutely blown away we were seeing Zaxxon for the first time. It had everything: full color, great sound effects, kick-ass flight stick controller, awesome 3-D graphics. Definitely one of the all-time greatest classic arcade games ever made. Thanks for the video my friend, good stuff!

[dtsdigitalden]

This game blew my mind when I was a schoolkid, and I never managed to play it well. :)

[uncaringbear]

I'm very impressed that you included the TRS-80 Color Computer version of Zaxxon. The CoCo was a highly underrated computer for its time but it had some real gems, and Zaxxon was one of them. A lot of people consider that version of Zaxxon to be the best version of that era. Loved the video!

[ravenblade]

My brother worked at Toys r Us in 1983 and we somehow acquired Colecovision and Zaxxon was my second favourite after Time Pilot! This video makes me realize how fortunate we were and I can remember my dad's Trs-80 and my first Commodore 64 and Gorf, Man those were the days!

[bucksky]

The Colecovision version is my childhood! The only version I've ever known or will ever need. I was so happy when I discovered it on my Legends Flashback console!

[volvlov]

I loved the isometric view in Zaxxon. It was pretty difficult though.

[SuburbanFox]

Turns out even in the 1980s, they advertised games by showing fancy cut scenes and not the game itself. ;)

[thirdstar]

PatmanQC, I'm a new subscriber and I LOVE your work. Thank you for these! I am so happy that you were able to overcome so much and reconnect with your passions. We've all been through a lot, and I just wanted to say you are admired and very much appreciated. I can't wait to watch more of your videos. Excellent job on Zaxxon. I remember seeing that commercial, and it seemed so out of this world... when I finally came across a new machine in an arcade, it was intimidating, SO FUTURISTIC, LOUD and beautiful, it was overwhelming to my 9 year old senses... I begged mom for a quarter, which lasted 15 seconds. LOL! I was hooked tho- to this day, Zaxxon will always be one of my favorite games. I even have such memories of 2-hour delays because of snow, and playing the Atari 2600 version with a few friends, waiting for the bus to come, it still snowing outside. We were so lucky to have our childhoods in the 70s-80s, and now have that chance to look back on this magic!

[fatbatman]

Definitely one of my favourite Arcade game of all time, thanks for the great review Mr. PatmanQC I really enjoyed this one.

[Sinn]

At one point in time Zaxxon was my all time favorite arcade game. I was mesmerized by the isometric viewpoint and transitions from space to base. Of course that all ended the day Space Harrier and Afterburner dropped at my local arcade...they made Zaxxon look pedestrian at best. Sega will always be my absolute favorite arcade innovators. Sega did so much for us as a company that they will always have a special place in my heart.

[PtolemyJones]

I really enjoyed Xazzon. The use of the shadow to help you understand how high above the surface you were. I also enjoyed Tempest, which also had a 3d feel to it.

[DrScientistSounds]

Hey Patman, greetings from BC, Canada. Just wanted to thank you very much for your awesome videos, I grew up with these games like you and I love 'em. Much appreciated!

[jasonblalock]

5:11 Oh man, that is some amazing vintage CGI. No wonder the commercial cost so much, that was genuinely state-of-the-art in '82.

[SonnyGTA]

OH I just found your channel!!!! NOW I’ll have to watch ALL your videos! Looks like I’ll be calling out from work today! Thanks a LOT!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[bruth]

Just found your channel. These are well done. Such nostalgia thinking of my childhood. So much excitement back then.

[mrkengage]

Your video game mini-documentaries are fantastic as always! Keep up the great work, Pat!

[DavidKimFX]

4:59 YES! You included the awesome 3D computer animated commercial!!

[daneast]

I always appreciated the way this game looked, and I wanted to be able to play it well and enjoy it, but I just totally sucked at it. It was frustrating and I felt like if I closed my eyes and hoped for the best I'd end up better off. I guess others caught onto the perspective and had a feel for where the ship was in 3D space, but not me.

[gglian]

Great video that brings back great memories. My stomach and ribs are killing me from throwing up because of a stomach flu, and I laughed about ten times from your commentary, which made killer pain shoot through my rib cage. Thanks!

[spineknife]

I had to have been 5-6 when i 1st played this on the old 2600 and i was so proud of myself when i figured out how the height mechanic worked. Zaxxon was on heavy rotation at my house along with cosmic arc and track and field. Your videos bring up so many long forgotten memories. Thanks for making these things.