When TVs stopped using the 50htz setting, it was a loss to the video game industry. An amazing library of shooter games was rendered unusable as the light gun technology used to build them did not work on the 60 and 120htz TVs. Both classic console games and arcade games were lost to the annals of time because of this change.
However, in recent years, we have seen a massive increase in interest in retro games. This has led to companies building new systems that will work on modern TVs. Some of these systems adapt to the 60htz base, some have other options. But a new generation is being introduced to the classic games in a new way. One of these is the Retro Shooter System.
Ease of Use
Retro Shooter is a plug and play system for those who are not ready to set up light guns. This means that once you plug the system into your TV, it works with very little entry into the deep menus. That being said, the instructions do not cover where all the cords go and what to plug them into, which can be a slight challenge; however, by tuning into a YouTube video, you can see where things go and be set up within 5-10 minutes. The menus are easy to navigate and there is an option to limit the scroll to just gun games. 7.5 of 10.
The Look of the System
Retro Shooter puts forward a great interface. When I look at it, the thing it reminds me most of is the PipBoy interface from Fallout 2. There is a details section in the lower right corner, the games list is the whole left side of the screen, and the upper right rounds out the system with the menu options and the videos of the games to be played. The look out of the box is sharp and works for either a TV or standup setup. 8.5 of 10.
The Guns
As you may know, I review the real guns here at NRN/P911. This means I expect even simulated firearms to be treated with respect; you react how you practice. One of the most interesting pieces of information on this system is that they ship the guns in two pieces for customs. Even though they are brightly colored, this prevents identification. This is a good “safety first” policy.
To assemble the guns, they click together and are secured with four screws (included with the screwdriver). They have hepatic feedback with recoil simulation, something very nice for the price. They are truly plug and play, well labeled, and easy to set up. The calibration protocol is simple and getting into the games is an easy process.
I did note that when I used the system on a large TV (70″) the aim was a little variable. This could be because of the LED reader system. When I shifted down to a smaller screen the problem went away. Other than that, the system worked excellently and the guns have a nice heft to them and are comfortable in your hand. 7 of 10.
Utility
One of the highlights of this game is that it works on the Pandora system. While I was sent the base package to review, they do ship higher level packages with controllers and even joysticks. These may be the topic of a future review. These extra interfaces are for the other games pre-loaded on the system. There are thousands of them, and they make for a good play system. This lets you expand this unit into a very well stocked multicade, which can be upgraded. 8 of 10.
Cool Factor
This is a plug and play system, which limits the “flash” of the system. People seeing it on your setup may not recognize it right off the bat. However, once you cue up to the game interface, the coolness starts. With so many games, it can return an adult to their childhood of feeding quarters into Area 51 or having a party with friends to play Duck Hunt or House of the Dead. It can also introduce a new generation to what gaming in the 1980s and 1990s was like, which can be great bonding for kids and adults. 9 of 10.
Overall
For price and ease of use, this is a monster system. While it may not have the most accurate or customizable guns, this is something you can place in a case and take with you to a party and set up in minutes. Wish score of 40 out of 50 right out of the box, this system is poised to be the “go to” emulator for shooter games on your TV. With a cost (tricked out) of under $400 US(+shipping), it can be cheaper than picking up a couple of light guns and building your own. The quality is there, the games are there, and workable light guns are there. This is a great pick up for the holiday season.
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