Game Axe
Color
Almost anyone
who has taken a devoted interest in the NES collecting scene as
of late has heard of the Game Axe. For those who haven't heard
of it, or even those who have, there are many questions that spring
up. The following is a first-hand report on the mysterious Game
Axe.
The Game Axe
is a pirate Famicom video game system that allows games to be
played portably. One can guess what this leads up to, and yes,
it's true: the Game Axe is a portable NES. Whether NES gamers
have dreamed of it or not, now there is a way to play NES games
on the go.
Being a pirated system, are there risks? Is the quality of the
system worth the price? Is it worth the expense and the trouble
to get one?
"The
N64 bag is perfect for the Game Axe and accessories. How ironic."
The answer
may not be satisfying. Whether or not one should purchase a Game
Axe depends on what will be done with it. Reviewing the following
will give a better idea of what the Game Axe entails.
The specs
of the Game Axe are incredible. About the size of a Sega Nomad,
the Game Axe, created by a company called Rendant, boasts a 3.75"
color, lighted display, battery port (for six AA batteries), onboard
speaker, reset button, LCD screen power button, standard action
buttons start/select buttons, and directional pad, and even turbo
action buttons. Standard volume and combination brightness/contrast
controls are also present, as well as power adapter (nine-volt)
and headphone jack.
"Yes,
that's a rip-off of the Game Boy color logo. And in case you can't
see it,
that's Tomba on the screen. Yeah, we'll be playing that soon on
this system."
The other
features, however, leave most official handhelds in the dust.
Much like the Nomad, the Game Axe accepts two controllers for
two-player support (these controllers are the typical nine-pin
type seen on systems like the Atari 2600, Sega Master System,
and Sega Genesis), and has an A/V out jack for playing games on
TV. It's worth mention that there are two slots on the back of
the system, probably to support the system with a stand to hold
it upright for playing with a controller. There is also an A/V
in jack, of all things, but I am unable to determine what it is
for. Tests with displaying video on the screen resulted in the
screen flickering, so the idea of using the Game Axe as a portable
television seems unlikely.
The Game Axe
is made of a durable-feeling, black-translucent plastic. The unit
fits comfortably in normal-to-large hands, but those with small
hands may find the bulky unit uncomfortable. The buttons function
well, but the turbo buttons, while very effective, block the normal
action buttons, making single-button press actions more difficult
to accomplish. The directional pad is also on the sharp side,
which may cause discomfort in the hands. External controllers
work well with the unit.
"You won't learn anything if you can't read it, but
this chart gives an idea
of how much the Game Axe has on board."
Probably one
of the most important aspects is the display. The screen is larger
than most handheld systems, and is full color and lighted. However,
there are some issues with the display. Small objects and text
tend to be blurry and hard to see, though this is likely because
NES and Famicom games were designed to be played on a television,
not a handheld. The games look surprisingly good on the screen,
though, especially those with large sprites, such as Punch Out!.
It can be argued that NES games look better on the small screen
than Sega Game Gear games created with newer technology.
The screen
has a few other problems though. Reflection of external light
can hamper gameplay, but moving to a darker location or away from
light sources can remedy this. The brightness/contrast controls
work well, making it easy to view the screen clearly from different
angles, but it always seem to be a little too bright. Also, the
screen can't handle large transitions, causing the screen to flicker;
one play through Shadow of the Ninja's first level and its lighting
effects makes this very obvious. These are minor complaints, though.
The overall display is solid.
"This is all you'll need for an optimal Game Axe experience.
This entire
set put the Collector back $140 with shipping."
The ability
to play on a television may seem like a step back, but it can
be handy for playing NES games in at friends' houses or hotel
rooms, for example. Unfortunately, the A/V connection to the system
is not very solid, and slight movement can cause interference.
This shouldn't be a problem if the system is placed on a stable
surface, which is probably going to be the case. The display on
the screen is RCA and the picture is clear, but the colors appear
washed-out. Still, the television display capabilities are light
years ahead of the NES 2's feeble display.
On the issue
of portability, the Game Axe's ability lacks. Reportedly, the
six AA batteries only last for two hours of continued play, making
the Game Axe's portability option an expensive one. A nine-volt
adapter works well and fits solidly in the system (unlike the
original Game Boy's adapter). Most would argue that this defeats
the purpose of portability, but others who don't mind the lack
of complete freedom won't find this shortcoming troublesome.
"The Game Axe with a Famicom game. Looks pretty normal,
and it fits snuggly
into the system."
The game support
is amazing, simply for that fact that it works. Famicom games
fit solidly into the Game Axe, and provide little obtrusion. The
connectors on the Game Axe seem to be a little loose, however,
causing some interference. It's nothing too inconvenient.
The feature
most gamers are looking for, however, is NES support. While the
Game Axe supports NES games perfectly, a NES-to-Famicom adapter
is required, and that's where the problems lie. First, the adapter
and the cartridge together stick out about half a foot from the
system. This is more of a cosmetic than a functionallity issue,
however, since the balance of the system isn't thrown off. Game
crashes and inference can occur, however, if the cart is jiggled
too much; a problem for playing while moving around. A solid adapter
should remedy this, but even then, NES games won't fit solidly
into the system.
"This is your dream, NES nerds. After adding the converter
and NES cart, you end
up with this monstrosity. Sweet."
All factors
considered, the Game Axe is only a good value depending on what
it will be used for. Gamers on the go who want to play a quick
game of Yoshi should not purchase a Game Axe. The short battery
life, the questionable game connection, and the sheer bulkiness
of all the required accessories (for NES games, the system, adapter,
and cartridge are the minimum things that are needed to play,
all of which aren't exactly compact). Those spoiled by the Gameboy
Advance need not apply.
For those
who have an hour or two to kill at school or work and an available
power outlet will get more out of the Game Axe. Those who go to
hotels or friend's house and wish for a mobile game of River City
Ransom will also appreciate the system's design. And while it's
not a replacement for an NES, the Game Axe works well for a Famicom
solution, especially if the only other option is a worn NES with
loose connectors.
Personally,
I own a Game Axe. I paid $140 with all of the accessories and
shipping, and I found it to be a solid buy. It doesn't dissuade
me from playing my box at home, but the Game Axe is a great way
to kill some time. A few rounds of Punch Out! during work makes
this system very useful, and the Famicom support is a plus for
me.
The Game Axe
is a quality product and a good investment for those who want
to play NES games in remote locations. Nitpickers and gamers who
insist on portability should reconsider a purchase. For those
who can enjoy the plusses and bear the minuses, the Game Axe is
like a new best friend.
Continue
on to the 'Game Axe Buying Guide'..
