Gumshoe is a platformer for the Nintendo Entertainment System that uses the NES Zapper light gun. The story follows a detective named Mr. Stevenson, who receives a ransom note from a mob boss, King Dom, saying that he has kidnapped Stevenson’s daughter, Jennifer. The game’s objective is to collect five “Black Panther Diamonds” within 24 hours to save his daughter. The gameplay is a unique blend of platforming and shooting. Instead of using the controller, the player uses the Zapper to interact with the game. Mr. Stevenson walks automatically to the right, and the player must shoot him to make him jump over pitfalls, traps, and enemies. Shooting enemies and other projectiles also requires the Zapper. This unconventional control scheme made the game notoriously difficult. Upon release, the game received mixed reception. Critics and players praised its creative and unique concept, blending the shooting genre with a side-scrolling platformer. However, its high difficulty and sometimes frustrating controls were a common point of criticism. Despite this, some contemporary reviewers have come to appreciate its unique and challenging nature, with some even calling it a precursor to modern endless runner games.
Unfortunately this includes the cartridge for the French version of the game, it still has the PAL English box and manual. I will have to replace the cartridge at a later date.
Complete
2214
£0 – Gift
Soccer – Nintendo Entertainment System (1985)
The game Soccer for the Nintendo Entertainment System, released in 1985, is a straightforward, early example of a console sports game. It does not feature a storyline; instead, its goal is simply to replicate the game of soccer. Players can choose from seven national teams, though there are no differences in their abilities, and compete against a computer or a second player. The gameplay is basic but functional, with a horizontally scrolling field and simple controls for passing and shooting. While it was praised at the time for its novelty and two-player mode, modern reviews often point to its lack of depth, repetitive nature, and simplistic graphics as weaknesses. However, Soccer holds a significant place in gaming history as one of the earliest titles for the NES and a foundational game for the genre on consoles.
Unfortunately this includes the cartridge for the French version of the game, it still has the PAL English box and manual. I will have to replace the cartridge at a later date.
Boxed, No Manual
2215
£0 – Gift
Sega Arcade Power Stick (1990)
The Sega Arcade Power Stick is a joystick controller designed to give players an authentic arcade feel on their home consoles, specifically the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. Its design features a chunky, weighted base for stability during intense gameplay, along with a prominent joystick and a set of face buttons. The peripheral was released in both a three-button and a six-button version to accommodate the different variations of the standard Mega Drive controller and the increasing complexity of fighting games like Street Fighter II. The buttons on the stick also included a turbo function, allowing players to adjust the speed of rapid-fire inputs. In terms of technology, the Sega Arcade Power Stick’s joystick and buttons differed between regions. The Japanese release of the peripheral was the most faithful to the arcade experience, utilizing microswitches in its joystick, which provide a distinct “clicky” feel and are known for their responsiveness and durability. However, the versions released in other regions, such as North America, used a more common rubber contact technology for the joystick, similar to the D-pad found on standard controllers. The buttons across all versions, regardless of region, also used these rubber contacts. The design was meant to replicate the experience of an arcade machine, a popular and recognizable form of gaming at the time
Complete
Name/Variant
Sega Arcade Power Stick
Price
£0 – Gift
Sega Saturn RF Unit
The Sega Saturn RF Unit is a small accessory designed to connect the Sega Saturn console to older televisions that didn’t have dedicated RCA or S-Video inputs. Functionally, it’s a type of RF modulator that converts the console’s video and audio signals into a radio frequency signal, which is then sent to the television’s antenna/cable input. The RF unit itself is a simple, boxy black plastic device with two cables: one that plugs into the Saturn’s A/V port and another coaxial cable that screws onto the back of the TV. A switch on the unit allows you to select between two different broadcast channels to avoid interference with local TV stations.
Complete
Name/Variant
Sega Saturn RF Unit
Price
£0 – Gift
NES Coasters
Paladone NES Coasters are a set of eight coasters that are shaped and styled like classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) game cartridges. This officially licensed product is designed to protect surfaces from drink rings and is a popular gift for gamers. Each coaster is double-sided and features the design of a different iconic NES game, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, and Metroid. They add a retro, nostalgic touch to any living space or game room and can be a great conversation starter.
Price
£0 – Gift
Game Boy Mug
The Paladone Game Boy Heat Change Mug is a ceramic coffee mug designed to resemble the classic Nintendo handheld console. As a heat-activated novelty item, it features a retro grey design with the Game Boy’s distinctive buttons and speaker grille. When you pour a hot beverage into the mug, the blank black screen on the front “powers on” to reveal an image from the classic game Super Mario Land. This officially licensed Nintendo product is a perfect gift for gamers and fans of retro pop culture, offering a nostalgic experience with every sip.
Price
£0 – Gift
Custom Throw
By far my favourite gift I received, was this personalised throw featuring my profile picture from my Intagram page. It is good quality and I will be using this for sure.
Name/Variant
