Off the starting Blocks: Microvision / Block Buster / Super Block Buster | Game Boy Works Gaiden 13

Let's take a moment to give props to Game Boy's predecessor. No, not Game & Watch. I mean the system that REALLY inspired Game Boy: Milton Bradley's Microvision, which came into the world a full decade ahead of Nintendo's portable console. Unfortunately, technology wasn't entirely ready for a proper handheld system at that point in history, and Microvision is pretty rough in a lot of ways. Nevertheless, it represents the first meaningful attempt at shrinking real video games into a portable form factor, and it had a huge influence on the industry. In terms of video game evolution, it's a bit like looking at a fish that's pulled itself out of the water with its fins and sits there gasping and dying as it tries to breathe air... brutal and painful to see, but you have admire the little guy all the same. Production notes: Video Works is funded via Patreon (http://www.patreon.com/gamespite) — support the show and get access to every episode up to two weeks in advance of its YouTube debut! Plus, exclusive podcasts, eBooks, and more! Why watch when you can read? Check out the massive hardcover print editions of NES Works, Super NES Works, and Virtual Boy works, available now at Limited Run Games (https://limitedrungames.com/collections/books)! -30- A PlayStation Retrospective is available for preorder now.