1982-84 CommaVid is an example of why the 2600's history is so fascinating to research. The company was truly bizarre, and everything it did was out of the ordinary. Its name (originally called Computer Magic) and logo both make us scratch our head in bewilderment. In its magazine ads, the company proudly proclaims that it was formed by a group of Ph.D's from the computing and physical sciences. The shape of its cartridges are much longer than normal 2600 cartridge cases. And then there are CommaVid's software titles.... MagiCard wasn't a game, but rather a cartridge which allowed aspiring programmers to create their own games. In Room of Doom, shots come from secret portholes that mysteriously open and close, and you must stand your ground as snipers fire at you from behind the panels in the walls. In Cakewalk, the conveyors are out of control. It's your job to grab the pastries and keep everything running smoothly. While none of its offerings stand out as game design masterpieces, CommaVid at least gave it the old college try. Its when you learn the quirkiness of such colorful companies like CommaVid that you realize what an exciting -- and strange -- period in video game history the early 1980's were. SOFTWARE LIST Cakewalk Cosmic Swarm MagiCard Mines of Minos Mission Omega (not released) Room of Doom Rush Hour (not released) Stronghold Underworld (not released) Video Life