LCD Handhelds

[oldmanwinters]

I came across some interesting information on the 1989 Konami LCD game.

Apparently, the game's concept must have been pretty novel to warrant a patent for "Hand held video game with simulated rescue."

Here's the abstract:

Title: Hand held video game with simulated rescue
United States Patent 5150899
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5150899.html

A novel hand held electronic LCD video game with 19 player-controlled ninja turtle figures individually displayable under player manipulation to simulate rescue of a kidnap victim. The player controls the displayed position of the turtle figures to defend against attack by game controlled mouser figures and throwing star figures. A game processor controls display of player and game controlled image segments to simulate movement of mouser creatures and throwing stars attacking the player controlled turtle figures. The player controlled turtle is manipulated to perform simulated underwater swimming to obtain dynamite multiple times and a key to free the victim. The player must also manipulate the turtle figure to approach and free the victim while simulating punching and use of a sword to defend against attack. One of three levels of difficulty may be selected by the player.

More information is contained in the full version. Most of the language in the patent is pretty technical as it describes almost every possible move the player can make in the game. Still, I think it is interesting that something like this exists.


The game from which the pictures are taken is actually selling for nearly $50!

Does anyone have any fond memories of these games? I owned this one and Turtles 3: Shredder's Last Stand. I still have the latter, but I seem to have misplaced the former.