I do remember the Grandstand version of Scramble though, but I never played it. I did play the original arcade version though, and that too was pretty darn difficult.

I’ve still got it (minus the box) and it still works- so glad my parents kept it in the loft, but looking back I wish it was complete with everything.

I used to use rechargeable batteries so never had the leak problems that others have had (Dad being price concious there!) as they needed charging every couple of hours (1.2 volts rather than 1.5), although I eventually had a mains charger so it wasn’t a problem (anyone remember the four-pronged outputs from those where you could select the voltage 3v – 12v?- very dangerours to a minor in terms of overloading your expensive toy!).

I managed to beat the 9999 and got the GooD message- it was literally thrilling to feel a master of it. I also used to play it muted by the duvet at night by pressing my head against it and playing in the dark. Used to do that with something called “PacMan2″ too, but can’t find much info about that one (it was blue, not the Grandstand Munchman). If anjyone know what I mean I’d be grateful of any further info (now that DID die on me- boo!).

Astro Wars represents EXACTLY my childhood, and to know I still have the original I played 25 years ago still me a happy chappy!