Re: Need info on rarity...

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

StarRaiders wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> 
> I recently picked up a copy of Time Zone for the Apple II.
> I know this game is considered a true classic,
> but is it rare or worth anything
> (knowing it comes complete with the box and documentation)?
> I also have Electric Duet and Alien Rain in original packaging.
> Are they uncommon?

     Practically any original from the early 1980's is going to be reasonably
rare in terms of what is available to potential buyers. Really, though, just
absolute rarity is not the main factor in pricing.

     The highest prices tend to go for a few games which sold in large to very
large numbers. In most cases these are popular adventures which came with
interesting support materials-- such as the Ultimas and some Infocom games.

     Games like Ultima I and Enchanter (in original large-format package) have
developed a following along with support sites on the net. These users and
speculators continue to be interested in original game materials. 

     Meanwhile, it's likely that some oldie originals have gone up in value due
to interest expressed by players using downloaded copies. For instance, based
upon posted questions posted here and on comp.emulators.apple2, lots of users
seem to be playing Wolfenstein and Beyond Wolfenstein. This sort of attention
adds to the market value of originals.

     I do not know much about the particular titles you mention. When Time Zone
was first released it created some interest just due to being such a large
picture-Text adventure (think it came on six diskettes).  This helps separate
it from other old games and may lead to a better than average sale price.

     Even so, interest in originals of, per se, oldie Apple II software
releases is still too small for there to be a genuine collector market. This
could change in a few years with the dawning realization that, yes, there are
lots of people playing 'those old Apple II games'.

     My offer for an original Time Zone would probably top out around $30. I
don't know what you might get on eBay. For now, getting much more than $15 -
$20 for most originals is mainly a matter of lucking out and connecting with
that rare buyer who, say, played Time Zone as a kid and just has to have the
original.



Rubywand