trackball novelty.
A trackball isnt a Novelty. Its a unique method of control... just like a mouse is different from a joystick. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
A trackball for example, is better than a joystick / mouse in games which you want the player to really work, such as Atari's XO Football. (need to roll the ball faster to run faster). Trackballs provide direction and acceleration and speed control, that not many things can match.
I didnt care too much for Centipede back when I was a kid, cause it stomped me... and there were other more interesting games to play. However, I did like the control of it, and did play it occasionally.
After we got an Atari 2600, we also picked up a trackball for it. My stepfather played Centipede often. He would roll the score counter. I didnt like him, so I felt it necessary to beat his score. In a few weeks, I was rolling the score over as well. I appreciated the game much more after giving it some serious effort.
The game starts out a little boring and slow, but quickly graduates to insanity level action.. and from that point on, it becomes a lot more fun.
(especially when the scorpions come out frequently)
You just have to get to that point where you are willing to give it a fair chance, jump in rather than dip a toe in... Take a bite, rather than just smell it.
Its not my fav game, but when I see it on location, I do tend to give it a go.
Missile Command is so old
A LOT of things are Old. You will be one day too. But it does not factor into what makes something good or bad. In fact, not many games are as good and fun as Robotron, and I suspect that even 100yrs from now, people will still be rocking it.
I prefer Centipede to Missile Command however.
Crystal Castles however, is one of the best trackball games! Its like a pumped up version of pacman, without that horribly slow gameplay speed.
Marble Madness, I can play and replay that game to death and still love it.
I suspect Donk just does not have the patience or attention span to actually play a game past the 60 second mark. Not a very competitive player, gives up very easily... which is one reason he will prefer Smash TV, because Smash TV is easy: Just add more credits to win. Robotron forces you to develop and have skills, if you want to get far into it.
How anyone could think less of Gorf is also beyond me. I always have a blast playing it. Love the different types of levels, different attack patterns, boss ship..etc.