I never loved this show as a kid but I watched at least half of all the episodes because of its primo timeslot after school. The occasional previews of actual video games was always the highlight back then
Mandalan is something that would be impressive as a kiosk attraction at a park or convention or even at an arcade where you get a couple plays before the novelty wears off, but as the basis for a TV show to watch it was lame as hell.