The Atari XEGS Cart by Cart Podcast: Recent Episodes
David and Michael (with Bill & Kieren)
The Atari XE Gaming System was a version of their XE 8-bit line of computers but attempting to compete against the successful Nintendo Entertainment System. At the same time offering the computer option. Our podcast will focus on the cartridge games made for this system but, because this is essentially an atari 8-bit computer, we'll also review games that will play on this system.
In Episode 16, we have a band of Brøderbund brothers. First, we put on our gi's with glee to storm the warlord Akuma's castle to save the beautiful princess Mariko in Karateka. Then it's time to dig into the puzzling platformer to find some gold with Lode Runner.
News * VisCool's discussion about his work on updating Raster Music Tracker * Books + "The Making of Karateka: Journals 1982-1985" by Jordan Mechner (ISBN-13: 978-1480297234) + "The Making of Prince of Persia: Journals 1985 - 1993" by Jordan Mechner (ISBN-13: 978-0578627311) + "Sid Meier's Memoir!: A Life in Computer Games" (ISBN-13: 978-1324005872) + "ONCE UPON ATARI: How I made history by killing an industry" by Howard Scott Warshaw (ISBN-13: 978-1324005872) * Atari Accessories + Ultimate Atari Video upgrade + Atari Computer and Console Covers * Other Recomended Listening + Our Fake History Podcast + History Of Japan by Bill Wurtz
Karateka * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1988 * Developed by + Jordan Mechner (Original game creator) for Brøderbund Software + Robert Cook (Atari conversion) from Sculptured Software + Francis Mechner (Music) * Downloads: + Cartridge or Disk
Lode Runner * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1987 * Developed by Atari + Douglas E. Smith (Original game creator) for Brøderbund Software + Chuck Peavey (Atari Convesaion) * Downloads: + Cartridge or Disk External Interview:+ ANTIC podcast Interview Episode 14 featuring Chuck Peavey
In Episode 15, we take to the skies during WWII and battle the Axis powers to become the Ace of Aces. Then the federation needs you once again to take out the invading Zylon Empire in Star Raiders II.
News * Going forward, we're omitting the “Where to Buy” section from our reviews
Ace of Aces * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1987 * Developed by Accolade + ANTIC Podcast Episode featuring Aric Wilmunder (Star Raiders II) + Kevin P. Pickell
Downloads:+ Cartridge + Disk
Star Raiders II * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1987 * Developed by Atari + Gary Stark + Bruce Poehlman + Robert Vieira (Sound)
Downloads:+ Cartridge + Disk + The Last Starfigher (Disk) + Unfinished Star Raiders II by Aric Wilmunder
External Interview:+ ANTIC Podcast Episode featuring Aric Wilmunder (Star Raiders II)
In Episode 14, we serve up a bit of surf and turf. First we put everything at “steak” by entering the BattleZone. Then find out if the submarine simulator GATO is a fresh catch?
News * #FujiNet: Atari 8-bit Network Adapter * Irata.online: A PLATO based online system * NovaWolf * Portland Retro Gaming Convention * Old School Gamer electroic magazine
BattleZone * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1987 * Developed by Ken Rose @ Atari, Inc. Downloads:+ Cartridge
GATO * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1987 * Developed by James Yee of Xanth F/X Downloads:+ Cartridge
In episode 13, we have a “Dandy” of a show where we crawl through two dungeon based shooters. First, we review the XEGS game, Dark Chambers. Then we pit it against the 8-bit arcade version of Gauntlet. Who will be victorious?
News * Gauntlet hack from Dark Chambers for the Atari 2600 (CDS Game) * Northwest Pinball and Arcade Show * Gauntlet revisited by creator Ed Logg (Speaks at GDC 12) on YouTube * “Dandy” + Source code on Git (Multiple languages) + John Palevich: Dandy and Deep Blue C Compiler (Antic Podcast Interview 164) + Magical Fairy Force, for the 5200, on Atari Age forum thread(Thesis) * Lotharek's Incognito board for the Atari 800 (Limited release) * Dorky's Arcade (Tacoma, Wa, USA)
Dark Chambers * Publisher by + Atari (USA) - 1988 * Developed by Sculptured Software + Chuck Peavey Downloads:+ Cartridge
Gauntlet * Publisher by + Mindscape (US) - 1988 + US Gold (UK) & Kixx (US Gold Budget label) - 1987 * Developed by Gremlin Graphics + Bob Armour (programmer) + Bill Allen( Additional programming & sound) + Kevin Bulmer (Graphics) + Ben Daglish (Music) Downloads:+ Disk (Mindscape version)
In episode 12, we feature two space behemoth themed games. First we rumble with the side scrolling Thunderfox and then snake our way through an exhaust port in the budget game Sidewinder II.
News * Kong Off 7 * The demise of the Retro Junkies Network * Getting connected to IRATA.ONLINE * The SDrive-Max floppy/Casette emulator using the Arduino UNO + Creators webiste + Atari Age forum discussion + SIO bus fix * Fort Apocalypse source code
Thunderfox * Publisher by + Atari USA(1988) and UK(1987) * Developed by + Noel Daniel + Orall Cornellius (Sound) of Aztec Design Downloads:+ Atari (USA) at Atarimania + Atari (UK) at Atarimania
Where to Buy:+ Video 61
Other Reviews and Info:+ AtariMania gave it a 5/10 with 31 votes
Sidewinder II * Publisher by + Virgin Mastertronic (UK) * Developed by + Arena Developments - Anthony J. Wilson - Russell Knight - Orall Cornellius (sound) Downloads:+ AtariMania
In episode 11, we go isometric when we review two games with similar angles. First, we'll pump you up with Airball and then see if the budget game Head over Heels is something to flip over.
News * Benjamin Smith from Bravo Sierra Computers is pretty sick with stage 4 kidney failure so let's give him our support * Seattle Retro-Computing Society * 8-bit on a Budget at Unbound.com * The UNO Cart * The sad passing of Ben Daglish: (31 July 1966 – 1 October 2018) - English composer and musician and well known for his contributions to chiptune music + Ben Daglish Wiki page + Ben Daglish on POKEY Heroes
Airball * Publisher by + 1987 (Microdeal), 1988 (Atari) * Developed by + John Sanderson on LinkedIn + MicroDeal U.S.A Info:+ Wikipedia article on Fight Night
Downloads:+ Atari XEGS Cartridge + Accolade Disk + US Gold Disk
Where to Buy:+ B&C ComputerVision (ebay site) + Best Electronics + Bravo Sierra Computers
Other Reviews and Info:+ AtariMania + 7800 Game by Game Podcast, episode 20 + Classic Gaming Quarterly magazine has an interview with Amory Wong + ANTIC Podcast Interview Episode 14 talks with Chuck Peavey + Giant Bomb (Gameplay Images)
Head Over Heels * Publisher by + Mastertronic * Developed by + Steven A. Riding for Icon Design Downloads:+ AtariMania
In episode 10, we’ll put on the gloves and get in the ring to go toe to toe with Accolade’s boxing game, Fight Night, and although revenge is sweet, will Jeff Minter’s Revenge II, a follow up to Revenge of the Mutant Camels, be a tasty treat?
News * Ben Heckendorn's (aka BenHeck) portable Atari 800 using XEGS internals + The Final Project: Atari 800 Handheld - Part 1 + The Final Project: Atari 800 Portable - Part 2 * The "beyond restoring" restored Atari 800xl project + Part 1 + Part 2 * 8-bit on a Budget at Unbound.com * Kieren's book A-Z of Atari 8-bit games Volume 3 + US Link + UK Link * Retro Gamer (Kieren's articles) + Issue 179: Ultimate Guide to Pac-Mania + Issue 183 History of RealSports + Issue 184 Unlicensed To Thrill + Retro Gamer (Kieren's articles) + Retro Gamer back issues * New games released recently + Culmins + Black Bouncy Blob + Get Up 2 + Montezuma’s Revenge hack + Baby Berks v2 + Scramble + Also, keep up with the latest homebrew news on Homebrew Heroes * Update to Rob McMullen's (Of Player/Missile Podcast) Omnivore tool * Atari 2600 Classic Hoodie * Men's Atari Retro Gaming Tee on Blue Culture Tees
Fight Night * Publisher by + Accolade in US / US Gold in UK (1985) + Atari (1987) * Developed by + Concept: Sydney Development Corperation + Atari version: Distinctive Software Inc. + Programmer: Amory Wong (Ace of Aces fame) + Sound & Music: Gail Bergen + Graphics: Ron Panthaky + XEGS Cartridge: Sculptured Software + Credited on AtariMania, but not in-game: Chuck Peavey (Dark Chambers, One-on-One, etc. fame) Info:+ Wikipedia article on Fight Night
Downloads:+ Atari XEGS Cartridge + Accolade Disk + US Gold Disk
Where to Buy:+ B & C ComputerVision (ebay site) + Best Electronics + Bravo Sierra Computers
Other Reviews and Info:+ AtariMania + 7800 Game by Game Podcast, episode 20 + Classic Gaming Quarterly magazine has an interview with Amory Wong + ANTIC Podcast Interview Episode 14 talks with Chuck Peavey + Giant Bomb (Gameplay Images)
Revenge II * Publisher by + Mastertronic * Developed by + Steven A. Riding for Icon Design Downloads:+ AtariMania
In episode 9, we conjure up a magical review while battling evil, in Necromancer, and we strap on jetpacks and blast off to rescues human souls trapped by an alien force in the budget game Excelsor.
News * A new Atari podcast, the Atari Lynx HandyCast, hosted by Mark (@lynxhandycast on Twitter). * Vintage Computer Festival Northwest * Atari 1020 plotter (Wikipedia article) * Lantronix * SIO2Arduino * Kong Off 6 * The A-Z of Atari 8-bit Games: Volume 2 Amazon US, Amazon UK * Stunt Car Racer Atari 8-bit port * Retro Gamer magazine: + #175 with "The Making Of: Dark Chambers" + #177 with "The Making Of Venture" * NOMAM "BASIC 10-Liner Contest"
Necromancer * Published by + Atari Corp (1988) + Synapse (1982) * Developed by + Bill Williams - ABC TV, Australia, "Good Game" biography of Bill - Compuserve Sysop Dick Brudzynski's review of Necromancer - "Bill Williams remembered" post, by James Hague (author of Halcyon Days - Bill's autobiography, Naked Before God: The Return of a Broken Disciple - "Stanley Kubrick is Gone", retrospective by ElectronDance - "Bill Williams: The Story of a Life", The Digital Antiquarian
Info: * Wikipedia article on Necromancer
Downloads: * Necromancer (XEGS cart) entry at AtariMania * Necromancer (Synapse disk & tape verson) entry at AtariMania
Where to Buy: * B & C ComputerVisions * BEST Electronics
Other Reviews and Info: * AtariMania AtariHQ Videogame Critic
Excelsor * Published by + Players (1986) * Developed by + Keith "Howlin' Mad" Harvey
Info and Downloads: * Excelsor at AtariMania
Other Reviews and Info: * Highretrogamelord video review
In this episode, we take a shot at playing the light gun game Crossbow and say, “shuriken” (sure-I-can ☺) to reviewing the budget game Ninja.
Show Notes News * The UnoCart, pre-orders thread at AtariAge forums * Geek.com's review of Breakout, Jamie Lendino's new book about Atari 8-bits * KanexPro Composite/ S-video to 4K HDMI Converter * ABBUC 2017 Software Contest * Homebrew Heroes: Facebook group and Facebook page * Kieren's "Laird's Lair" YouTube channel * Larry Bundy Jr's YouTube channel * Kieren's video review of the book The Story Of The Commodore Amiga In Pixels
Crossbow * Published by + Atari Corp (1988) * Developed by + Sculptured Software
Info: * Giant Bomb's description of Crossbow (arcade)
Downloads: * "Crossbow" at AtariMania * "Crossbow" at AtariAge
Where to Buy: * B & C ComputerVisions
Other Reviews and Info: * "Atari 8-bit Vs. Arcade, Part 8" video review * 7800 Game by Game Podcast, episode 17
(Atari 7800)
Ninja * Published by + Mastertronic (1986) * Developed by + Sculptured Software + Steve Coleman (programming) + Rob Hubbard (music)
Info and Downloads: * "Ninja", UK cassette tape, at AtariMania * "Ninja", US floppy disk, at AtariMania
Other Reviews and Info: * "Atari 8-bit vs Arcade - Part 11" video review
In Episode 7, we'll have a lip-smacking review of Food Fight and we'll put our lives on the line for you by participating in the deadly budget game Death Race!.
Show Notes News * Atari 5200 Podcast - latest episode: "Star Raiders" * Wapniak 2017 + Video of Atari games from Wapniak 2017 + Wapniak 2017 competiton results * Blade Runner 2049 second trailer
(note: not for kids) * WiFi232 adapter * Video of Bosconian homebrew gameplay * Fragmare's YouTube channel of video game music covers * The XL BOSS review, Analog Computing issue 25 * The A-Z of Atari 8-bit Games ebook + Amazon US + Amazon UK * The Retro Show, Sat. Sept. 9th, 2017, Luton, England * Easy to Learn, Hard to Master - The Fate of Atari + Kieren's movie review + Learn more at "8bit Generation"'s website * 8 Bit Weapon (Michelle aka ComputeHer is ½ of this band) has a new album:
"DLC the OST" (Downloadable content, the original soundtrack) * This episodes title graphic was created by Artist John Von Neumann. Many thanks for the use of it.
Food Fight * Published by + Atari Corp (1987) * Developed by + John Sanderson, General Computer Corporation (GCC)
Info: * Giant Bomb's description of Food Fight (arcade) * American Classic Arcade Museum: interview with Jonathan Hurd, creator of arcade Food Fight
(snapshot at Internet Archive's "Wayback Machine") * Retro Gamer issue 135
includes a "Making of Food Fight" article * Atari 7800 "Food Fight", as a Nintendo-on-a-Chip port , for the original Atari Flashback"
Downloads: * "Food Fight" at AtariMania * "Food Fight" at AtariAge
Where to Buy: * B & C ComputerVisions * Best Electronics
Other Reviews and Info: * High Retro Game Lord video review
(Atari XE) * Atari 7800 Game by Game podcast
(Atari 7800) * No Quarter podcast
(arcade) * Press Continue podcast
(arcade)
Death Race * Published by + Atlantis Software (1987) * Developed by + Simon Leck
Info and Downloads: * "Death Race" at AtariMania * MobyGames entry for "Turbo" arcade game
Other Reviews and Info: * Atari Cave review of Atari 8-bit "Death Race" * Review of arcade "Turbo" at MobyGames * Reviews of ColecoVision "Turbo" at MobyGames * Review of Intellivision "Turbo" at MobyGames * Atari 2600 Game by Game podcast review of "Turbo" prototype * "Atari 8-bit vs Arcade - Part 13"
In this episode we hop into our Valkyrie space fighters and shoot up some Jaggie saucers to review LucasFilm's, "Rescue on Fractalus!" and we'll go full tilt on one of Kieren's budget game, "Advanced Pinball Simulator".
Show Notes News * Kieren's "Atari 8-bit Vs. Arcade" videos * Kieren's "A-Z of Atari 2600 Games: Volume 1" book, at Amazon US and Amazon UK * Kieren's video tutorial on the AtariMax Max Flash Cart * "Let's Go Dizzy! The Story of the Oliver Twins" book * Jaguar Sector III & Lynx Sector groups on Facebook * Sacramento Indie Arcade, April 8th, West Sacramento, CA * pro(c) ATARI magazine, issue 11 (h/t The Real Bounty Bob) * Tape Preservation Project, at atari.area * "A8CAS" project at SourceForge * "Keep those XL's/XE's humming" (home of "WAV2CAS", "CAS2WAV", and "XEX2CAS") at Ernest R. Schreurs' website
Rescue on Fractalus! * Published by + Atari Corp (1987) + Epyx (1984, US) & Activision (1985, UK) * Developed by + Lucasfilm Ltd. - David Fox (programmer) - Loren Carpenter (programmer) - Charlie Kellner (graphics) - Gary Winnick (graphics) - James St. Louis (graphics) - Douglas "Crock" Crockford (graphics) - Peter Langston (sound, and team lead) - Charlie "Dragon" Kellner (sound)
Info: * Rescue on Fractalus!: + "Rescue on Fractalus!" entry at MobyGames + "Rescue on Fractalus!" (XE Cart) entry at AtariMania + "Rescue on Fractalus!" (Epyx (US) disk) entry at AtariMania + "Rescue on Fractalus!" (Activision (UK) disk & tape) entry at AtariMania + "Behind Jaggi Lines" entry at AtariMania + "BALLBLAZER and Rescue on Fractalus! The Lucasfilm Computer Division Games Project is born - A very brief personal history", at Peter Langston's website + Atari/Lucasfilm Games Press Kit, at Peter Langston's website + "Rescue on Fractalus! video from 1984 press conference", at David Fox's website + "Tomorrow’s Promise" article at ElectronDance website + "Changing Lives: David Fox" interview (part 1) & "Changing Lives: David Fox" interview (part 2), at ElectronDance website + "Atari Unveils Lucasfilm Games - Star Wars company touts 'edge of the art' sound, graphics" InfoWorld article (June 4, 1984), at Google Books + "The Making of Rescue on Fractalus!" Retro Gamer article (November 2007), at David Fox's website (PDF) + Review of "Rescue on Fractalus!" at Super Adventures in Gaming (2013) * Fractals and fractal landscapes: + "Fractal landscape" at Wikipedia + "Fractal" at Wikipedia + "Benoît Mandelbrot, The Father of Fractals", a "Big Brains. Small Films." IBM documentary video * Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Lucasfilm Computer Division, LucasFilm Games / LucasArts: + "Loren Carpenter" at Wikipedia + Loren's 1980 "Vol Libre" fractal landscape computer-generated film + Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, "Genesis Effect" scene (mountain split at 1m 49s) + "Genesis Effect" scene with Industrial Light & Magic commentary * Miscellanea: + "Jump Scare" article at TV Tropes + "Rescue on Fractalus!" at TV Tropes + "The Influence of the UNIX Operating System on the Development of Two Video Games" Bell Communications Research paper, at Peter Langston's website (PDF) * Legacy: + Unfinished 7800 "Rescue on Fractalus!" prototype, at AtariAge + "Koronis Rift" at Wikipedia + "The Eidolonn" at Wikipedia + "Fractalus" (currently alpha) for Windows + "Fallen Angels" for Jaguar, at AtariAge forums
Downloads: * XE Cart * Epyx (US) disk * Activision (UK) disk & tape
Where to Buy: * B & C ComputerVisions * Best Electronics
Other Reviews and Info: * ANTIC Podcast Interview #37: David Fox * 7800 Game by Game podcast: "The Prototype Games!"
Advanced Pinball Simulator * Published by + Codemasters (1989) * Developed by + The Oliver Twins: Philip & Andrew Oliver (designers) + Hassan Mehmet (Atari code) + Terry Lloyd (Atari graphics) + David Dunn (Atari sound)
Info and Downloads: * "Advanced Pinball Simulator" entry at AtariMania * "Advanced Pinball Simulator" info & story at Oliver Twins' website
Other Reviews and Info: * ChinnyVision review of various ports of "Advanced Pinball Simulator" * "Advanced Pinball Simulator", Amstrad CPC reviews, at MobyGames * "Advanced Pinball Simulator", ZX Spectrum reviews, at MobyGames * "Advanced Pinball Simulator", Commodore 64 reviews, at MobyGames
Just in time for winter here in the northern hemisphere, we’re reviewing Summer Games! So grab your sunscreen, power up your Atari, and on your mark… get set… go!
Show Notes News * ExtraLife * Man vs Snake * Ultimate Cart + ANTIC Interview with Marlin Bates + Ultimate Cart overview by Jonathan "Flashjazzcat" Halliday * Ten Pence Arcade podcast * Art of Atari * Atari 5200 Podcast * Rebooteroids for Jaguar * 2016 ABBUC Software Contest * SillyVenture + SillyVenture 2016 productions at DemoZoo * Bally Alley Astrocast podcast
Summer Games * Published by + Atari Corp (1988) + Epyx (1984, US) & US Gold (1984, UK) * Developed by + Epyx Inc. - Scott Nelson - Stephen Landrum - Erin Murphy - Jon Leupp - Stephen Mudry - Randy Glover - Brian McGhie
Olympic Events: * Pole Vault * Diving * 4x400M Relay * 100M Dash * Gymnastics * Freestyle Relay * 100M Freestyle * Skeet Shooting
Downloads: * Atari Corp 1988 cart version, at AtariMania * Epyx 1984 disk version, at AtariMania * "Ultimate Cart User's Thread" at AtariAge * Disk version, hacked for AtariMax MaxFlash cart
Where to Buy: * B & C ComputerVisions: disk version
Other Reviews and Info: * 2600 Game by Game Podcast - Summer & Winter Games * 7800 Game by Game Podcast - Ep. 13 Summer Games & Super Huey * ANTIC Podcast Interview 24 - Michael Katz (oversaw release of Summer Games & others)
In our first interview episode, David sits down with homebrew creator, tep392 (AKA: Perry Thuente) to discuss his latest creation, Pac-Man Arcade. Hear how he was able to make such a spot on version of the classic arcade game and get some early insite into some of his upcoming projects.
Show Notes News * The (new) Atari 5200 Podcast; David a co-host + Atari 5200 Podcast + AtariAge forum thread + Archive of old "Atari 5200 Superpodcast" at Internet Archive * Nir Dary's YouTube channel * Atari Party 2016; hosted by Bill + Atari Party 2016 website + ANTIC Episode 35 (Bill co-hosted) + Atari 2600 Game by Game podcast interview with Bill * REVIVAL Solstice Retro Event 2016; hosted by Kieren + REVIVAL homepage + REVIVAL Solstice Retro Event 2016 video at YouTube * Kieren's "Atari 8-bit vs Arcade" YouTube video playlist * Retro Gamer magazine (Beyond Games discussed in issue 160) * Atari Blast (previously GTIA Blast) released + AtariAge forum thread + Centre for Computing History
Pac-Man Arcade * Published by + Perry "TEP392" Thuente - Atari 8-bit homebrew cart, 2012 + AtariAge - Atari 5200 cart, 2012 * Developed by + Atari Inc. - original 1983 Ms. Pac-Man game + Perry Thuente, with contributions from MrFish and others - Pac-Man Arcade hack * Based on NAMCO's 1980 arcade game
Where to Buy: * AtariAge forum thread with info and for ordering * AtariAge store for 5200 Pac-Man Arcade
Links: * AtariAge forum thread with info and for ordering * Atari XEGS Cart by Cart podcast interview episode with Perry Thuente * Pac-Man Dossier at GamaSutra * Ms. Pac-Man Wikipedia article
Other Reviews and Info: * Atari Inc's 8-bit Pac-Man + XE-Lent Arcade Games, part 2 + Atari 8-bit vs. Arcade, part 5 * Atari Inc's 2600 Pac-Man + Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast + No Swear Gamer video * Atari Inc's 8-bit Ms. Pac-Man + XE-Lent Arcade Games, part 5 * Atari Inc's 2600 Ms. Pac-Man + Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast + No Swear Gamer video * Atari Corp's 7800 Ms. Pac-Man + Atari 7800 Game by Game Podcast + No Swear Gamer video
Pac-Man (mini review) * Published by Atari Inc., 1982 * Developer Joe Hellesen * Based on NAMCO's 1980 arcade game
Links * AtariMania entry for Atari 8-bit Pac-Man
Donkey Kong * Published by Atari Inc., 1983 & Atari Corp., 1988 * Developed by Landon Dyer (code & graphics), Brad Fuller (sound), Atari Inc. * Based on Nintendo's 1981 arcade game
Where to buy: * BEST Electronics: + Original release: $13 (cart only) or $18 + XEGS re-release: $30 (cart only) or $45 * B & C ComputerVisions: $20 (cart only) * EBay - $12-15 up to $85!
Links: * AtariMania entry for Atari 8-bit Donkey Kong * Donkey Kong (video game) article at Wikipedia * Donkey Kong (character) article at Wikipedia * About Atari 8-bit Donkey Kong easter egg * The King of Kong article at Wikipedia * Landon Dyer's blog at DadHacker.com * "Donkey Kong and Me" post on Landon's blog * Source code to Atari 8-bit Donkey Kong * ANTIC podcast interview with Landon Dyer * Videogame Music Preservation Foundation wiki entry on Brad Fuller * Brad Fuller's website * ANTIC podcast interview with Brad Fuller
Other Reviews and Info: * XE-Lent Arcade Games part 5 * Atari 8-bit vs Arcade part 5 * 2600 Game by Game Podcast * 7800 Game by Game Podcast * Colecovisions Podcast
Warhawk * Published by Firebird, 1986 * Developed by Andrew Betts (code), Rob Hubbard (music)
Links: * AtariMania entry for Warhawk * Wikipedia article on Telecomsoft (owner of Firebird, etc.) * Mobygames article on Star Force * Rob Hubbard talking about composing Commodore 64 Commando music (Bedrooms to Billionaires clip)
180! * Published by Mastertronic, 1986 * Developed by Binary Design: + David Forward (code) + Steve Pickford & Jeremy Pickford (graphics) + Jason C. Brooke (music)
Links: * AtariMania entry for 180! * Pickford Brothers website * Amiga-based arcade version of 180!
In our first interview episode, David sits down with homebrew creator, tep392 (AKA: Perry Thuente) to discuss his latest creation, Pac-Man Arcade. Hear how he was able to make such a spot on version of the classic arcade game and get some early insite into some of his upcoming projects.
Show Notes New Theme Song * Software Remixes at Bandcamp * ComputeHer * (She's also part of 8 Bit Weapon)
Links * AtariAge forum discussion: Purchase info and links to game files can be found here
In Episode 3, we find out if the Choplifter! will be an uplifting experience, and we break out our loupe and peer into Crystal Castles to see if it's a cut above. Also, Kieren Hawken is back but this time he'll be bringing with him some of that British class live to our little show. This time we'll all review two budget titles; L.A. SWAT and Yogi Bear & Friends in The Greed Monster.
Show Notes New Theme Song * Software Remixes at Bandcamp * ComputeHer * (She's also part of 8 Bit Weapon)
News * Kieren's hosting "Revival" in July in Walsall, UK * Bill's hosting "Atari Party" in July in Davis, California, USA * Kieren's "Laird's Lair" channel, with lots of new stuff * Fusion Retro Books, working on The Story Of The Atari ST In Pixels, may make an 8-bit one if there's interest * The Atari XEGS Cart by Cart Podcast is now part of the Throwback Network * Glen Planamento confirms The Ultimate Cart (SD multicart) works on Atari 400/800 (YouTube video) * Rob "VectorGamer"'s TheRetrocade YouTube channel * "bad-ass custom dust covers" thread on AtariAge * Artcade by Bitmap Books is out (Kieren's review on YouTube) * Photos from Sacramento Indie Arcade 2016 (Bill and others were there with Ataris) * Search Google to learn about McWill's Lynx LCD upgrade * Player/Missile Podcast is sorta back from hiatus * ANTIC: The Atari 8-bit Podcast has been posting tons of interviews; check them out! * Eight Bit Fix (Atari repair and sales) is selling new Atari 8-bit carts: Mr. Do! (new), Blaster (new), Space Harrier (homebrew port), Bruce Lee, and MIDIMaze (prototype) * The next RetroGamer magazine will have an "Ultimate Guide to Mr. Do!", by Kieren * Kickstarter for The Mastertronic Archives book
Choplifter! * Published by Atari Corp., 1988 * Developed by Steve Aguirre, Sculptured Software * Based on 1982 Brøderbund Software original, by Dan Gorlin
Links: * Atarimania Choplifter! (XEGS) * Atarimania Choplifter! (1982 original)
Other Reviews and Info: * The Atari 7800 Game By Game Podcast, Episode 10 — Choplifter! & Karateka * XE-Lent Arcade Games episode 14 * ANTIC Podcast interview with Doug Carlston, Brøderbund
Crystal Castles * Published by Atari Corp., 1988 * Developed by The Software Factory * Based on Atari Inc. unreleased 1984 prototype, by Paul Metz and William Jahnke
Where to buy: * B & C ComputerVisions (1984 prototype): $30
Information Sources: * Crystal Castles Wikipedia article * Michael Current's A History of Tramel Technology / Atari * Crystal Castles at Atarimania * Paul Metz: 12/21/1961-8/27/2011 * Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest 7800 game * GDC Video: Making the Atari coin-op classic Crystal Castles
Other Reviews and Info: * No Quarter Podcast, episode 26 (arcade version) * XL-Lent Arcade Games, part 13 * AtariProtos review of 1984 prototype
L.A. SWAT * Published by Mastertronic, 1986 * Developed by Randy Platt, Sculptured Software
Information Sources: * L.A. SWAT at Atarimania * L.A. SWAT cover art
Other Reviews and Info: * Commodore 64 L.A. SWAT review video * Amstrad CPC L.A. SWAT review * L.A. SWAT at Moby Games
Yogi Bear & Friends in The Greed Monster * Published by Hi-Tec Software, 1990 * Developed by Russell Knight (code) & Rich Morton (graphics), PAL Developments
Information Sources: * Yogi Bear & Friends... at Atarimania
Other Reviews and Info: * ZX Spectrum Yogi Bear... review by Crash magazine * ZX Spectrum Yogi Bear... review by Your Sinclair magazine * Amstrad CPC Yogi Bear... review * Yogi Bear... at Moby Games
In Episode 2, we take to the skies with Blue Max, then dive down to the sewers to join the Mario Brothers. We also touch on Joust and Zaxxon, two games that share many similarities to our featured reviews. Kieren Hawken gives his two pence on Budget Titles, and we finally get to our user feedback.
Show Notes New Theme Song * Software Remixes at Bandcamp * ComputeHer * (She's also part of 8 Bit Weapon)
News * Bill's "Atari Party" in Northern California * Sacramento Indie Arcade * The Ultimate SD Mulitcart
Missing Links (Ep 1.: Missile Command) * 5200 Super Podcast Ep. 1: The Pac(k) Ins * 5200 Super Podcast Ep. 3: TrakBallin' with Centipede and Missile Command * 2600 Game by Game Podcast Ep. 49: Dodge 'Em & Missile Command * Laird's Lair (Kieren Hawken)'s "XE-Lent Arcade Games Part 10" video
Mario Bros. * Published by Atari, 1988 * Developed by Sculptured Software
Information Sources: * Mario Bros. (@Wikipedia) * Mario Bros.: Classic Arcade Game Video, History & Game Play Overview (@ Arcade Classics) * Mario Bros., XEGS version (@ Atarimania) * Sculptured Software (@ Wikipedia)
Other Reviews and Info: * The Atari 7800 Game By Game Podcast, Episode 20 — Mario Bros. & Fight Night * Videogame Critic (B+)
Joust * Developed and published by Atari, 1983
Where to buy: * BEST Electronics: $21.50, $9.95 cart only * B & C ComputerVisions: $29.95, $20 cart only * Bravo Sierra: $20
Information Sources: * Joust (video game) (@ Wikipedia) * Joust (@ Atarimania)
Other Reviews and Info: * The Atari 7800 Game By Game Podcast, Epsidoe 5 — Galaga & Joust * Laird's Lair XE-Lent Arcade Games, Part 5
Blue Max * Original disk version (1983) + Published by Synapse Software (aka SynSoft in the UK) & U.S. Gold + Developed by Bob Polin * XEGS cartridge port (1987) + Published by Broderbund / Atari + Developed by Sculptured Software
Where to buy: * BEST Electronics: $18 loose * B & C ComputerVisions: $30 (in box), $20 cart only
Information Sources: * ANTIC VOL. 2, NO. 7 / OCTOBER 1983 * COMPUTE! - Issue 44 * Atari Mania - 7.8/10 * "Blue Max - Atari XL/XE - With Runway Glitch and Commentary" (@ YouTube) * ANTIC Interview w/ Bob Polin (Blue Max developer) * ANTIC Interview w/ Ihor Wolosenko (co-founder of Synapse)
Zaxxon * Published by Sega, 1983 * Developed by Ron J. Fortier, Datasoft * (Disk and tape versions published by Datasoft and others)
Information Sources: * Zaxxon (@ Wikipedia) * Zaxxon (@ Atarimania)
Other Reviews and Info: * Laird's Lair, XE-Lent Arcade Games - Part 7 * Atari 5200 SuperPodcast, Ep. 2 * 2600 Game By Game Podcast, Ep. 10
Kieren Hawken on Budget Games * Joe Blade + Published by Players, 1988 + Developed by Barry & Brian Southon + Joe Blade (@ Atarimania) * BMX Simulator + Published by Code Masters, 1986 + Developed by Adrian Sheppard (game), David Whittaker (sound/music) + BMX Simulator (@ Atarimania)
In our first review episode, we review EA’s Archon to find out if the game is good or evil. Then we set our sights on the XEGS packaged light gun game, Bug Hunt. We also have user submision from Shinto, the host of the The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast and Kieran Hawkin introduces his new UK Budget Games segment. This time he reviews Fruit Machine Simulator and puts in his two pence on our two featured games.
Show Notes Archon: The Dark and the Light Other reviews & references: * ANTIC interview with Jon Freeman, Free Fall Associates * Free Fall Associates interview with Jon Freeman & Anne Westfall * The Digital Antiquarian: Free Fall, Part 1: Archon * Grognardia: Interview with Paul Reiche III * Game Manual * Wikipedia articles: Archon Free Fall Associates * Atarimania entries: XEGS cart (1987) XL disk (1983) * 8bit Rocket (Jeff Fulton): The 8-bit Game: Digesting Archon - An article on game design using Atari 8-bit Archon as the model
Other ports: * Archon was ported to the Apple II, Commodore 64, Amiga, IBM PC, Apple Macintosh, NES, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and PC-88 * Archon II: Adept - 1984 sequel for Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. Unfortunately, was never released on cartridge * Archon Ultra - 1994 remake for MSDOS, by Free Fall Assoc (published by SSI) * The Unholy War - 1998 spiritual successor by Paul Reiche III for PlayStation, by Toys for Bob (published by Crystal Dynamics) * Kombat Chess - mini-game (similar to Archon) within 2004’s Mortal Kombat: Deception for PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and PSP * Archon: Conquest - 2009 iPhone remake, by React Games. Licensed by Free Fall. Available today, via App Store! * Archon: Classic - 2010 Windows remake, by React Games. Available today, via Steam!
Where to buy: * Best Electronics - USD $34.95 (XE Cart) * B&C Computer Visions - USD $29.95 (XE Cart) * Ebay + Cartrige - $59.95 buy it now (from B&C), plus various sales in Europe (EUR 18.90 (~$21) to EUR 38.00 (~$42)) (2016-01-16) + Disk - ~$75 loose, ~$128 sealed, up to ~$200 sealed (2016-01-16)
Information Sources: * ANTIC interview with Jon Freeman, Free Fall Associates Bug Hunt Other reviews & references:+ ANTIC interview with Alan Murphy + Retro Gaming Roundup interview with Rob Zdybel (& others) + Atarimania entry + Game Manual
Where to buy:+ BEST Electronics - USD $12.00 (no box, cart + manual) + B&C Computer Visions - USD $20.00 (cart only) + Ebay - USD $39.00, cart + light gun, $2.99 to $29.95 (mostly cart only) (2015-01-16) + Ebay - Light gun only - $24.99, $26.50, $30.00, and $35.00 (2015-01-16)
Contributor Segments+ Shinto (host of The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast) + Budget Games featuring Kieren Hawkin - Review's Fruit Machine Simulator, Archon, & Bug Hunt
Welcome to the first Episode of the Atari XEGS Cart by Cart Podcast. In Episode Zero we will focus on the Atari XE Game System Console. We will learn about the hosts and get up to speed on the XEGS technical Specifications. Come join Bill, David, and Michael and find out why we love the XEGS.
Show Notes Other ports/reviews: Video Game Console Library * Wikipedia * Classic Home Video Games Museum * The Centre for Computing History * ANTIC Magazine "First Look Inside the XE Game System"*
Where to buy: B & C ComputerVisions * Online Auctions (ebay.com / ShopGoodwill.com) * Amazon: Amazon.com * Eight Bit Fix * Best Electronics (Sold out but keep looking*)
Things to consider getting for your XEGS:* BEST Electronics "BEST XE Touch" keyboard retrofit * Installation guide
Emulators: atari800 - open source for Linux, Windows, Mac OS X & more * Atari800Win PLUs - based on atari800, with Windows-specific features * Altirra - Windows emulator with lots of debugging/etc. Very popular with coders * Atari++ - originally a fork of atari800. Available for Linux and Windows * Colleen - based on atari800. Available for Android devices * PC Xformer - MSDOS/Windows emulator from the early 1990s * Apple iOS device - Your iOS device needs to be jailbroken. You can use via DOSPad * MESS(Multi Emulator Super System*) which is part of the MAME project * Browser based via Utilized by Internet Archive's Historical Software Archive (via JSMESS)