HSC12 Welcome and Games List

[apemaster]

Necromancer, my all time favourite!

[ballyalley]

My number one game choice for this season is a classic, but little-played (it seems) game that seemed to slip under the radar when released:

1. Beamrider (1984) (Activision)

I took quite some time to choose many other games too. This isn't just a long compilation of random games; it's a list of games that would be interesting one way or another. I have zero experience playing some of these games, others I've played in passing, and some I'm good at playing. I'm not an expert at any game. There has got to be something worth playing in this list:

1. Alien Swarm (1982)(Inhome Software)
2. Alpha Shield (1983)(Sirius Software)
3. Aquatron (1983)(Sierra On-Line)
4. Arkanoid (1987)(Imagine) - Paddles Only [use triple ball fix by Fandal]
5. Astro Chase (1982)(First Star Software)
6. Atlantis (1983) (Imagic)
7. Attack of the Mutant Camels (1984)(Llamasoft)
8. Avalanche (1980)(APX) - Paddles Only? - Clone of arcade Avalanche.
9. Berzerk (1983)(Atari)
10. Blueprint (1982)(CBS Software) [5200 Version]
11. Boulders and Bombs (1982)(CBS Software)
12. Canyon Climber (1982)(Datasoft)
13. Capture the Flag (1983)(Sirius Software)
14. Caverns of Mars (1982)(Atari)
15. Centipede (1982) (Atari)[Atari 5200 Conversion]
16. Chopper Hunt (1984)(Imagic)
17. Claim Jumper (1982)(Synapse Software)
18. Demon Attack (1982)(Imagic)
19. Desmond's Dungeon (1984)(Sparklers)
20. Donkey Kong Junior (1983)(Atari)
21. Dropzone (1984)(US Gold)
22. Fantastic Voyage (1982)(Sirius Software)
23. Firefleet (1983)(English Software Company)
24. Floyd of the Jungle (1982)(MicroProse Software)
25. Frantic! (1986)(Computronic)
26. Gauntletak (1987)(Donald Lebeau)
27. Gorf (1982) (Roklan Corp.)
28. Hard Hat Mack (1983)(Electronic Arts)
29. Jetboy, Back to Earth (2007)(XXL)
30. Kaboom! (1983)(Activision) - Paddles Only
31. Knicker-Bockers (1988)(TDC Distributors)
32. Koffi: Yellow Koptor (2002)(Ron Lloyd)
33. Laser Gates (1984)(Imagic)
34. Megamania (1983)(Activision)
35. Millipede (1984)(Atari)
36. Mountain King (1983)(CBS Software)
37. Mouskattack (1981)(Sierra On-Line)
38. Mr. Do! (1983)(Datasoft)
39. Mr. TNT (1983)(HesWare)
40. Nadral (200x)(Reschke and Wiethoff)
41. Nautilus (1982)(Synapse Software)
42. New York City - The Big Apple (1984)(Synapse Software)
43. Nibbler (1983)(Datasoft)
44. O'riley's Mine (1983)(Datasoft)
45. Pastfinder (1984)(Activision)
46. Pengo (1983)(Atari)
47. Pie-Man (1983)(Penguin Software)
48. Pinhead (1982)(Utopia Software)
49. Polar Pierre (1984)Datamost)
50. Pooyan (1983)(Datasoft)
51. Popeye (1983)(Parker Brothers)
52. Protector II (1982)(Synapse Software)
53. Quick Step (1983)(Imagic)
54. Salmon Run (1982)(APX, Bill Williams)
55. Serpentine (1982)(Brøderbund Software)
56. Shadow World (1982)(Synapse Software)
57. Shamus: Case II (1983)(Synapse Software)
58. Slime (1982)(Synapse Software)
59. Spare Change (1983)(Broderbund Software)
60. Squish'em (1983)(Sirius Software)
61. Starion (1983)(Romex)
62. Stellar Shuttle (1982)(Broderbund Software)
63. Super Pac-Man (1984)(Atari) - 5200 Version
64. Super Pong (1986)(ANALOG Computing) - Paddles Only
65. Survivor (1982)(Synapse Software)
66. Tapper (1984)(Sega)
67. Timeslip (1986)(English Software Company)
68. Turmoil (1982)(Sirius Software)
69. Twerps (1981)(Sirius Software)
70. Up'n Down (1984)(Sega)
71. Whirlinurd (1985)(US Gold)
72. Zenji (1984)(Activision)
73. Zone Ranger (1984)(Activision)
74. Zone X (1985)(Gremlin Graphics)

To mix-it up a bit, here are some type-in games from magazines:

1. Amazing (1985)(Antic) - Arcade - Collect'em!
2. Arena Psychotica (1984)(Antic) - Arcade - Collect'em!
3. Bacterion! (1984) (Kyle Peacock and Tom Hudson) - ANALOG Computing
4. Crazy Clown Jumper (1989)(Brad Timmins) - ANALOG Computing
5. Diver (1984)(Antic) - Arcade - Miscellaneous
6. Elevator Repairman (1985)(Fred Caprilli) - ANALOG Computing,
7. Fill'er Up! II (198x)(Tom Hudson) - ANALOG Computing, Qix Clone
8. Fire Bug (1984)(Hudson/Peacock) - ANALOG Computing
9. Galactic Gloop (1984)(Antic) - Arcade - Miscellaneous
10. Helicopter Round-Up (1985)(Antic) - Arcade - Miscellaneous
11. Livewire! (1983)(Tom Hudson) - ANALOG Computing, Tempest Clone
12. Maze Maniac (1983)(Antic) - Arcade - Collect'em!
13. Overflow (1985)(Antic) - Shoot'em Up! - Miscellaneous
14. Planetary Defense (1984)( Charles Bachand and Tom Hudson) - ANALOG Computing
15. Popcorn! (1985)(Mark and Kathy Sloatman) - ANALOG Computing, Kaboom! Clone
16. QT (1985)(Antic) - Arcade - Miscellaneous
17. Risky Rescue (Antic)( J. D. Casten) - Arcade - Platformer - Single Screen
18. ROTO (1985)(Mike Stortz) - ANALOG Computing, HERO Clone
19. Star Venture (1985)(Antic) - Arcade - Collect'em!
20. Thief (1985)(Antic) - Arcade - Collect'em!
21. Tunnel Trekker (1984)(Derek Johnson) - Tutankham Clone
22. Worm Squirm (1983)(Antic) - Arcade - Snake
23. Zand's Labyrinth (1984)(Stephan Baucke) - Nibbler Clone

If one or two of these games gets goes up for vote, then that's great. Does anyone spot any of their personal favorites?

 

(Please note: This is my list for all future high score club rounds; no kidding.)

[lodger]

i vote for NUCLEAR NICK, i love it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJI1DmFNUm0

[+therealbountybob]

Great List BallyAlley looks like we need to play more games and welcome to Lodger Nuclear Nick is really nice and I wouldn't be suprised to see it in the next poll

[McKong]

My number one game choice for this season is a classic, but little-played (it seems) game that seemed to slip under the radar when released:

1. Beamrider (1984) (Activision)

I took quite some time to choose many other games too. This isn't just a long compilation of random games; it's a list of games that would be interesting one way or another. I have zero experience playing some of these games, others I've played in passing, and some I'm good at playing. I'm not an expert at any game. There has got to be something worth playing in this list:

...

...

(Please note: This is my list for all future high score club rounds; no kidding.)

Lots of good games on that list. A couple of my favourites are DK Jnr and Desmond's Dungeon although I haven't played quite a few of them. One game that I wanted to try in HSC was Polar Pierre cos it seems like a good game but I never played it much

Edited May 12, 2015 by therealbountybob

[ballyalley]

It was suggested that there be a round of paddle-only games, here:

 

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/237716-hsc12-round-7-sheer-balloonacy/page-3?do=findComment&comment=3236428

 

This sounds great to me. I think everyone is familiar with most paddle games for the Atari 8-bit. There is a superb version of "Omega Race" for the Vic-20 and C64, but I don't think that the Atari 8-bit has this game, right? Here's a short video of someone playing the C64 version with paddles:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40LANg3m2pE

 

Maybe there is a PD or homebrew version of "Omega Race." Does anybody know.

 

Adam

[jk40001]

It was suggested that there be a round of paddle-only games, here:

 

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/237716-hsc12-round-7-sheer-balloonacy/page-3?do=findComment&comment=3236428

 

This sounds great to me. I think everyone is familiar with most paddle games for the Atari 8-bit. There is a superb version of "Omega Race" for the Vic-20 and C64, but I don't think that the Atari 8-bit has this game, right? Here's a short video of someone playing the C64 version with paddles:

 

 

Maybe there is a PD or homebrew version of "Omega Race." Does anybody know.

 

Adam

Since I made last weekend my own paddle to give Clowns and Balloons some proper goes I am for more paddle games/rounds too:) Well, mine looks like an ice hockey puck but the larger diameter provide me with more acurate controls. It is attached to my custom made joystick as removable add-on.

 

 

[+therealbountybob]

Wow JK40001 great work on those controllers - they look fantastic.

 

So who hasn't got a set of paddles yet?! If we do have another paddles games round several of the games support joystick and keyboard input but you can't beat the paddles for fun

 

That Omega Race looks like Asteriods but reminded me a lot of the new Delta Space Arena (available on Cartridge only) - the 4 level demo is fun I was lucky enough to do some testing and liked it a lot

[roadrunner]

Defender
Gremlins

[McKong]

I wouldn't mind having another crack at Diamond Mine. It's a surprising good game once you get into it

[+therealbountybob]

I wouldn't mind having another crack at Diamond Mine. It's a surprising good game once you get into it

The one we played before in the Diamonds Jubilee round? (mono and hard to see but was a neat game) - there are three Diamond Mines so we could even have a DIamond Mine round

[ballyalley]

[Diamond Mine,] the one we played before in the Diamonds Jubilee round? (mono and hard to see but was a neat game)

 

If you're referring to Roklan's "Diamond Mine," then it's not a mono game (I don't think). It gets color via artifacting, at least that's what I remember. Try turning on NTSC artifacting in Altirra and see what you get. There are actually a lot of "mono" games that are actually in color. In PAL I don't think artifacting works. So, I guess these games look mono even on real hardware, right?

[+therealbountybob]

Yes "mono" only here in PAL land Some levels were very hard to see but it was a nice find

 

There must be a few on your list above for the current two multi game vote options

[McKong]

Yes I meant Roklan's diamond mine

[Sikor]

Hmm, maybe FRED from LK Avalon will be ok to start second half of sezon. And as bonus round - little harder first version (without music, only Polish version available)?

http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-fred_27938.html- easier version (second version)

http://a8.fandal.cz/detail.php?files_id=5583- harder first version

[+therealbountybob]

Hmm, maybe FRED from LK Avalon will be ok to start second half of sezon. And as bonus round - little harder first version (without music, only Polish version available)?

http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-fred_27938.html- easier version (second version)

http://a8.fandal.cz/detail.php?files_id=5583- harder first version

We did play one of the Freds before, was a good game, will add it to the next poll

[ballyalley]

On my original game suggestion list, my number one choice was "Beamrider." Since that game is currently being played in Round 12, I'm going to resuggest a game that I always associated with "Beamrider." Here's a rewarding game:

Zone Ranger (1984)(Activision)

These two Activision games will always be associated in my mind because I bought them on the same day in the mid-eighties.

Here is the box art for the game to get people interested:

Over 30 separate zones of indescribable danger. Pitting you against a devastatingly evil minefield of destruction. Not to mention countless horrible enemies. Strike them and they only multiply.

Detonate the deadly mines that litter your cosmos or you'll be sorry. Find an elusive, mysterious superportal and you'll get even. It's intense multiscreen action. Which, loosely translated, simply means, it's awesome fun.

If you think that hyperbole is over-the-top, then check out what the front of the manual has to say.

 

A Bad, Bad, Bad, Night Indeed.

Screwy Satellites.
Irksome Killer Rocks.
Irritating Repairbots.

It's a sad and sorry sight. So, clean-up the unfriendly skies by blasting all satellites in the allotted time. Or you're history.

 

Here are three screenshots of the game:

 

"Zone Ranger" is a fun game-- and it really rewards those that look for a deeper experience. There's plenty to be discovered here; this isn't just another shoot-em-up-- although it can be treated as one if you prefer to play that way.

 

Here's hoping that "Zone Ranger" makes it into the High Score Club this round!

[+therealbountybob]

I like Zone Ranger - a nice game with creeping entensity - the problem for HSC play is casual players seem to go into the warp to level 7 (?) probably accidentally or, then wonder why the game is hard. Good! We have the first candidate for the next poll!

 

If anyone else is busting for me to put something from their list up for the poll then let me know

[ballyalley]

The problem [with Zone Ranger"] for HSC play is casual players seem to go into the warp to level 7 (?) probably accidentally

 

Yes. I did that back when I played it originally in the 80s. Then, I quickly got killed by the red laser beams, which on the earlier levels are green and harmless.

 

I was listening to episode #6 of "Ten Pence Arcade" podcast last night. It covered Namco's space shooter "Bosconian." Since I had just posted abouit "Zone Ranger," I realized that "Bosconian" certainly seems like an inspiration for "Zone Ranger." It's not the same, but I doubt that "Zone Ranger" would exist with that Namco arcade shooter from 1981.

[ballyalley]

We need a BIG 5 games for the poll guys

 

For Round 19, we're looking for games that have not been played in the HSC before. I don't think the HSC has ever focused on role-playing games; maybe those can be explored a little bit? Or does the HSC only plays actions games?

 

I have no experience playing any Atari 8-Bit role-playing games (unless you could "Temple of Apshai"). How about some of the following RPG games:

1. Alternate Reality: The City
2. Alternate Reality: The Dungeon
3. Dunjonquest (Temple of Apshai games)
4. Gemstone Warrior
5. Phantasie (SSI)
6. Questron (SSI)
7. Return of Heracles, The
8. Telengard
9. Ultima I-IV

What important Atari 8-Bit role-playing games am I missing?

 

I admit that I have no idea how scoring for RPG games would work.

[+therealbountybob]

 

For Round 19, we're looking for games that have not been played in the HSC before. I don't think the HSC has ever focused on role-playing games; maybe those can be explored a little bit? Or does the HSC only plays actions games?

 

I have no experience playing any Atari 8-Bit role-playing games (unless you could "Temple of Apshai"). How about some of the following RPG games:

1. Alternate Reality: The City
2. Alternate Reality: The Dungeon
3. Dunjonquest (Temple of Apshai games)
4. Gemstone Warrior
5. Phantasie (SSI)
6. Questron (SSI)
7. Return of Heracles, The
8. Telengard
9. Ultima I-IV

What important Atari 8-Bit role-playing games am I missing?

 

I admit that I have no idea how scoring for RPG games would work.

Unfortunately there is not really time in a 2 week period for people to get into these sort of games, perhaps His Dark Majesty or something shorter and more arcade adventurey - I don't know all the games listed but Ultima III we played over many years