etschuetz
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Posts posted by etschuetz
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Like TZ101, I have that Atari Modular case, a home made Wooden "shelf" I made around 15 or so years ago in Wood Shop, and I have this really nice metal filing cabinet. They all hold my Atari 2600, 5200 and 7800 games. I haven't decided on a good storage method for my Lynx and Jaguar games yet though. As for Controllers, I stow them away in standard cardboard boxes. And the consoles are usually hooked up to a television with a game inside of the port to keep dust from settling in there. Right now, as I moved (again) recently, I need to situate everything in a manner so that it is out and playable again.
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Okay, before you get to typing, I KNOW Atari released the 5200, but which Atari? Atari, Inc or Atari Corporation? Reason I asked? Check out the image! The label on the bottom clearly says Atari Corporation. I thought this was released under the Atari, Inc banner when with Time Warner? I do apologize for the blurry image. Tried to take the picture a few times and this was the least blurred.
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Cropping is your friend.
If you don't want to be friends with cropping, then Alt-PrintScreen will be your friend.
Oops. Crop and me are friends. However Crop is a neglected friend. I never call, never write. Hell, I don't even send a simple email. I am surprised Crop doesn't even talk to me at all. Poor Crop.
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A couple screen shots. Note: AtariAge forum in the background.
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And in case anyone hasn't seen this yet, there's also the World of Warcraft port for the Atari 2600:
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/moltencore/
Love the video!
That was a hoot!
That isn't just a hoax anymore however. It was released as a game. Not in any form of emulation mind you, but a game none the less.
http://www.gamersuniversity.com/?page_id=209
Yes, someone actually took the screen shots, sat down, and coded a game to match the look and feel! Now, if only it could be converted to actually be played on the Atari!
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You said Stella on the DS. are you talking about the dead project from about 2 or 3 years ago? If so, it isn't a bad emulator, but definitely not a good one. Would love to see it picked up by a new developer and optimized with better ROM name handling and a GUI or interface that works of some sort. Be honest, I am still waiting for a good 2600 emulator for the Android platform. Would love to kick it with Atari on my Droid.
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SOmething that was not hit at here is that the Junior also didn't display all of the sprites in some games accurately. I recall two games specifically that this happens in. Cosmic Ark's star field in the background, and Journey Escape, same thing. I do not recall other games, but definitely these two. Anyone care to help elaborate why this happened when the Junior is supposed to be the same hardware, just slimmed down?
While growing up, my parents would snatch up Atari 2600's without a second thought, mostly "just in case" scenario's, but ended up as "one in every room". LOL. We had a Vader, a Light Sixer, a Junior and a Woody 4 switch all at one time. I know we had more than one of the bigger models at a few points. I can literally say I have played on ever version of the official 2600 systems released by Atari. The only one that had missing backgrounds/sprites was the Junior.
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Not a video game, but just for fun on this thread...
We all remember Scooby Doo. I know this comparison was made before, but here it is again.
Fred - In the closet and hid it by always "teaming up" with Daphne. However, no matter how many times they go off to "find clues", they never do anything interesting. Come on! Daphne was HOT, and Fred never made a move?
Daphne - The average stereotype of the "pretty girl". However, she really wanted to prove that she was more than just looks. She also had a thing for Fred, but never made a move herself. Why else would she happily go off with Fred? Also, possibly freaked out by Shaggy.
Velma - She is this geeky girl. She so wants to jump Fred, but knows it won't happen because Fred is to busy trying to cover up his homosexuality by hanging out with Daphne. However, Velma may also be interested in jumping Daphne too.
Shaggy - Stoner. Nuff said. He was shaggy looking, and didn't really care about his appearance. He was paranoid and always had the munchies.
Scooby Doo - A lesson in that it is not a good idea to get your dog stoned.
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Okay, in the "depressing" thread, I made a couple posts, and my second one is inspiring this one. Inadvertent themes within a game.
Pac Man series. Okay, you are a pill popping junkie. All you can think about is getting the next pill. However, while doing so, you are haunted by the ghost monsters, or your drug induced hallucinogenic demons. If you don't get that really good fix, they f**k you up. the Ghost Monsters possibly representing specific characteristics of yourself that you are constantly popping pills to forget, yet constantly sneak up to remind you of yourself, sending you spiraling out and into depression...or an overdose.
This trend transcends sexuality and age as it effects us all. Starting with Pac Man, then moving into Ms. Pac Man. After that we have Pac Man Jr. Here we have the by-product of our addictions, still addicted to what we so crave. The food and toys within each game represent our cravings and onset of "munchies" while falling prey to the addiction. However, you don't have to get it if you don't want to, as the pills are more important.
Super Pac Man represents a different theme. The keys represent salvation from the drug addiction, unlocking the healthier things in our life, but we still have the "power pills" that help us cope with the same demons we constantly battle.
Now, I know people have jokingly looked at this the same way I just described, but I went a little deeper with it. It is depressing, and an interesting inadvertent theme on the lives of those addicted to various things in ones life, while hiding from the evils within.
What do you have for an interesting "Inadvertent Theme" within a game...
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After reading a few of the posts here on "page 3" of the thread, I wonder if I misunderstood the original point of the thread. Were we shooting for depressing in the sense of "fighting the inevitable", or depressing in "how bad was this game in terms of color, and goal"? Personally, i like the previous over the latter. As I said in my post, so many games were about the end of life/civilization/the world/etc. And each inevitably ended the same way.
To add to this on a different aspect with depressing as in lonely and yet still inevitable death would be games like:
Bezerk
Tunnel Runner
Pac Man series
Okay, why Berzerk? As mentioned, you are in a world filled with robots hell bent on killing you, the last human alive on this planet. You stand still for to long, and Evil Otto comes to bounce on you until you are mush.
Tunnel Runner? Well you are alone in a maze filled with sharp toothed smiley faces, much like Evil Otto's cousins. All they want to do is eat you. They chase you down by either hearing your foot steps, or perhaps the stench of your sweat from always running.
Pac Man series? Well, much on the same lines as Tunnel Runner, except this time around you are a pill popping addict that is being chased by monsters that pulverize you. Your only chance is that little dab of PCP/Angel Dust that makes you so damned tough, you take the fight to the ghost monsters that constantly haunt your pill popping nightmare.
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Why choose a single game? When you consider many of the games that were either Atari original's or arcade ports, they all were about the end of the world. No matter how hard you fight, no matter how powerful your ship, you are all alone, and the only hope. You fight endlessly destroying the onslaught of aliens, asteroids, monsters, space ships, demons, mutants, etc, you never have back up, you never see the end. The only end you do see is when you either run out of time, or out of lives. When either of those happen, the end of the world happens. You not only die a shameful death of inevitability, but you disgrace the world to its utter destruction. Landscapes are leveled, cities ruined, people are either wiped out, mutated, turned to livestock, or made into slaves.
Games that follow this line?
Defender series
Galaga series
Phoenix
Demon Attack
Missile Command
Asteroids
Space Invaders
Astroblast
Atlantis
Cosmic Ark
and many MANY other games that are either clones, or original titles.
Not one of these types of games offer an ending of some sort. Oh, sure! You reached the mothership and destroyed the vial alien mastermind behind the invasion, but they are quickly replaced by a new armada of war driven aliens/monsters/mutants/etc and a new mothership directing the mayhem like a twisted conductor to this symphony of destruction.
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Okay, this is NOT a Jag Bash session. I have one, and I found it to be a capable system that just didn't get the support it deserved. It has some great games, and a few crappy games. That is the name of the "game" in the gaming industry, however. What I want to see what everyone thinks is what could Atari have done, games wise, to push the Jaguar into homes and make it a stand out system.
Personally, I feel that the Jag was indeed capable of 3D games, but not on the level of the N64 or PSX/one. It was more comparable to SNES Super F/X games. However, if maybe a mix of 2D with 3D elements, could games have persuaded a bit more? I recall a discussion on here about how the GBA used a 3D effect with 2D graphics, I do not recall the title of the thread, or where to start on searching for it, but perhaps it would have been a feasible notion. I believe it was using parallax, or something of the nature? Anyway, perhaps a 3D vehicle on a parallax play field. The field would have been 2D, but with various visual effects, it could have generated a decent effect.
Another issue I think was that Atari really should have pushed the 2D gaming aspect. Yes, we all know that 3D was on the verge of booming. However, the Jaguar excelled there. Look at Ray Man! It was GORGEOUS! Bring in big name 2D fighters (which was on the verge, but the games, such as MK, got canceled before release) and perhaps a few top notch SNK/Takara ports. SNK survived pretty decently through the 90's with their great 2D arcade games. Would these games, scaled down for the Jaguar's memory limitations, excel? Perhaps. Imagine Metal Slug on the Jag. How about some good home ports (other than the Neo Geo's versions) of Fatal Fury and King of Fighters.
On the flip side of the 2D parallax environment with 3D objects in the foreground...flip that with a 3D environment with 2D objects populating the environment. The Playstation did that a lot in its early years to deliver some great games. I know that games like Doom and AvP pretty much do that already, but move away from the First Person Shooters, and go the route of a Road Rash/Need for Speed type game where the roads and landscape is 3D, but the tree's, cars, motorcycles are all crisp hi-res 2D.
I also wonder if Atari would have pushed to bring the Arcade Home, like back in the days of yore, would it have helped a bit. Bring home the 2D arcade games that the PSone and N64 didn't replicate very well. Of course, to correct myself as I go along, the PSone and N64 were still a year or three away, and the only real next-gen competitor was the overly priced 3DO at the time. And it had a slow 1 or 2x loading CD-ROM, compared to the faster loading, and expandable cartridge format.
So, what are your thoughts and ideas that would have worked? Try and be productive here. Like I said, this is not a Jag Bash session, its the good old fashioned "What If" game, and honestly they are fun.
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I knew if I snooped around the forum long enough, i would find at least one April Fools joke on here this year.
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If you want to go this route, why limit yourself?
The All-in-One Atari MegaSystem!
This would be an add-on for the Atari Jaguar system. It would give it the following features...
1. 2600/7800 cart slot
2. 5200 cart slot
3. Lynx port
4. A front mounting CD drive
5. New controllers with better button feel
6. No need for an extra power supply
7. a new catbox type device for clearer picture and sound
8. ability to use Jaguar's built in hardware to provide faster game processing, better sound, better visual effects, etc.
9. Full compatibility with the Jaguar Controllers on all classic games.
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I know we play the what if game a lot with Atari, but what about the "What is"? What did Atari teach the gaming industry from its beginnings to its tragic end?
8. Backward compatibility can be a HUGE marketing tool to lure in the older user base, while still attracting a new user base. It is a wonderful method of encouraging long time users to upgrade.
Sony and Microsoft already proved that this is irrelevant.
How about...
12. How to fuck up so bad that you go from being number one to bankrupt.
Sony and Microsoft can be considered an irrelevant instance, but then again, look at PS2. The backwards compatibility really did help push it. PSone games worked so wonderfully, minus a small handful. Microsoft tried to bring in backwards compatibility, but because of the significant hardware differences, it was phased out quickly.
A real instance of "the exception to the rule" would be Nintendo. The ONLY backwards compatible systems they ever released were the Game Boy/DS line of systems, and now the Wii. The Wii, however, can do this as the hardware between the Wii and Gamecube are not extremely different.
Back in the early days of gaming, consumers weren't privy to the idea of having to upgrade their systems when they had built up HUGE libraries of games. Gamers today play a game, and then toss it to the used game stores. That in my opinion is why backwards compatibility isn't such an issue now. You play a game once, twice, or three times to unlock the secrets, then its pointless to play it then. Games are quite linear now. Old school games are in a sense linear, but are designed to play for the high score, which is something that can be played over and over for.
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2. More ports of games from the 8-bit computer line over to the 5200. If RAM was an issue, then "dumb down" the games a tad to fit, or add in extra ram on the cart. More original titles would have helped out too. So, to break it down, MORE GAMES.
I do believe the vast majority of cartridge based atari 8-bit games worked with 16 kB (a fair chunk must have worked in 8 kB if they wanted to include the lowest common denominator -non-upgraded early 400/800 adopters).
ditch the controller compartment for a 2600 slot.I think it'd be most efficient to use a single slot like the 7800 with added outboard pins.
4. Not going with the "all-in-one" switch box/power and just going with the standard power port and switch box like the 2 port variation.
I would assume that's due to reliability and cost; otherwise having that auto switchbox is quite convenient (the later mechanism used by Nintendo etc, was superior, granted). However, the biggest pain was simply having to reach behind the TV to switch -depending on your set-up, but that might have been solved with a switchbox with a long cable on the output side to allow for more flexible placement of the box. (not sure why the mechanism Nintendo used a couple years later wasn't yet practical though -or maybe they just hadn't though of it yet)
I'm not sure when TVs/VCRs started including composite video/audio ports, but if even high-end TVs had RCA AV inputs by 1980, that would be enough to merit the 5200 including them (possibly using a similar DIN connector to the A8 computers).
5. I would have liked it if Atari would have taken real time on the console to perfect everything that was put in to it. If that would have happened, perhaps an extra 6 months to a year development time, it would have been the savior of the 84 crash. A system with the power of a computer, but the accessibility of a console gaming system.Weak hardware had nothing to do with the 83 crash though, it was overinflation of the market largely tied to mismanagement at Atari/Warner -an oversimplification though. (commodore's price war had a huge catalyzing effect too)
The A8 hardware was fine for the time, nothing wrong with it, though the 5200 was a bit of a muddled/rushed mess in hardware terms. (probably for a number of reasons including the management issues and interdivision relationships at atari)
Quite honestly, for the flaws the 5200 had, it gave it character. It was big, powerful, and had great games. It was the simple mindedness of consumers that really hampered the console then. They wanted to have the Atari 2600 but with better graphics. I also blame Atari for not pushing developers over to the 5200 and begin the death phase of the 2600.Not sure that's quite how it was, the market was confused in part by the large number of emerging platforms (granted, the main ones established were VCS, Intellivision, CV, and 5200, but then the Arcadia and Vectrex popped up -and previous competitors had already fallen behind I think), but on top of that were home computers with ever encroaching price points.
I'm not sure what "have the 2600 with better graphics" means though, do you mean a fully compatible upgraded console, an upgrade module for the VCS, enhancement hardware on-cart, what? (the latter was done with the DPC chip used in Pitfall II, of course)
Now as to pushing developers to the 5200 (or resources in general), I'd agree, and pushing to both the 5200 and A8-bit makes sense (similar architecture), but "begin the death phase" of the 2600 would have been crazy to do at the time, even in hind sight, let alone in the context of 1982! Now, shifting the 2600's market position perhaps, yes, but regardless they 2600 should have continued to be suppored as long as profitable, so continue selling but with fewer new games and less advertising and pushing more to the budget market well into the late 1980s. All big successful platforms end up this way, NES, SNES, Genesis, SMS (in Europe and Brazil), PSX, and especially PS2; all last a long time past their prime. (look at the PS2, still in production 10 years after being launched)
You made some great points. Leaving the 2600 alive would have been a fine idea even then, but definitely market it as the "Budget System". The console that plays games. Market the 5200 as the next evolution of "Interactivity and Excitement".
I think that if Atari would have managed the 5200 a lot better, it would have lasted up to the release of the NES. It would have also had a large number of developers behind it up to that time. Given that, I think any new console released after the 5200 (i.e. the 7800 we dream about) would have out done what Nintendo released. Atari was in the business of producing great merchandise and pushing research and development. Of course, hindsight.
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I know we play the what if game a lot with Atari, but what about the "What is"? What did Atari teach the gaming industry from its beginnings to its tragic end?
1. That interchangeable media on a simplified computer system for entertainment purposes was not only marketable, and profitable, but also very acceptable.
2. That with proper support, a console can live well beyond its intended life span.
3. Having not just two, but three full consoles on the market doesn't only confuse the consumer (average parent/non-gamer), but alienates those that do purchase the merchandise. It is one thing to have to consoles on the market, one to usher in a new "era", and one that is being phased out yet still supported for the die hard base.
4. That games cross borders on all levels.
5. That establishing licensing system for developers and creating a software key that would lock out unlicensed content not only is a good idea, but will help control mediocre to crap content flooding the market.
6. That giving credit to the programmers either within the game, or within the manuals won't cause one to loose their employee's, but to help establish a strong fan base that can actually help push sales of content.
7. That you don't have to be the latest greatest machine on the scene to have great games, and a large user base.
8. Backward compatibility can be a HUGE marketing tool to lure in the older user base, while still attracting a new user base. It is a wonderful method of encouraging long time users to upgrade.
9. That a quality product producing a very loyal fan base that doesn't easily jump ship, even when times are hard.
10. Remembering that the users are who gets your products off of shelves and money into the bank.
11. That innovation needs time to develop into a solid product.
What are some other things that Atari brought to the industry that is still seen today, or was put into place because of the lack there of?
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1. As everyone said, either a self centering controller with sturdier buttons, or a simple digital stick. The keypad could have been built into the system for all I cared.
2. More ports of games from the 8-bit computer line over to the 5200. If RAM was an issue, then "dumb down" the games a tad to fit, or add in extra ram on the cart. More original titles would have helped out too. So, to break it down, MORE GAMES.
3. Immediate backward compatibility isn't an issue with me, but would have been nice....ditch the controller compartment for a 2600 slot.
4. Not going with the "all-in-one" switch box/power and just going with the standard power port and switch box like the 2 port variation.
5. I would have liked it if Atari would have taken real time on the console to perfect everything that was put in to it. If that would have happened, perhaps an extra 6 months to a year development time, it would have been the savior of the 84 crash. A system with the power of a computer, but the accessibility of a console gaming system.
Quite honestly, for the flaws the 5200 had, it gave it character. It was big, powerful, and had great games. It was the simple mindedness of consumers that really hampered the console then. They wanted to have the Atari 2600 but with better graphics. I also blame Atari for not pushing developers over to the 5200 and begin the death phase of the 2600.
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Okay, I am stoked. I am so excited that I do intend to purchase one of these to add to my Atari Console collection. Plus, to see a Flashback 3 console, I am crossing fingers. If I can be one of many to make a wish...the next system has a built in cartridge slot, and is 7800/2600 compatible! Put in the games like they are now, but give us the "out of box" ability to play an exsisting library! Hell, this would give the new Atari a means to get into the hardware business without any really worry of dedicating millions and millions of dollars. They could reissue all of those great classics, and perhaps give a means to the homebrew guys a way to mass market their games to all of us.
For those worried about mass marketed versions of those collectable homebrew releases...Those will always be collectable and hard to come by simply due to how it was released and such.
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If you have a decently powered computer and your favorite games are the emulated 2600, 5200, 7800 and Lynx games you downloaded...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you purchased ANY USB device to use a console controller on your PC to play Atari games...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you take the first slice of pizza and proclaim the rest as Pac-Man...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you enjoy showing off your Atari collection to your uninterested girlfriend, AND feel alienated for her not be amazed by the collection...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you used Night Driver and Pole Position as a means to learn how to drive before you were 16...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you scoff at those that talk about DOOM being a revolutionary first person game, and want to introduce them to Tunnel Runner...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you purchase a current Next Gen console for the sole purpose of downloading all Atari Games...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you are a member of Atari Age...you ARE an Atari Fan.
If you thought it was still cool to own an Atari when everyone around you was snatching up the new NES...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you brag about new Atari game acquisitions from eBay like you discovered a new star...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you have ever sat and drew Atari Games on graph paper in school and imagined it was a real game until you got home...you may be an Atari Fan.
If you won the Lottery and your first plan of action is to buy everything Atari...you may be an Atari Fan.
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Okay, considering some of the controversy I started a few months back with my review blog, I am going to step up on this thread.
I love classic gaming. I have a great selection even! Personally, it is a pretty even toss up between the physical experience of gaming on the retro console, versus playing in emulation. There is a lot of fun and enjoyment finding that old cart or CD-ROM at a used game store, yard/garage sale, or flea market. The adventure of discovering if it works or not, etc. Emulation serves a purpose of broadening the consoles/games reach to new audiences. It is a great way to play the games as well, as not to add addition wear and usage on the old machine.
I go back to my old consoles and will play them from time to time. However, I rather play the same games on my computer with a game pad. Reason being is that I do not want to wear out my existing controllers for the retro consoles, nor do I want to wear out the console and carts. I don't have the cash to go about replacing parts and such. I do not want to end up breaking a console that is damn near irreplaceable. I have spent to much time and effort into just ruining these old machines.
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I see there is a bunch of great Atari 2600 hacks on the 2600 Hacks page, but was wondering if there are any for the 5200. Would love to see what some of the genius's behind the hacks could come up with on the 5200 games.
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I use a stack of broken 5200's to put my 800XL on so I can actually play games.
That sounds like Redneck gaming right there (Might be a redneck if you have a working TV sitting on a Broken Console TV)
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Maybe on day down the road, i will start doing the Old School Gamer Review again...may even have a new name. I dunno. I just have no desire to do it right now. As for the deleted archives, oh darn...what a shame. Really isn't a big deal since I can rewrite them. If I decide to start this up again, expect a new look, new URL, etc. And a better organization of reviews, systems, and games. For the time being, I am just going to chill and not worry about it.
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Expansion Module game sneak peek
in Atari 7800
Posted
Again, you missed what was stated. There are NO teams developing games for this device, or ANY Atari console. These "teams" are individuals. Single people. None of which are part of any development team, production company, etc. They are hard working people that create new and original content for these beloved systems in their spare time. They don't demand payment, and generally put the bin files on this forum for free. (Not always, and understandably). DEMANDING more is rude. One should be excited and happy that a new product and game is being released on a system that has been dead since 1988/89(ish).