Snider-man

Wow. Verrrrrry clever. kind of like putting a humidifier and a dehumidifer in the same room and letting them duke it out. (5 point reference.) I might just have to see how my Excalibur handheld Chessmaster fares against Stella. This is pretty cool. Having computers from two different eras compete against each other. In fact, why not break out the Chess programs for other classic systems and see who the Digital Kasperov is?

I have a feeling there will probably be lots of requests like these in the coming weeks, so let me throw in my two cents worth. Some of the vendors may set aside "extras" for sale after the show to attendees that can't make it. Cart producers like Hozer may be able to release the games later - like Combat II and the Aliala's Quest. However, there's a good, good, good chance that the only ones available will be those at the convention. And most of those *will* sell out, though that's not always the case. There were plenty of Combat IIs left at the end of the convention last year (as I heard tell), but Elevator Action and all the Colecovision carts were long gone within an hour of release - as was Secret Agent. To keep people from snapping up extras then eBaying them, I heard there will be a strict one-per-person rule for all cart sales (new releases and homebrews) at this year's CGE. I also heard there will be a lottery system if there's a huge demand, so there's a chance even attendees won't get all of the goodies. Your best bet is to find someone who doesn't want any of these carts then pay them for their time to get them for you. And this person better be *really* honest, 'cause if they didn't want the cart in the first place, it's a great way to score several hundred bucks on eBay. Just being realistic here guys, 'cause we go through this every year. Good luck.

Arrrgh! Thought police! Thought police! Actually, what a great prank. Make a Futurama game, slap my name in the code someplace, release it into the wild of the Internet, then sit back and watch me desperately try to explain that I didn't do it. If it wasn't for the fact that I'd get screwed 14-kinds of ways, it'd be almost funny. Whoof.

For the record, you'll never find a Futurama hack or game anywhere or anyplace. It was permanently pulled at the request of the Fox lawyers who threatened legal action if this game was to ever surface - freely or otherwise. If it ever surfaces, I have many massive legal problems. So don't bother looking. It was pulled before it was ever released. And I'll keep saying that regardless of what anybody may say to the contrary. "There is no spoon?" No, "There is no Futurama."

Ah, it's many hours later and I've had a chance to cool off and drink beer. Let me start by saying that I have only one button when it comes to this hobby of ours, and that's the beating I took last year over VII. Regardless of how it comes up in coversation today - a year later - I still get *incredibly* defensive. Sorry if I seemed over heated with my earlier comments. That said: @ Chris F. - Boy, you and I seem to constantly be at odds, eh? I realize that you weren't starting a flame thread and you were asking a legit question. But some of us here see some degree of value in hacks and the folks who try to bring something "better" to the game-playin' public. (Granted, there are the hack "hacks." I'm referring to people who are really, honestly trying to improve a classic.) Anyway, sorry if it seemed I was getting fired up. Perhaps, one day, we'll post a topic we can agree upon, eh? @Manuel - Wow. Thanks. I know how you and the other real Stella-ites feel about hackers, but it's nice to hear something positive from the folks I admire. I appreciate the kind words. Thanks again for the above post. @Stan Jr. - Once again, I appreciate the positive comments. Glad you get a kick out of Vii. I know *I* do. Which leads me to the next point: VII has always been one thing primarily ... I "made" a sequel to Venture *I* always wanted to play. I wanted more of a challenge, so I added the extra walls and chambers. I thought the blocky monsters looked stupid, so I made them more interesting. I made the treasures more appropriate. I made the score looked appropriately medieval. I wanted a game with a neat instruction manual that explained *what* these rooms were and what you'd find inside. Finally, I wanted a nifty treasure chest to hold it all together. So, VII was Tim's Game. And I made a few more carts for others who might want to play the same thing I wanted to play. So, to summarize, most hackers want to try to 1. improve the original or at least add something new and interesting and 2. share what they've done with others who might like it. Which kind of - in a really big circle - comes back to answer Chris' original question.

QUOTE: "I fail to see how that qualifies as a sequel worthy of a much lauded limited release." Me too. What's up with that? You'd think the cheesy lil' hacker *meant* to sow chaos and discord with his little pet project! Wow, if you ask me, he *knew* it'd be a hot-hot-hot little limited collectible. And it's only a *hack,* for Christ's sake! It's not like the guy programmed the damn thing! You know, it must've been some ploy to put many, many dollars in his pocket. Make a hack, put it in a fancy box, and sell them for an insane price. (Though, as I hear tell, the 20 he initially made sold for only $20 each - except for one which auctioned at CGE 2K1 for the price of $200+, stunning everyone, especially him.) [/sarcasm] You know, I'm kinda tired of being the poster child for "hacks/limited releases/fancy-shmancy packaging/etc." All of you have been on these boards long enough to know the entire story behind that game/packaging/limited number of them made/insane demand that exploded over them. Do we *really* have to revisit this every other month or so? Cripes.

Huzzah. Well-put, Thomas. There is some intrinsic value to hacks if they *add* something to the original. As Thomas pointed out, many of the favorite hacks give some new dimension to an old favorite - a new controller scheme (many of Thomas' controller hacks), a rockin' soundtrack (Combat Rock, Mr. Roboto), a new maze/map/layout, etc. Even hacks like Better Pac-Man and Return of Mario Bros. are improvements simply for making the game look and play more like the original arcade versions. (Better Pac-Man even has the opening theme from the original now! True, anyone can hack the graphics of an existing game. But the best hacks are those that strive to improve the gameplay - or at least make it more enjoyable for the player.

Expanded adventure? Uh, is this one of the Adventure hacks? Anyone? Clarifications?

I did an article on this very subject for an issue of Classic Gamer Magazine ("Games at a Premium). I'll see if I can dig it up. But, offhand, you forgot one very important one. Three words: "Chase The Chuckwagon."

Chris, I was tempted to answer you. I donned my asbestos suit and everything in anticipation of the inferno yet to come. But I've decided to let someone else joust with you. You tire me out.

Well, I can't help you there, but I have a question of my own. You can write an Atari program with a Magicard and you can save to cassette using the interface. However, can that Magicard program run on an Atari WITHOUT the Magicard? In other words, can you take the Magicard WAV file, turn it into a BIN and run it on a Cuttlecart or emulator? How about burning it onto a cart? I'm going to pick up a Magicard, but it'll suck if only other Magicard owners can play my games. Anyone have answers here?

Hey gang, I have the last four Venture II's left over from CCAG up on eBay. Here's the link if interested: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=1364347440

Yeah, I have a cheap digital camera that takes photos just as fuzzily. (Spend $20 on a digital camera and take $20 digital camera pictures. Live and learn.) But LISTING them in the ad would've ended all speculation. Whoof. Taking 20 seconds would have helped this guy out a lot.

Hey gang, I have a beginniner's setup for the 2600 on eBay. However, it's been there for 4 days and has been all but ignored. Anyway, here's a link if you're looking to get into the 2600 or need a replacement: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...item=1362770092

It is also the ONLY language for the Atari. No C++, no Visual Basic, no COBOL, FORTRAN, or PASCAL. Prepare yourself for the headache that is about to ensue. Tim "Been there, done it, am going stark raving mad because of it" Snider

Why? What's the problem? It's just a guy working a jackhammer. (Wha'? It's *what*?) Oh, good lord, put some clothes on that thing. [/i]

Ugh, Chris - dammit - lighten up. My earlier post wasn't directed towards you at all. And I wouldn't dream of firing things up again. I'm still out of propane from the last go-round. And as for a rumored "Futurama" game, there is no such thing. Never was made. Nothing to see here folks. Nope, nope, nope. Big ol' denial here. That there is illegal and stuff. Fox told me so and I trust the suits there to know what's what. Fact: I just got ANOTHER letter the other day from the Fox legal Dept., saying they appreciate my compliance, yet reminding me that they're still watching me. How....quaint. (20 years, my ass... Chris, I'll have to be DEAD before anything ever surfaced. Geez. Talk about being shadowed...)

I'm going to ignore previous flamewars involving this discovery and just post a few quick opinions: 1. Regardless of how you feel about the limited (non-existant) gameplay, we should all think it's VERY cool to have concrete proof that the coding for this game was begun and burned. 20 years later and protos are STILL surfacing! McDonald's was always one of those "never to be found, rumored to exist" games. Well, so was LOTR and THAT was found. It makes me hopeful that we'll still one day see Pink Panther, Mr. Bill, Incredible Hulk, Turbo, etc. for the 2600. 2. I appreciate all Curt did to release the ROM to the public, in spite of the flames. Had he not, there'd be people bitchin' about that too. Instead, we can now decompile, examine, and discuss the program without any of us having to pony up $1,000+ for the board/EPROM. Thanks Curt.

*Sigh* I've said it before. I'll say it again. Venture II was never, NEVER designed to be a "collector's item." It ended up that way, but it was never, NEVER my intent. I've blathered on about this way too much in the past. How do I feel about it? Go here: http://www.tomheroes.com/Video%20Games%20F...trotimes_49.htm

Actually, by my own definition, *I'm* a newbie! (Take a look at my count.) It's the only fair way I've come up with to determine who's "new" to the board. Plus, if I open it to everyone, Thomas will snag every cart I toss up.

Krisjohn is the proud winner of Imagic's Trick Shot, a great overhead billiard simulation for the Atari 2600. In my first message, I mentioned the words TRICK and SHOT. In my next message was hidden the word POOL. Krisjohn, if you'll send me your address, I'll get your free cart in the mail to you. Congrats!

Yup, and it's called Turmoil. The fastest 2600 shooter there is, in my opinion.

Actually, there's a GREAT contest for veterans that I run over on Digatal Press. Their Mystery Game is my baby too. Try it out. Go to www.digitpress.com, then click on "Mystery Game" in the left-hand bar. Newbies need not apply. Don't get in line. Stay out of the pool. You must be THIS tall to enter the Mystery Game contest. Anyway, these little giveaways here on AA are to help new folks get a free cart of reasonable rarity without having to buy it, find it, etc. The days of the thrift finds are pretty much over. This is just my small way of giving the new guys (and gals) that sense of "Yahoo! I got it!" There may or may not be hints to the Mystery Game's ID within this message.

It's that time again, all you new Atari collectors! I am giving away *yet another* Atari 2600 game cart to one lucky newbie. We'll play the game like we did last time. I have a cart here of moderate rareness that will go to the first newbie (under 300 posts) that can identify what the game is. There is no trick or gimmick to this contest. Just post in this thread what you think the title of the game is. If you're the first to identify it, you win it! (Postage is included in the giveaway, even if you're outside of the US! Everyone gets a shot at this!) I'll post hints after we've gone a while without a winner. In fact, this message may or may not have a hint within it. And, NO, the "winky" means nothing this time around. Only one guess per person and the guesses will be "reset" when I post a new hint - just like last time. Good luck newbies! Snider-man

Aztec Challenge by Cosmi? Played it often, my friends. That, Super Huey, and Forbidden Forest were my C64 "go-to" games. Let's see, what levels do I remember (Don't remember the actual level titles though...)... 1. The "Gauntlet." You run towards the pyramid while spears come at your head and feet. Gotta jump and duck to get to the pyramid, which grows in height as you get near. 2. The "Climb." You race up the stairs along the side of the pyramid, climbing to the top. Giant stone blocks tumble down towards you and you must dogde 'em. 3. The "Temple Interior." Once in the pyramid, there's a room with large stone blocks on the floor. You must jump from stone to stone and cross the room. However, some of the stones are boobytrapped. Arrows fly out if you land on the wrong block. Kind of like a maze game. 4. The "Bridge." Now you're racing across a bridge with large broken gaps in it. You must jump low, medium, or high to get across. (Different gaps require different jumps.) However, just jumping "high" won't work, because you may clear a "small" gap, only to go plunging into a gap you jumped INTO. I always ate it at this stage. I'm kind of proud that I remembered this much. I'm *really* looking forward to this game.