sloth-machine

Yeah, I personally bought the Atari Flashback 2 just for the controllers, since they are faithful to the original and are also compatible with the original console.

I never understood how homebrews of games that still retain active rights are AtariAge store. For example the Pac-Man games, Defender Arcade, the 5200 version of Tempest, etc. But, since pretty much every rom from third party companies are freely available (Parker Brothers, Coleco, etc.) that they could be probably be considered 'abandonware', unless the rights holders actively seek out their property. Abandonware has always been a grey area in terms of legal dispute, basically the publisher and developer saying that they no longer care or support the software. Seems like such a small window of demographic you are shooting for with the re-release of these basically offbeat games. Atari enthusiasts have the actual carts, or just use 2600 emulators on their phones, tablets and PC (like me). A flashback console would prove to be a tough investment. Atari's flashback console had, the name, the iconic games, and the consoles look. I hate to be blunt, but I just wouldn't buy any re-releases of say Tunnel Runner or Spikes Peaks. All the worthwhile classics are held by Atari and Activision. And all the arcade ports would have double licensing (bump n jump, frogger, etc) through the Atari game rights holders and the arcade rights holders. For homebrew carts, I'd rather just give my money to the developer directly, since they are mostly works of passion. If legal loopholes are involved, most homebrewers probably won't bother and just make an all new original game ala Space Rocks.

Even though it's cheaply made, I still like the Junior because it matches the body case of the 5200, and 7800. They all look great next to one another. This is when Atari was moving into the next generation of a sleeker age, even though it was too little too late. Much like the top loader NES, by the time it came out, no one cared about NES anymore, yet now it's a collectable. The Junior is the same way for me. It was ridiculous back then and just looked like a pathetic attempt to repackage an aging console. Now it makes me smile as I admire it's sleek 'answering machine / mid 80s look'. It's dare I say...'cute'. Don't get me wrong, I love the woody because it's what I grew up with. But I can't help think of my grandpa's slippers and smoking jacket with that woodgrain sometimes. That's also why I prefer the Vader.

Much appreciated, btw your Gauntlet hack is awesome, I've been playing it all night.

I know nothing about hacking, but I wanted to make a blind request. I play Dark Chambers from time to time only to shut it off after a few levels. I realize one of the problem lies in the VERY slow pace. IF the game played at a faster speed, the action would seem more intense. Is there a way to speed the game up?

Reviving this topic, but I got to go with the Vader. Best of both worlds visually. Classic design in a sleek all black casing; perfect look for the early 80's. I also love the Junior for it's small size. Fits great snugged next to a TV.

Shinto, I just emailed feedback for Cybermorph, is it too late? I apologize for waiting until the last minute.

It became a reality even sooner in the early 80s:

This is at a time when things involving software and computer covers were very generic, Look at early Apple 2 software and Fairchild Channel F game covers, awful. Nolan Bushnell described early Atari art as being comparable to album cover art. A whimsical and sometimes abstract piece to go along with the music, or in this case, the game. Space Invaders for example looks like Roger Dean art and could easy be on a Yes album cover. It's also why we are still talking about Atari's artwork nearly 40 years later. Atari made a bold move when they hired exceptional artists to design covers, completely brilliant marketing move, and would later set the standard.

I emailed you my audio submission, thanks!

I definitely get what you are saying here and it is what I meant by cheating. But I also had to clarify, a Genesis pad doesn't mean 'advantage'. However I can definitely achieve a much higher score in a game like Gravitar with a d-pad. The Joystick gets tiresome in a game never designed to be played with a joystick in the first place. This is one example. But for your point with emulation; with Stella it's definitely accurate in terms of response time and can feel like an authentic experience. I literally have my PC right next to my actually Atari/TV combo. I adjusted the filter settings in Stella to match the TV my 2600 is plugged into. Plus I am using a real Atari CX-40 with a USB adapter to my PC. When in the heat of a game I subconsciously forget if I am emulating or using real hardware. I never use any kind of save states though, it's not Ninja Gaiden here.

That's a cool picture, I never knew about this one before. It's interesting to see kids using the joystick with their thumb, a natural evolution to the analog stick.

Gremlins is an awesome game. This thread make me re-appreciate the 5200 library.

My top ten: Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon Space Dungeon

Yep I was referring to the original Odyssey

I love the classic CX-40 controller. Considering the date it was released, Atari hit one out of the park with this one, especially when compared with the very dated Fairchild Channel F and Odyssey Controllers. The CX-40 stood the test of time and brought the arcade experience home for having an authentic joystick in your hands. I also realize a modern controller or genesis dpad doesn't mean you have an advantage, some people just hate dpads or analog stick for retro gaming. However for me I can't help but just want to fire up Stella and just use my keyboard (commodore style) or 360 controller, which results in higher scores due to comfort and quicker accuracy. I have a CX-40 USB converter which is nice as well, but eh. I know it's a stupid question as you can play however you choose, but what controller do you guys prefer when it comes to emulation?

Aw, I clicked the link hoping for a 3 dimensional pixelated figure.

Just want to make sure I am not doing anything wrong here. Does the 5200 version of Pole Position not work with the Altirra emulator? The steering and game select do not respond, no matter my settings. The Atari 400/800 version works just fine, but I was just curious here.

Atari 2600 sound effects are wonderfully harsh. They both haunted and brought joy to my youth. Venture always will standout for me, as I played it a lot as a kid. The sound effects were kind of terrifying to me back then. To this day, when I think of generic videogame noises, I'll always think of the 2600.

Probably just given the next part number in line, which was when the 2600 was just a Video Computer System before the console model numbers.

Atari Flashback controllers used for models 2-5 (CX-40 replicas). They are awesomely smooth and high quality and work with real hardware. They also have a nice embossed Atari Logo on the corner. Retains the feel and nostalgia of the originals. I stocked up when they went on sale on the AtGames site and bough 6 of them. 2 for each Atari model I own. I highly recommend them.

Heh, I will have to turn in my official retro badge now and go rouge.

Crazy Climber. I feel like breaking my joystick tonight.

Riddle of the Sphinx used 2 joysticks. Star Raiders, Basic Programming and the Sesame Street games used the keyboard/touchpad.

This fix works perfectly! I cannot thank you enough kind sir. I am quite excited to be back playing Battlezone, and I will be sure to hang on to this beauty (the file).