KevKelley

I was curious as to what homebrew publishers are out there and what differences there are (pros and construction). I am familiar with a few (Atari Age, Hozer Games, Good Deal Games, Packrat) or some self publishers like Mr. Atari. When I look for homebrew games I have several criteria I look for, such as label artwork, gameplay, quality, cost, and variety. I love having games from so many different people and sources and constantly wonder if I am missing something or if there are places to look out for, for things like poor build quality or dubious practices.

I bought this on a whim off eBay because it was cheap. If I remember it is nothing like the SynthCart. I think it more or less made sounds based on how you moved the joystick. I would have to pop it in to see when I get the chance.

Okay. I have been meaning to rework the variables in my programming. I didn't realize some of the limitations when I started and used them up carelessly. My code is very sloppy and as I learned new things I kind of just plugged it in as I went along. I'm sure I can tighten up the code and free up some stuff. I had been reading about turning bits on and off and I think I understand it. I remember it from a response I had regarding movement and ricocheting. I am still fuzzy on how to implement some of the code after reading the sample programs but I think I can figure it out. I was hoping to work on my game during my vacations but everyone (including me) in my house decided to get sick so I have been trying to absorb as much info as possible. I am gonna drag out my laptop tonight and see if I can play around a bit.

How do you specifically designate tasks to happen on different frames? Is it placing certain code after drawscreen to bring the cycle count down?

Thanks. That is a big help.

I think I had wound up reading that at one time or another early on. So if I understand that correctly, I need to run my program under 255 cycles otherwise I risk it screwing up? So in emulation I noticed in the debugger there is are spots that say things like "frame count" or "frame cycle" or "scan cycle." Which one is the important one to watch?

One thing that throws me off when reading is when people reference cycles or scan lines. I haven't tested my game on real hardware yet and am not quite sure what I need to look at in the Stella debugger. Also curious as to some of the best ways to correct for any overages if some should exist.

I have been following this development and have to say the appearance is beautiful. This is one nice looking game. I look forward to playing it.

Is that a VHS case?

I usually cross reference the various Atari websites and also ask the sellers though I think some are u familiar with the difference or don't care and say whatever you want to hear.

I had Alphabeam with Ernie. I used to play it when I was 3 or 4. I don't think I ever played it properly and usually liked playing Atlantis, Dig Dig, Asteroids, or Joust. It would end up in the system every once and a while. I haven't played it since and have been looking to get that one so I can have a flashback.

I just sold my only cassette. I keep going back and forth on buying one of these. I do have a Spectacular Compumate and saw they can similarly take cassettes. I was curious as to how the two compare. I would say the Supercharger is a really cool hardware to have and it is a shame it wasn't exploited more during its lifetime..

I like the idea of the logo on startup. I was familiar with basic but was not aware of batariBasic until recently and am currently using it to program my first game. I have found it to be a tremendous tool in learning the Atari and I do hope to one day learn assembly and possibly use both to make games. I think the logo is a way of showing respect to those who have helped build the Atari community and make it more accessible. I have also seen a little shade thrown at batariBasic games. I don't understand because personally I play the Atari for playability. I am always amazed at what people make for a 40 year old system and while some are boundary pushers, I am perfectly happy playing a game that is fun and enjoyable.

I am curious. I got one for my son when I crossed it at the Goodwill. I thought it would be a cool intro and the wireless joysticks helped a bit. Figured he could cut his teeth on that until he was ready to play with the real deal. These systems are neat. I hope they release a 7800 with the European keypad andaybe some NTSC releases of popular games from overseas.

I'd never really looked at one but even stretching the dimensions of an Atari cart and having one printed. It would be like the Emerson Arcadia carts. Or what about partying like. Konami cart. They ate a little longer...

Have you considered having a case 3D printed?

I got to play the arcade version of this today at Florida Free Play. I find this port to be amazing.

Took me about a week to get too. Just in time for my vacation!

My 5 year old comes over whenever I am trying to program my game so he will test it out and he finds it fun. While it is still early and really just consists of grabbing a shopping cart before it hits the "car" he had found it exciting while I would see some little things here and there. For the original he started to live my favorites like Joust, Dig Dug, or Atlantis but he loves many of the shooters and maze games. It is awesome to see his interest and reminds me of when I used to play it in the basement when I was little.

I lump my 2600 and 7800 games together and an currently at 326 with the last being Dark Chambers for the 2600. I had been on a bit of a binge picking up games here and there when I finally cataloged my collection and noticed plenty of common games missing...

I imagine some older titles or ones published by smaller outfits may yield higher prices years later. As homebrewing grows and reissues occur I'm sure prices will stabilize.

I am kind of curious. I had bought some years ago that seem harder to acquire now and I notice others on eBay that ask for huge amounts.

What is your solution for the video out on NTSC TVs?

Awesome. I had wondered why companies haven't made a type of OG Retron for Atari, Coleco, Intellivision, Odyssey, etc. I had felt the Atari VCS has a lot of missed opportunities, as does the Retron 77. And the new Intellivision is interesting but I think support for physical media is integral in a successful retro set. I had a hard time justifying backing this at first. I love the Coleco but I am not the biggest fan of the controller and would hope to mod something like an Atari Jaguat controller but when I saw mention of Atari 2600 compatibility, eventual development of good controllers, and now the future possibility of cart adapters makes the Pheonix a no brainer!

I was curious. I just saw that it plays Atari games but it only references the Colecovision slot. Does that mean it only plays Atari through SD card?