Prehistoric Times Home Brew

[VectorGamer]

Would you spend $15 on this home brew, "Prehistoric Times," based on this screenshot alone?

 

I do not like to bite the hand that feeds, but, judging by this screenshot the game looks like a piece of crap. I applaud the efforts of the homebrew programmers but it does not look like their was much effort put into this. Perhaps someone trying to make a quick buck?

[VectorGamer]

Would you spend $15 on this home brew, "Prehistoric Times," based on this screenshot alone?

 

I do not like to bite the hand that feeds, but, judging by this screenshot the game looks like a piece of crap. I applaud the efforts of the homebrew programmers but it does not look like their was much effort put into this. Perhaps someone trying to make a quick buck?

 

It seems like there are already some opinions located here:

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?s...41467&st=25

 

I don't feel so bad calling it a piece of crap since others have said worse! : ] LOL

[AtariLeaf]

Not to thread crap but it got me thinking, whatever happened to "Incoming!"?

 

Wasn't it supposed to be in cart form ready to be shipped last Christmas? I haven't heard anything since.

[Wickeycolumbus]

Not to thread crap but it got me thinking, whatever happened to "Incoming!"?

 

Wasn't it supposed to be in cart form ready to be shipped last Christmas? I haven't heard anything since.

 

It was supposed to come out for the Christmas sale (along with other Homebrews), but the sale has been delayed. Hopefully it will be soon!

[+Random Terrain]

Without a YouTube video of it playing, it's hard to tell for sure, but this looks like a batari Basic game that somebody spent 10 minutes on. If I'm right and it really does suck, this kind of crap makes batari Basic look bad. You can do some pretty cool stuff with batari Basic if you're willing to put the time and effort into it. Just look at what MausBoy, jrok, Robert M, Atarius Maximus and so on have posted over the years:

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showforum=65

 

There's nothing wrong with a newbie making first draft quality games while he is learning, as long as he is posting them for people to play for free, but when you try to sell a game, it better not look like something you threw together in 10 minutes or the game design gods will become angry and give you butt cancer.

[iangamer]

That game looks incredibly blocky. Even for the 2600's capabilities. Like you said, the developers may not have put much effort into this.

[Emehr]

I would most definitely not buy a homebrew game based on a screenshot alone. Especially from some "company" I've never heard of. Give me a binary to play in my Cuttle II or Stella then I'll consider a purchase. At the very least, a video.

 

EDIT: And, yes, the screenshot does not look promising. I've coded some demo stuff that looked better than that...and they weren't that great! lol

Edited April 6, 2009 by Emehr

[VectorGamer]

Without a YouTube video of it playing, it's hard to tell for sure, but this looks like a batari Basic game that somebody spent 10 minutes on. If I'm right and it really does suck, this kind of crap makes batari Basic look bad. You can do some pretty cool stuff with batari Basic if you're willing to put the time and effort into it. Just look at what MausBoy, jrok, Robert M, Atarius Maximus and so on have posted over the years:

 

http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showforum=65

 

There's nothing wrong with a newbie making first draft quality games while he is learning, as long as he is posting them for people to play for free, but when you try to sell a game, it better not look like something you threw together in 10 minutes or the game design gods will become angry and give you butt cancer.

 

 

Sadly, Too Many Games is promoting this game "available for the first time only at the TMG Expo." I wonder if they actually saw the game - I'm guessing not. They aren't that desperate to get the turnstiles moving.

 

As a matter of fact, I took a dump the other day that resembles some of those blocky whatchamacallits in the Prehistoric Times screenshot. LOL.

 

Hell, I can't even tell what we are looking at in that screenshot - is that a biplane flying into a headless signpost? I'm in stitches here - tears running down my face.

 

What is the red thing? Is that a three legged dinosaur or a physically challenged crab?

 

What exactly are the rectangles and squares? Are they supposed to be green clouds? Nah - can't be. That would mean that we have a biplane circling around a flying crab. OK, my stomach really hurts now.

 

It's an appropriate title, that's for sure.

[Jess Ragan]

Looks pretty obvious that it was designed with Batari BASIC. Not that I can talk... I was the first guy to sell a Batari BASIC game as a cartridge.

 

I dunno, I'd have to play the game before I could make any judgments. The screenshots aren't doing it any favors, though.

[Albert]

Not to thread crap but it got me thinking, whatever happened to "Incoming!"?

 

Wasn't it supposed to be in cart form ready to be shipped last Christmas? I haven't heard anything since.

Incoming! is coming.

 

As for Prehistoric Times, I think people are being unnecessarily harsh based on a single screenshot. If you look at many of Atari's early games, they don't compare much more favorably visually, yet many of them are quite fun to play. If it turns out the game sucks once people have had a chance to play it, that's one thing, but until that time this mob mentality is a bit disappointing to see. And for the record, I have not seen the game nor do I know anything beyond what has been posted publicly.

 

..Al

[Mirage]

As for Prehistoric Times, I think people are being unnecessarily harsh based on a single screenshot. If you look at many of Atari's early games, they don't compare much more favorably visually, yet many of them are quite fun to play. If it turns out the game sucks once people have had a chance to play it, that's one thing, but until that time this mob mentality is a bit disappointing to see. And for the record, I have not seen the game nor do I know anything beyond what has been posted publicly.

 

..Al

 

Some are commenting on the screen shot itself, which may be unfair. But many others of us are simply commenting on the lack of any further info beyond the advertising hyperbole and the one screenshot. Many have requested a .bin (or if understandably not wanting to give away that, then a brief gameplay video), or really, ANY other info at all. Maybe at the very least, more screenshots. That's what I'm seeing (and thinking myself). They can market it however they want, but clearly a lot of people want to see more before giving even $20 over to what may or may not be a decent game.

[Snider-man]

Incoming! is coming.

 

 

What a great tagline! Post a screenshot, this tagline, and a release date. It'll be like every summer movie teaser ever!

[Emehr]

As for Prehistoric Times, I think people are being unnecessarily harsh based on a single screenshot. If you look at many of Atari's early games, they don't compare much more favorably visually, yet many of them are quite fun to play. If it turns out the game sucks once people have had a chance to play it, that's one thing, but until that time this mob mentality is a bit disappointing to see. And for the record, I have not seen the game nor do I know anything beyond what has been posted publicly.

 

..Al

 

Some are commenting on the screen shot itself, which may be unfair. But many others of us are simply commenting on the lack of any further info beyond the advertising hyperbole and the one screenshot. Many have requested a .bin (or if understandably not wanting to give away that, then a brief gameplay video), or really, ANY other info at all. Maybe at the very least, more screenshots. That's what I'm seeing (and thinking myself). They can market it however they want, but clearly a lot of people want to see more before giving even $20 over to what may or may not be a decent game.

 

Yeah, it's not so much the screenshot that bugs me. It's the severe lack of information by the seller. It's like "I'm selling a game. It's 20 bucks. I can't give you a screenshot...well...after much arm twisting I can give you one..." I've been around here long enough to see too many people, all too eager to have something new to plug into their Atari, get scammed by these "games" and hacks (*cough* AtariCharles *cough*) and they seem to eat them up. "Sign me up! I haven't seen or played the game but I want twelve!".

 

A game based on prehistoric times, hunting for food and all, sounds interesting to me but the seller isn't going to win any brownie points for marketing.

[IHATETHEBEARS]

Not to thread crap but it got me thinking, whatever happened to "Incoming!"?

 

Wasn't it supposed to be in cart form ready to be shipped last Christmas? I haven't heard anything since.

Incoming! is coming.

 

As for Prehistoric Times, I think people are being unnecessarily harsh based on a single screenshot. If you look at many of Atari's early games, they don't compare much more favorably visually, yet many of them are quite fun to play. If it turns out the game sucks once people have had a chance to play it, that's one thing, but until that time this mob mentality is a bit disappointing to see. And for the record, I have not seen the game nor do I know anything beyond what has been posted publicly.

 

..Al

 

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm not one to rock the boat. But I'm amazed at all the negativity in here, as well as in the other forum over this game. Of course it's blocky. It's Atari. None of us are obsessed with Atari because of the stellar graphics. There are tons of Atari games that look blocky, yet are a blast to play. And I've played plenty of games on other systems that have amazing graphics, but have crummy gameplay.

 

All that matters to me is whether or not the game is fun. I'm buying it. I'm going to give it a shot. $20.00 is not a lot of money. I've paid far more for much crappier Atari games, I'm sure. If it sucks, it sucks. But I'm not going to judge it based on one screenshot. Hell, back in the day, based on the screenshots, I thought Swordquest Earthworld looked fantastic... until I actually played it.

[Mirage]

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm not one to rock the boat. But I'm amazed at all the negativity in here, as well as in the other forum over this game. Of course it's blocky. It's Atari. None of us are obsessed with Atari because of the stellar graphics. There are tons of Atari games that look blocky, yet are a blast to play. And I've played plenty of games on other systems that have amazing graphics, but have crummy gameplay.

 

All that matters to me is whether or not the game is fun. I'm buying it. I'm going to give it a shot. $20.00 is not a lot of money. I've paid far more for much crappier Atari games, I'm sure. If it sucks, it sucks. But I'm not going to judge it based on one screenshot. Hell, back in the day, based on the screenshots, I thought Swordquest Earthworld looked fantastic... until I actually played it.

 

So you don't care if it's someone who just whipped together a BatariBasic game in a few hours and is just trying to make a quick buck off the community (if that's indeed the case)? It doesn't bother you that they don't seem to (so far at least) want to make an effort to promote their game based on any actual gameplay or fun value it may have? One simple screen shot, a name, and some really bizarrely self-serious website and marketing is all it gets you to take a chance? Especially after knowing about N.E.R.D.S. and The Last Ninja?

 

Not saying you're wrong... if it's worth $20 to you to find out, then it is. But, people wondering why there has been no further information about the game, or questions answered and such, is certainly valid. We're not judging it on one screenshot. We're judging it on the fact that that's all the meaningful information that has been provided.

Edited April 7, 2009 by Mirage1972

[Albert]

So you don't care if it's someone who just whipped together a BatariBasic game in a few hours and is just trying to make a quick buck off the community (if that's indeed the case)? It doesn't bother you that they don't seem to (so far at least) want to make an effort to promote their game based on any actual gameplay or fun value it may have? One simple screen shot, a name, and some really bizarrely self-serious website and marketing is all it gets you to take a chance? Especially after knowing about N.E.R.D.S. and The Last Ninja?

At the moment we don't know if it's someone who "just whipped together a BatariBasic game in a few hours and is just trying to make a quick buck off the community." That's certainly possible. I personally would not spend the $20 without learning more about the game, say, from the people who will sink $20 into it basically sight unseen (although those individuals may not be the most unbiased). More information will come out in due time, whether it be from the developers or from those who've had an opportunity to experience the game firsthand.

 

If the developers are reading this (and the other) thread about this game, it certainly would behoove them to provide more information.

 

..Al

[IHATETHEBEARS]

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm not one to rock the boat. But I'm amazed at all the negativity in here, as well as in the other forum over this game. Of course it's blocky. It's Atari. None of us are obsessed with Atari because of the stellar graphics. There are tons of Atari games that look blocky, yet are a blast to play. And I've played plenty of games on other systems that have amazing graphics, but have crummy gameplay.

 

All that matters to me is whether or not the game is fun. I'm buying it. I'm going to give it a shot. $20.00 is not a lot of money. I've paid far more for much crappier Atari games, I'm sure. If it sucks, it sucks. But I'm not going to judge it based on one screenshot. Hell, back in the day, based on the screenshots, I thought Swordquest Earthworld looked fantastic... until I actually played it.

 

So you don't care if it's someone who just whipped together a BatariBasic game in a few hours and is just trying to make a quick buck off the community (if that's indeed the case)? It doesn't bother you that they don't seem to (so far at least) want to make an effort to promote their game based on any actual gameplay or fun value it may have? One simple screen shot, a name, and some really bizarrely self-serious website and marketing is all it gets you to take a chance? Especially after knowing about N.E.R.D.S. and The Last Ninja?

 

Not saying you're wrong... if it's worth $20 to you to find out, then it is. But, people wondering why there has been no further information about the game, or questions answered and such, is certainly valid. We're not judging it on one screenshot. We're judging it on the fact that that's all the meaningful information that has been provided.

 

The questions are certainly valid. But they can be asked without the negative comments added.

 

It's a new game. It's worth it to me for $20.00. That's half as much as new games cost 25 years ago. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

[Mirage]

So you don't care if it's someone who just whipped together a BatariBasic game in a few hours and is just trying to make a quick buck off the community (if that's indeed the case)? It doesn't bother you that they don't seem to (so far at least) want to make an effort to promote their game based on any actual gameplay or fun value it may have? One simple screen shot, a name, and some really bizarrely self-serious website and marketing is all it gets you to take a chance? Especially after knowing about N.E.R.D.S. and The Last Ninja?

At the moment we don't know if it's someone who "just whipped together a BatariBasic game in a few hours and is just trying to make a quick buck off the community." That's certainly possible. I personally would not spend the $20 without learning more about the game, say, from the people who will sink $20 into it basically sight unseen (although those individuals may not be the most unbiased). More information will come out in due time, whether it be from the developers or from those who've had an opportunity to experience the game firsthand.

 

If the developers are reading this (and the other) thread about this game, it certainly would behoove them to provide more information.

 

..Al

 

Yes, that's all I'm saying, nothing more. I did follow up the possible BB/quick buck scenario with "if that's indeed the case".

 

I think we're all on the same side here. Just wanting more info. The super negative comments probably aren't necessary, but I think a good dose of skepticism here is warranted until/unless they provide more info.

[Mirage]

It's a new game. It's worth it to me for $20.00. That's half as much as new games cost 25 years ago. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

Fair enough! Please post a review when you get it

[VectorGamer]

Not to thread crap but it got me thinking, whatever happened to "Incoming!"?

 

Wasn't it supposed to be in cart form ready to be shipped last Christmas? I haven't heard anything since.

Incoming! is coming.

 

As for Prehistoric Times, I think people are being unnecessarily harsh based on a single screenshot. If you look at many of Atari's early games, they don't compare much more favorably visually, yet many of them are quite fun to play. If it turns out the game sucks once people have had a chance to play it, that's one thing, but until that time this mob mentality is a bit disappointing to see. And for the record, I have not seen the game nor do I know anything beyond what has been posted publicly.

 

..Al

 

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm not one to rock the boat. But I'm amazed at all the negativity in here, as well as in the other forum over this game. Of course it's blocky. It's Atari. None of us are obsessed with Atari because of the stellar graphics. There are tons of Atari games that look blocky, yet are a blast to play. And I've played plenty of games on other systems that have amazing graphics, but have crummy gameplay.

 

All that matters to me is whether or not the game is fun. I'm buying it. I'm going to give it a shot. $20.00 is not a lot of money. I've paid far more for much crappier Atari games, I'm sure. If it sucks, it sucks. But I'm not going to judge it based on one screenshot. Hell, back in the day, based on the screenshots, I thought Swordquest Earthworld looked fantastic... until I actually played it.

 

Maybe the programmer wants to capture the feel of some of the old games like Miniature Golf - I don't know and I don't know why you would want to. But, to each their own I guess. Is their a market for this?

 

For me, games like Medieval Mayhem have raised the bar. The screenshot of a game is supposed to represent the best qualities of the game. When I see a bunch of blocks and I have to question what the heck it is I am looking at, it isn't dripping of high quality.

 

The asking price is $15. The way it sounds is that you're going to have to buy it to see if it's worth it. I am reluctant to publicly criticize the home brew authors, but it looks like someone is trying to make a quick buck.

[IHATETHEBEARS]

It's a new game. It's worth it to me for $20.00. That's half as much as new games cost 25 years ago. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

 

Fair enough! Please post a review when you get it

 

I will do that. And I'll be honest!

[+save2600]

The concept and theme looks interesting to me. Just too bad there isn't more coverage, a video, more screenshots, etc. With the economy the way it is, $20 seems like a lot money to throw down for what could be and probably is a turd.

 

This game reminds me though to pop The Humans in on my Amiga :-)

[Jess Ragan]

My question... when are we going to get a cartridge of that Batari BASIC version of Mega Man?

Edited April 7, 2009 by Jess Ragan

[VectorGamer]

The concept and theme looks interesting to me. Just too bad there isn't more coverage, a video, more screenshots, etc. With the economy the way it is, $20 seems like a lot money to throw down for what could be and probably is a turd.

 

This game reminds me though to pop The Humans in on my Amiga :-)

 

Hey folks, look at the screenshot - you're going to pay $15 for a game featuring blocks and rectangles representing trees in a forest, a plane crashing into a signpost and a crab crawling into the forest.

 

It sure smells like crap to me.

[+batari]

I thought I'd mention that this appears to have been written with bB version 0.35, which is about 3.5 years old. I suspect this because I removed the HMOVE line from the left of the score well before version 1.0 that was itself released over 2 years ago. It's not clear why someone would choose such an old version. If he had used the latest version, he could have fairly easily made the game look better.