Announcement of the Atari Jaguar Europe Festival 2009

[Starcat]

+++Press release +++ Atari Jaguar Europe festival

*** approved for immediate publication ***

 

Announcement of the Atari Jaguar Europe Festival 2009

 

The Atari Jaguar Europe Festival, “e-jagfest” for short, takes place this year on

November, 7th in Kaarst/Germany.

 

The Atari Jaguar Europe Festival is an annual festival for all Atari Jaguar and Lynx fans as well as for developer and retailer in Europe. All open-minded fans of other video game systems are also very welcome, of course.

 

 

The “Atari Jaguar Europe Festival” (e-jagfest), which takes place on November 7th 2009 in Kaarst is a meeting of video game fans from whole Europe. The festival focuses on Atari and all consoles of the cult label. If you fancy playing in convivial gatherings on Jaguar, Lynx VCS 2600, 5200, 7800 or on one of the good old home computer dinosaurs from the 80's, then this is just the place for you.

 

Playing is only one part of the meeting. Homebrew developers of all countries regularly use the opportunity to present and partly offer exclusively their new developments on the festival.

Hence in recent years there have been offerings of limited e-jagfest versions of Starcat's "Jag Mind Bomb Squad" for Jaguar CD as well as further Starcat Developments releases.

Additionally, some new VCS 2600 games, as " Raster Fahndung" and " Encaved" were shown.

Matthias Domin also has shown us some betas of his in development games like the puzzle-game “Clicks” or the Breakout-Clone “Impulse” for the Jaguar System. Lynxman has presented the Lynx-Flash card as a prototype last year among others.

 

Have you already tried a home-made VCS 2600 handheld with analog control? Or held a "Worms" match on one lovingly silver/blue lacquered Jaguar or enjoyed “Tempest” with the one and only " Tempest rotary controller"? Curiosities like these are quite normal at the e-jagfest.

We all rememer the Europe-Premiere of the “Jaguar Virtual Reality Headset” in the Year 2007.

These are only some examples from recent years.

 

Someone may be lucky to possess a rare prototype game. You will be having the chance to exchange experiences about them on the festival or simply play. Furthermore there will be the rare opportunity to construct a "Battlesphere-Multiplayer-Network" up to 16 Players. This rare and expensive game is also one of the best ones for the Jaguar. Four-Player Lynx multiplayer matches are also very popular.

 

Several competitions and cups, e.g. "Club drive” or “Kazumi Ninja" are providing atmosphere. Besides, the official annually European championship in Checkered Flag for Lynx will take place. Over the past years there has always been at least one merchant present, in order to offer new and second-hand Jaguar games as well as retro games in general.

Further highlights this year:

 

Presentations and Premieres:

Lars Hannig will show on behalf of Joe Venor a demo of the “Atari Owl Project”. This is one of the most promising upcoming Jaguar-Homebrew-Games. This demo of a “3D Action/Adventure RPG” game was only presented once at the Jagfest UK and is therefore a German-Premiere.

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks (Iron Soldier 1& 2) will present screenshots of some unreleased Jaguar projects. Further is he working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand. We can hope to get some first hand informations from him about it.

 

Matthias Domin will show us the latest build of “Impulse” for Jaguar. This game is near to completion and with some luck, it will be sold for the first time at the e-jagfest this year.

 

Special Guest:

Garry Taylor will honor us again with his visit. For all who are not familiar with him, he's the owner of one of only two working prototypes of the famous "Atari Jaguar Virtual Reality Headset" and attended the event in 2007 already. If the problems of calibration are fixed until november, this will be the chance to try out the Jag-VR yourself.

Competitions:

Traditionally the European championship of Checkered Flag on Lynx will be hold as every year. Further there will be a cup for the game “Grenzüberschreitung “on the Falcon 030. This game represents a variant of “Tron”, which was written by Thorsten Butschke specially for the e-jagfest competitions. Last but not least after some years of absence, there will be again a “Club-Drive” fun-cup. This is surely one of the most funny trash-muliplayer-games for the Jaguar.

 

 

This of course does not represent a complete list. Everyone having something to show, is invited to do so. A previous registration is not absolutely necessary, however in the interest of a smooth run it is always welcome.

 

Certainly there will never be a dull moment! Everybody who is up for convivial gatherings, exchanging opinions with nice people and/or playing games are across-the-systems cordially welcome. Should you not possess an Atari system, no problem! Just bring your favorite classical console with you or come simply without. We will find a place for you.

 

It will be the 9th anniversary of the festival and it takes place for the 6th time in Kaarst.

 

Doors open: November 7th, 10:30 a.m, entrance fee: 5.00 Euro

[Christos]

Where is Kaarst? If it's near Dusseldorf there's a very very slim chance I'll make it there. Anyway, since Thorsten will be there we'll prepare a STOT special . I suppose it's a one day event only?

[Fadest]

Hum... This is only 50 kilometers from Essen, but not the same week than the Spiele Messe (October 22 to 25 - same date as french RGC)

I guess that the year the events will occur on same week-end, I will have to go to both

[bmx]

@Christos: Yes, it's near to Düsseldorf, aprox. 15-20 km. By train about 20 min. You can also check out the location plan @ www.jagfest.org/euro

 

@Fadest: Would be cool to see you there.

 

cheers,

 

Björn

 

orga / e-jagfest

[Htbaa]

I've marked the date in my phones' organizer. I'm almost certain I'm going to be there, sounds like a lot of fun and I always wanted to go anyway.

 

At what time does it usually end? I think I'll spend the night there. Any h/motel recommendations?

 

Also, if anyone else from the Netherlands is planning to go let me know, perhaps we can drive there together.

[bmx]

I've marked the date in my phones' organizer. I'm almost certain I'm going to be there, sounds like a lot of fun and I always wanted to go anyway.

 

At what time does it usually end? I think I'll spend the night there. Any h/motel recommendations?

 

Also, if anyone else from the Netherlands is planning to go let me know, perhaps we can drive there together.

 

Thats cool.

Near the location is the "TSK Kaarst Sporthotel" and in Kaarst are some places to stay over night.

The show ends usually around midnightg.

[Htbaa]

Best thing so far I could find is Park Inn Düsseldorf/Kaarst for EUR 60,- a night. Any alternatives before I book? :-)

[Atari Smeghead]

Boy, do I wish I could afford air fare across the pond for this!

 

I am especially intrigued by these two announcements:

 

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand. We can hope to get some first hand informations from him about it.

 

Matthias Domin will show us the latest build of “Impulse” for Jaguar. This game is near to completion and with some luck, it will be sold for the first time at the e-jagfest this year.

Wow!! A new game from Matthias Domin is always a reason for celebration! And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

I can't wait to hear all about this festival.

 

for those who can attend...Enjoy!

 

Cheers,

Smeg

[+rdemming]

Best thing so far I could find is Park Inn Düsseldorf/Kaarst for EUR 60,- a night. Any alternatives before I book? :-)

 

Try www.booking.com. That site has in my experience the best deals and don't calculate administration costs. They won't charge your credit card but you pay at the hotel. Currently there are still a few hotels for 60 euro a night. I think that is about the cheapest price for a regular hotel.

If you really are on a budget you can try www.hostelworld.com. I saw a dorm room for 22 euro

 

I got a 3* hotel there in the center of Dusseldorf for 60 euro a night for a double including breakfast. I'm going with my brother and the girls. Saturday we drop the girls in Dusseldorf so they can go sightseeing and we can attend €JagFest

Then Sunday we have one day for sightseeing Dusseldorf.

 

 

Robert

Edited November 1, 2009 by rdemming

[JagChris]

Boy, do I wish I could afford air fare across the pond for this!

 

I am especially intrigued by these two announcements:

 

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand. We can hope to get some first hand informations from him about it.

And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

Cheers,

Smeg

 

I wouldnt get too worked up over this one. This guys track record of announcing projects then bailing and flip flopping is 2-0 so far.

[TXG/MNX]

Sorry I can't attend :-( man this s@#&*$# !

[Pocket]

Boy, do I wish I could afford air fare across the pond for this!

 

I am especially intrigued by these two announcements:

 

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand. We can hope to get some first hand informations from him about it.

And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

Cheers,

Smeg

 

I wouldnt get too worked up over this one. This guys track record of announcing projects then bailing and flip flopping is 2-0 so far.

 

You can add one point when he wanted to work with Jagware and delivered nothing...

[PeterG]

Sorry I can't attend :-( man this s@#&*$# !

 

Sorry to hear that René, always enjoying talking to you.

Too bad.

[Atari Smeghead]

Boy, do I wish I could afford air fare across the pond for this!

 

I am especially intrigued by these two announcements:

 

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand. We can hope to get some first hand informations from him about it.

And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

Cheers,

Smeg

 

I wouldnt get too worked up over this one. This guys track record of announcing projects then bailing and flip flopping is 2-0 so far.

 

You can add one point when he wanted to work with Jagware and delivered nothing...

That's too bad. Still, one can always hope, right? This could be the one that gets completed. An IS-style game would be a great addition to the Lynx library.

 

Cheers,

Smeg

[Pocket]

Boy, do I wish I could afford air fare across the pond for this!

 

I am especially intrigued by these two announcements:

 

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand. We can hope to get some first hand informations from him about it.

And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

Cheers,

Smeg

 

I wouldnt get too worked up over this one. This guys track record of announcing projects then bailing and flip flopping is 2-0 so far.

 

You can add one point when he wanted to work with Jagware and delivered nothing...

That's too bad. Still, one can always hope, right? This could be the one that gets completed. An IS-style game would be a great addition to the Lynx library.

 

Cheers,

Smeg

 

you're right, it would be a great addition

[Fadest]

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand.

[...]And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

It is said "based on Iron Soldier brand", not Iron Soldier game on Lynx

[JagChris]

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand.

[...]And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

It is said "based on Iron Soldier brand", not Iron Soldier game on Lynx

 

I thought he could not touch the Iron Soldier brand due to copyright?

 

I'm not trying to be a killjoy. Hope for the best, I'm just letting you guys know the track record. Now the story is flip flopping.

[Htbaa]

Just booked the hotel. Now all I need to do is update my TomTom and I'm set!

[Atari Smeghead]

 

The former “Eclipse software “employee Dan Hericks ... working on a new Lynx game, based on the Iron Soldier brand.

[...]And an IS-type game for Lynx!!! How wonderful!

 

It is said "based on Iron Soldier brand", not Iron Soldier game on Lynx

Huh... interesting bit of word play. So what, perhaps it's a puzzle game with the IS dude standing there? Maybe a Sonic game or a platform game with the IS dude?

 

Guess we'll wait and see.

 

Cheers,

Smeg

[CD-i]

perhaps it's a puzzle game with the IS dude standing there

 

that's what he told us over at planet-atari.de

[Atari Smeghead]

perhaps it's a puzzle game with the IS dude standing there

 

that's what he told us over at planet-atari.de

Seriously? An Iron Soldier-inspired puzzle game? Well, okay. Why not? (After all, I do like puzzle games.)

 

I'll be curious to see pics or a demo or something, after the Festival, or at least hear peoples' opinions.

 

Cheers,

Smeg

[CD-i]

perhaps it's a puzzle game with the IS dude standing there

 

that's what he told us over at planet-atari.de

Seriously? An Iron Soldier-inspired puzzle game? Well, okay. Why not? (After all, I do like puzzle games.)

 

I'll be curious to see pics or a demo or something, after the Festival, or at least hear peoples' opinions.

 

Cheers,

Smeg

 

 

[Matthias]

Hello,

 

the event was one of the best Euro-Jagfests ever!

 

I've just uploaded some pictures taken there, in the next days i'll try to add descriptions too.

 

Kind regards

Matthias

[iwan-iwanowitsch-goratschin]

Hello,

 

the event was one of the best Euro-Jagfests ever!

 

I've just uploaded some pictures taken there, in the next days i'll try to add descriptions too.

 

Kind regards

Matthias

 

 

 

Looks like you have had a very good time!

[PeterG]

Hello,

 

the event was one of the best Euro-Jagfests ever!

 

I've just uploaded some pictures taken there, in the next days i'll try to add descriptions too.

 

Kind regards

Matthias

 

That is exactly how I felt. Always great meeting you guys in person and then the room was full of people, lots of stuff to see and buy and having cool presentations. Really really great.

Only thins that bugs me is that being kind of in a hurry I forgot to play with the VR headset again.

That opportunity doesn't come so often...:-(