Justin

Congratulations RickR!
 
Congratulations to @RickR on yet another incredible victory, and his second win in a row! "The Don" RickR takes the top spot in our Final Standings with an outstanding time of 2'10"86. Well done, Rick! @Atari 5200 Guy joined us as well, taking 2nd Place in the standings with a lap time of 2'13"54! Bravo! Participation was low for this Squad Challenge, so let's try to get the word out for our upcoming challenges to invite more people in to play. From private conversations in the forums I know some of us have had a lot on our plate over the holidays and have things going on in our personal lives which are much more important at the moment than video games, so it means a lot that you showed up and participated despite the low turnout. I like to think Atari I/O is a place to go for fun even in challenging and stressful times.
As always I'd like to encourage @RickR to  post his high score on the Scoreboard, and let's make sure this Challenge continues on! Congratulations once again to Rick for his BIG WIN.
👉 Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS! 
 Our next High Score Squad Challenge will be for BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION for Atari 2600. Be there!
 
 

 
 

 

I'm updating the Difficulty Settings for this Squad Challenge for GAME 3 - You'll need all the lives you can get because in this game Evil Otto is invincible and the robots stalk you with their lasers. Atari has not included an updated matrix of Game variations in their online instructions.

I'm updating the Difficulty Settings for this Squad Challenge for GAME 3 - You'll need all the lives you can get because in this game Evil Otto is invincible and the robots stalk you with their lasers. Atari has not included an updated matrix of Game variations in their online instructions.

I'm on the fence for this one, largely because I don't own a 2600+, and Game 1 of the original 2600 version does not feature Evil Otto (though the robots will shoot at you).

Sweet!  I get to break in my new Berzerk Enhanced Edition cart! I’ll try to join in on both versions to see the differences.
I was going to mention before I posted how I think the original was great. It didn’t flicker like some 2600 games suffer from. 

I'll be participating in this one too 

Here are some real Pro-Tips for scoring big in BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION:
 
Quickdraw
As you move from one maze to another, continue pressing the fire button. It takes the robots a moment to start their attack - you can often zap them first when you enter shooting.
 
Predicting Otto's Entrance
Evil Otto always enters in the same place you do. Try to get away from this danger zone and near an exit as soon as possible.
 
Escape to the Sides
Because Evil Otto bounces up and down, it's easier to escape him through the side exits than the top or bottom exits.
 
Take Cover as Robots Obliterate Themselves
In difficult levels where there are a lot of fast-moving, fast-shooting robots, head for the cover of a maze wall immediately. Allow the robots to collide with each other and to shoot one another or to walk into your firing range. But don't wait long or you'll be trapped!
 
Scoring
You score 50 points for each robot destroyed. When all the robots in a single maze are destroyed, you score ten bonus points per robot. Robots explode when they're hit by your laser or the lasers of other robots, and when they run into maze walls, collide with each other, or get pounded by Evil Otto. You can score a total of 999,990 points before the score rolls over.
 
 
 

Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS!
 

 

Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS!
 

 

Here are some real Pro-Tips for scoring big in BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION:
 
Quickdraw
As you move from one maze to another, continue pressing the fire button. It takes the robots a moment to start their attack - you can often zap them first when you enter shooting.
 
Predicting Otto's Entrance
Evil Otto always enters in the same place you do. Try to get away from this danger zone and near an exit as soon as possible.
 
Escape to the Sides
Because Evil Otto bounces up and down, it's easier to escape him through the side exits than the top or bottom exits.
 
Take Cover as Robots Obliterate Themselves
In difficult levels where there are a lot of fast-moving, fast-shooting robots, head for the cover of a maze wall immediately. Allow the robots to collide with each other and to shoot one another or to walk into your firing range. But don't wait long or you'll be trapped!
 
Scoring
You score 50 points for each robot destroyed. When all the robots in a single maze are destroyed, you score ten bonus points per robot. Robots explode when they're hit by your laser or the lasers of other robots, and when they run into maze walls, collide with each other, or get pounded by Evil Otto. You can score a total of 999,990 points before the score rolls over.
 
 
 

Berzerk Enhanced Edition
Atari 2600
Controller: JOYSTICK / KEYBOARD / PLAYER'S CHOICE
Difficulty Level: GAME 3
Bonus Challenge: Berzerk (original release) for Atari 2600
Play on: Real Hardware / Dedicated Console / MAME / Emulation OK! ✔
Squad Challenge ends 11:59 pm PST January 31, 2024
Nominated by @RickR and @Justin 
 
 
Objective
Play for the best possible time using the difficulty settings defined in the challenge. Post a photo or YouTube video of your score in this thread. Scores must be achieved between January 1st through January 31st, 2024. Screen captures are not allowed as they are more easily manipulated for falsified scores. Multiple submissions are permitted. The player with the highest score at the end of the competition is the victor!
 
Eligibility
Anyone can join in. All players are welcome!
 
Play Rules
Games may be played on real hardware, Flashback / Mini console, FPGA or emulation, using any controller or keyboard, following all rules and game settings defined in the challenge. Choosing between real hardware or emulation, and choosing which controller to play on is part of formulating your strategy. Enhancements, rewinds, save states and hacked versions of this game are not allowed.
 
Difficulty Level
GAME 3. We will be playing Berzerk Enhanced Edition on GAME 3 Difficulty Settings. You'll need all the lives you can get because in this game Evil Otto is invincible and the robots stalk you with their lasers.
 
Bonus Challenge : Berzerk (Original Release) for Atari 2600
We are holding a BONUS CHALLENGE for all you Berzerk aficionados! If you'd like to compete in our Bonus Challenge, we will be playing the original release of Berzerk on Atari 2600 on GAME 3! If you don't have access to the newly released Berzerk Enhanced Edition but would like to play along with us, you can submit a score for the original Berzerk. Be sure to denote that your score is for Berzerk (Original Release) when posting your original Berzerk score!
 
Fair Play
Your integrity is everything. Players should play fairly, be honest, and have fun! Falsified scores will result in your immediate removal from the site. It goes without saying that we will not allow cheats, hacks, cartridge frying, enhancements, rewinds, deceitful photo manipulation, subterfuge, or any other unfair advantage. Everybody hates a cheater.
 
More
To review detailed rules on how to play, please visit the High Score Squad page here: 
 
 
Message
Welcome to our 154th Squad Challenge! We're starting 2024 off with Berzerk Enhanced Edition which has become a popular release this holiday season with Atari publishing the game to coincide with the launch of their new Atari 2600+! If you don't own the game but would like to join in the fun, you can order Berzerk Enhanced Edition for $29.99 directly from Atari and receive it likely in time to be able to participate and post a high score in this Squad Challenge! You can also join in our Bonus Challenge with a score from the original 2600 Berzerk! 
 

 
Berzerk Enhanced Edition Instructions Available Online from Atari Here

Nice choice!  I'll have to try once I'm back on land...

Congratulations RickR!
 
Congratulations to @RickR on yet another incredible victory, and his second win in a row! "The Don" RickR takes the top spot in our Final Standings with an outstanding time of 2'10"86. Well done, Rick! @Atari 5200 Guy joined us as well, taking 2nd Place in the standings with a lap time of 2'13"54! Bravo! Participation was low for this Squad Challenge, so let's try to get the word out for our upcoming challenges to invite more people in to play. From private conversations in the forums I know some of us have had a lot on our plate over the holidays and have things going on in our personal lives which are much more important at the moment than video games, so it means a lot that you showed up and participated despite the low turnout. I like to think Atari I/O is a place to go for fun even in challenging and stressful times.
As always I'd like to encourage @RickR to  post his high score on the Scoreboard, and let's make sure this Challenge continues on! Congratulations once again to Rick for his BIG WIN.
👉 Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS! 
 Our next High Score Squad Challenge will be for BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION for Atari 2600. Be there!
 
 

 
 

 

Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS!
 

 

Here are some real Pro-Tips for scoring big in BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION:
 
Quickdraw
As you move from one maze to another, continue pressing the fire button. It takes the robots a moment to start their attack - you can often zap them first when you enter shooting.
 
Predicting Otto's Entrance
Evil Otto always enters in the same place you do. Try to get away from this danger zone and near an exit as soon as possible.
 
Escape to the Sides
Because Evil Otto bounces up and down, it's easier to escape him through the side exits than the top or bottom exits.
 
Take Cover as Robots Obliterate Themselves
In difficult levels where there are a lot of fast-moving, fast-shooting robots, head for the cover of a maze wall immediately. Allow the robots to collide with each other and to shoot one another or to walk into your firing range. But don't wait long or you'll be trapped!
 
Scoring
You score 50 points for each robot destroyed. When all the robots in a single maze are destroyed, you score ten bonus points per robot. Robots explode when they're hit by your laser or the lasers of other robots, and when they run into maze walls, collide with each other, or get pounded by Evil Otto. You can score a total of 999,990 points before the score rolls over.
 
 
 

Congratulations RickR!
 
Congratulations to @RickR on yet another incredible victory, and his second win in a row! "The Don" RickR takes the top spot in our Final Standings with an outstanding time of 2'10"86. Well done, Rick! @Atari 5200 Guy joined us as well, taking 2nd Place in the standings with a lap time of 2'13"54! Bravo! Participation was low for this Squad Challenge, so let's try to get the word out for our upcoming challenges to invite more people in to play. From private conversations in the forums I know some of us have had a lot on our plate over the holidays and have things going on in our personal lives which are much more important at the moment than video games, so it means a lot that you showed up and participated despite the low turnout. I like to think Atari I/O is a place to go for fun even in challenging and stressful times.
As always I'd like to encourage @RickR to  post his high score on the Scoreboard, and let's make sure this Challenge continues on! Congratulations once again to Rick for his BIG WIN.
👉 Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS! 
 Our next High Score Squad Challenge will be for BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION for Atari 2600. Be there!
 
 

 
 

 

Lots of bad stuff going on in our world, both on a big scale and at a personal level.  But forget that if you can for one moment and share at least one good thing that happened to you in 2023.  It can be gaming related or not. 
I'll start with a couple of things:
On the personal side, I have made some serious progress on flight anxiety issues.  In 2023, I got on planes for two vacations.  Although limited to west coast travel only, this was a BIG step for me.  And also getting on a cruise ship for a week.  Gaming side:  I succeeded in some downsizing this year.  Both my ST and Amiga collections are GONE.  I've been telling you, this is going to be a slow process for me, but progress is being made.  

Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS!
 

 

Berzerk Enhanced Edition
Atari 2600
Controller: JOYSTICK / KEYBOARD / PLAYER'S CHOICE
Difficulty Level: GAME 3
Bonus Challenge: Berzerk (original release) for Atari 2600
Play on: Real Hardware / Dedicated Console / MAME / Emulation OK! ✔
Squad Challenge ends 11:59 pm PST January 31, 2024
Nominated by @RickR and @Justin 
 
 
Objective
Play for the best possible time using the difficulty settings defined in the challenge. Post a photo or YouTube video of your score in this thread. Scores must be achieved between January 1st through January 31st, 2024. Screen captures are not allowed as they are more easily manipulated for falsified scores. Multiple submissions are permitted. The player with the highest score at the end of the competition is the victor!
 
Eligibility
Anyone can join in. All players are welcome!
 
Play Rules
Games may be played on real hardware, Flashback / Mini console, FPGA or emulation, using any controller or keyboard, following all rules and game settings defined in the challenge. Choosing between real hardware or emulation, and choosing which controller to play on is part of formulating your strategy. Enhancements, rewinds, save states and hacked versions of this game are not allowed.
 
Difficulty Level
GAME 3. We will be playing Berzerk Enhanced Edition on GAME 3 Difficulty Settings. You'll need all the lives you can get because in this game Evil Otto is invincible and the robots stalk you with their lasers.
 
Bonus Challenge : Berzerk (Original Release) for Atari 2600
We are holding a BONUS CHALLENGE for all you Berzerk aficionados! If you'd like to compete in our Bonus Challenge, we will be playing the original release of Berzerk on Atari 2600 on GAME 3! If you don't have access to the newly released Berzerk Enhanced Edition but would like to play along with us, you can submit a score for the original Berzerk. Be sure to denote that your score is for Berzerk (Original Release) when posting your original Berzerk score!
 
Fair Play
Your integrity is everything. Players should play fairly, be honest, and have fun! Falsified scores will result in your immediate removal from the site. It goes without saying that we will not allow cheats, hacks, cartridge frying, enhancements, rewinds, deceitful photo manipulation, subterfuge, or any other unfair advantage. Everybody hates a cheater.
 
More
To review detailed rules on how to play, please visit the High Score Squad page here: 
 
 
Message
Welcome to our 154th Squad Challenge! We're starting 2024 off with Berzerk Enhanced Edition which has become a popular release this holiday season with Atari publishing the game to coincide with the launch of their new Atari 2600+! If you don't own the game but would like to join in the fun, you can order Berzerk Enhanced Edition for $29.99 directly from Atari and receive it likely in time to be able to participate and post a high score in this Squad Challenge! You can also join in our Bonus Challenge with a score from the original 2600 Berzerk! 
 

 
Berzerk Enhanced Edition Instructions Available Online from Atari Here

Congratulations RickR!
 
Congratulations to @RickR on yet another incredible victory, and his second win in a row! "The Don" RickR takes the top spot in our Final Standings with an outstanding time of 2'10"86. Well done, Rick! @Atari 5200 Guy joined us as well, taking 2nd Place in the standings with a lap time of 2'13"54! Bravo! Participation was low for this Squad Challenge, so let's try to get the word out for our upcoming challenges to invite more people in to play. From private conversations in the forums I know some of us have had a lot on our plate over the holidays and have things going on in our personal lives which are much more important at the moment than video games, so it means a lot that you showed up and participated despite the low turnout. I like to think Atari I/O is a place to go for fun even in challenging and stressful times.
As always I'd like to encourage @RickR to  post his high score on the Scoreboard, and let's make sure this Challenge continues on! Congratulations once again to Rick for his BIG WIN.
👉 Be sure to join @Sabertooth in Club VCS for this month's VCS Recharged Squad Challenge, QUANTUM: RECHARGED on the Atari VCS! 
 Our next High Score Squad Challenge will be for BERZERK ENHANCED EDITION for Atari 2600. Be there!
 
 

 
 

 

Yes!  It feels like the real deal.  My Genesis controller situation was the most dire of the three, so that one was sorely needed.