DegasElite

Sorry for the downer, I don't post these like I use to but this one is pretty big imho. RIP Michael Lee Aday aka Meat Loaf. Sad, I am not too surprised though as seeing him in a recent interview he was not looking good. He pushed himself a lot. He will be remembered through his music. 
 

🥳 Happy Birthday @HDN!

MERRY CHRISTMAS - Sure I have posted before but it just came up in Facebook memories even though it's obviously much older 😆so seemed fitting to share again today since it is one of the few good childhood memories, believe me I was VERY happy just getting these at the time - That year when I got Coleco Galaxian and Pac Man mini arcades. 😆😎🕹️Also this image is so of it's time with the huge cabinet TV all the brown and gaudy decorations. Still fond memories for me though. 

I've finally completed all challenges in single player mode for Black Widow Recharged on the Atari VCS! It was probably the most satisfying gaming achievement of 2021 for me. 
The VCS version has 40 challenges, compared to 30 in other versions of the game. The 10 VCS exclusive challenges were among the most difficult in the game. There were definitely some controller throwing moments! 
What were your most satisfying gaming victories of 2021?!

PSA: The new Atari VCS is on sale at Microcenter for $249. This in-store only promotion nets you the Black Walnut All-In edition. Retailers elsewhere remain at full price ($399). 
If you're curious or need a new mini-PC and live near a Microcenter, now could be a good time. 
https://www.microcenter.com/product/627563/atari-vcs-800-black-walnut-full-bundle

What my poor iPad sees when I am trying a new drawing app 🧐😏

🥳 Wishing Lance @Video 61 a very happy birthday!

Been playing the new Centipede: Recharged on the Atari VCS for the past few hours. It's actually a cool modern interpretation on the classic. It has an endless arcade mode, 30 unlockable challenges, achievements, and local Co-op. Also, the music is stunning. 
It's available on all major console platforms - Xbox, PS4/5, Switch, Steam (PC) - via digital tomorrow.  Based on the VCS version, I'd say it's well worth the $9.99 if you have any of those platforms and are a fan of the original.  
 
 

🕹️ Terrific Tutorial on How To Clean & Repair Your Atari 5200 Joysticks: 
 

Thank you, @Justin, for your kind words and for bringing back the High Score Challenge. The Suzuka track is very challenging and was often frustrating lol. I was fortunate to win the 2021 Grand Prix.

🏎️ Racers, Start Your Engines & Prepare to Qualify! The 2021 Pole Position II Grand Prix is underway! 
 

It's easy to be a Kung Fu Master when the henchmen are so incompetent. 

⚠️ Running into more issues with the template not getting along with the recent site update. I know some of you have been experiencing trouble accessing the site. This is not a security issue. It's a conflict between the existing template and the updated software. I am taking out a ticket to get this resolved. The site isn't going anywhere ☺️

✅ Highly Recommended: ProtonMail. Free encrypted email w/ Swiss privacy, end-to-end encryption, open source and anonymous. I absolutely love this, thought I'd share. https://protonmail.com 

🍄 Your Atari I/O Profile now lets you share your Nintendo Friend Code, PlayStation Network ID & Xbox Live Id! Add them to your Atari I/O Profile under the "Reach Out" tab on the left. Find your friends from the forums and game with them online!

🍄 Wario was a real jerk

🕹️🕹️ HAPPY ATARI DAY! Celebrate by sharing a game with a friend!

🧠 PRO-TIP: Presales aren't allowed on Atari I/O. Even with the best intentions, sincere promises of "ready to ship in six months" many times become tumultuous as months turn into years or even a decade without fulfillment. Please wait until your product is ready to ship before soliciting sales in our Marketplace. 
 

My grandfather in the nursing home with COPD got coronavirus days before the vaccine. This may be the end. A priest was there earlier today. I trust God knows what he’s doing, whether he lives or dies it is His plan.

⚠️ When creating a thread, be sure to start a real conversation. Include content and not just links that redirect to your site.

Something amazing happened. I found an RPG that I actually like!

RIP Dawn Wells! Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island has passed away from COVID-19. She was 82.

💥 Atari 7800 PADDLES GIVEAWAY ends soon! Enter now for our drawing on December 1st! 

I got laid off today, the first time in my career. When AT&T merged a bunch of companies (HBO, Turner, etc.) under the former Time Warner corp umbrella into a single entity WarnerMedia, we knew the new company would look to consolidate. It was a bit of a surprise given where I was situated organizationally, but a bunch of us were given pink slips. Because I got rolled up in a broad organizational move, it’s easy not to take this personally, so I’m glad for that. I had seen some friends struggle emotionally before. 
My wife recently got a new job, and she’s still within the new employee benefits enrollment window, so at least I don’t have to worry about getting a new job quickly for health insurance reasons. For the first time, I won’t be the primary coverage member 🙂 Lots of new firsts.
Before folks feel too sorry for me, I am in a good position. First, I am grateful for an extremely stable career experience so far. I’ve experienced my share of company re-org and changes and always landed into a great place. The fact that this is my first involuntary job change is quite the feat in a 23 year career. Second, I’m also grateful that we will be given a nice severance package to ease the transition into the next gig. Third, I’m in an industry that is very robust and still hiring. And lastly and most importantly, God is good, and He is the Shepherd of my life. In Him, I find peace and rest.
I share this news here because I like the I/O community and wanted to open up more on a personal level to foster better relationships. Also, I’ll have more time to spend on the monthly challenge, so you have been warned 🕹🕹🤣🤣

Dragon's Lair on the Jaguar CD is a great Halloween tradition for me. I love playing it on this spooky night, and it is kind of spooky with the wind whipping the way it is here where I live! We're under a wind advisory until 6:00 AM tomorrow morning here. Thanks for letting me share. :O)