Sabertooth

I downloaded this one.  It's fun, but pretty difficult.  Also, due to the limitations of the emulator the VCS version is limited to TIA sound.  If you've heard the Yamaha version, you know what we're missing.  Still, not bad considering $8.99.

Release Date: 4/5/24
Retail: $8.99
Developer(s): Darryl Guenther (20th St Arcade)
Publisher: John Hancock
Official Site
Synopsis:
Your goal in Block'Em Sock'Em is to control John Hancock through 25 different levels to destroy boxes of the same color. Your aim is to get the block counter below the goal number with a limited number of tosses. If you toss a colored block and it hits another color, then your block will change to that color.
 

Release Date: 4/12/24
Retail: $7.99
Developer(s): Set Sail Games
Publisher: Set Sail Games
Official Site
Synopsis :
Tanks, But No Tanks is an updated take on a classic top-down arena tank shooter. This multiplayer madhouse will keep you on your toes as you balance collecting coins on each map with shooting projectiles at your foes. Upgrade your tank’s weapons, armor, and special abilities in between rounds with the coins you accrue.
Use your joystick to aim your bullets and shoot your way through each foe. Just be sure that you don’t ricochet a bullet right back toward yourself!
Use a diverse weapon set, ranging from deployable turrets to teleportation projectiles to cause extra mayhem on the battlefield!

Welcome to the official topic for
Tanks, But No Tanks
 

I downloaded this one.  It's fun, but pretty difficult.  Also, due to the limitations of the emulator the VCS version is limited to TIA sound.  If you've heard the Yamaha version, you know what we're missing.  Still, not bad considering $8.99.

Release Date: 4/5/24
Retail: $8.99
Developer(s): Darryl Guenther (20th St Arcade)
Publisher: John Hancock
Official Site
Synopsis:
Your goal in Block'Em Sock'Em is to control John Hancock through 25 different levels to destroy boxes of the same color. Your aim is to get the block counter below the goal number with a limited number of tosses. If you toss a colored block and it hits another color, then your block will change to that color.
 

Release Date: October 14, 2023
Retail: $8.99
Developer(s): MuddyVision
Publisher: MuddyVision
Synopsis :
E.X.O (Elite Xeno Operations.)
Your objective is to rescue your 4 team mates who are all inconveniently being held in different places.
You also need to foil an alien plot to destroy the Earth and wipe out Humanity. How rude.
Controls
Button 1 is mapped to lasers (useful for softer targets, mines, probes). Button 2 is mapped to rockets. (default is a "down" rocket, rockets can be flicked upwards by using up + button 2. Up activates thrust / engines. left and right to move left and right. Select = Bail out - only works on screen 1 of any world (used if you select the wrong level to try by mistake). See the in-game "how to play" for more details. Gameplay & Objective
Each level has a generator and a security code. To rescue the team member and leave the level, you need both. Each level also has a hidden Key Stone. Switches are used to unlock the rooms containing the Key Stones. When the final Key Stone is unlocked the screen will screen shake, notifying you something has changed in the level. You will not be able to get to the security code until you have disabled the generator and weakened the security systems that block the way. (TLDR : Generator -> Security Code -> Exit -> Boss). Rockets are limited, use them sparingly! replenishments can be found, usually 1 crate on each world. Life & Death
If you lose your ship, you will restart at either the beginning of the level or the most recently activated restart point. Restart points look like TV's, fly into them to activate them, when they are active, they are green.  

Made some big announcements for the VCS port of Circus Interstellar, talked about our new plans for our next project, and shot the %!#$& about video games and other geeky stuff 🙂 It won't be long now...
 
 

Wi-Fi Issues:
I tried to update my Evercade VS today and it would not connect to my router. Last month, I updated my router to a dual band mesh system. All of my devices work on it. The VS saw the network but would error when connecting.
I visited the Evercade Discord and asked about the issue. Members there said some users reported problems with dual band, but that if I turned off 5GHz, it might work. They also recommended a factory reset. I tried these solutions without success.
Finally, it struck me that I could try my phone's mobile hotspot. This immediately connected and I was able to update the system. However, the VS will still not connect to my router.
Sharing this here in case others experience a similar issue.

THURS on a NEW #AtariNewsline! #Atari has some new #RollerCoasterTycoon #merch on their website just in time 4 the series' 25th #Anniversary! Plus a signed item by creator #ChrisSawyer! Let's browse @Atari.com! 4/11 @ 10a MST! Only on #BCB! #gaming Click:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9PRDYul7J4
 

My exploration of the VCS's PC-MODE continues with the re-release of Balls Of Steel from Atari & Big Boat Interactive.
Played on a stock 8GB VCS using Steam via ChimeraOS.
 

(Premiering FRI, 4/5/24 @ 10 am MST!) ATARI NEWSLINE. BREAKING NEWS. // On this #AtariNewsline update, we celebrate the #VCS release of #BlockEmSockEm, a #homebrew by @johnhancockretro & #2ndDimension #Games! There's an #Atari #Jaguar port & a #Genesis port, now an #AstariVCS port! Let's take a look at some #gameplay courtesy of @theforeseenarcade! What do you think? Will you be picking this puzzler up?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZrL7vP3ZI0&t=636s
 

Tonight on a NEW #UNBOXD: "Staycations, #Palmtops & #Atari #400Mini's!" Also: #Boogeyball by #Tiger, #TandyCenter, #Tandy & @RadioShack Memories! #TRS80 #ColorComputer! #HP 660LX #Palm. Plus: 8-Bit Bubba! 7p MST! Only on #BCB! #Gaming #unboxing #retro #toys Click:
mories! 

ATARI NEWSLINE. BREAKING NEWS. // On this episode, I read a new #CreativeBloq #interview w/ #TimLapetino, #Atari's new #creativedirector! In this #article, Tim discusses the psychological Atari #Ethos, the #Art of @Atari, the past & future of the iconic company, #SteveJobs, #Wozniak, former creative director #Opperman, #Atari50, #DigitalEclipse & a look at the iconic Atari #Fuji #logo! I read the article & discuss. Subscribe, Like & Comment! Thanks for watching! BCB *** T
(Visit YT Page for Links included in video description)
 

 
 

Pixel Games is a one-person powerhouse that has released another fantastic arcade game with Cash Cow DX:
 
 

If you can't find it there try here: 
https://www.atarimania.com/pgemainsoft.awp?type=U&system=8

I believe I found it. https://www.atarimania.com/utility-atari-400-800-xl-xe-basic_13284.html

Does anyone know where to find the Atari 400 Basic program to download through Plaion? I tried the website, I saw the link yesterday, downloaded it, and had to re-format the USB it was on so I don't have it anymore and can't find the website again?

Now available for preorder in the U.S. via Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/THE400-Mini-Not-Machine-Specific/dp/B0CS3VD9TJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?crid=2YZDG7X00EVHE&keywords=atari+400+mini&qid=1705161777&sprefix=atari+400+mini%2Caps%2C354&sr=8-7

Also, it will be available on Amazon and Atari.com in North America. They just don't have it up yet apparently. I typically go through Atari but given the delays with my 2600+, I think that I'll go through Amazon so I get it at launch.

My hope is they move enough units to create a fully functioning MAXI version as they are doing with the C64. The ability to side-load is good enough for me at this price point. And the 400 is my favorite in terms of design. It's achingly 70s.

Official product site.
https://retrogames.biz/products/the400-mini/

More information, including price point.
https://www.ign.com/articles/the-400-mini-is-a-scaled-down-recreation-of-the-atari-400
 

Hot on the heels of the 2600+, PLAION announces the Atari 400 Mini.
Retro Games Ltd. and PLAION are happy to announce The 400 Mini, a half-sized modern replica of the classic Atari 400.
The 400 Mini is fitted with the CXSTICK offering an enhanced and updated version of the classic CX40 Atari joystick boasting an additional seven seamlessly integrated function buttons and USB connectivity.
Modern features have been enabled with The 400 Mini such as the ability to side-load games via a USB stick, Rewind and save states for games, HDMI output at 50 or 60hz, and emulation support for the whole 8-bit Atari range from the 400 to the 800XL, and the Atari 5200 home console.
The system is preloaded with 25 retro games for enjoyment right out of the box.
The 400 Mini is launching on March 28 for $119.
 

I watched the first two episodes in the middle of the night (up with a cold). I like the TNG tie-in for this season's MacGuffin.
The first episode was a little over-the-top with the action, but I like the lighter vibe they seem to be going for this year.