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Atari 5200 Guy

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Blog Entries posted by Atari 5200 Guy

  1. Atari 5200 Guy
    Nintendo's shock of announcing a miniature NES with 30 games built-in a few weeks before I wrote this article seems to have been met with mixed feelings. With all of the clone systems on the market based on the original NES, that perform well but might have mistakes here and there like a few colors wrong or sounds not quite right, it makes one wonder why Nintendo didn't think of it sooner. After all, Atari, ColecoVision, Intellivision, and Sega, have had remakes of their consoles on the market for a while now. So, with so much love for the NES by the people that remember it, enjoy it, treasure it, why the mixed feelings?
     
    For the most part the NES Classic has been getting positive feedback already. However no one has seen the thing in action yet so I can only imagine what others are thinking. Is it possible that Nintendo would go out of their way to produce a product that is not 100% accurate in what it is trying to mimic? I really don't think so. Nintendo's reputation will be on the line with this product as the NES remains one of the most popular consoles today. The NES still has a rather large fan base and for good reason as many of its games were revolutionary and a step forward from the games Atari, Mattel, and Coleco were bringing to the console market. Mega Man, Castlevania, Mario Bros., and Zelda have continued on for many generations long after their initial NES debut. And that only touches all the game titles the NES is famous for.
     
    If one plays those games long enough it becomes common to build expectations of what the game is "suppose" to do. Mario should change to a red and white outfit when he picks up a fire flower. What would happen if that color scheme was off? Or try this...hum a few bars of the Super Mario Bros. theme. Go on ahead...I'll wait. . . . . . OK, time's up. Now imagine that same theme that is played too fast or too slow. Basically, place a 45 RPM record on a turntable and play it at 33 RPM or 78 RPM. Yea...some emulators have been known not to be 100% accurate in this department when emulating the NES hardware. It's also been true with the flashback consoles made by ATGames.
     
    One thing to realize is that, no matter how well received a Nintendo product has been received, Nintendo has always put quality in their hardware. And since the introduction of the GameCube Nintendo has been revamping the NES games slowly like Metroid on Metroid Prime as an example. So if any company has had experience in emulating their own products it would have to be Nintendo. And it is possible that the NES Classic is going to be emulated but it might also be using real hardware or the same virtual console found on the Wii and Wii U.
     
    Just for the games alone the Nintendo NES Classic is worth the $60 price tag. If a collector, gamer, what have you, were to hunt down those games in their original cartridge form, just the carts, any two of the games in the 30-game list would easily cost $60 depending on where you looked. Mega Man 2 alone can fetch $40 or more. And only the most popular NES games seemed to make the list, too. So you have literally hours upon hours of gaming, good, wholesome, quality gaming, in one little package.
     
    Once again, though, if anything is even slightly off, it can ruin the whole deal. So I really hope that Nintendo does the original NES and the 30 games they have included justice. As for now the NES Classic is scheduled for a November 11th release and I am excited for it. I already have money set aside to pick one up on release date and will do another review on it once I get it. In the meantime I'd like to hear your thoughts on Nintendo's surprise console.
     
    (Image used: http://www.nintendo.com/nes-classic )
  2. Atari 5200 Guy
    Oh man.  Where to start?  I reckon I should start at the beginning.  Star Raiders, as any Atari gamer would know, is the iconic first-person space action adventure game published by Atari in 1979 on their Atari 8-bit home computers and later porting it over to the 5200 and 2600 game consoles.  It is the game that defined that genre which others would follow.  Star Raiders II (the published one and the one that did not get released) took the basics and attempted to improve on them.  Solaris for the 2600 soon followed along with a ST port (of which I have yet to play)...all of which maintained the core essence of the game.
    Enter the 2011 port of Star Raiders for XBOX 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC.  After having this game pinned to my 360's dashboard for many years I finally broke down and bought it.  And, I have to admit, I might have made a mistake.  Once the game installed I thought i was going to experience a familiar game.
    For what it is worth the game does look good with modern visuals that are to be expected of modern consoles.  But that is where the good points end.  The sound effects department is very lacking and the game did not keep the first person perspective.  This game stickes with a third person perspective with your ship front and center.

    The Galactic Map is still here but its purpose is not the same as it has been in previous installments.  In all of the other SR games before there was, in essence, a timer that moved things around on the map.  The sole purpose of that game was to defend your starbases from Zylon enemies before they were destroyed.  All previous SR games kept this formula and while this modern SR has Zylon enemies they seem weak.  Very weak.  The bigger Zylon ships are nice models but trying to destroy them is very time consuming and almost frustrating.  The smaller Zylon ships don't even care to come at you.  You spend more time chasing them down than them chasing you down.  The action is simply missing.

    Your ship can morph into three different styles and can be upgraded but I saw no point in the upgrades.  The styles can be changed on-the-fly during missions but the controls to each style makes it hard to learn those controls.  I maxed out my upgrades already but I didn't notice any difference from the first weapon to the last one.  It wasn't like I could kill enemies quicker or home in on targets better.  They seem like a waste of time and feel even more like they have no real purpose.  And each mission I have played so far feels the same as the one before it.  Your weapons also have a limited amount of energy.  Should they run out you then have to run to a recharge base.

    Star Raiders on the 5200 is my number one all-time favorite game.  It has a formula and play style that is solid and simply works.  If this modern game had been called anything else it would have been an OK game but it carries the Star Raiders badge.  Unfortunately those who made the game must not have ever played the original.  Yes, Zylons are still after destroying mankind and there are references to Solaris which is the name given to your home base but it does not have the formula that made the original so important and memoriable.  Everything you knew or thought you knew about Star Raiders was completely ignored and left out of this SR.  In all honesty I woukd not even place this game in the same catagory as all other SR games.  Even the 2600's Star Raiders is far better than this.
    I've tried to be biased as much as possible with this game as I could.  But when you are given the name of a game that is held dear to those that remember that name you better make damn sure you live up to that name.  This game doesn't in my opinion.  I'm going to try to keep playing it because I want to try to get my $5 out of it.  To those who haven't bought this game yet and are considering it...run.  Run as far away from this game as possible.  If you do get it don't go into the game thinking you are playing Star Raiders.  Somebody bootlegged Star Raiders and fluked it up.  I cannot recommend this game when it tries to be a Star Raiders game and fails miserably.
    This game has got me so frustrated I think I'll drag out my 5200 and ST and play those Star Raiders instead.
  3. Atari 5200 Guy

    ST Virus (Not a Review)

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Atari ST
    I thought about making this just a standard forum post but decided instead to make it a blog post.  This way I have a document on my findings while learning more about the ST.  And now...the rest of the story (I miss Paul Harvey).
    I was doing research trying to find out if Konami actually went through with releasing some games on the ST computers.  One issue of ST Action mentioned it but the next issue that was to continue the story was missing.  My research turned up something more and I landed on Vigilante.  I also seen the disk label:

    This disk image (thanks to Atari Mania) says something about a virus warning.  Now, I can somewhat understand a virus in the IBM and Apple world of computers because they were a bit more popular in our portion of the world.   But an Atari computer getting a virus?  Is it possible?  Can it destroy the computer? 
    I'm going to keep reading those ST magazines to see if anything turns up.  In the meantime if anyone here has more knowledge about those viruses I'm sure that other ST owners here, including myself, would like to know about them p!ease.
  4. Atari 5200 Guy
    Bombjack on the ST kind of reminds me of Bomberman Jack on the NES.  Whether they are one in the same or just share similar qualities I can't say but the arcade style game play is fun.  I was only able to accomplish a few rounds because, for me, the controls were wonky which I will get to in a minute.
    The graphics are arcade like as are the controls and sounds however the background music gets repetitive pretty quick.  Thankfully the developers were kind enough to give the player an option to turn off that music. Now about those wonky controls.  They respond OK until you try to run and jump.  With this game it's more like jump and then run.  You can jump as high as you want with just a tap of the button but you can't run and jump.  You have to jump first and then move left or right.  It takes some getting use to.  Otherwise there is a fun game hiding here.

    This game I would recommend to those who enjoy arcade-style game play.  Simply collect the bombs before they explode while avoiding enemies.  I'm not sure if the game gives bonus items to help you out as I've not made it that far yet.  Bombjack is proof that sometimes the smaller games can still be fun.
  5. Atari 5200 Guy

    Salamander (Famicom)

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Famicom Game Reviews
    When I first got into emulators I, like many others, discovered computers could play NES games.  I also discovered that some of the game ROMs I was looking at I never heard of before. When did the NES get Gradius II, what was Parodius? And what was Salamander?  I ended up getting what I thought were NES games I had never heard of. In hindsight, and unbeknown to my mind, I was getting Famicom games.  When I fired up Salamander I had no idea that I had unintentionally grabbed what we got (us USA gamers) as Life Force; one of my most top-favorite NES games of all-time.  It looked a bit different to me but I hadn't played Life Force in such a long time I thought that I might had just forgot.  And I didn't get Life Force when I grabbed Salamander so I had no way to compare.
    For those that don't know, Salamander/Life Force is a 2D shoot 'em up developed and published by Konami and ported to many Japanese systems.  This game continues the Gradius series and uses the same ship, known as the Vic Viper, with all its glory. The arcades and NES system received it as Life Force but there are a few differences between the Famicom and NES versions of the game. Why the name and parts of the game were changed is not 100% clear.
    My first experience with this game was on the NES way back in the late 1980s.  I found it at K-Mart, on clearance, for $10. As soon as we got home (a 2-hour drive) the package came open and in went the game.  I spent the next couple of hours playing and getting to know the game.  By the next day I had it all figured out and beat it.  This is Life Force:

    As the game progresses the player picks up capsules.  The number of capsules collected determine the power up item the player can obtain.  Speed, Missiles, Ripple, Laser, Options, and Shield.  I'm not sure how many times you get Speed but there are two missiles, two lasers, and two options.  I believe Ripple is once and I know Shield is once.  The game is comprised of 8 levels, one or two of which are exclusive to the NES/Famicom.  Now...take a look at Salamander.
    Do you notice anything different?  Look closely.  The HUD display at the bottom is completely different and more detailed whereas Life Force's HUD is more primitive.  But there's one more feature Salamander has that Life Force doesn't.  Options. I mentioned in Life Force the player can have 2 Options flying with them. In Salamander it's 3 Options.  I was surprised to discover these differences when I played Salamander for the first time.  Does it make a difference?  Not really.  The HUD on Salamander is more eye catching and the extra option can help.  Once the player gets that third option, however, the game really starts to bog down.  That is something that Life Force doesn't have.  At least not on the same scale.
    So how do I feel about Salamander?  I love it!  While the few things I've pointed out are different it is still the essentially the same game.  Same levels, same music soundtrack, nothing else different.  I have not yet noticed if the game is harder or not.  And I've been playing this game a LOT lately.  I just love everything about it.  If someone were to ask me my favorite NES game I'd pick this one.  If someone were to also ask me what I felt was the best game soundtrack I'd have to pick this one as well.  It's one of those games where everything just fits together perfectly.  I don't have Life Force for the NES but I managed to nab Salamander for my Famicom.  I couldn't be happier.
    Konami is well known for their NES games including Contra, Gradius, and Castlevania series.  For me, Life Force/Salamander is my favorite from them and, as I've said before, my number one all-time favorite NES game.  And now it has become my top-favorite Famicom game.  I'm probably going to need new control pads before too long from the amount of time I spend playing this game.  If you've never played it you should.
  6. Atari 5200 Guy
    The almighty hamburger.  A hot sandwich starting with a beef patty, topped with trimmings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, and smothered with ketchup and mustard.  A monetary staple for fast food drive-ins and a popular item to cook for some outdoor grillin'.  It's also one of the easiest food items to cook where almost anything on it will compliment it.  Almost.  That is until you come across evil food.  Hot dogs, eggs, and pickles are tired of being on the menu and have gone on strike!  That is the formula it takes to have a little video game called BurgerTime.
    The object of the game is to guide a chef, named Peter Pepper, through various mazes.  Each maze contains scattered ingredients that make up a hamburger which has to be assembled on plates at the bottom of the mazes.  Making hamburgers should be easy, right?  Wrong.  To add salt to a wound our chef is constantly being hunted down by food whose only goal is to stop chef from completing his mission.  The only weapon at your disposal is the almost empty pepper shaker that was grabbed at the last minute.
    For a simple sounding concept BurgerTime is anything but simple.  One false move or turn will have our chef meet his demise instantly.  And no matter which way our chef goes the food will not be far behind.  Our chef gets very little no time to stop and get a heading on where everything is.  Even stopping for a split second will end up with him being cornered with no where to run.  Hit them with pepper and he can slide by.  Catch one on a hamburger part when you make it fall will take that evil food with it for a long ride.  Want an egg on your burger?  Catch one between all the layers of the burger and it becomes part of the burger.  Pick up the desserts and side items that pop up to gain extra pepper.  
    Originally developed by Data East and released in North America by Bally/MIDWAY BurgerTime is one of those games that's a bit of an odd-ball.  Out of all the video games made there hasn't been another game that has tried to imitate or use a similar formula that makes BurgerTime tick.  My Arcade managed to cram all that into a miniature arcade cabinet that's as much fun to play as it is to look at.  But is it any good?
    On the outside BurgerTime's cabinet contains artwork that is inspired by the original but not 100% accurate.  For whatever reason the chef on the sides has an "H" on his hat where as the original chef on the real deal has a "P" for Peter Pepper.  I'm not quite sure what the "H" is all about unless his name is Hamburger Harry.  Maybe Peter got fired and Harry took his place?  Your guess is as good as mine.  At least all of the artwork fits together nicely.
    All of these My Arcade Micro Players made to date remind me of the NES standard controllers with a removable joystick handle.  With that you have a D-Pad/joystick combo that tries to act as a four-way joystick from the arcades.  The two smaller buttons are to Start and Reset the game.  The Start button doubles as a pause button for times when you need a break.  For some odd reason there are two pepper buttons.  Well, should one button fail there is a back-up.  
    Even though it uses the NES version of BurgerTime it's still a blast to play but BurgerTime on this unit is very unforgiving and very fast paced.  Before you know it food will be on top of you in the blink of an eye.  I have not managed to see if all the mazes from the arcade are here but I did manage to see five of them.  Getting that far was not an easy task at all.  Concentration is definitely the key to getting anywhere in this game.  You can sometimes trick enemies to go one way while you take off in another direction.  But not always.
    BurgerTime has its place in video game history as one of the most original and iconic designs of all time.  No matter how unforgiving this game gets its addictive and hard to put down.  It is for me anyway.  We hear more about Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Centipede, Frogger, and other popular games from the same era than we hear about BurgerTime.  And these attractable micro arcades I have found hard to resist.  My only wish is that they would have used actual arcade ROMs.  BurgerTime takes its place next to my other micro arcades where it will be enjoyed time and time again.  Not a bad way to preserve some of the arcade games my generation grew up with.
  7. Atari 5200 Guy

    Diggin' With Dig Dug

    By Atari 5200 Guy,

    Grab that joystick, mash that button as we go on a journey digging underground to collect vegetables, pump up Pookas, and dropping rocks on Fygars.  This is Dig Dug -- the strategic underground arcade digging game that took the video game industry by storm in the early 1980's.  Released by Namco in Japan, the game was brought to America and Europe by Atari's arcade division.  It wouldn't be long after that when Atari's console division made home versions of the game for the Atari 2600, 5200, and 7800 consoles.  All three versions capture the essence of the game but which one stands out the most?  
    That is the purpose of this writing.  I sat down over the weekend and played all three versions of the game to answer my own question of which one was the better Dig Dug.  Fans of the game and Atari consoles might have a personal favorite because it was probably the one they played growing up.  I get it, I know that way of thinking very well as I, too, grew up on Atari's Dig Dug for my first Atari console.  But I went in to this being completely biased and taking mental notes on what I liked and didn't like about each version on an individual basis.  I also kept mental notes on which one I was playing the most.  This one is more for my own personal satisfaction.  It is in no way saying which one is better for everyone, everywhere.  The answer I came up with may surprise you.  But it would be foolish to give the answer away first thing and make for a very short blog post.  So I will start off with the version I grew up with first.
      
    The 5200's Dig Dug is the version I grew up with.  I spent many hours on this game without reading the instructions of course.  Then again I'm sure those of us who had an Atari did a similar thing...in goes the cartridge, in the trash went everything else including instructions.  If only I had read those instructions but more on that later.  The 5200 version gets points for looking more like the arcade with the exception of the single-colored sprites or characters. 
    Everything else looks good.  The game play is definitely here and the sound effects that make Dig Dug enjoyable are also present and done very well.  Having grown up with the 5200 allowed me to gain an appreciation for the system so the controller was nothing new to me.  The controls worked fine, no issues.  However I could easily understand how this game would be a flop if and when a controller decides to stop working properly.  
    The 5200 was marketed as an at-home arcade system and its ports of the then-popular arcade hits were nothing short of a miracle and Dig Dug still holds up well on this console.  On a more personal note I think the game would have been a bit better with multicolored characters.  At least Fygar looks like a dragon.  I just wish that the Pookas had their iconic yellow masks.
    Now...on to the next version I played.
     

    Dig Dug on the 7800 gets points for the much improved graphics...and the characters finally look like their arcade cousins.  The game play is smooth, graphics are good, sounds are OK, and the controls works.  The only thing about this Dig Dug I don't like has nothing to do with the game but more with the controller.  The 7800's original controller is so uncomfortable that playing this game for any kind of enduring high score run is almost impossible.  This is easily eliminated by using a Europad controller or even the standard 2600 style controller.  Using any kind of controller besides that 7800 controller would be a blessing in disguise.
    However, to stay true to my original concept of trying Dig Dug using all original hardware I hung in there.  I found myself playing this one a few times before reaching the point my hands simply couldn't take it any more.  I had fun with this version and the 7800's Dig Dug can be fun.  It's a real shame that this was not released when it was ready and when it would have mattered.  What I did notice was how quick the game was unforgiving.  It didn't take long for three or four monsters to turn into ghosts and come after me.  Usually within the first and second rounds.  I simply couldn't do as good on the 7800 version as I could on the 5200 version on the default settings.  And we have now reached the final version of Dig Dug I tried.
     

    Dig Dug on the 2600 was one I remember playing after years of owning the 5200 Dig Dug.  At first glance the game doesn't look as good as its 5200 and 7800 siblings.  The characters look OK, the controls are good, the sounds are as good as they can be (which the 7800 has the exact same sounds), it's just the dirt, or what is suppose to be dirt, is just thin solid bars.  There is a little bit of flicker which is understandable considering the hardware and memory limitations.  But the game play is what is all about when the 2600 is in the spotlight.  To my surprise the 2600 Dig Dug holds its own.  And considering the large amount of various controller styles for the 2600 I can see how anyone could sit and do a decent high score run on this system with very little to no fatigue.
    I have to say what impresses me the most about this version is how colorful it seems over the others.  Bright, solid, vibrant colors that are easy to look at.  They don't appear dull, dark or dingy like the 5200 and 7800 versions can sometimes appear.  It's just an overall fun experience.
     
    Now, to the section that was hard for me to decide...which one ranks above the others.  The 5200 I am sentimentally partial to so that would normally rank it above all others.  If it was the only Atari Dig Dug I had I would be satisfied with it.  It does play well for what it's worth.  The 7800 version looks remarkably better but I do wish they would have done different sounds instead of just copying those from the 2600 version.  And if I was stuck with the original 7800 controllers there's no way my hands could tolerate lengthy amount of game play.  I'd have to use a different controller.  The 7800 controllers are just not balanced well.  With that being said...
     
     
     
    ...the 2600 version wins this round.  I have to be honest here because the 2600 took a really long time to capture my heart.  It was very much ignored, overlooked, frowned upon during its production run and even years after.  Trying to be biased for this game on the 2600 was not easy for me to do.  When I played it before I wasn't sure why I was playing it or if I even wanted to play it.  Over the last few years I have slowly discovered all the games I missed that ended up being a lot of fun.  And that's what the 2600 was about...fun.  It wasn't about the graphics or sounds...it was all about the game play.  And Atari nailed it on the 2600 version of Dig Dug.  It's colorful and after a while the appearance of the dirt just starts to blend in.  It's a formula that just works, pure and simple.
    To my surprise I found myself playing Dig Dug on the 2600 more often than on the 5200 and 7800 systems.  The 2600 keeps proving to me time and time again what its true nature is.  It's a game machine where it is not always about how the game looks but how the game is played.  And Dig Dug on the 2600 plays very well.  And it would be easy to do a long running high score attempt on it without worrying about fatigue or sore hands.  The 2600 has a lot of character for a simple machine and Dig Dug fits in very well into its library of arcade ports.  Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to return to my 2600 to play some more Dig Dug.
    Oh...I almost forgot!  Getting back to those instructions.  It wasn't until I recently picked up a new copy of Dig Dug for the 2600 where I learned how to get those vegetables to show up.  All I had to do was drop two rocks.  I sat down to read the instructions and that's when I discovered it.  I've had Dig Dug, buying it new in box as well, for the 5200 for at least ten years now and I've never read the instructions or I would have known that tip a lot sooner.  OK...back to more Dig Dug.  Have Fun!!
  8. Atari 5200 Guy

    Silent Service (Atari 8-bits)

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    A8 Software
    There was a time when buying a new game required using the packaging material to grab the consumer's attention. There usually was no limit to how far a software company would go to deliver a package that created an impulse buy. And by that I mean there was no other way around it...you simply had to have that game no matter what based on what the package looked like and how it presented the software inside the box.
     
    Silent Service for the Atari 8-bit computer consoles was developed by none other than Microprose, software makers famous for their WWII and flying simulation software. My first encounter with this developer was in the early 1990's when I owned a 386-PC. Titles I had from Microprose were Covert Action, Lightspeed, and Railroad Tycoon and I declared these some of the best PC games I owned at the time. My adventures into the Atari 8-bit games didn't really take off until a few years ago. I enjoyed the computer mostly as a BASIC programming machine and never really gave the commercial games much thought. When I discovered that Microprose started out with the likes of Atari and Commodore computers I immediately set out to try to find out what all games they made. There was no Covert Action, Lightspeed, or Railroad Tycoon...but I did find a bunch of other games that are really good. And Silent Service was the first Microprose Atari game I would obtain.
     
    I played this game only for a little while and really need to spend more time on it. But what time I did spend on it blew me away. The amount of detail that went into making this submarine game is impressive. I admire and respect the fact that all early Microprose games had notes from Major Bill, owner of the company, who was in the military.  I thank him for his service and for creating one of the best software companies of all-time in my book.
  9. Atari 5200 Guy

    Jinks (Atari 7800)

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Atari 7800
    OK.  Im new to Jinks.  I have read where many people have dogged it.  I have watched video reviews on it where it didn't do so good.  Granted it is not a typical 7800 game I'm use to.  From a technical standpoint it actually does some impressive feats.
      
    I have to admit that I don't belong in those majorities.  On the contrary I find Jinks rather fun.  I did find a few flaws here and there like my ball disappearing all of a sudden or going through objects it shouldn't but the game is sit down classic fun.  It doesn't need twitchy fingers and movements to enjoy the game.  Jinks is more laid back and relaxing.  And I believe that is where the misconception is.
    Jinks is a fun game if you don't approach it as an arcade game because that is something that it's not.  If you just sit down and want to play a game where you can be immersed and have an hour to kill give Jinks a go.  It really isnt a bad game and the sounds in spots are actually quite impressive.
    UPDATE: After I wrote this post I decided to spend a few days on this game.  I can't stop playing it.  I did some research on it and it seems like the 7800 was the only game console to receive a port of this computer game.  I have not yet researched the other versions to see what differences their are BUT...once you know the game's mechanics and what every object in the game does there is a hidden gem inside that plastic cartridge. I have not found any other game on the 7800 that has the sounds like Jinks does.  Then again Jinks is my first game outside of the usual arcade ports on the system.  
    The sounds in this game are what impress me the most.  It is amazing just how far some developers went as to push new features on the 7800.  Jinks really shows just how flexible the 7800 really was even when just using TIA as the sound chip.  I mean...digitized sounds and speech??  It makes me wonder if the 7800 got any more games that did that.  Granted the actual game play sounds are full-on TIA sounds the rest of the game is all digitized sounds.  To me that is impressive.
    I don't know how it faired during the 7800's production run and I don't know what modern gamers who have reviewed this game are basing their opinions on (e.g.; other 7800 games or other Jinks ports) but my opinion stands firm:  Jinks is a hidden gem of a game and has become my number two game on the system right under Asteroids.
  10. Atari 5200 Guy
    I remember being four years old and being at the bowling alley with my Mother and discovering Space Invaders for the first time. Years later when the 2600 made its way to our local Wal-Mart, and even had a demo unit set up, I discovered that I could play that game at home. I asked for that Atari machine and that game for a few Christmases and birthdays but never did get it. I did end up with an Atari by 1982 but it wasn't the 2600.
     
    Space Invaders was the sole reason why I wanted a 2600, no other game mattered to me at that time. I'm sure I would have enjoyed any other game but Space Invaders was "my" game. I would not see this Space Invaders until after Nintendo dominated the video game market and those "old" Atari consoles with piles of games would show up at yard sales for an average of $10.
     
    Space Invaders is the first home port of an arcade game that was licensed. It was also the first arcade port ever made that I am aware of for any home console. While it wasn't entirely just like the arcade it captured everything that made the arcade Space Invaders very likable. It was also a little more forgiving, allowing the player to build and improve their skills with the game. I know of a few 2600 owners during my childhood years talk about wear out a controller or two playing this game alone.
     
    Atari's Space Invaders also does something the arcade doesn't...steps it up a few notches by giving creative ways to change the game. Seriously, try some of the other game variations if you never have like enemy fire that not only comes raining down but also in the direction the player's ship is. Do you really want a challenge? Try the variation where the invaders are completely invisible. Be sure to keep your best controller away for a while because the game play can get intense!
     
    Space Invaders on the 2600 is a good game. It's such a common title by today's collectors and Atarians that you will most likely see a copy of Space Invaders in their library of games. It is also one of the top 100 game picks by Atari gamers according to Atari2600(dot)com. And for good reason if that is true. This game would easily make a top 10 list in my book. If you are new to the 2600 pick this game up along with it or make sure it is in the collection of games if your 2600 find comes with games. You don't want to miss this game!
  11. Atari 5200 Guy

    My Summer Decided

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Casual
    I believe I have my summer gaming all figured out.  I plan to participate heavily in the forum's Pizza Party with what games I do have PLUS it will be nice to revisit Zelda again...a game I have not played in decades.
    Just tonight Microsoft, for whatever reason, gave me a $5.00 gift card on my account.  I wondered what $5 could do and browse the 360 game store first to see if there was anything of interest there.  My nephew informed me of 360 games that were now free including Crackdown 2, a game that has been on my wish list for years.  The first one is free, too, after they gave it away as a first few Games with Gold feature.  So I already had that one.  Other free games were Supreme Commander 2 (already got from Games with Gold) and Too Human (never heard of it). While browsing for another $5 game I found out i owned Orcs Must Die but I don't ever remember owning that one. Still looking I almost got a game called Final Exam which looked similar to Streets of Rage.  Before I made a final decision I checked games I had pinned to my dashboard.  One game in particular I had been wanting to try out but I ended up buying it instead.  Atari's new Star Raiders.  On top of all that I now have ARK: Survival Evolved (thanks to those developers), Epic gave away the entire Bioshock Collection, Wolfenstein New Order, Maneater (you play as a shark!), and are giving away CMS 18 next week with some other game.  
    So between the Squad Challenges on Atari I/O, new 360 games to play, new top notch PC games, I believe my Summer gaming has been decided.  This may also change as Epic gives more games away. I also play to explore the ST games I found interesting recently.
    What are your gaming goals for this summer?  Are there any particular games you would finally like to obtain or beat that you have not been able to before?  Would love to hear about it.
  12. Atari 5200 Guy

    Tempus

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Atari ST
    Tonight I thought I would research applications in attempts of finding anything to allow writing programs for the Atari ST.  I do enjoy writing small programs every now and then.  I turned to some magazines to see what turned up before having to turn to Google.  Doing a Google searched turned up a recommendation for an app called Tempus.  The only one I have on hand is version 1.10 but there are other versions out there.
    What grab my interest right off the bat were the file types it supported out of the box. Along with standard text files Tempus also supports C, Basic, Pascal, S, and Assembly files and a few more.  All of those file types are used to program an ST.  The S files I know were used in developing 7800 games so it may be possible to use a single machine to develop for multiple systems.

    I was loving the colors until I went messing around, clicked on the Fuji logo, and found the Control Panel.  Once I clicked on that the app turned black and white.  I haven't found a way to get the color back.

    I have not messed around with it yet as I am trying to locate the manual to it.  It does look to be self explaining which helps...it's those extra fine details that I might need to know about. Why am I posting this without using the app first?  To let other ST owners become aware of it.  Once I learn more about it I will add an update here.  For now, though, I need to hit the books.
  13. Atari 5200 Guy
    Atlantis. The legendary city said to have mystical powers. Legend tells of this mythical city being attacked before sinking into the depths of the ocean. Whether this city still exists remains a mystery to this day. 
    Imagic, one of two third-party game developers for the Atari 2600 started by ex-Atari employees, brings to the table a game based on the legendary city of Atlantis. The job at hand is to protect the city of Atlantis from wave after wave of attacks by Gorgon vessels. You have one Command Post and two Sentry Posts at your disposal to help ward off the waves of attacks. The city of Atlantis depends on you!
     



    In the game of Atlantis you are responsible for trying to keep as much of the seven Atlantis bases alive for as long as possible. Lose all of them and the game will end. As ready as I'm going to be, I place this cart in my 2600 and...WOW! I'm immediately blown away by the colorful image on my screen. The artwork done to make up the city of Atlantis has lots of detail for a 2600 game. Generators are animated, too, to help give the city the sense of life. Very nice. 
    I start a game and immediately the horde of Gorgon ships start to traverse across the screen; starting at the top and working their way closer to the city. MY city! "Take THAT!", I say as my Command Post takes down the first Gorgon ship. After a few more ships are destroyed I have managed to keep every base alive and well. Now it's time for the second wave of attacks. Ships are moving faster now and there is a new type of enemy called a Bandit Bomber. He's fast but very effective if you can score a direct hit on him as he will take all other ships on the screen with him. I managed to hit everything I was suppose to but I lose a couple of my bases.
     
    Wave three. Enemies are moving a lot faster now, especially the bomber. Before I know it my city has lost two more bases. Just when I think I can't keep up the wave ends and I'm given back one of my bases. Fourth wave now. Holy cow! What did they give these guys? Within a blink of an eye I've lost my Command Post and another two bases. And before I start to attack with my Sentry Posts my last base is destroyed. The last image seen on the screen is a small ship flying off into outer space, thus marking the end of the game.
     



    Atlantis is a well made game that brings part Missile Command (protecting structures at ground level) and Space Invaders (enemies traveling close to the ground) together. Imagic did a super job on creating interesting visuals with rainbow-colored Gorgon ships and detailing the city of Atlantis at the bottom of the screen. It's easy to distinguish what all the elements are by sight. Sounds are used not only to give game elements the effects they need to be believable but also as distinctive warning signs with the Morse-code like beeps at the end of each wave or the sound of the bomber when it appears. 


    Controls in the game are simple; move the joystick handle left or right along with the fire button to use the relative Sentry Post or don't move the joystick handle at all while using the fire button to use the Command Post. Easy stuff. Difficulty switches are not used in this game. It does, however, offer four game variations to play including a unique co-op mode for two players where one player works the left Sentry and another player works the right Sentry. Pretty impressive for a 2600 game. The fourth setting is easier for those who are new to the game. 
    The one thing that I like about Atlantis, as well as most of the original issue Imagic games, is not only the quality of the game but with the entire package the consumer received. I really wish that modern games would use materials to really make a game package more unique. The chrome box and label with a large, detailed artwork are none the less impressive...and something that is missing from today's game packages. The only games I've ever seen that came close are those made by Working Designs during the PlayStation craze in the mid to late 1990's. Just the carts, alone, are very nice when the labels have managed to avoid fading from extensive use, wear and tear, or neglect from lack of use or proper storing.
     
    It's a good game but one that I'm not sure how often I would return to it. The copy I have has been sitting on the shelf for months before being pulled to play again. And that was just to help me write this review.
  14. Atari 5200 Guy

    Solaris (Atari 2600)

    By Atari 5200 Guy,

    Before I get too far along, I had previously reviewed this game on this website here. So if you would like to read that first for a memory refresh, or if you haven't read it yet, the link to it is provided. Because this review is revisiting the game and adding to that review. Let's see how well Solaris still stands after a few months.
     
    Without repeating myself too much, Solaris was an attempt at creating a Star Raiders-like title for the Atari 2600. Instead of a first-person flying perspective we get a third-person view behind our ship. And the galaxy map? Forget it! That is old school. Solaris has a large world that is really impressive. Seriously...every time I play this game I am overwhelmed by the sheer size and amount of maps that make up this fictional space. It's really good.
     

    So, every time I plug Solaris in my 2600 I forget what I am playing this game on and, for a while, I am a spaceship captain and pilot out to find Solaris. I manage to take out a few Zylons, a Zylon Planet or two while rescuing a few Cadets along the way. It's not long before I find a wormhole where I can jump to another location on another map. After doing so, however, I find that the only way to advance is to attack some kind of space pirates where I get destroyed ... rather ... easily. Dang it! So I try again. And again ... and again. I finally give in and play something else.
     

    After returning to reality I turn off the console, realizing that the game was on the Atari 2600 system. It's hard to believe that a system originally designed to play pong and tank games is capable of producing the game play I just witnessed. The graphics look really good for a 2600 game, the sounds don't seem 2-channel at times, and the controls are easy to use and master. Where Solaris' heart lies is within that large map the developer called a "Scanner". Solaris has 16 quadrants, or maps, with each quadrant made up of 48 sectors. All sectors combined create this space maze, if you will, where it is easy to get lost, trapped, attacked. At the same time the urge to explore the quadrants to see what all is out there remains a driving force that becomes an enemy itself because you simply don't have the time. In-game time that is.
     
    Solaris will take you on a trip that is like no other on the 2600. If you love a good space action/adventure then Solaris on the 2600 will fill that bill. And quite easily I might add. This is one game I don't play very often. Why? Because of the time it takes to play it. When I don't have much time to play a 2600 I will pass on Solaris and grab a game I know will last only a few minutes...like 5 to 10 minutes tops. But, when I know I have plenty of time Solaris is my go-to title when I want to spend that time on the 2600. I still have not mastered this game but I know I will someday. I highly recommend this game for 2600 owners just as I did in my original review. It is a marvel of what could be done on the 2600. It will not disappoint. Might take some time to get use to but it will not leave you thinking it was a waste of money.
  15. Atari 5200 Guy
    Once a year one of the largest gaming events sets the stage of what's to come.  And XBOX has always put on a good showing with exclusives, releases of popular game franchises, XBOX firsts and much more.  This year the concept behind XBOX's E3 show seems to be more about finally bridging the gap between console and PC gamers.  But more on that later.  Here are the highlights I found most interesting ... so far.

    Sega is bringing one of the most popular RPG franchises of all time to the XBOX One console and PC.  Phantasy Star originally started on the Master System decades ago and has since been declared one of Japan's best role playing games for a lot of reasons.  And most RPGs today got their influence from Sega's RPG franchise.  Unlike Phantasy Star releases before it, Phantasy Star Online 2 on XBOX One is getting released first in the western part of the world.  Offering cross-platform gaming between XBOX One and PC gamers Phantasy Star Online 2 looks to be setting the stage and standards for other RPGs to follow sometime in 2020.

    Forza has been XBOX's response to PlayStation's Gran Turismo series since the original XBOX console.  It has since reached seven Motorsport releases and spawned four Horizon releases.  Considered one of the best simulated racing/driving games Forza Horizon 4 is getting a rather unusual expansion pack.  Forza and Lego have teamed up to offer the Forza Horizon experience on a Lego brick level.  Next week, Forza Horizon 4 gets a Lego expansion pack called Lego Speed Champions.  What impressed me about this was what was presented on XBOX's E3 stage during the expansion reveal.  Check out this image below.

    That, my friends, is a life-size replica of a McClaren Senna that made it's debut appearance during the Forza Horizon 4 expansion pack revealing with working lights and doors open.  That's some impressive work.

    Halo is coming back but not how you would expect.  Along with game releases XBOX revealed a new console code named Project Scarlett.  A video introducing the starts of Halo Infinite was shown.  A few more game trailers and then the new console was mentioned.  The new XBOX is slated for a holiday 2020 release with Halo Infinite being released with it.  While there may not be a new Halo coming to XBOX One there is one coming next year for those that plan to pick up the new XBOX next year.

    The one reveal that I was waiting on the most was Gearbox's Borderlands 3 showing which showed more game play footage.  Revealed at the end of the trailer was final proof that turned a rumor into a reality.  Owners of Borderlands 2 (Steam) and Borderlands the Handsome Jack Collection (XBOX/PS) received a new DLC expansion called "Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary" that ties the story line between Borderlands 2 and the upcoming Borderlands 3 game.  This expansion DLC is available for free from now (June 9) until July 8.  The expansion includes a new weapon tier beyond Legendary and the character level cap has been upped to 80.  New players to Borderlands 2 will automatically be bumped up to level 30 to enjoy the new DLC.  Also, XBOX One owners can now get Borderlands Handsome Jack Collection for free.  What better time to dig into the Borderlands series than now?

    One thing that XBOX has been committed to for a while now is creating a friendly online gaming experience no matter how or what you play whether it be a computer game or on an XBOX console.  XBOX Game Pass is XBOX's way of getting to play games without having to pay for each game.  Similar to how Netflix relates to movies Game Pass allows XBOX owners to download and play over 100 games through a subscription service.  If you like the game and wish to purchase it while it part of the Game Pass service you can at a discounted price.
    This year at E3, Game Pass is now available for Windows PC so PC and XBOX gamers can play together in a cross platform atmosphere.  $15 per month nets a Live Gold, XBOX Game Pass, and XBOX Game Pass for Windows all in one package deal.  Not a bad price considering just the Game Pass alone on XBOX is $10 a month.
    Other highlights include a new Minecraft spin-off called Minecraft Dungeons.  From what footage I watched it seemed like a Diablo-style game done in the art style of Minecraft.  Up to 4 players will be able to join a co-op and go exploring.  For those that like scary games there was footage shown on a new game called Blair Witch.  Too scary for me.  And Keanu Reeves made an appearance to showcase a game he is in called Cyberpunk 2077 which looked like a lot of fun!
    Those were my favorite highlights of E3 on June 9th.  If you watched it be sure to share your favorite highlights as I would love to hear your thoughts and favorites about what was shown.
  16. Atari 5200 Guy
    Let's cut out the introduction and get right to it.  Be advised that most of these picks are based on images I've transferred back to disks when possible.
    Bubble Ghost - a game I once played on GameBoy, this game involves guiding a bubble through single screen mazes filled with obstacles that can burst your bubble.  Pop the bubble and it's game over.  Very colorful and enjoyable.
      Buggy Boy - The ST is the only system I've come across that has this simple little driving game.  Collect flags, gain more time while avoiding rocks, walls, and water.  Lacks the computer controlled vehicles found in the arcade but the real of it is here.
      Spellbound - This side-scrolling adventure game has you solving levels to advance. You can carry only one item at a time and falling from high places can hurt you as well as the enemies in the levels.  And you only have one life. Plan your strategy carefully.
      Atax - A vertical shoot 'em up with a few elements from the likes of Gradius.  Colorful and sounds good.  Everything in the game is a hazard including the environment objects.  
      GODS - This side scrolling adventure is one I owned for a 386 PC.  The ST version looks and sounds really great and takes advantage of the hardware in a good way.  Each level is huge and includes enemies, bonus items, and hidden areas and objects.
      Nitro - A neat top-down racing game that I am not very good at...but I keep coming back to this one.
      Populous - A one on one strategy game where you have to modify the landscape for your people to populate and prosper.  As you people grow the more problems you can create for your enemy from floods to creating a volcano.  Gets a bit sluggish on the ST when too much is going on but still fun.
      Vroom - An impressive F1 racing game with a view from the driver's seat.  Easy to pick up and play. Can be challenging.  Amazing speed!
      F1 World Championship (Domark) - Believe it or not, Vroom has a brother.  This one doesn't track lap times.  Game mechanics and goals are the same. More to come as I discover them.  I have a LOT more to try out.  What's your favorite Atari ST games so far?
  17. Atari 5200 Guy
    I have tried many games.  Some with great success, some with not so great results.  Overall I have come to a conclusion on how I see the ST computers.  Close to the end of the ST production run I was heavy into the 386 computer scene.  Good old' MS-DOS commercial and shareware games kept my time occupied.  I never knew nor heard about Atari making ST computers at all.  Atari simply didn't exist.
    In hindsight that was a good thing.  I managed to learn the IBM PC side of computing.  Games I had and would read about were very much hit and miss.  A ton of weird games that made you wonder why you even wasted time on them when you had better games.  Countless nights figuring out the latest SSI release or finding those hidden areas in Wolfenstein 3-D. Breaking into buildings and tapping phones in Covert Action or building the biggest railroad empire in Railroad Tycoon.  Those PC games gave me knowledge I needed when I finally approached the ST. 
    That might sound weird to some but the whole reason why I asked for a 386 in the first place was to learn how to program games.  I had QuickBASIC for that.  So to warm up to the ST I wanted to explore what games it got.  I was surprised to see many of those old IBM games I played on the ST.  My research started with five games: Space Station Oblivion, which I have yet to really get into, Super Cycle (beat this one one week after I got it), SimCity, Buggy Boy, and Test Drive.  The first two I bought, the last three are disk images.  The time between playing those until I pulled the ST back out a few days ago is about two years.  I was serious this time.  I was either going to find games I liked or were at least interesting or the ST was simply going to be a collection item.  I don't see the point of owning a system if I'm not going to enjoy it.
    I've found at least 30 games I enjoy on the ST, only a few I remember from the 386 days.  I wake up in the mornings and I want to play the ST.  I don't want to go to bed because I have to turn off the ST.  The ST has grown on me fast.  Games like Vroom, Goldrunner, Nitro, Spellbound...all make the ST worth having around.  But just like those old 386 games the ST was also plagued with weird games.  But also like the 386 the early games felt like learning tools with most of them not that great.  It's to be expected since it can take a while to learn a new system and to pull all the tricks out of it.
    The ST is a fine system but, unfortunately, was not as well received here in the U.S. as it was in the U.K. and other countries.  I first had to resort to STart magazines to see what all the American ST got.  I ended up resorting to ST Action, a UK-based magazine that reported ST games in great detail.  Once I read a few of those I had a list of games to go find. I quickly became an ST sleuth hunting down what works and what doesn't.
    At the end of the day I have a strong connection to my STe now. I also know know what games I want to keep an eye out for in the wild should I ever get that lucky.  The ST turned out to be a nice machine.  Maybe not as well received as the XL/XE line but still a great staple. I love my ST.
  18. Atari 5200 Guy
    When I saw the name Hot Wheels pop up in the tons of ST images I found I thought, "Cool!  Hot Wheels has a racing game on the ST".  So I thought I would try it out.  Then the title screen appeared.

    Not the Hot Wheels I was expecting but looks good at least.  I grabbed the controller and tried it out.  It's another top down racer and it doesn't look half bad but it is a bit jittery. 

    And it has tons of settings you can perform.  But don't take my word for it...see for yourself.

    So what's the catch?  As good as it looks the drone cars can sometimes get confused. I raced a five lap race, crossed the finish line, and then...waited.  I kept hearing the other cars bumping into something or each other.  They never came back around after waiting for five minutes.  I pressed the escape key in hopes it would exit the race which it did without question.  I tried the same race again and noticed something weird. Take a look.

    For some reason the drone cars would circle around the finish line after completing a single lap.  Whether it is just on this track or other tracks I have yet to discover but will update with what I discover.  Other than that it is a simple and fun top down racing game and I find the chubby cars visually appealing.  This is one ST game I would recommend as long as it isn't taken seriously.
  19. Atari 5200 Guy

    Atari 5200 Guide

    By Atari 5200 Guy,

    If you are here then you either have a 5200 console and not sure what to do with it or you have had one for a while that is not wanting to work right or at all. In either case the system is most likely used, has not been played in quite sometime, and the controls are not working. Am I right?
     
    Then welcome to the Atari 5200 guide! I will do my very best to help you get your system cleaned up, hooked-up the way it was intended, so that it can be enjoyed the way it was intended. Be advised, though, that the 5200 is a delicate console. It will last for a very long time if knowledge is shared on its operation and such. It is not a console intended to sit on a shelf, closet, basement, or where ever, for months on end without using it. Not using a 5200 will do it more harm than good, even after giving it a lot of tender loving care. This will be a multiple-part series covering how to use, clean, and maintain the 5200 console and its controllers. Ready? Let's get started! I'm already excited!!
     
    What You Should Have
     
    If you have just purchased a 4-port 5200 (four controller ports on the front of the system) you should have:
    A 4-port 5200 console An Original 5200 A/C Adapter (do NOT use any other adapter or you may destroy the console!) An Original 5200 Automatic RF Switchbox At least one original 5200 controller At least one 5200 game of your choice

    If you have just purchased a 2-port 5200 (two controller ports on the front of the system) you should have:
    A 2-port 5200 console An Original 5200 A/C Adapter (do NOT use any other adapter or you may destroy the console!) A 2600-style RF Switchbox or a Cable-Ready Adapter is OK At least one original 5200 Controller At least one 5200 game of your choice

    NOTE: There has been known identity problems with an A/C Adapter included with the 5200 and those included with the 400/800 Atari computers. This adapter looks almost identical to the adapters used for the 400 and 800 computers. Whatever you do please, before connecting any adapter to the 5200, make sure it has the Atari logo and says on it "Use only with model CX-5200". This is an AC to DC adapter meaning it converts incoming AC current into DC current. The 400/800 Atari computers have circuitry built in them to do the converting of the current to DC, the 5200 does not. Using an adapter for a 400/800 Atari computer on a 5200 will fry it the second the Power switch is pressed because the 5200 can not handle the AC current. I mention this here because I have seen this and once got a 4-port off of E-Bay with a 400/800 adapter included...and I didn't notice it until it was too late.
     

    If anything is missing or damaged/worn out, replace those before trying to use your 5200 again with original equipment. Using aftermarket parts, especially on the 4-port console, may be more costly and more harmful to your equipment than the original-issued equipment.
     
    How To Properly Hook-Up A 5200 To Your TV (4-Ports Only!)
     
    You may have seen online videos or other reviews/blogs mentioning about a spark that comes from connecting the system to the RF switchbox of the 5200. This spark is caused from connecting the 5200 in the opposite order of the instructions that were included with the console. What is causing the spark is the power adapter being connected to the RF switchbox first and then connecting the 5200 to the switchbox last. You are essentially creating a surge of power being sent to the 5200.
     
    In the words of the late Gene Wilder when portraying Willy Wonka, "Strike that, reverse it." Connect the 5200 to the RF Switchbox first and then connect the switchbox to your TV. After that connect the AC adapter to the switchbox and finally plug the AC Adapter into the wall outlet. Always plug the adapter into the wall last. This will eliminate any chances of a spark or power surge from happening.
     
    Use the same steps to connect a 2-port 5200: console to switchbox first, connect switchbox to TV, connect console end of AC adapter to console, and then plug the adapter into the wall outlet.
     
    Testing The Console
     
    Cross your fingers at this point as this is the do or die moment. Hopefully you managed to pick up a game or two (or more) along with your 5200. Grab any one of those and insert it in the 5200's cartridge port, making sure the label is up-right and facing you. It will fit snugly in the port. Try not to force the cartridge in the slot as this should not be necessary. If the cartridge springs back up, however, you may need a little more force to make it fit all the way in the cartridge slot. Once it is properly seated press the Power switch.
     
    If you have an Atari released title you should see the Atari Logo with the game's name and copyright date at the bottom. Any third-party games, like those from Parker Bros., Sega, and Activision, will go directly to the game screen or a title screen.
     
    If you don't have a power light on the console then double-check all of your connections to the RF Switchbox. Make sure that all connections are fully seated in their sockets and that the AC Adapter is plugged into the wall. If you still have no power there is a way to safely check the AC Adapter by simply placing the AC Adapter to your ear. If you hear a buzz or humming noise then the AC Adapter is getting power and working (we will get to that in a moment).
     
    If you have a power light on the console but no TV signal check to make sure that you have the Automatic RF Switchbox in NORMAL mode and not in STANDBY mode. Also make sure the TV is set to the proper channel (2 or 3). For 2-ports make sure the RF Switchbox is in COMPUTER or GAME mode by moving the switch to that direction completely.
     
    If the AC Adapter is making a humming noise, and still the 5200 is not coming on, the AC Adapter may still be at fault. Inside the 5200 adapter is a fuse to help protect it against a large power surge. The AC Adapter will still hum from the transformer inside working but the console end of the adapter will be dead. Unless you know how to fix electronics, and are comfortable with taking things apart and fixing them, it is recommended to get a new 5200 adapter from an Atari dealer (which in this case would be Video 61 or Best Electronics).
     
    If the system still refuses to work at all it may be defectively unfortunately. The good news is that the above mentioned dealers can also fix the 5200. I can only offer things to check for such as a damaged or worn-out RF cable, AC Adapter, RF Switchbox, etc. I have not had any issues with a 5200 that is cause for parts repairs or replacements other than those already mentioned. Others may know more than me and, if so, I would hope they would share that information in a comment below.
     
    If your machine is working then we now need to test the controller or controllers if you have more than one.
     
    Testing The Controllers
     
    All 5200 models should have the same controllers unless you are lucky to find a Wico controller. But this is about standard equipment that would have been included with the console when bought new decades ago. For that reason this section will be discussing the original 5200 analog controllers.
     
    This is the most picky part your will find on the 5200. These are what makes and breaks a 5200 because of the nature on how they actually work. I will discuss the insides of these in another post because I want to keep how to fix these separate from this post so it is easier to find.
     
    First, turn off the console. Please do not connect a controller to the 5200 before turning it off if this is your first time using one. There is a reason for this which I will discuss in another post. Plug a controller into the Control 1 port of your 5200. Turn on your machine with a game already inserted in the cartridge port. I recommend Pac-Man, Galaxian, and Missile Command for testing controllers. Press the START button. You shouldn't have to press these buttons hard at all. If they are not responding well or at all they may just need to be cleaned. You can either find a video or other post about how to clean these controllers or wait a bit for me to write mine. I have a few secrets that some of those other do-it-yourself instructions may not have.
     
    If your controller is working then try to have fun. Play a full game. Play all the games you have for the 5200. Take notes on how the controller is working, responding. Is it sluggish? Are the buttons working instantly? Are you having to mash the buttons with too much force? Keep a mental record of your findings with the controller for each game played. If you have more than one controller then try them all out taking notes on which one works best or which ones have the better response in the joystick handle and which ones have the better button responses. This will be important later.
     
    A Bit About The 5200 Controllers
     
    One thing you can not do with the 5200, and really shouldn't do, is approach the 5200 and treat it as if it was the 2600. While it is an Atari console it is not a 2600. And in some ways it simply can not handle the rigor a 2600 can.
     
    One of the ways I have witnessed some people play a 5200 game is by holding the controller with one hand and working the joystick with their other hand by covering the top of the joystick. While there is no set way to use a joystick controller, and maybe I'm being a bit picky here, the 5200 controller is not an 8-way joystick with contact buttons inside. It is a 360 degree analog joystick meaning that it is very sensitive to movement. How I hold the controller is shown in the image below.
     

     
    It's kinda hard taking a picture while trying to hold the controller but what I am trying to show is how I use the joystick portion. Cradle the controller with one hand where the fire buttons are comfortable to use. With the other hand try using the joystick handle by its base instead of the top. By playing the joystick handle inside your fore finger and thumb you can actually get better control and movement of your character on the screen with games that are analog sensitive. I hold the 2600 and 7800 controllers this exact same way as well to help eliminate or prolong cramps or other hand pains.
     
    What All The Buttons Do On The 5200 Controller
     
    The buttons on the 5200 controller are somewhat self explanatory as far as START, PAUSE, and RESET are concerned. But...
    START BUTTON -- Starts a game PAUSE BUTTON -- Freezes the game. Press again to resume where you left off. NOTE: Some games will return to the title screen if the game is left paused for too long. Others will put the 5200 in an attract mode just like the 2600 does, changing the colors on screen to protect the TV screen from burn-ins. This is normal and not a defect. RESET BUTTON -- Returns to the Title Screen or another screen where you can change game settings if available. This feature usually only works when a game is paused. So, pause your game first before pressing RESET to return to the game's title screen.

    The 5200 controller has two fire buttons on either side of the controller known as "Top Button" and "Bottom Button". This is to accommodate left- and right-handed players because the right-side buttons do the same as the left-sided buttons depending on the game being played. In some games the Top Button is not used.
     

    The Keypad is the 12-buttons on the controller under the joystick handle. These keys perform various functions in the games and are very dependent on the game being played. In most games, however, the STAR (*) key is used to select the number of players and the POUND (#) key is used to select the skill level.
     
    There were not many games made that make use of all the keypad buttons but some do. And without instructions, if you have never played the 5200 game before, can cause frustration. Most games came with keypad overlays that detailed what each button did in those games and are hopefully included with the games you find. Atari-made 5200 game cartridges had an area on the back of them to store the keypad overlays. Look there if you buy loose carts for the overlays.
     
    How To Approach The 5200 And Its Games
     
    The 5200 is a game console...nothing more, nothing less. But, due to the nature of its controls, the controllers movements and limitations will need to be learned first. Once you turn a game on move the joystick in a full 360 degree movement a few times. Then wiggle it some more in a left to right and back to left motion. This will aide the 5200 find the controller's center a bit better since it really doesn't have any programming to detect the controller's dead center.
     
    If you have it, play a few games of Super Breakout to get use to how the joystick moves the paddle on the screen. Try a combination of slight movements to fast movements while playing the game. Practice this as much as you can because this is the true learning curve of the 5200; to harness the feel of the analog joystick.
     
    Once the feeling and movement of the joystick is harnessed with one game try another. This is usually where the 5200 rules will change on you as each game performs differently. This is another learning curve with the 5200, the ability to learn the controllers on a game-by-game basis. If it sounds like a pain it really isn't. Usually a small amount of time is needed to pick up on how the game controls work the game on the screen. The main thing is to practice how to work the controller first and then learn how to play the game. That...that is where the 5200 is best approached. I know that statement is the same for any game but it applies more so to the 5200 and its games.
     
    What To Do When Finished Playing
     
    You will save yourself a lot of headaches, and prolong the 5200's functionality, if you do the following when done playing the 5200 for the day:
    Turn the machine off Remove the game cartridge from the cartridge slot. You can remove it completely or let the cart rest in the slot. It is not recommended to leave the cartridge completely seated inside the slot. Unhook the controller(s) from the controller port(s). You don't have to wind the cords around the joystick handles and you do not have to use the provided storage space on the console. Considering the age of the controllers, winding the cords around the handle could cause the small wires inside the cable to break, thus causing a controller not to work until the cord is replaced. You can place the controllers inside the storage area of the console and feed the cables in the small holes provided on either side of the console, then close the lid. However you store the controllers try to place them somewhere where dust can't reach them. Unplug the AC Adapter from the wall outlet. It is no longer necessary, nor a requirement, for power plants to give warning of a power surge. If a power plant was to perform a power surge without warning, and your 5200 was still plugged in, the surge could cause the 5200 to fail prematurely. So, if you plan on keeping it plugged in at least put it on a surge protector. Otherwise unplug it from the wall when not in use...even if for a few hours or so.

     

    What NOT To Do With Your 5200
     
    There are a few things not recommended to do with a 5200 console. Some of these are common knowledge while others are things I've ran into and would like to share with you.
    Do not leave a game completely seated in the 5200 while it is powered off and the AC Adapter is still plugged into the wall outlet for too long. Others I've mentioned this to have said they have never experienced this issue. But, just for the record, when I was I think 7 or 8, I had played a game of Space Invaders before having to go to bed. When I woke up the next morning to get ready for school I tried to get in a quick game of Space Invaders again while Mom fixed breakfast only to discover that the game no longer worked. Some have said that the game may have been faulty. And while that may have been true we (meaning Mom and me) had never had any issues with buying a game and it not work. I had left the system on the coffee table, game plugged in the machine, and the AC Adapter still plugged into the wall. Because of the experience I had I don't recommend doing this. I can't be 100% certain if this is what caused my Space Invaders to fail or not but, just to be safe, I am mentioning it here. Do not let the 5200 sit more than a month without using it. This is mainly for the controllers as letting them sit can cause the buttons to stop working completely or make them hard to use, resulting in a cleaning job to be performed. Let it get exercise once a week to at least twice a month if you can. If you can't do that then at least once a month playing it for at least an hour. Do not attempt to clean the cartridge slot while the power adapter is sending power through the system. Even when turned off the cartridge slot is still receiving 5 volts of power. Cleaning the cartridge slot while the power is still being provided will short the system out for good. Remove the source of power and press the power switch to drain any stored power before cleaning the cartridge slot.

    Remember, while it is an Atari console, it is not a 2600 and should not be used as such. It will benefit you more to treat the 5200 as a delicate computer than a game console even if it is a game console. It is a beautiful machine that will last you years of enjoyment as long as you play by its rules. Treat it with respect and it will treat you to some of the best gaming you will ever experience.
     

    A Few Tidbits
     
    Did you know:
    The 5200 is only one of two Atari consoles that is Made in the U.S.A.? This is something not seen very much in the modern world. The 5200 was only released in the USA? You can get extra balls in Super Breakout? It's true! On your 5th ball press the one button to reset the ball counter back to 1.

  20. Atari 5200 Guy
    Ahh. Missile Command. A game that reminds me of the ABC Network movie called The Day After. If you've never seen the movie I will share it on the forums here at Atari.IO. Watch it and you will see why I feel the two are almost connected. 
    Missile Command is an arcade-style game where the player is protecting six cities from wave after wave of attacks. First a few missiles, then a few more missiles. These are soon joined with bi-planes, satellites, and more to increase the challenge as if there already wasn't enough. It's enough to make one pull their hair out.
     



    Popping the cartridge in the 2600 I am greeted with a game screen where I can change skill levels and settings. I go with default settings. First wave of missiles I fend off easily. The next round introduces a few more missiles than before. By the third round I'm fending off bi-planes as well, by the fifth round there are these little, annoying, small triangles coming down that manage to avoid my shots. But I manage to save all six cities. I lose my first city by round eight. As the game progresses the speed at which things are coming out of the sky is overwhelming and by the tenth round it's game over.  



    Being played on the 2600 Missile Command is a very well made port. But it is also a game where the player will lose, it's only a matter of how skilled a player is and how much time they are willing to spend playing it. The visuals of the game are not too different from the arcade. I didn't notice any flickering and the sounds are OK. Despite being a track-ball game the controls are very well done for the joystick controller.  
    Missile Command appears to be about an era when worries of nuclear attacks were an everyday fear. I'm not so sure if those fears still exist or even if the underground facilities for such an event are still around either. Missile Command might have more to do with history, not video game history but actual history, in the fact that it portrays what would happen in an all-out missile attack anywhere in the world. Even with the most sophisticated technology to help protect against such an attack, cities would be wiped off the map, lives would be lost, civilizations destroyed. But, it is only a game and well made one at that. And the 2600 does a very decent job of bringing home the arcade that was once a hit.
     
    Missile Command is one of those games you either like it or you don't. It is a very common 2600 title so it shouldn't be too difficult to find. No Atari 2600 would be the same without Missile Command in a game library. I'm just not too sure how often I would play it.
  21. Atari 5200 Guy

    Decision In The Desert (A8)

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    A8 Software
    When it comes to Microprose games I immediately think of those 386 PC days when I spent countless hours on Railroad Tycoon, Covert Action, and Lightspeed.  I never knew that Microprose really started with the C64 and Atari computers making tons of WWII based simulation/strategy games that I missed.  So I started collecting just Microprose games for my XEGS.  Today I write about one of those games called Decision In The Desert.
    I'm not familiar with any of Microprose Commander Series games.  This was a first time experience for me.  Yes, I tried it before but I only viewed the demonstration, I never tried to play the game on my own.  And, I have to admit, I find the game fun but a bit confusing and overwhelming.  Then again I've only played one game and I could not tell you if I won or lost.

    If I was playing as the Brits then, sorry gents, I have more training to go through.
    One thing I have learned about Microprose is their attention to detail.  The on screen graphics are absolutely brilliant, colorful, and well designed, the sounds are pleasing to the ears, and the controls give the player complete control over the game play.  But it doesn't stop there.  The included manual is crammed full of details about the history the game is based on as well as discrete details on how to get the most out of the game.  The 55 page manual is very well written with details from loading the game, key legends for the terrain and unit types, list of keyboard controls, and stories behind each scenario.  The manual alone could take a few days to go through.
    Microprose was one developer that might not have pushed computer hardware to its limits but they definitely defined the simulation and strategy genres for others to follow.  Their Commander Series is no different.  With game play based on real life WWII events, Decision in the Desert is one title that deserves a chance by newcomers and revisited by veterans to the series. 
  22. Atari 5200 Guy

    The First Co-Op Video Game?

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Atari 2600
    I probably know what you are thinking.  Let me try to guess.  It's probably the first online multiplayer video game.  It's most likely on a computer of some sort.  It was either on disc, disk, or placed in an obscure place making it hard for people to find.  Am I close?  To answer those: no, no, and no.  And this game might be closer than you realize.
    Long story short my nephew and I decided to play a game together.  The problem was that he wanted to play split a screen on XBOX.  I wanted to spend time anything but XBOX.  We drug out the 5200 and tried a bit of Dig Dug. He said he wanted to play a game with me at the same time, not taking turns.  The 5200 really lacks in that department as most of it's games pit each other one on one for the highest score.  The only two games I had that I knew 2 players simultaneously could play together were Asteroids on the 7800 but that machine was on the injured list.  I grabbed Junior, one game, two controllers, and setup the next game we could try.
    I remembered playing this game in the past with a friend and the game was setup where we were playing together at the same time.  But I couldn't remember the setting.  Thank goodness I had the manual.  We tried a few game settings, some were weird, some were cool, one in particular made itself really step out.
    In modern games the online world is full or gamers playing their favorites with family and or friends in either death match modes or working together towards a single goal known as co-op modes.  In the co-op mode the score no longer matters.  Two or more players working together in a single game can be more enjoyable than going it alone.  It has become a key component in modern day gaming that has helped many game titles become popular and unforgettable.
    Game number 33 of Space Invaders easily fits into the co-op mode.  While the instructions may claim it to be a competitive setting if both players forget about the score and work together to see just how far they can go Space Invaders 33 is sure to entertain.  So, would that place 2600's Space Invaders in the title for.the first co-op video game ever?  I'll let you decide.
  23. Atari 5200 Guy
    Well...here it is; my 5200 game rating list. This list will grow as I obtain and review 5200 games. Just like the 2600 list I have going this list will show how I rank the 5200 games I come across.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    5200 Game Ratings
    Moon Patrol Ms. Pac-Man

     

    October 17, 2016: Ms. Pac-Man on the 5200 is a solid title but does suffer from a few aspects that differ from the arcade smash hit. One of the ghosts is not colored correctly and the sounds seem to fall a bit short for my tastes. Controls are actually good and very responsive. However, as much as I love Ms. Pac-Man I would play Moon Patrol more often so the Queen is currently defending 2nd place.
     
    September 30, 2016: Moon Patrol is a great arcade port the 5200 received. The multi-scrolling background, the enemies, and the moon buggy's animation across the bumpy terrain are very well detailed and close to the arcade. Sounds are good and close to the arcade but at times will seem flat in comparison. Since this is the first game I reviewed on the 5200 it is the only one on the list at the moment. There will be more games reviewed soon. This game will give your 5200 controller a decent workout.
  24. Atari 5200 Guy

    Famicom Collecting

    By Atari 5200 Guy,


    Famicom
    What started out as a small, innocent adventure has turned into a bit of an obsession.  Up until last year (2021) the thoughts of owning a Famicom system were a dream, an afterthought, a fantasy.  I had an opportunity to import a junk model last year, fix it up, and get a few games I was after.  The library of games I obtained hit a niche in me I had been missing from the good ol' NES years yet I didn't realize I was missing them.  And the visual appearance of the Famicom did not agree with me at first but grew on me over time.
    Now comes the time I get on the level.  Yes I love the 5200 and everything it tried to do.  For many years up until mine literally fried it was my go to source for gaming entertainment.  I played it everyday.  I went a few months without any sort of gaming gear.  Mom surprised me when on my 13th birthday i unwrapped a NES Deluxe Set yet I didn't know what to make of it at the time.  I mean it wasn't Atari after all and the controllers didn't have joysticks.  That little machine forever changed how I looked at video games.  Because of it I stayed off the streets and my desire to read was fed regularly with the Nintendo Power magazine subscriptions. 
    Fast forward to now and sitting in front of me is the little Famicom I repaired and pray it can hold on for many years to come. It has been my go to system for entertainment when time is short.  I don't have a clue what it is about this little red and white console that keeps my interest but I've somewhat latched on to it.  And it's not like I have a whole lot of games for it the NES didn't get.  Albeit I have games that are more arcade-style than anything else and it really isn't technically different than it's NES cousin but at the same time is seems like stepping into a new world.
    I sat down one day and noticed some games were actually numbered.  Namcot, Jaleco, and I believe Irem might have had early game releases numbered.  Namco did for sure because I have number 3.  Knowing that I now have a goal: I would like to try to collect the numbered NAMCOT games for my Famicom.  I did research and came up with a list of 18 titles.  Most of those are famous arcade hits.  I also jotted down a few non-numbered titles as well.

    Why?  It's simple really...most of those are arcade games that don't use Japanese words.  And if they do it isn't enough to take away from the game.  I plan to bounce between the three aforementioned third-party developers just to see what all I can find.  Besides, I'd like to get the test game that was used to sell the system I bought...Choplifter.
    I really have no clue where I'm going with this post other than to share some thoughts.  It does make me wonder how the Famicom would have done if it was released as is against the 7800.  I mention that because this NES flavor seems more 7800 like and got what seems like more arcade conversations than our NES.  I mean Namco was a third party developer!  Their arcade legacy even then was top notch and full of hit titles.  Im actually surprised, though, to see a couple of titles missing.  Either that or I haven't located them yet.  Pole Position and Ms. Pac-Man I have not found for the Famicom yet. Those two are in the 7800 library.
    Hmm.  So if only arcade converts were used would the 7800 and Famicom have put up a lengthy fight?  What do you think?
    No matter what it is a cool little system to own.  I know I have enjoyed it and enjoyed learning about it even more.  I have a few accessories I'm after and a long list of games I'm keeping an eye out for. And while I try to figure out the next game to get I'm going to go and enjoy some SMB action.  
    It's small foot space and the size of the carts make the Famicom easy to collect.  And, in modern times, should be next to any 7800 collection because both offer great games...even at the arcade level.  I have had a whole lot less issues from the Famicom and it's games than I have from an NES and it's games.  If you have small gaming space and want a fun little system to start collecting for then grab a Famicom, either model, and some games.  Stick with arcade converts and you will be fine.  Im sure others here would have some tips as well.
  25. Atari 5200 Guy
    When Moon Patrol hit the local arcade it quickly became one of my favorites. By the time my 11th birthday came I had pretty much faced the reality that games for my 5200 were no longer going to arrive. This would have been in the spring of 1985 and after 1983 showed up the 5200 games seem to have stopped. For two years I kept hoping that I would see a new game for my 5200 show up somewhere. Nope. The only thing I really seen was the sudden rate at which prices were being dropped on anything for my 5200 and some 2600 titles as well. So I was surprised when I unwrapped a brand new 5200 game called Moon Patrol. Where Mom found it I had no clue and I still have no clue but it was the only gift I got that day and that was enough for me. 
    It took everything in me to wait until after my birthday to play Moon Patrol on the 5200. And that time is when I believe I started to pick up the habit (a bad one) how to block out anything else around me to concentrate on a game. And what seemed like a few minutes was actually a couple of hours. The friends I had sitting next to me were no longer there...and, yes, I shared the game with them. I remember taking turns for a while and then it seemed like the asking to play stopped all of a sudden. Other than that my eyes were stuck on the purple moon buggy on the screen, watching for holes and rocks, while firing at enemies.
     



    Just before writing this review up I took some time to play this game again on the 5200 to refresh my memory and to get my mind set on what to write about. The memories of getting this game as a gift came back. The timed reflexes also returned to aide my quest. I managed to make it to "Y" before a second rock caught me off guard after I jumped over a rock while trying to shoot at enemies above me. After that my whole thought process seemed to not want to work any more. I guess you could say I lost my mojo. 



    Moon Patrol is a side-scrolling arcade-style game that is a bit of Space Invaders and a bit of something else. The side-scrolling action is automatic but the player can adjust the speed at which the moon buggy is traveling with the joystick. It's not just the enemies flying down out of the sky that the player has to worry about either; there's rocks (which you can shoot or jump over), holes, mines, robot tanks, and if you manage to make it to the Advanced stage, there is a hovercraft that will attack you from behind. Basically anything possible to destroy you was put in the game...and it actually works well. 
    The player travels from A to Z in five rounds; A to E, F to J, K to O, P to T, and U to Z. As the player progresses the more challenges the player faces. The nice thing about Moon Patrol is that the rounds are pattern-based, meaning that no matter how many games you play the way the rounds are setup will remain the same. Where ever a hole or rock was before it will be in that exact same spot the next time through.
     



    One of the things that I really love about Moon Patrol on the 5200 is the artwork. While it is the same used on the 2600 with the exception of the red sky the 5200 Moon Patrol has the blue sky background to match the system's dedicated color. It's one of my favorite box arts on the 5200...it makes you want to play the game instead of trying to figure out what the artwork is doing. 
    The 5200 version of Moon Patrol does not include a keypad overlay so if you get a complete, or new, copy of this game don't think they are missing. There simply wasn't any made for this game. I will say this; Moon Patrol on the 5200 may require you to use your best working controller. Immediate responses from working controls can make the difference in the overall experience of this game.
     
    Moon Patrol is one of many arcade titles that made it to the 5200 ... and it is a well make port. The graphics, sounds, and controls are good even with the analog controls. It will not disappoint. I couldn't see my 5200 collection being without Moon Patrol and you shouldn't either.
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