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Atari 5200 Guy

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  1. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. 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.
  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

    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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
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