Atari 5200 Guy

My hometown had a few grocery stores that were locally owned and operated.  The local Wal-Mart took one side of a building while Consumers took the other side.  My uncle worked at Hudson's all his adult life.  Almost every week he was bringing home food close to being out dated but made for great meals.  Then there is Edwards which was the most expensive in town.
Consumers is now Country Mart, Hudson's and Edwards are still there.  Aldi was added after I moved away.  Hudson's still had that chicken machine that laid eggs with prizes inside.  If you got a golden egg you got an expensive prize.  I got a $20 gift certificate to the store once.  I got something from the deli because their food at the time was better than any other place in town, a drink, and a slice of cake for desert.  I was 16 and had a couple of quarters and thought what the heck.  Only time I ever got a gold egg out of that thing.

INTRODUCTION
How would you like to learn how to make a game for your favorite Atari console or computer?  Here's the thing...it's one thing to know how to write code that these machines understand but it's an entirely different aspect to actually sit down and plan out a game idea.  It will require patients, dedication, and imagination.  It will also require respect of other games because those games are going to be protected by their owner but it is not wrong to use other games for inspiration. 
What this guide will attempt to teach are ways to get ideas started.  If knowledge is gained and used regularly to get game ideas down the world of Atari might see more great games in the future.  Everyone who has played Atari games will have favorites but will also have questions as to why a game didn't do something here or there.  This would be the chance to answer those questions even if it means creating a new game from scratch.
There are a few things to keep in mind.  First and foremost...this guide will in no way attempt to teach programming.  That is for another topic for another day.  "Then why is this topic posted under the PROGRAMMING section?"  Because in order to program a good game one needs to know some common steps and mindsets to make a game.  This will be easy for some, challenging for others.  It is thought, and hoped,  that by posting something like this here others reading this will share what they've done and others will provide creative criticism to aide in what others are doing. 
The whole idea is to gain knowledge on some insights as to how the games we enjoy playing are generally made.  The concepts that will be shared here are just the basics.  It will be up to those reading this to take what is being presented here where they want to go with it.  Also, not everything has to be shared.  If an idea comes to mind that you want to try to finish it's OK to keep it under wraps until the project is close to completion.  
With all of that said there are a few things we need to get started.  These are:
Graph paper Pencil or colored pencils It will also help to decide which Atari console/computer that is of most interest.  While I can't go into all of them it will help to see which one gets picked the most so there is some idea on how to go about working out the rest of this guide.  Which means this will be done in parts, about a week or two between each section.  This gives plenty of time for topics to be absorbed by those interested and time for members to post questions and responses.  It also gives me time to work out the direction to take.  
What To Expect
By the time this series comes to an end members should have the abilities to create graphics/sprites to use in their game projects, be able to express the kind of sounds/music they would like to have in their game, be able to have/tell the story behind the game, have everything they need to storyboard a game from start to finish.  
What NOT To Expect
What will not be taught here is programming.  This post's only concern is to teach how to put a game idea on paper that has everything it will need.  We will not be going over how to program the 2600, 5200, 7800, Atari 8-bits, ST, Jaguar, Lynx, or any other game console or computer.  That is for other posts which will be more time consuming than actually designing.  We will get into those later but the first concept is to get those ideas down on paper.  Why paper and pencil?
Paper and pencil don't require batteries Paper and pencil won't forget what is made with them Paper and pencil won't get a virus or malware attack Paper and pencil are portable Paper and pencil are cheap and available everywhere school supplies are sold So we are not going to be writing a 2600 game...at least not yet.  But what we are going to do is get ideas down on paper.  Where do we start?  With a story.
The Story
The story to a video game does a few important things.  It iis the building blocks and glue that put the game in perspective.  It also gives life to every aspect of the game.  Imagine, for example, Kangaroo.  Its story explains how monkeys kidnapped Mama Kangaroo's Joey and now she has to rescue him.  From the story the rest of the game can be thought out.  What are the characters to be or look like?  How is the player going to accomplish the task or tasks in the story?  As with Kangaroo we have a Donkey Kong style game where Mama Kangaroo has to climb trees.  She has to fight off monkeys, jump gaps, climb ladders, just to reach her Joey.  
So see what kind of story you can come up with.  Remember, it's OK to get ideas from other games already available.  What's not OK is to use anything from those games.  I hope others find this series of interest and I look forward to reading what others come up with. 
Before I go I have to express one thing:  never let money be the only reason for making a game.  The number one reason for making any game should be for the love of video games or the machine the game is being designed for.  If a game is being designed strictly for the money then don't bother trying because games made where money was the only reason for making a game were never successful.  I want to see games where this guide helped them get started to be successful.  Coming up with a game concept just for the money is actually a waste of time.
See you in the next post! 

INTRODUCTION
How would you like to learn how to make a game for your favorite Atari console or computer?  Here's the thing...it's one thing to know how to write code that these machines understand but it's an entirely different aspect to actually sit down and plan out a game idea.  It will require patients, dedication, and imagination.  It will also require respect of other games because those games are going to be protected by their owner but it is not wrong to use other games for inspiration. 
What this guide will attempt to teach are ways to get ideas started.  If knowledge is gained and used regularly to get game ideas down the world of Atari might see more great games in the future.  Everyone who has played Atari games will have favorites but will also have questions as to why a game didn't do something here or there.  This would be the chance to answer those questions even if it means creating a new game from scratch.
There are a few things to keep in mind.  First and foremost...this guide will in no way attempt to teach programming.  That is for another topic for another day.  "Then why is this topic posted under the PROGRAMMING section?"  Because in order to program a good game one needs to know some common steps and mindsets to make a game.  This will be easy for some, challenging for others.  It is thought, and hoped,  that by posting something like this here others reading this will share what they've done and others will provide creative criticism to aide in what others are doing. 
The whole idea is to gain knowledge on some insights as to how the games we enjoy playing are generally made.  The concepts that will be shared here are just the basics.  It will be up to those reading this to take what is being presented here where they want to go with it.  Also, not everything has to be shared.  If an idea comes to mind that you want to try to finish it's OK to keep it under wraps until the project is close to completion.  
With all of that said there are a few things we need to get started.  These are:
Graph paper Pencil or colored pencils It will also help to decide which Atari console/computer that is of most interest.  While I can't go into all of them it will help to see which one gets picked the most so there is some idea on how to go about working out the rest of this guide.  Which means this will be done in parts, about a week or two between each section.  This gives plenty of time for topics to be absorbed by those interested and time for members to post questions and responses.  It also gives me time to work out the direction to take.  
What To Expect
By the time this series comes to an end members should have the abilities to create graphics/sprites to use in their game projects, be able to express the kind of sounds/music they would like to have in their game, be able to have/tell the story behind the game, have everything they need to storyboard a game from start to finish.  
What NOT To Expect
What will not be taught here is programming.  This post's only concern is to teach how to put a game idea on paper that has everything it will need.  We will not be going over how to program the 2600, 5200, 7800, Atari 8-bits, ST, Jaguar, Lynx, or any other game console or computer.  That is for other posts which will be more time consuming than actually designing.  We will get into those later but the first concept is to get those ideas down on paper.  Why paper and pencil?
Paper and pencil don't require batteries Paper and pencil won't forget what is made with them Paper and pencil won't get a virus or malware attack Paper and pencil are portable Paper and pencil are cheap and available everywhere school supplies are sold So we are not going to be writing a 2600 game...at least not yet.  But what we are going to do is get ideas down on paper.  Where do we start?  With a story.
The Story
The story to a video game does a few important things.  It iis the building blocks and glue that put the game in perspective.  It also gives life to every aspect of the game.  Imagine, for example, Kangaroo.  Its story explains how monkeys kidnapped Mama Kangaroo's Joey and now she has to rescue him.  From the story the rest of the game can be thought out.  What are the characters to be or look like?  How is the player going to accomplish the task or tasks in the story?  As with Kangaroo we have a Donkey Kong style game where Mama Kangaroo has to climb trees.  She has to fight off monkeys, jump gaps, climb ladders, just to reach her Joey.  
So see what kind of story you can come up with.  Remember, it's OK to get ideas from other games already available.  What's not OK is to use anything from those games.  I hope others find this series of interest and I look forward to reading what others come up with. 
Before I go I have to express one thing:  never let money be the only reason for making a game.  The number one reason for making any game should be for the love of video games or the machine the game is being designed for.  If a game is being designed strictly for the money then don't bother trying because games made where money was the only reason for making a game were never successful.  I want to see games where this guide helped them get started to be successful.  Coming up with a game concept just for the money is actually a waste of time.
See you in the next post! 

Hello Fellow Atarians!!
First of all these questions are not what you might expect.  I'm curious if Atari I/O members would be interested in programming tutorials where they can be on the path to creating their own programs?
Why would you want to program?  Maybe you have a better idea on how an adventure game should be made.  Or maybe you need a way to keep track of your game collection on your Atari computer?  Maybe you think a driving controller would be better to use in Breakout.  You could be the next Michaelangelo of video games or you could make the best game tracking database ever made for the Atari.  The only limitation would be your imagination.
So, how about it?  Any one interested in learning to program?  I'm good with BASIC so I'd most likely do some BASIC tutorials for starters.  

I like it!  That's pretty cool.  Miss Blockbuster even though I never had one in my area.  We had others but they left during the late 1990's.  No one wanted to rent movies any more.  Or games for that matter.  Most of what my area had sold off their inventory and closed shop.

Labyrinth.  Might not exactly be a blockbuster but it was comical.  
And I don't remember if it was in the late 80's or early 90's but I do remember an NBC movie that attempted to revamp the Knight Rider series called Knight Rider 2000.  I always did think that Pontiac Banshee was a cool looking car...but you know, I never seen one in person.
You know...I'm not sure if those are on any of the streaming services come to think of it.  I only mentioned them because I thought of them LOL.  Some of the older stuff is good to watch again.

Disney+ will be releasing Frozen II on it's streaming service 3 months early due to this virus scare.  I've got lots of VHS/DVD/and LD movies to fall back on if I need to as well.
I've been enjoying Pluto TV and the PD movies at the Internet Archives.  Lots of free choices...and free is good.

Call me childish but I've been liking Troll Hunter episodes on Netflix.  I usually watch two or three episodes on my Android tablet every night before I go to sleep.  I use to watch them on my Wii until Nintendo stopped all Wii online services (damn you Nintendo!).

I'd leave it as is.  That's just my opinion.  If anything I'd try to improve the frame rate a bit.  It looked a bit slow.

My intentions were not to invoke or promote torrent-style pirating.  However, that being said, programs and docs for ST computers are becoming a rarity these days.  Personally, if I wanted a physical ST game I would have to make my own, but it would be made strictly for personal use only.  It is easier for me to go find a game on my shelf, take it down to play, and put back when I'm done.  It is a job to have to put games on disk every time I want to play them.  Especially for the ST.  
Again...it was not posted with the intention of illegal activities intended.  Only as a resource.

Oceo Team has released a new game for the Atari Lynx titled Lawnmower.  Right now the game is only available as a free binary but there are plans to release it in cart with, perhaps, more features.  They are looking for feedback to further improve the game.  


Download Here

I'd like to commend @kamakazi20012 on his nice use of the open edit. Well done sir, hats off to ya 

I found these for those who grab used games without manuals.  These are for the ST.
https://archive.org/details/AtariSTManuals_201812/mode/2up

I found these for those who grab used games without manuals.  These are for the ST.
https://archive.org/details/AtariSTManuals_201812/mode/2up

I found these for those who grab used games without manuals.  These are for the ST.
https://archive.org/details/AtariSTManuals_201812/mode/2up

Here is what they look like guys.

What Are Hot Wheels ID Cars?
Hot Wheels ID cars look like the standard Hot Wheels cars.  In reality these ID cars are unique.  Each car has a tag on the chassis that can be scanned in to a mobile device.  From there the car can be used in dedicated ID physical tracks and in the Hot Wheels ID racing app for Android and iOS devices.  The physical tracks use a Bluetooth connection to a mobile device while the app allows scanned cars to be used in racing games against AI and other racers.  Everything that car does stays with that car.  All ID cars can be upgraded in the app for better performance. 
Hot Wheels ID Overview
Where Can I Find Them?
Hot Wheels ID cars have been located in Target stores.  These are usually in a small white and orange box costing between $6 and $8 per car.  I'm unsure if they are found any where else physically.  These can also be found on Amazon and Ebay...if you want to pay premium prices for them.
So What's The Big Deal?
Most recently Mattel decided to include ID cars in the standard blister packs although sporting a similar white and orange theme over the standard blue theme.  These are now being called "Chase Cars" and for a good reason.  Any Hot Wheels collector may know about the rare Treasure Hunt and Super Treasure Hunt cars that are randomly packed in with standard cars.  These are highly sought after by collectors and are often worth more than any single basic car.
Now imagine something being more rare than either a TH or STH Hot Wheels car.  Go on...keep imagining.  That's where these ID Chase Cars fall.  It's said that these are more rare than the Treasure Hunt and Super Treasure Hunt cars.  It's been reported that one store opened up four cases and never seen a single Chase Car although they found two Treasure Hunt cars in those cases.  But the nice thing is that if you do find one the price is the same as a basic Hot Wheels car.  So if the store you are visiting sells Hot Wheels for a dollar and you find a Hot Wheels ID car in a blister pack it will be a dollar also. 
So the next time you go Hot Wheels hunting keep an eye out for any Hot Wheels ID cars.  These are very collectible already with some selling for upwards of $80 on Ebay.  Of course the whole idea is not to make a quick buck but it doesn't hurt to find 'em and hang on to them or even use them (you can scan them without opening them) but I suggest not opening them. 
Hot Wheels ID Chase Car on EBAY
Also...the reason why I posted this under collectibles is because the Chase Cars are becoming collectible in a short amount of time and if others here hunt for Hot Wheels cars I thought they would like to know about them.
Enjoy your Hot Wheels … and Atari, too! 

What Are Hot Wheels ID Cars?
Hot Wheels ID cars look like the standard Hot Wheels cars.  In reality these ID cars are unique.  Each car has a tag on the chassis that can be scanned in to a mobile device.  From there the car can be used in dedicated ID physical tracks and in the Hot Wheels ID racing app for Android and iOS devices.  The physical tracks use a Bluetooth connection to a mobile device while the app allows scanned cars to be used in racing games against AI and other racers.  Everything that car does stays with that car.  All ID cars can be upgraded in the app for better performance. 
Hot Wheels ID Overview
Where Can I Find Them?
Hot Wheels ID cars have been located in Target stores.  These are usually in a small white and orange box costing between $6 and $8 per car.  I'm unsure if they are found any where else physically.  These can also be found on Amazon and Ebay...if you want to pay premium prices for them.
So What's The Big Deal?
Most recently Mattel decided to include ID cars in the standard blister packs although sporting a similar white and orange theme over the standard blue theme.  These are now being called "Chase Cars" and for a good reason.  Any Hot Wheels collector may know about the rare Treasure Hunt and Super Treasure Hunt cars that are randomly packed in with standard cars.  These are highly sought after by collectors and are often worth more than any single basic car.
Now imagine something being more rare than either a TH or STH Hot Wheels car.  Go on...keep imagining.  That's where these ID Chase Cars fall.  It's said that these are more rare than the Treasure Hunt and Super Treasure Hunt cars.  It's been reported that one store opened up four cases and never seen a single Chase Car although they found two Treasure Hunt cars in those cases.  But the nice thing is that if you do find one the price is the same as a basic Hot Wheels car.  So if the store you are visiting sells Hot Wheels for a dollar and you find a Hot Wheels ID car in a blister pack it will be a dollar also. 
So the next time you go Hot Wheels hunting keep an eye out for any Hot Wheels ID cars.  These are very collectible already with some selling for upwards of $80 on Ebay.  Of course the whole idea is not to make a quick buck but it doesn't hurt to find 'em and hang on to them or even use them (you can scan them without opening them) but I suggest not opening them. 
Hot Wheels ID Chase Car on EBAY
Also...the reason why I posted this under collectibles is because the Chase Cars are becoming collectible in a short amount of time and if others here hunt for Hot Wheels cars I thought they would like to know about them.
Enjoy your Hot Wheels … and Atari, too! 

Oh man...I totally forgot about Last Starfighter.  That's a good one.  Never seen Cloak & Dagger.  I have most Star Trek movies up to the one after Generations.  My favorite is IV.  I always get a laugh out of Dr. McCoy about Spock.  
"Oh GOD I loved him better before he was dead!"
Gets me every time. 

Nope.  This is one Atari I have no interest in.  Personally, I feel the Amico and Tommy are doing a much better revamp/revitalizing than Atari is at the moment.  But that's just my opinion.

Nope.  This is one Atari I have no interest in.  Personally, I feel the Amico and Tommy are doing a much better revamp/revitalizing than Atari is at the moment.  But that's just my opinion.

Oh dear...let's see.
Lethal Weapon Wizard Clue Garbage Pail Kids TMNT (but I don't remember if the 1st one was an 80's film or early 90's)  I personally prefer the second one. Caddyshack Heavy Metal remains my number 1 favorite mostly because of the music and artistic style of the film.

Nope.  This is one Atari I have no interest in.  Personally, I feel the Amico and Tommy are doing a much better revamp/revitalizing than Atari is at the moment.  But that's just my opinion.

Nope.  This is one Atari I have no interest in.  Personally, I feel the Amico and Tommy are doing a much better revamp/revitalizing than Atari is at the moment.  But that's just my opinion.

Oh dear...let's see.
Lethal Weapon Wizard Clue Garbage Pail Kids TMNT (but I don't remember if the 1st one was an 80's film or early 90's)  I personally prefer the second one. Caddyshack Heavy Metal remains my number 1 favorite mostly because of the music and artistic style of the film.