We're getting down to the last few days of tax time in America as this episode goes out. Why not relieve some of that mathematical stress with a podcast! In 330, we're playing the 1982 game TAX AVOIDERS, the intense adventure of tax sheltered investments. 

Then once you've listened to this episode...go back and listen to some of the other 329 - for the first time! Or again! - because ATARI BYTES is taking a little hiatus. But keep is in your feed and hearts. We'll be back!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs Reformat, Pinball Spring, Take a Chance of Hidden Agenda. 

Support the show at patreon.com

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about the podcast, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books by me that can belong to you.

D20 or Die!

Peanut butter and jelly. Laverne and Shirley. And now Atari and Muppets.

All great things that belong together. In episode 329, we're playing COOKIE MONSTER MUNCH for the 2600. This 1983 joint effort by Atari and The Children's Computer Workshop is a showcase for Cookie Monster. (I was more of a Grover man, myself. But Cookie is pretty cool.) But is it a tasty confection or a stale day old paper weight?

Bad Poetry Corner: Don't Let the Cookie Crumble

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here.

Go to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your podcast and book reading needs.

The Jim Beard and Becky Books Facebook page

In 328, we build on the massive tower of gaming experiences we've had on this show with MASTER BUILDER from Spectravision, 1983. Does it stand tall and proud or all come tumbling down?

Listen and find out!

ORIGINAL SHORT STORY: Building Up Expectations

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Hidden Agenda", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Support the show at patreon.com here.

Jim Beard and Becky Books

327 features the 1983 prototype KICKMAN from CBS Electronics, based on the arcade game, which also wasn't that popular. Why didn't it work out? One guess....

No, not that. It's balloons! This game is full of 'em. 

And even in 1983, they knew to stay away from balloons. Why didn't we listen?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

carnivalofgleecreations has all the info you need about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and books written by me that can be owned by you.

By 1988, the 2600 was feeling a bit long in the tooth. But once in a while, it could still enthrall the gamer of the day. 

So, does DARK CHAMBERS from Sculptured Software enthrall or enrage? Throw open the chamber door on this episode and see what happens. 

Bad Poetry Corner: HEART BEAT ON DARK CHAMBER DOORS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", and "Hidden Agenda". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books written by me that can be owned by you. 

In 1982, Canadian-based department store chain Zellers  thought it would be fun to take a break from selling washers and socks and whatever and instead program Atari games. Why? Dunno. But I played one. It's called Donkey Kong. No, wait. Sorry! It's called INCA GOLD. You'll understand why I was confused after episode 325.

Original Short Story: GOLD STANDARD

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring", and "Hidden Agenda". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here.

carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need to know about this show, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about my books. 

Is Answer Software's 1983 title GAUNTLET the answer to all our gaming needs? Hold your water and listen to episode 324. Raise a glass to not spilling a glass. No, really. Look, just listen to the episode. Thanks!

Original Short Story: UNDAUNTED GAUNTLET

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

carnivalofgleecreations.com has all you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written by me that can be owned by you. 

Episode 323 is a bargain. I mean, not like cheap socks or 2-for-1 toasters like you could get at Zellers in Canada in the 1980s. (I'm just guessing about that.) But in this episode, we're playing TIME WARP, one of two games Zellers developed in 1983 all on its own for the 2600, maybe in aisle 3 between the winter coats and MC Hammer parachute pants. And the episode is ABSOLUTELY FREE!

No coupon required. You're welcome.

Original Short Story: The Terminal. The Eternal. And the Guy Who Counts Time.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

All you need to know about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books written by me that can be owned by you can be found at https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com/

Support the show at patreon.com here.

No Christmas content really this episode, but it's dropping on Christmas Day, so...MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you and yours have a lovely day and joyous holiday season!

Here at the podcast, we're relaxing with a movie as is our tradition for the last episode of the year. This time, it's the 1963 classic JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS. Ancient Greek Gods! Skeletons with swords! Goat-based slapstick!

As usual, we have a friend dropping by for movie time. It would be great if it was Santa Claus, but we got someone even better! Jeff Fulton from "Into the Verticial Blank" joins me on the quest to find the tree at the end of the world. Or, you know, a quest to talk about a movie which is way easier.

I hope you and yours have a great end of the year. Talk to you again in 2023!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinbal Spring" and "Jingle Bells". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Support the show at patreon.com

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about this podcast, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books and other things I've written. 

Ok, look.

It's the holiday season. And while we all try to be good, if you're like me, you stumble a bit. We probably all deserve a bit of coal in our holiday stockings. Just think of episode 321 as your penance before the Big Guy brings your presents.

This episode, we're talking about the 1982 Hanna-Barbera animated special "Christmas Comes to Pacland". Yep, that's a thing HB made. Must have lost a bet.

And now it's a thing for us to talk about.

So, let's get it over with. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme.

Check out www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all you podcast needs to ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and info about books written by ME and can be owned by YOU, like IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME.

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

While you gulp down the last of the pumpkin pie, give episode 320 a listen. We're clowning around with one of Audacity Games' 2021 debuts CIRCUS CONVOY. Does the game barrel down the highway of fun? Or does it stall out in a ditch somewhere?

BAD POETRY CORNER: OVER THE BIG TOP

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books written by ME that can by owned by YOU. 

Audacity Games

As a kid in the arcade, I found Sega's 1983 title CONGO BONGO...interesting. So, of course, when I got hold of a copy of the game for the 5200, I had to try it.

And now in episode 319, I have. That's a thing I've done. What did I think? Well, you'll have to listen and find out. 

SHORT STORY: THE BONGO BASTARDS

https://incompetech.com/Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all your info about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and even books written by ME that can be owned by YOU. 

On this Halloween Eve...eve, we've got an awesome treat. No, not candy. No, not money. No, not world peace in our time.

Look, it's another podcast episode, ok? Episode 318 is MIDNIGHT MUTANTS for the 7800. Is it a tasty confection or a bitter pill? And why is Grampa Munster here?!?!

Bad Poetry Corner: MIDNIGHT MUTANTS - A POEM

Into the Vertical Blank: Atari in the Wild piece about Airlock

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime Theme".

Support the Show at patreon.com here.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to go for all things related to ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you can possess.

In 1982, did Data Age got a LOCK on the submarine adventure genre? Or does this game suck the AIR out of gaming fun?

We're playing AIRLOCK. Well, mostly we're cursing AIRLOCK.

There's a nice story though...

SHORT STORY: AIRLOCKED AND LOADED - A STEVE STETSON, 1980's SUPERSPY ADVENTURE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

Find out more about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written, which you can own! Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to do all that. 

Support the show at patreon.com 

With the game NO ESCAPE!, episode 316 is escapist fun you can't escape from! Well, you could just not listen, I suppose. But you wouldn't do that, would you? Would you?!?!?

We're playing this 1983 title from iMagic. Goddesses! Guys named Jason! Getting stoned! It's all here!

Original Short Story from Me: Yourself and Nowhere to Go From There - A Play

So. Many. Exclamation. Points.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtey for the "Storytime" theme. 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. You'll also find info about my short story collections and novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, and links to some places you can buy them. 

Support the podcast at patreon.com here!

Beep! Beep! Move it...to episode 315 of ATARI BYTES!

We're playing CommaVid's unreleased 1983 title RUSH HOUR. Honk if you love games!

Bad Poetry Corner: GET OUT OF MY WAY!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com to support this show here. 

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has every thing you need for this show, my othe show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books that I've written including Hell's Cereal, Misery Banana, and 2nd Duck on the Right.

This episode croaks on arrival.

In 314, we're "playing" (Sort of) CommaVid's unreleased demo for something maybe called FROG that the programmer dug out of an old box after twenty years and chucked out to the masses without a care...much like this podcast is produced.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Supporters get stuff!

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and info about books by ME that you can own for your very...own. 

Does episode of 313 get a strong hold on your heart as we play Commavid's 1983 space game STRONGHOLD? Listen and decide for yourself!

Original Short Story: THE INEVITABILITY OF HISTORY

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

Go the webite wwww.carnivalofgleecreations here for all your podcast needs for ATARI BYTES and my other show IT'S A PODCAST,CHARLIE BROWN. The site also has info about my books, including 2nd Duck on the Right & Other Very Short Stories. 

In episode 312, we've got tunnel vision, focused only on bringing you a doozy of an episode!

This time, it's the 1983 CBS Electronics game TUNNEL RUNNER, a ground-breaking, immersive 4D experience. Okay, actually, they call it it 3D. We added the fourth D for "DAMN!"

Original Short Story: TUNNEL VISION

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here, and you could get perks!

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your ATARI BYTES and IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN needs. You can also check out books I've written and, you know...maybe even buy one!

Call the Orkin man!

(Gratuitous Orkin Man shout out. Send me a check.)

In episode 311, I'm sorry to tell you, you've got termites.

And not just any termites. Giant, space-faring, killer nest-building termites. It's COSMIC SWARM, the 1982 title from CommaVid. Termites all over the darn place. And you, friend, must destroy them.

Fight that creepy crawling feeling you're experiencing right now thinking about giant bugs and get to work.

Bad Poetry Corner: BATTERED BY THE COSMIC SWARM

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all you need about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you can own for your very...own.

Episode 310 is going to the dogs...er, rabbits. We're playing Apollo's 1982 title WABBIT for the 2600. The bunnies are on a fluffy rampage!

So grab your carrots...er, joysticks and join us!

This episode's original short story: THE CABAL

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Mining by Moonlight". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and get...stuff!

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop shop for all things about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written by me that YOU CAN OWN. 

In ATARI BYTES 309, I hear voices. 

This is nothing new, but this time, I know the voices are coming from outside my own head. Probably. 

We're closing out Intellivision Month on the podcast by playing the 1982 Mattel title "Space Spartans" with - holy crap! - the "Intellivoice" voice synthesizer module. Is the game fun? Who cares! There's a robotic voice emanating from my blocky, outdated gaming console!

Short Story: WHAT'S THE POINT? 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Change", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Head over to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, books written by ME that can be owned by YOU, and so much more!

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com.

Episode 308 of ATARI BYTES is a blast!

A GAS blast, specifically!

It's true! In SPACE HAWK, your gas is the only thing that can save the universe. Tell you significant other to stop complaining.

The 1982 Mattel title SPACE HAWK is for the Intellivision console. Why an Intellivision game on an Atari-based podcast? Well, it's our annual INTELLIVISION MONTH! If you have thoughts about this title or Intellivision, send them to me. If you're blasting gas, keep it to yourself. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. 

Support the show on patreon.com here.

Does the 1983 nuclear terrorism game COUNTERMEASURE for the 5200 measure up to the quality you've come to expect from this podcast?

Counter point: Don't sweat it. The podcast is free.

Short Story: MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE...TO THE BONE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find more about this show ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. While you're there, check out books by ME that you can own for your ownselves.

You can support the show at patreon.com here. 

Let ye who is without Sin-istar, cast the first pod.

Well, fortunately for us, we DO have this episode's game SINISTAR, the 1984 Atari 2600 port prototype of the arcade game.

Is the game a heavenly delight or sinfully awful? Count your luck stars and join us.

Bad Poetry Corner: THE SINN SISTERS HOST A BRUNCH

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of "Pinball Spring", "Take a Chance", and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find out more about ATARI BYTES, my other podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written, including "2nd Duck on the RIght & Other Very Short Stories". 

Support the show at patreon.com 

The 5200 love-fest continues in 305 with QIX. This 1982 puzzling, strategizing, flashy lights game is a keeper...of addictive frustrations.

SHORT STORY: QIX-SAND

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Head to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books by ME, like 2nd Duck on the Right & Other Very Short Stories".

Support the show at patreon.com!

In episode 304, you're joining the podcast at an historic moment...the debut of our brand-new (refurbished) ATARI 5200 CONSOLE (Thanks, Jose!)

We launch into the stratospheric heights of new game possiblities by falling into the dungeon, the SPACE DUNGEON, to be specific. The 1983 Taito arcade port is my focus in this one...until my cameraman wrestles away control of both joysticks from his old man. Kids, man.

SHORT STORY: HOME SWEET HOME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs, "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show here at patreon.com

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about ATARI BYTES, my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written BY ME, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

Throw this ATARI BYTES episode on the junk heap. Episode 303 is going to the SCRAPYARD DOG (For the 7800, Atari, 1990).

Is this game doggone fun or just one for the dogs?

SHORT STORY - BAD POETRY CORNER: DOGGED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at patreon.com

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and also about books that I've written! Which you can own very your, uh, very own! Including 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

WE'RE BACK, BABIES! After a scary week while my computer was in the computer hospital getting a hard drive transplant and other upgrades, we're back!

And that's not the only reason we're flying high! In 302, we're playing SUPER HUEY for the 7800. Was it worth the wait for this episode? Now boarding to find out...

Short Story: SUPER, HUEY

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you CAN OWN! Like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

Support the show at patreon.com here.

Do you remember the 1970's cartoon "Gilligan's Planet", where the castaways travel from the island to outer space? No? Well, you should. It was...something.

The 7800 game BALLBLAZER, which we played in episode 301, is a little like that. It's like transporting a soccer game from the stadium to space. "Ted Lasso" in an astronaut helmet maybe. So, is the game a ball or should all copies be set ablaze? Listen to find out! (To the extent my opinion means anything.)

Short Story: WHEN BLAZER MET SLACKS: CRIMES OF FASHION

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info about ATARI BYTES here, about my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here, and books I've written like 2ND DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here. 

Support the show on patreon.com and get bonus STUFF!

ATARI BYTES is 300 episodes old! If it were years, we'd be older than America! ATARI BYTES deserves some respect as the country's elder. I'm going to stop paying taxes.

We're taking a break from the video games and story-fying to play a good, old-fashioned video game. This time, it's Buffalo Games' 2021 SPACE INVADERS: THE BOARD GAME. But is this board game boring? Tune in to find out.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

THanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

Head over to the website here for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and info about books I've written, like 2nd Duck on the Right and Other Very Short Stories.

Support the podcast on patreon.com. 

So, I think I've only had to re-record ATARI BYTES 299, featuring ASSAULT from 1983, once due to technical glitches. But I've seen enough science fiction to know I could be caught in some sort of time loop. This could be my 8,000th recording. Is the game worth eternity in this one moment? Well, it was made by a company called Bomb. Hmmm.

Short Story: A Salt Story

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinbal Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info about this show ATARI BYTES here, about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here and about books I've written, like 2nd Dog on the Right & Other Very Short Stories here. 

Support the show at patreon.com 

The Moon God gets a bad rap. 

Sure, in QUEST FOR QUINTANA ROO, the 1984 game from Sunrise Software, the Moon God wants to kill you. But, I mean, in the game you are plundering the Moon God's ancient temple. 

On the upside, all this unpleasantness did bring about episode 298 of ATARI BYTES!

Bad Poetry Corner: The Quest Chooses Us

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has all sorts of info about my books! Go pick one! Thanks!

Head over to patreon.com to support the show and get access to special stuff!

Any old show could give you mutants, but how many can offer you COMMUNIST mutants? 2021 had Covid spinoffs, insurrections and climate upheavals. 2022 has communist mutants. Seems about right.

In episode 297, we played the 1982 weirdly named Starpath game COMMUNIST MUTANTS FROM SPACE. Because with a title like that, how could we not?

Short Story: A MUTANT BY ANY OTHER NAME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Check out the ATARI BYTES page at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for more info about this show here and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written here. 

You can help keep the lights on in the podcast studio by going to the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here to sign up. 

It's the last episode of 2021! And in honor of our laziness tradition, for the last episode we put away the games and rest our story-thinking brains, and kick back with a movie.

This time, we're watching the 1983....cult?...classic KRULL, which inspired the Atari game eagle-eared listeners will remember we talked about in episode 295 Was KRULL a krully good movie or krully bad? Listen to find out.

And also so I don't have to do as much research  in keeping with tradition, I have a guest for this episode! Screenwriter and patreon supporter Patrick McCarthy joins me for the...fun? Again, listen to find out!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for stuff about this podcast ATARI BYTES and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The website also has info about books I've written like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here.

Support the show at patreon.com here. 

ATARI BYTES episode 295 is all about KRULL, Atari's adaptation of the 1983 sci-fi movie...classic?...of the same name. The game, like the movie, has you, the hero, trying to defeat The Beast, with a star-shaped "glaive", save the princess and defend the galaxy. 

So, is this game a five-pointed romp, or a pointless exercise, times five? We'll find out.

Original Short Story: FIRE HORSE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find info for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written that can be yours for your very own or to give to others! Really! Go here!

Become a patreon.com "Atari Bytes" supporter here and you could get bonus content and other goodness!

Commavid knew what it was doing. I mean, they went out of business, but they knew a good basis for a game.

Cake!

People really only like two things: kittens and cake. I know, people SAY they like other things, but this is actually about it. Unfortunately, "Kitten Walk" doesn't roll of the tongue as easy as "Cakewalk", so Commavid went with that for its 1983 game. And we're playing it in ATARI BYTES episode 294.

Pass a fork!

Short Story: JACK & JILL

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need to know about this show ATARI BYTES here, and about my other show "IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN" here. 

The website also has info about books I've written, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here, along with links to a few places you can order them. 

Check out the new 2nd DUCK book trailer here - like and share with your friends.

Support the show by subscribing on patreon.com here. 

Birds of a feather listen to podcasts together. Or alone. Whatever. You do you.

In episode 293, from 1982, we're playing one of the few Ultravision titles, CONDOR ATTACK. Does the game soar above the rest, or was I a dodo for playing? 

Here's hoping you don't get dive bombed while listening...

Short Story: ATTACKED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes, episodes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here. 

Support the show by subscribing at whatever level works for you at patreon.com here. 

Whoaaaaa!

You're reading this show note (possibly) on Halloween, about an episode released on Halloween, featuring a game called "Halloween", inspired by the movie "Halloween". Spooky!

Which is appropriate because in episode 292, we're playing the Wizard Video 1983 title "Halloween". If you enjoy sprite decapitations and 8-bit child murder in a Skittles-colored house, this is the game for you. If not, blame Patreon supporter Patrick McCarthy who suggested this. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for "Storytime" theme. 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for all the info and notes you could ever want for this podcast ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books that I've written, including the brand new (very) short story collection 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT here. 

You can support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here and may be get episodes early and even bonus content! Thanks!

I LOVE TRASH! ANYTHING FUNNY AND GAMEY AND PODCASTY! OH, I LOVE TRASH...PODCASTS!

In episode 291, can you tell me how to get to podcast street? We're playing the 1983 educational title SESAME STREET: OSCAR'S TRASH RACE. Oh, yes. We are.

Bad Poetry Corner: GROUCH POTATO - A POEM

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info and show notes and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to buy my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Thanks!

Pass the Pepto!* I mean joystick! 

*This episode sponsored by Pepto-Bismol**

**We wish.

In episode 290, we're playing the Parker Brothers 1984 title MONTEZUMA'S REVENGE, where you race through gloomy caverns, dodging skulls, snakes, spiders, treacherous drops and lava. All to make your way to the toilet. Sorry! Make your way to the treasure room.  May all your TP be encrusted with rhinestones. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for this podcast ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some places you can buy my books, including HELL'S CERAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Support the show on the Atari Bytes page on patreon.com here. 

In ATARI BYTES episode 289, the unicorns are chasing the centaurs across the grassy knolls that dot Mt. Olympus; winged gods soar above, inspiring the mortals...and probably impregnating them occasionally.

Not really. We're playing MINES OF MINOS, from CommaVid, 1982. It's all maze, no minotaurs. You can put away your ball of thread. Or not. Something's gotta keep you in your seat. 

Short Story: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE MERELY HERE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info about my books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here. 

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. 

Play a space game requiring super technical, minor adjustments to thrust vectors and yaw?

More like YAWN, amirite?

In 288, we're playing Activision's (squee!) 1983 space shuttle simulator SPACE SHUTTLE: A JOURNEY INTO SPACE. Instead of, we suppose, a journey into the local supermarket. The game is a technical marvel. But is it fun? Is it really even a game? Let's discuss.

This week's short story: RICH WHITE GUYS CONQUER THE MARTIANS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info and links to this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to a few places you can buy books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here!

Belgian listeners! Episode 287 is for you!

On this episode of ATARI BYTES, we're playing the 1982 Coleco game SMURFS: RESCUE IN GARGAMEL'S CASTLE. The game features those super annoying beloved blue cartoon characters the SMURFS! And we're terribly sorry about that. Can you ever smurf us? Hey! watch the smurfin' language! There are smurfettes present!

This week's short story: ROYAL RODENT RIDDER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, episodes and more for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some of the places you can by books by me! For example, HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

You can support ATARI BYTES at patreon.com. Thanks!

Our Olympic fever shows no sign of breaking. The mercury has shot out the top of the thermometer, splattering all over this week's episode. 

In 286 of ATARI BYTES, we're playing VIDEO OLYMPICS, one of Atari's 1977 "original nine" games. There's very little actual Olympic content. But that's okay because I have very little actual Olympic skill.

This week's short story: MOUNT OLYMPUS FIVE & DIME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info, episodes and more for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about my books! Including links to some places you can order them, should you so decide. Books like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES could be yours!

You can support the show on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page here. Thanks!

In ATARI BYTES episode 285, we're playing the David Crane (squee!) 1983 Activision (squee!) title DECATHLON in honor of the increasingly misnamed 2020 Olympics!

With ten events, is this game ten times the fun? We've got our tank top and tight shorts and are ready to find out.

Bad Poetry Corner: DEAD CAT LON

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime and Jason Sez Stuff themes.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info, show notes and links for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website is also your stop for info and links you can pick up books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support the show at whatever level you're comfortable on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Thanks!

Episode 284 of ATARI BYTES gets its groove ON with the 1982 Sega port of ZAXXON!

(That's a terrible set up. But the episode is good. I promise. Probably. Maybe. Look, just listen, please. )

This week's short story: ZACH'S ON

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info, show notes and links for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some places you can order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

You can support the show by donating on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. 

Intellivision Month 2021 concludes this month in ATARI BYTES episode 283. We're playing TRON DEADLY DISCS, inspired by the "cult classic" movie. It's a collision of cult classic movie and cult classic podcast! (I might be delusional.)

This week's short story: DEADLY DISCS - A STEVE STETSON, 1980s SUPERSPY, ADVENTURE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creation commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for info, links, notes, etc. for this show ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website is also the place to find info and links to some places to buy my books! For example, HELL'S CEREAL - VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com!

INTELLIVISION MONTH 2021 barrels forward on ATARI BYTES 282.

Much as we do with the twisty maze that is life, we're winding our way through the twisty maze of Mattel's 1982 Intellivision offering NIGHT STALKER, a/k/a the 2600 game "Dark Cavern". (spoiler!) 

But...are you stalking the bats/spiders/robots. Or...are they stalking YOU? More importantly, who keeps dropping all these guns all over? Seems like very poor gun safety. So many questions.

BAD POETRY CORNER: NIGHTY NIGHT, STALKER 

Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

The "Jason Sez Stuff" guy gives a tour of his "office". 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info about this show ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to some places to order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support ATARI BYTES on patreon.com. Help keep the lights on! I don't want to fall down...

You're gliding along peacefully, when suddenly your periscope shoots upward. Through the murky depths you are shocked to see rocketing toward you...

ATARI BYTES episode 281!

Intellivision Month continues this week with Mattel's 1982 nautical adventure SUB HUNT. Is it a thrilling submarine simulator or a soul-crushingly boring, slow-paced game bogged down by an overly dense manual? Gee, I dunno...

This week's short story: Bad Poetry Corner - Floaters and Sinkers

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. 

www,carnivalofgleecreations.com is your destination for info and links for this show ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links for books that I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here.

You can also support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and possibly get BONUS stuff. 

INTELLIVISION MONTH 2021 has arrived in episode 280 of ATARI BYTES! 

*Deafening cheers erupt*

**Also an angry stampede out the door by some Atari purists**

We kick things off with Mattel's 1981 title STAR STRIKE, which may or may not be inspired by Star Wars; which is true of much of life really. That's why I dress as an Ewok much of the time. Can anyone recommend a good conditioner?

This week's short story: Star Strike Celebrity Bowling

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

Go to the website to find out more about ATARI BYTES here and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to order books like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here. 

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com 

Doing something a little different this week in ATARI BYTES episode 279. Setting aside the games (Wait! Come back!) to share some thoughts I had while working a booth at a recent convention to promote the show and my books. In short, I noticed Atari did not have a huge presence, nor indeed did very much from before the 1980s. What gives? Could it be Atari is TOO OLD to be pop culture anymore? 

Whoa. Let's talk about it. 

We'll also read entries from the Pac-Man-story-t-shirt-giveaway I did at that con.

This week's short story: Bad Poetry Corner: ONE GROUP, MANY FANDOMS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime and Jason Sez Stuff themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find links and info for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also have info and links to a few of the places you can buy my books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support the Atari Bytes patreon project on patreon.com here. 

Take a deep breath. Smell that? That's episode 278's equine-filled game.

On this week's ATARI BYTES, we're playing the 1980 horse-racing game, STEEPLECHASE.  Jockey your way to this episode and mount your steed.

This week's short story: STEEPLECAUGHT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for info and links for this show ATARI BYTES and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links for books I've written here, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES patreon project on patreon.com here. 

What's that in your teeth?

Why, it's another episode of ATARI BYTES!

In episode 277, we take a huge, wet bite out of TOOTH PROTECTORS and let juices drip down our chin. This is the Johnson & Johnson (yes, the one-shot vaccine people) 1983 mail order, promo game. Instead of saving planets, shooting monsters or winning races, the goal is good oral hygiene. What kid doesn't love that?!?!

This week's short story: THE PARABLE OF THE SUGAR BUGS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. 

carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find show notes, episodes and more for this show ATARI BYTES here, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some places to buy my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES patreon page here. 

This planet sucks.

Wait! Don't go! This isn't political or cultural commentary. THIS PLANET SUCKS, a self-published Greg Troutman title from 1997, is the name of this week's game on ATARI BYTES.

So, absolutely NO sucking to be had in episode 276. Well, no more than usual...     

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for "Storytime" theme and the "Jason Sez Stuff" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to go to get info about this show, ATARI BYTES, here and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some places to order books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

You can support the show by signing up on the ATARI BYTES patreon page here. Thanks!

For those of you who lack the physicality to dance to the time warp, ATARI BYTES episode 275 has you covered. In the 1983 Coleco port of TIME PILOT, the time warp requires no dancing, just wave after wave of aerial dogfighting. Not even Tim Curry can help you.

This week's short story: MARKING TIME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Jason Sez Stuff" theme and the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop shop for info, social media, show links and more for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about other things I've done and books I've written, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Depending on what level you come in on, you could get stuff!

In ATARI BYTES episode 274, we're playing LASER GATES. Two guesses what this game is about.

Wrong! It's monkeys and gonads, obviously. (You gotta listen to the show to understand that.)

This week's Bad Poetry Corner: IF WARREN ZEVON'S A ROBOT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incometech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to go for social media, show notes and episodes for this show ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website is where you should go to find out about my other projects, including books that I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Consider supporting the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Subscribers get bonus stuff!

One day in April 2021, ATARI BYTES drifted into Data Age's 1982 game BERMUDA TRIANGLE and was NEVER SEEN AGAIN.

Episode 273 is the chronicle of that disappearance. 

If you look up, you might see your host mooning you from the spaceship.

This week's short story: BERMUDA SHORTED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Thanks to The Delroys for the use of their song "Bermuda Shorts"

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you can go for show notes, episodes, and info for this show ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here. 

You can support the show by subscribing to the Atari Bytes patreon page here. 

This week's ATARI BYTES episode, 272 for those scoring at home, is totally tubular (that's for you Gen Xers)

Or is it? We're playing the unfinished 1984 effort TEMPEST, which tries to translate the 3D tubes the action plays out on on the arcade screen onto our home screens. Listen to find out if it works. We also talk about Shakespeare and say the word "panties". A lot. 

This week's short story from Bad Poetry Corner: Parched in a Tempest.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about this podcast, ATARI BYTES here, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here.

Support the show by subscribing at patreon.com here. 

ATARI BYTES 271 revisits an old friend. A twitchy, large-nosed, profanity-obsessed friend who just won't just hold still for goodness sakes. We all have a friend like that. If you're not sure about that, it's probably you.

It's Q*BERT'S QUBES, the 1983 follow-up to the adorable arcade-er (I'm trying to make that a word. Help me out. I'll be rich!). Is the game fun cubed, or just for squares, man?

This week's short story: NOT THE CUBES YOU EXPECTED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the show notes, social media, info you need about ATARI BYTES here, and about my other show IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES, here, with links to a few of the places you can order them.

Support the show financially on the patreon page and you could get early access to episodes and bonus content.

Guys, if life has taught us nothing else, we all should know by now that we must pick up our balls.

This is especially true in Atari's 1983 let's-stick-it-to-em-and-see-how-mad-they-get, QUADRUN, our focus for ATARI BYTES episode 270. Tune in to find out just how frustrated this game makes me. 

This week's short story: CAGE FREE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incmpetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, episodes and social media for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here. 

The website also has info about books I've links to some places to order them, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

Consider supporting the show by subscribing on patreon.com here. Subscribers can get early access to the main feed and BONUS CONTENT. Thanks!

In episode 269 of the ATARI BYTES podcast, we play SOLAR FOX, the 1983 CBS Electronics port of Bally/Midway's 1981 arcade game. Much like Icarus, we fly a wee bit too close to the sun, but do we get burned? Listen and find out!

This week's short story: THE SOLAR FOXES REBOOT

The ComicVine piece about the "Solar Fox" comic ad.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for all things related to this show ATARI BYTES here, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to places to order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

You can support the show by subscribing on the "Atari Bytes" patreon page on patreon.com and perhaps get early access or bonus content!

ATARI BYTES episode 268 is bubbling over with tasty goodness. We're playing PEPSI INVADERS, a 1983 cartridge created by Atari to cheer up sad Coca-Cola sales people sad about losing the "cola wars" to Pepsi. This episode is both sugar and caffeine free, so you'll just have to rely on my dulcet tones to keep you awake. Sorry. 

This week's short story: THE COLA WARS BUBBLE OVER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his song "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all your info, episodes and social media needs for this show, ATARI BYTES, here, and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here. 

The website also has info about books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES and links to some of the places you can get them. 

Support the show on our ATARI BYTES patreon project here. Thanks!

In 1979, Twentieth Century Fox unleashed an iconic sci-fi movie called ALIEN.

In 1982, Atari released the game version, in the maze style of iconic game Pac-Man.

In 2021, the podcast ATARI BYTES did an episode about ALIEN, episode 267. It was...wait for it...iconic.

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: BAD POETRY CORNER - WHEN PERSEVERANCE RAN OUT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs, "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you can go for info about my work, including ATARI BYTES here and my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written and links to some places you can buy them, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Go to Patreon.com to help keep the lights on in the podcast studio. Subscribers get episodes early and bonus content. 

We're back to cram more square pod pegs into your round ear holes. It's another cubist's delight in 266 with RUBIK'S CUBE 3D. The three "D"s are "delightful", "delicious" and "de-wonderful", to borrow from an old song. 

Or are they?

Tune in this week to find out. With this 3D, there are no glasses required. Or pants. 

Short Story: 3D-NYED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your stop for info, show notes, episodes of ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some places you can order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Support the show by subscribing here on patreon.com and you could get bonus stuff! No, really!

ATARI BYTES episode 265:

Back in the 1970s, Hungarian inventor Erno Rubik, we assume, decided to see if he could drive people insane. He designed a cube consisting of a bunch of smaller cubes of many colors. He said, "Here, take this cube. Mess up the colors, then put them right again." Of course, he probably said it in Hungarian. But that makes it no less insidious. The Rubik's Cube was born.

Then in 1982, Atari put out the trademark-friendlier "Atari Video Cube", redubbed in 1983 "Rubik's Cube", translating Erno's quest for insanity to our TV screens. 

And that's why the world is the way it is today.

SHORT STORY: Love Cubed and Lubed.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes, social media, episodes and more for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here. 

The website also has info and links to some places to order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here. 

Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. 

On episode 264 of ATARI BYTES, we went back to the beginning; a bit of a palate cleanser after the disturbing "Porky's" last week. We take a look at PONG, the game that started it all. The original came out in 1972 with an Atari port in 1975. For my fifteen-year-old on the field report, it may as well have come out in the Pleistocene. 

Kids, man.

This week's short story: PING PRAWN

Engadget.com "Atari Pong Review (1976)

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for info, show notes and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to places you can buy my books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and you could get access to episodes early, bonus content, and maybe even help program the show. 

In 1981, 20th Century Fox released a little family film called "Porky's" about a precocious lad named PeeWee with a knack for revenge against strip clubs and putting his privates where they probably shouldn't be. THEN, they made the obvious brilliant marketing move of turning that movie into an Atari game. 

In episode 263, we play PORKY'S...because listener Patrick told us to. We're still a little mad about it. No shower scenes in the episode though...or are there? Plug your peepholes and earholes and give a listen.

THIS WEEK'S BAD POETRY CORNER - BOOBS: A POEM

Listener Patrick started an ATARI BYTES message board and has put up one of the covers from BLIP magazine, a 1980's game-themed comic. Check it out. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, social media and info about this show ATARI BYTES here and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some places you can buy my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

You can support the show on Patreon.com. Becoming a subscriber could get you early access to episodes, bonus content and more. 

In ATARI BYTES episode 262, we're playing the 1983 Tigervision port of Taito's 1980 arcade cabinet POLARIS. Defend your nuclear sub from withering attacks by destroyers, dive bombers and ever increasing frustration. Is the game a hit or miss - ile?

Sorry.

This week's short story: DOWNTIME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme

Thanks to @M_Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About a Different Game" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find show notes, info, social media and what not for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here. 

The website also has info and links to places to pick up my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here.

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com and get bonus content and episodes early!

ATARI BYTES episode 261 is off the hook. Off the chain. Off the books. And occasionally off the rails.

We're playing the 1989 Atari/Axlon title OFF THE WALL. The objective is to smash the brick wall to get to the dragon. Maybe they should have called it THROUGH THE WALL. But no one asked me. What other failings does the game suffer through lack of consultation with me? Listen to find out!

This week's short story: OFF THE WALL

Atari Poop article about "Off the Wall". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has social media, show notes and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and some order options about my books, including, HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

You can support show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. 

At some point, whatever governing body governs auto racing said, "What if we made up a racing sport where the drivers do everything we tell them not to do?" The initial idea - Murder Car - was scrapped. But the monster truck rally - complete with smashing cars, wheelies, jumping off ramps and wanton attacks on venerable Plymouth autos - was born.

In episode 260,from 1990, we're playing the Atari title MOTORODEO. Roll your fat tires on over and give a listen.

This week's short story: Bad Poetry Corner: Where the Monster Trucks Park

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for episodes, social media and info about this show, ATARI BYTES, here and my other podcast, IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here. 

The website also has info about books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES, as well as other stuff I've worked on. 

Go sign up on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com here to help keep the lights on in the podcast studio. Patrons can get access to episodes early and even get BONUS CONTENT. Thanks!

Don't worry about that penguin riding a sea otter reciting the works of Robert Frost (the penguin is doing the reciting. Not the otter. That would be stupid. Everyone knows otters are haiku creatures.)

They're here to tell you that ATARI BYTES episode 259 has arrived. We're playing ACID DROP, produced by Salu Ltd. in 1992. This was the last commercially released 2600 game, which leaves us wondering: why bother?

This week's short story: ACID TRIPPED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, social media and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info about books I've written, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES, and links to just some of the places you can order them.

Supporters of ATARI BYTES on patreon.com here can get access to episodes EARLY and possibly BONUS content. Thanks for helping keep the lights on in the podcast studio.

The skies over ATARI BYTES episode 258 glow bright orange with fire as fierce dragons sweep into view. We're playing the 1983 iMagic title DRAGON FIRE. Is the game more Puff than Smaug? Is the action hot or will we just get burned?

This week's short story: DRAGON FIRED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Thanks to @M-Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About Another Game" theme.

"Hell's Cereal: Very Short Stories Fortified With Essential Syllables" Goodreads.com book giveaway

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your place for show notes, info, episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info about my books and some places you can order them, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Consider supporting the show financially at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Subscribers at different levels get stuff. Access to episodes early! BONUS content!

Man, I don't know if you've heard, but 2020 has been quite a year.

I think we could use a break. So, in episode 257, we're setting aside the games and stories and we're just gonna kick back with a beverage to watch a movie. And what a movie it is!

THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING is a 1964 black & white, sci-fi film. The aliens are invading via gas attack! (Insert joke here.)

This 62 minute film has it all. Robots! Zombies! Pregnant women! 

The 1983 Atari game of the same name (ep. 248), for those wondering, is inspired by the film...and has NOTHING in common with it. So there's that.

Joining us in this little British town under siege is Dave Ciampa, one of the hosts of "Ciampa & Klein: The Knight Rider Years".

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks to Dave Ciampa from Ciampa & Klein: The Knight RIder Years who joined me on the show this week!

"Auld Lang Syne" by Mats Norrefalk, Ulf Samuelsson, and Sankta Eugenia Vokalensemble

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you can go to find show info, episodes, social media and more for this show "ATARI BYTES" and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The website also has info about books I've written, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES and info about some of the places you can get them. 

You can support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Subscribers can get access to the episodes early or maybe even BONUS CONTENT. 

It took five years (or so) of podcasting, but I finally got my wish. In episode 256, we're playing the 2006 homebrew TOYSHOP TROUBLE. It's a game I've heard about for years and finally got to experience. But is it a wonderful surprise under my gaming tree or a giant lump of coal in my stocking? Tune in to find out.

Also, weirdly, we give a shout-out this week to beer from Athletic Brewing Company. Not a sponsor...but they could be!

This week's short story: LAST STAND IN TOY TOWN

Thanks to Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Thanks to @M_Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About a Different Game" theme.

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, social media, episodes and info for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. 

The website also has info and links to some of the places you can order IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a Santa story for adults, and my new short story collection HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES

If you support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com, not only do you keep the holiday lights on in the studio, you could get episodes EARLY! Or BONUS CONTENT! Let's see Santa top that. 

In 1982, men of vision went to work for a company called "Men-A-Vision" - which seems appropriate - and made a game called AIR RAID, a sort of cross between "Missile Command" and "Space Invaders" (it seems to me) where you must defend Manhattan from flying helicopters, UFO's and...giant pretzels? Sure, let's say that. The game didn't sell well, and is a much sought after collector's item now. Kind of like your podcast host.

And we're checking it out in ATARI BYTES episode 255.

This week's short story: SIREN'S ECHO

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to get social media, show info and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The website also has info about books I've written, including the Santa story for adults, IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and my new short story collection, HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. 

You can support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Subscribers not only get the regular episodes, but could also get bonuses - like access to the episodes before they get released to the public and even BONUS CONTENT that's not part of the regular show. 

You know that mildly frustrated feeling of waiting for an elevator; that eagerness for something to happen? Well, now you can feel that for the entire half hour and change of a podcast episode!

In episode 254, we're playing ELEVATOR ACTION, the unreleased 1983 port of Taito's popular arcade game. Unreleased that is, until (we assume) in a 2001 late night, trench coat-wearing exchange in a dark parking garage - or perhaps an elevator??? - and the game came to light. 

Does the game shoot upward like Wonka's glass elevator or crash to the basement? Hit the button and find out.

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: FLOORED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find show notes, episodes, social media for ATARI BYTES here and about my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to some places to get books I've written, including my newly released HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.

Support the show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. You could get episodes EARLY, or maybe BONUS CONTENT, or get to have INPUT on what we do on the show. Thanks!

Episode 253: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING: JOURNEY TO RIVENDELL. As the sun rises on Hobbiton, you find yourself on the podcast road seeking the one episode to rule them all. At last, you have found it! Don't lie! You have it! I put it up here! What has it gots in its pockets, precious!?!?!?

Yes, that's a "Hobbit" reference to tell you about a "Lord of the Rings" thing. Go ahead and rat me out to Gandalf. 

We obtained this 1983 unreleased prototype in a secret, late night exchange. No. Wait. That was something else.

Anyway, this week's short story is: FELLOWSHIP OF THE STRING

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs: "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has episodes, info and social media for this podcast, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website is the place to also where to go for info about books I've written and links to some of the places you can buy them, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and the Santa Claus story for adults, IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME.

Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on Patreon here. Patrons can hear episodes early and even get bonus content that other listeners don't get! 

In ATARI BYTES episode 252, we play the the 1981 Apollo game INFILTRATE; a game which feels like it should have an exclamation point at the end of its name, but doesn't. But is that the only disappointment? Listen and find out.

Also, I mention how much I like Lego. I mean, Christmas is coming...

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: ENTERING S.H.E.I.L.A.: A STEVE STETSON, 1980's SUPERSPY, ADVENTURE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, episodes and social media for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info about books by me for you! Info and links to some places to buy the titles, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and, timely for right now, the novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME.

Please consider support the show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. You could get access to each episode early! You could get bonus content! It's a holiday season miracle!

Looney Tunes fans rejoice! In episode 251 of ATARI BYTES, we're playing Atari's 1983 offering TAZ, featuring the tornadic glutton, the Tasmanian Devil. Whether you think the game is brilliant or garbage or brilliant garbage, nothing compares to one particular line in the instruction manual. I promise you this line has never appeared before or since. I won't spoil it here. Tune in to experience the awesomeness!

This week's short story: BAD POETRY CORNER: I'M SO FULL

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your needs as they relate to me. The ATARI BYTES page over there has social media, info, and episodes here and for my other podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written on this page, including links to just some of the places you can order them. 

If you subscribe to the show as a patron on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com you could get episodes early! Maybe you could even get bonus CONTENT or the ability to help program this show. Thanks in advance!

MMMMMMMMM!

There's some tasty gaming going on in ATARI BYTES ep 250. MMMMMMMMM! as in "M NETWORK" that is!

We're playing the 1982 flight simulator AIR RAIDERS. Is the game a dogfight utopia or just a dog?

This week's short story: CORPORATE AIR RAIDERS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, episodes, social media for this show ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

Check out the website here for info and links to some places you can get my books, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Please consider subscribing to the show on patreon.com at the ATARI BYTES page here. You might get episodes EARLY. Maybe even BonUS content! Madness!

Episode 249 of ATARI BYTES is going to the dogs. 

We're playing powerhouse gaming publisher Purina's maze game...

Hold on...*checks notes*

Yep, PURINA. Ok...see, in 1983 Purina ran a deal where you could send in proofs of purchase (kids, go ask your parents) from bags of dog food and get an Atari game called CHASE THE CHUCK WAGON. Spectravision did the programming. Such as it is. But we'll get into that. WOOF!

This week's short story: CHUCK WAGON, THE ANACHRONISTIC COWBOY

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, social media and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, and links to some of the places you can buy them here. 

Consider supporting the show by become a subscriber on patreon.com where you could episodes early! Or even bonus content! Just go the patreon ATARI BYTES page here. 

I know Halloween is coming, but after all the chaos of this year, politically, culturally and pandemically, it would be great if the game in episode 248 is a quiet, relaxing affair. Let's see...what have we got this time?

THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING, 20th Century Fox, 1983.

Well, crap. 

This week's short story: ALL OVER BUT THE SCREAMING

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find show notes, episodes, social media and more for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here on the website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

The website also has information about books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, and links to a few of the places you can order them. Go now and check them out!

Become a patreon subscriber on patreon.com and you could get access to episodes EARLY! Maybe even get BONUS CONTENT. Holy cow! Go to the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here to subscribe to the show!

Episode 247 revs its podcast engine to soar over the pond of other podcasts, leaving them in the dust as we fly down the dirt roads of the Internet. Yee-haaaah!

From 1984, we're playing Atari's developed, but unreleased, DUKES OF HAZZARD, inspired by the classic TV show "I Love Lucy". 

Just kidding. Or am I? Tune in to find out.

This week's short story: THE DUKES OF HAZARDS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for show notes, social media, episode links for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info about books that I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, and links to just a few of the places you can order them. 

Support the show by becoming a patron on www.patreon.com and you could get episodes early or even get bonus content.

In episode 246 of ATARI BYTES, that wascally wabbit is up to his old tricks...rejecting junk food for carrots. how un-American!

We're playing Atari's 1983 unreleased game BUGS BUNNY. I don't know what bugs the bunny, but will this game bug you?

This week's short story: DANGLING A CARROT 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Take a Chance" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, show notes, episodes and more about ATARI BYTES here and for my monthly show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and about books I've written and links to some of the places you can find them, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Supporting the show on the ATARI BYTES on www.patreon.com could get you access to episodes EARLY and even BONUS CONTENT. Hippity-hop!

ATARI BYTES episode 245 is a bounty of riches we, much like Robin Hood, bestow upon you, the poor listener. We're so sorry. 

Just kidding! But you will indeed be Merry Men (and Women!) as we play the 1983 Xonox game ROBIN HOOD.

Then we go all medieval on an original short story titled "ROB 'N' HOOD". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for many things, including show notes and episodes of ATARI BYTES here and the same stuff for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info about books I've written and links to just a few of the places you can order them. 

Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES patreon.com page here. Subscribing could get you access to episodes EARLY and maybe even BONUS content beyond the regular episodes!

Lords and ladies! The dragon XONOX did in the year of our lord 1983, gift upon the gaming kingdom SIR LANCELOT. And now  in episode 244, we knights of the podcast realm, must evaluate its worth.

Also, we gather in the great hall to hear the royal storyteller share another glorious tale. This one is titled KNIGHT AND DAY.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  

Music: Marked by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, show notes, and links to this show ATARI BYTES here and to my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here,

The website also has info and links to just some places you can order books I've written for your very own, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Support the show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES patreon.com page here. Depending on what level you contribute at, you could get access to episodes early each week or maybe even bonus content!

Covid. Deaths. Hurricanes. Wildfires. Murder Hornets. Near misses with asteroids. And now, 2020 brings down upon us the worst of all...DEMON ATTACK!

Okay, actually 1982 brought this and it's an Atari game courtesy of iMagic. It's our topic on episode 243 of the podcast. No podcasters were possessed by actual demons in the making of this episode.

...Or were they????

This week's short story: KING DEMON ATTACKS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, social media, episodes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my monthly ode to all things "Peanuts" IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has information and links to some places you can buy books written by me, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

You can support the show by subscribing on the Atari Bytes page on www.patreon.com. In exchange, you could get episodes EARLY or maybe even BONUS CONTENT!

Sometimes, you're so excited about an Atari game, only to get shafted. Then there's episode 242 featuring 1984 Activision mine rescue adventure H.E.R.O. We still get shafted...But in a good way! 

This week's short story: We Do Need Another Hero

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, social media, and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and the same stuff for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website is also the place to go for info about my books like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, and links to some places to buy them. 

Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on www.patreon.com here. You could get episodes early and bonus content!

ATARI BYTES episode 241...

In 1983, Twentieth Century Fox developed a prototype for "Revenge of the Apes" which BORE NO RESEMBLANCE TO the movie franchise "Planet of the Apes" *eye-crossing wink wink*

Then someone shoved it into a box for some alligator-based game and forgot about it for twenty years when it was rediscovered.

This is not unlike the premise for the "Planet of the Apes" movie, actually.

Don't shove me in a box.

This week's short story: PLANET OR WING IT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, episodes and social media for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to some places you can buy my books, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Support the show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Early access! Bonus content! Madness!

Gyrus, with one "s", is a ridge on the surface of the brain. Or at least it will be, until this week's ATARI BYTES episode 240 BLOWS YOUR MIND! ...to the tune of Tocata and Fugue in D Minor.

We're playing Parker Brothers' 1983 port of GYRUSS. The extra "S" is for "SPIFFY"! Maybe. You don't know. 

This week's short story: TOPPER CAN'T SPIN

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has social media, info and episode links for ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info about books I've written like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and links to some places to buy them. 

You can support the show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Depending on the level you subscribe at, you could get episodes early! Or maybe BONUS CONTENT! Or help program the show!

ATARI BYTES episode 239 has the weight of the world on its shoulders. Bet you wish you'd worked out a little more, huh?

We're playing Atari's 1982 ode to the law of attraction (in physics, not a dating app): GRAVITAR. Ignore the gravity of this situation at your peril.

This week's short story:  USING YOUR HEAD

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop-shop for info, social media and episodes for ATARI BYTES here, as well as my monthly deep-dive into the "Peanuts" comic and related stuff IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has links and info to some of the books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

You can subscribe to the show on patreon.com and possibly get access to episodes EARLY or even get BONUS CONTENT. It's true!

Stressed out worrying about how your kids are going to get educated this fall? We've got you covered!

In episode 238, we're playing one of the original nine from 1977 FUN WITH NUMBERS, a game that does away with that pesky fun part to focus on the exciting world of math. (Accountants rejoice!). No virus-filled schools or boring video conferencing necessary. Pants are optional. 

This week's Bad Poetry Corner: NUMBERS ARE DUMB

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find show notes, episodes and more on the ATARI BYTES page of www.carnivalofgleecreations.com and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to some places to buy my books, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Support the show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com 

Is that an icicle in your pocket or you just playing a super chilly game?

This week in episode 237 of ATARI BYTES, we've got the1983 Activision game FROSTBITE. Will it get a frosty reception? Does the game bite? Or will the whole experience be a winter wonderland?

This week's short story: THE COLD SHOULDER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for social media, episodes and info about this show ATARI BYTES and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The website also has info about books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. 

You can subscribe to the show on patreon.com and perhaps get access to episodes EARLY! Or get BONUS CONTENT! Now those shivers are excitement, aren't they?

With all the stress and worry in the world right now, it'd be great in ATARI BYTES episode 236 to play a relaxing little game. Maybe "Concentration" or "Surround". Something low stress. Let's see what we've got...

*Reads production notes*

FRONT LINE...Coleco 1984...Soldiers. Jungle warfare. Tanks. Anti-tank missiles....

Well, crap. 

I'll be over here in a fetal position. 

This week's short story: CONSTANTLY ON THE FRONT LINE, SO DAMN EXHAUSTING - BAD POETRY CORNER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info, social media and episode links for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has information about and links to some places to buy books that I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Support the show by becoming a subscriber on patreon.com. Get episodes early! Get bonus content!

"Invisible Zeppelin" is a weekly "audio sitcom" from Nat Gertler and aboutcomics.com  Episode 5 just came out and was written by me! I had a lot of fun doing it and I hope you'll check it out. Go find it on the podcatcher of your choice or at the website here.

If Kermit the Frog and Michigan J. Frog from Looney Tunes were amphibian stars, episode 235 of ATARI BYTES features that frog who desperately wanted to be in show business, but never caught a break. We're playing FROG POND, Atari's 1982 game for kids that never got released. Sorry, froggie. 

This week's short story: POND-CAST

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for links, social media and show notes for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. 

The website also has info and links to some of the places you can order my books, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Subscribe to the show on patreon.com and you could get episodes early! Or maybe even BONUS CONTENT! Go do that thing here. 

Zazzle.com has "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts at mugs here.

This week in episode 234 of ATARI BYTES, it's clear Atari in 1989 was really out there. How else to explain the premise of FATAL RUN: a scared, sick and dying world waits desperately for the delivery of a vaccine that will save them.

I mean, how crazy is that?!?!

This week's short story: VACCINE VALENTINE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find ATARI BYTES show notes, episodes, social media and many other what nots at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com The same can be said for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has information about my books, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, and links to some of the places you can buy them. 

You can support the show by subscribing on Patreon.com. You could get episodes early and bonus content. Thanks!

"Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs are over there at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

As the once mighty ship 2600 slipped beneath the waves of the gaming ocean, Atari tossed out a few last games for the iconic, but now obsolete, system. Episode 233's game is one of them.

We're playing DOUBLE DUNK, a 1989 basketball game; one of only two basketball games Atari made, evidently. Is it clear from playing this game why that might be? Or did Atari miss it's b-ball calling the way I miss most three-pointers?

This week's short story: DAN DUNK AND THE DETERMINED DOUGHNUT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, info and social media for ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has information and links to some of the places where you can buy my books, like IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Become a subscriber to ATARI BYTES on patreon.com and you could get episodes EARLY! You could even get various bits of BONUS CONTENT of dubious quality! Go here to do that!

"Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You." shirts and mugs exist for your consumption over at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

ATARI BYTES episode 232 CRACKPOTS from Activision (1983) is a cracking good time. Pot is optional. 

This week's short story: BEAT DOWN IN PRIME TIME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info, episodes, social media and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to some places you can order my books like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS here.

Subscribe to the show on Patreon.com and you could get early access to episodes and bonus content. Go here to do that thing.

www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store has all the "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs you could ever need.

As Intellivision Month draws to a close in episode 231, prepare to be swept off your feet by the enchanting tale of "Beauty & the Beast"! Soak up that Disney Magic!

*checks notes*

Sorry, not the Disney movie. Okay, we cover the times fairy tale from....

*squints at some scribbles in notes*

Sorry again. Actually, we're playing iMagic's 1982 game "Beauty & the Beast" which seems to bear no relation to either of these two. The real question, though: is this game a BEAUTY or a BEAST?!?!?

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: QUARANTINE'S MONSTER - A Bad Poetry Corner Haiku-Off.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for ATARI BYTES episodes, social medial and more. While you're there, check out IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, a monthly show dedicated to all things in and around the iconic "Peanuts" comic strip. 

The website also has information about books I've written and links to some of the places from which you can order them. 

Subscribe to ATARI BYTES on Patreon.com and you could get access to episodes early! You could even get bonus content!

Get "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

Intellivision month rolls on in episode 230 like a poker chip off the chest of a gambler who has passed out after a sound thrashing by Lady Luck.

We're playing Mattel's LAS VEGAS POKER & BLACKJACK from 1979. What are the odds that this is a good episode? Well, we're keeping our cards close to our vest. We've managed to bluff our way through 230 episodes so far...

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS ISN'T GOING TO CLEAN ITSELF

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find ATARI BYTES show notes, social media and episodes here and for the monthly IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, dedicated to all things Snoopy and "Peanuts" here at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

The website also has info about books I've written and links to some of the places you can buy them. 

Subscribe to the ATARI BYTES Patreon project at patreon.com and you could get access to episodes early! And BONUS content!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store. 

Intellivision Month continues in episode 229 with SPACE BATTLE, Mattel, 1979. In this era of social distancing, "space" is a concept we know well. "Battle" is, unfortunately, something we've seen all too much of.

SO, take a break with some games and stories. This week's original short story is: BAD POETRY CORNER: SPACE BATTLE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can fine ATARI BYTES show notes, social media and episode links here. The same stuff can be found for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Subscribe to ATARI BYTES on Patreon.com and you could get episodes early and maybe even get bonus content. 

The website also has info about books I've written and links to some of the places to buy them, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store.

Any old episode could give you swords.

Any old episode could give you serpents.

But this week in episode 228, to launch INTELLIVISION MONTH 2020, we're giving you SWORDS AND SERPENTS.  I know! How can we afford such generosity?

Does this 1982 iMagic sword and sorcery (and serpent) title win the treasure or deserve to die in a fireball? 

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: STUCK

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, episodes, social media and more for ATARI BYTES here and for the monthly podcast dedicated to all things Charles Schulz and the iconic comic strip "Peanuts" IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLE BROWN here.

The website also has info about books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS here.

Become a subscriber to the podcast on Patreon.com and you could get access to episodes EARLY. You could even get bonus content. 

Check out "Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You." shirts and mugs in the ATARI BYTES store on zazzle.com.

ATARI BYTES episode 227 explores a concept many of us in this pandemical age in which we live may have forgotten: commuting from one place to another. That place, specifically, is outer space. We're guessing social distancing is a bit easier up there. And if you sneeze, you just splatter the inside of your own helmet instead of the other commuters.

We're playing Activision's 1984 ode to the soul-crushing time-suck that is the commute: COSMIC COMMUTER. Whatever else can be said, at least we know the experience will be...stellar.

This week's short story: THE COMMUTANTS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat."

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find ATARI BYTES show notes, social media, episodes and more here on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com and the same stuff for my other podcast, IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." mugs and shirts at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store 

Become a subscriber to ATARI BYTES on the Patreon.com page. If you do, you could get episodes early! Even BONUS CONTENT! The commute over to Patreon is totally worth it!

Please consider picking up one of my books, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS or the novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. The website has info and links to some places you can do that.

The game this week on ATARI BYTES is an unreleased prototype. The episode is not.

Or is it?

We're playing COMBAT TWO, announced by Atari in 1982 for a 1984 release that never happened. Yet, here it is.

Maybe the show has never happened either. Maybe I never happened. Or you. Maybe everything is an illusion.

Anyway...happy listening!

This week's short story: COMBAT, COMBAT EVERYWHERE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, show notes, episodes and more for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my monthly podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to some places to order my books, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. 

Support the show by becoming an ATARI BYTES subscriber on Patreon.com. Get episodes early! Get BONUS content!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

On ATARI BYTES episode 225, we've got no time for losers...'cause we are the CHAMPIONS!

...of the World!

Or at least CHAMPIONSHIP SOCCER from Atari, 1980.

Grab your cleats and some of those long socks and join us on the field.

This week in Bad Poetry Corner: a smattering of "champion" inspired haiku.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

You can find episodes, notes, info for ATARI BYTES here and for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, a monthly deep dive into all things related to the iconic "Peanuts" strip here.

The website also has info about books I've written and some places you can get them, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Become a subscriber to the show here at Patreon.com. You could get episodes early and even maybe some bonus content!

Beamrider! Go, beamrider! (To the tune of "Greased Lightning"? No?)

In episode 224 of ATARI BYTES, we're playing the 1983 Activision spacey shoot 'em up BEAMRIDER. Blast the alien invaders because apparently the Earth shield you're "cleaning" is really more of an Earth sieve and aliens are flowing fast and free through that thing.

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: ESSENTIAL WORK

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".  

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

You should go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info, show notes and episodes of ATARI BYTES here and IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

You can help support the show by becoming a patreon subscriber on the ATARI BYTES patreon page here. Get episodes early! Get BONUS content!

zazzle.com/ab_pod_store has your "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirt and mug needs covered. 

Pick up books by your author like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. Go the website for info and links to just some of the places you can order them. 

This week in ATARI BYTES episode 223, we're playing the 1983 Activision game SEAQUEST. Your sub must DIVE DIVE DIVE! to rescue treasure-hunting divers. Insert obligatory "We all live in a yellow submarine" joke here.

This week's original short story: A QUEST TO UNITE THE WORLD

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Get ATARI BYTES show info, social media and episodes at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. While you're there, check out IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. 

The website also has info about books you can buy for your very onw, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." mugs at shirts at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store. 

Become an ATARI BYTES subscriber on Patreon.com and you could get episodes EARLY. Maybe even BONUS content!

ATARI BYTES episode 222. Three of the same digit in the episode number. Three names for the same game. Coincidence?

Yes. Yes, it is.

We're playing homebrew "ATARI CLIMBER" in our continuing effort to alphabetically work our way through the Flashback 9. Or maybe we're playing "Climber". Or perhaps "Climber 5". 

Does the game reach the highest heights or sink to the lowest lows? Climb on up and grab a seat...

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: JACOB'S OTHER LADDER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can fine info, social media and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Become an ATARI BYTES Patreon subscriber here. You could get episodes EARLY. You could get BONUS content. Craziness!

Check out my books, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Get "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store.

In ATARI BYTES episode 221 this week, we dive deep to the depths of Atari Ocean, dodging fierce sharks and the surprisingly tender embrace of amorous octopi, to bust open the treasure chest that contains FATHOM.  Does this 1983 iMagic game rise triumphantly to the surface or sink like a stone?

This week's short story: THE UNDERSEAN

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

At www.carnivalofgleecreations.com you can find show notes, social media, info at more for ATARI BYTES and for the monthly ode to the iconic Peanuts comic strip IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and links to some of the places you can order books that I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. 

Become a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page to help keep the lights on in the podcast studio. You could also get access to each episode early and also possibly get bonus content!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." mugs and shirts at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store 

THE CARNIVAL IS IN TOWN!

In episode 220, we flagrantly defy stay-at-home orders to go to the carnival. Okay, not really. But we are playing Sega's 1980 Atari 2600 game CARNIVAL. Grab a corn dog, do something involving butter, and take  a spin on the tilt-a-whirl. Just don't hug a carney. Social distancing, friends.

This week's short story: SECOND DUCK ON THE LEFT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find show notes, social media and info about ATARI BYTES here  and about my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here on www.carnivalofglee.com

Get info on the website about books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES page on Patreon.com here. Get episodes EARLY! Get BONUS episodes! Madness! Exclamation points!

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You." shirts and mugs. www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

So, in 1981, Atari was wanting to do a follow up to the hugely popular ASTEROIDS. What to call it? Asteroids II? Boring. Asteroids Again? Kind of whiny. And it doesn't play up the goal of improving on the original. Asteroids Better? Better what? Asteroids Mediocre?

*sigh*

Kenny from janitorial services walked by with a broom in one hand and a ham sandwich in the other. "Call it 'Asteroids Deluxe', he said and kept on walking.  

And a legend was born, one day to appear in episode 218.

This week's entry in Bad Poetry Corner: ODE TO ASTEROIDS DELUXE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

You can find info, show notes and episode links for ATARI BYTES and the monthly deep dive into the iconic "Peanuts" comic strip and related stuff IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Become an ATARI BYTES subscriber on Patreon.com and you could get episodes EARLY or maybe even BONUS content!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com also has info and purchase links for books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Like a gaming geyser, the Flashback 9 spews forth a fountain of gaming fun in episode 217 with the water-based AQUAVENTURE. This 1983, never released Atari prototype pits flippered-man against finned foes as a mermaid looks on enigmatically. Treasure awaits!

Then we swim against the tide to come up with this week's short story: BAXTER VERSUS THE MERMAID.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Show notes, social media and more for ATARI Bytes at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has info and some order links for books I've written, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Become a subscriber to ATARI BYTES on the Patreon page here. Unlock BONUS EPISODES! And get EPISODES EARLY!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs on zazzle.com/ab_pod_store 

Until now, I think the "newest" Atari game I had talked about on the show was from, like, 1988. Episode 216, though, is breaking new ground...by revisiting old ground. 

In 2007, AtariAge produced ADVENTURE II, a loving tribute to the iconic ADVENTURE as a cartridge you could actually buy and hold in your hands, I, however, played it on the Flashback 9, which came out a couple years ago. Castles! Vaguely (okay, now so vaguely) duck-like dragons! Chalices! It's all here!

This trip through the decades is exhausting. Kick back with my original short story: FATE'S FATE. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop shop for ATARI BYTES info, social media, and episode links here. All that same stuff for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN is there too. What's that? Only the finest (and only the only) monthly podcast devoted to ALL THINGS related to the iconic "Peanuts" comic strip and related properties. (And we do mean "all things".)

Did you know I write books too? I do! Go the website here to find out about those titles and some of the places you can order them, if you're so inclined. Thanks!

Become a subscriber to the show on Patreon.com. Different subscription levels unlock different rewards. Get episodes early! Get bonus episodes! Thanks!

Pick up "Greetings, Fellow Blockheads" shirts and mugs on zazzle.com/ab_pod_store 

Wooooo! Are you hot, or is it just me? Episode 215 is on FIRE!

We're playing SWORDQUEST: FIREWORLD, the second in the series of four adventure games Atari created in the 1980s that tied into a contest where you - yes, you! - could win valuable prizes. Only you couldn't, 'cause Atari torched itself and never finished the four games or the contest.

But you know what you can finish? This episode! Congratulations!*

*There will be no prize awarded.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, social media, episodes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here...that show being a monthly deep dive into all things Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the like from the iconic comic, TV eps, films, merchandise, etc.. 

Support the show by becoming an Atari Bytes Patreon subscriber at Patreon.com here. 

You can get "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts at mugs at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store 

Check out books I've written! That's a thing you can do! Info and links to some of the places you can order them on the website here.

In episode 214: GOLF, we consider Atari's answer to the question: How can we take a game designed for walking around outside in nature and make it less healthy?

We also say goodbye to daredevil Mad Mike Hughes.

This week's short story: PEANUT PUTTER BUTTER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Immersed", "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find show notes, episode links, social media and more at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com here for ATARI BYTES and here for the monthly devotion to all things in and around the Peanuts comic strip IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The webiste also has info about books by William Pepper, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Become a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page here and help keep the lights on in the studio. 

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs on zazzle.com/ab_pod_store

If sports is a metaphor for human competition, auto racing is a metaphor for life as a whole: going round and round as fast and loud as possible, consuming as many resources as possible, without actually getting anywhere. 

Exhibit A: this week in ATARI BYTES episode 213, we're playing Atari's 1977 contribution to automotive sports INDY 500. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and perhaps you'll outrun the futility of existence without crashing into the inevitability of the finish line that awaits us all.

This week's short story: ANATOMY OF VROOM: A POEM

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Show notes, episode links, social media for ATARI BYTES here. Same stuff for the monthly exploration of the "Peanuts" comic strip, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

The website also has info and links to just some of the places you can order books by your host. For example, MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at zazzle.com/ab_pod_store. 

Become a subscriber and help keep the lights on in the podcast studio by signing up at the Atari Bytes Patreon page. Get episodes early! Get bonus episodes! Good stuff!

On episode 212 of ATARI BYTES, we learn that maybe not all board games need to make the jump to the TV screen.

To be fair, our discussion of Atari's 1979 BACKGAMMON adaptation could be colored by the flu and flu-related weariness bombarding the podcast studio while putting the episode together. But we're not sure that excuses everything...

This week's short story: GET BACK, GAMMON!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find show info, social media and links for ATARI BYTES on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com here and the same for the monthly devotion to ALL things related to the iconic comic strip "Peanuts" IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs on zazzle.com/ab_pod_store here.

Support show by becoming a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES Patreon project here. 

Go here for info and links to some of the places you can order books written by your host, like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Episode 211 of ATARI BYTES asks you, the listener, to test your MEMORY and remember back to a time long ago. CONCENTRATE and get ready to MATCH the fun you had with Hunt & Score in episode 192 as we get ready to play CONCENTRATION this week; the same game, by another name.

I know. You're not sure you can handle so much excitement in such a short time. It'll be okay. 

This week's short story: PERFECT MATCH

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Get show notes, episodes, social media and more for ATARI BYTES on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Also find show notes, episodes, social media and more for the monthly discussion of all things related to Peanuts comics here on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Get "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs. 

Support the show by subscribing on the Atari Bytes page on Patreon here. Get episodes early! Got BONUS content! 

Episode 210 of ATARI BYTES is a science lesson. Did you know fire is sentient and can move around at will? It can! But fear not, you can defeat it with a hammer.

Also, gorillas hate you. Also barrels. But mostly you.

That's right! We're playing iconic game DONKEY KONG this week! But, Bill, you say, you done did that! Yes, yes, I did (ep. 37). But this time...it's for the 7800!!!!!! Please try to control yourselves.  Does Jumpman have the same spring in his step this time? Is he springier? We'll find out.

THIS WEEK'S STORY: DONKEY DESTINY

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs 'Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find show notes, info and links to episodes for ATARI BYTES here. And for the monthly discussion of all things related to the legendary Shoopy-rific comic "Peanuts" IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." stuff at AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com here.

Become a supporter of the show by subscribing on Patreon.com. You could get episodes early! You could get BONUS episodes! You could keep the lights on in the podcast studio so I don't stumble around and hurt myself. 

Find info about books I've written and just some of the places you can order them on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com here. 

Episode 209! We're having so much fun in Atari future that we're hanging around to play FIGHT NIGHT from 1988 for the Atari 7800. You know it's a good game because the words in the title rhyme. That's how they grade games, right?

So is this one a knock out or one of those matches where the fighters just exhaustedly hug each other until the ref pulls them apart? Spit in your bucket and left hook punch the "play" button to find out.*

*ATARI BYTES not responsible for damage to your listening device.

This week's story comes from Bad Poetry Corner: THE SWEET SCIENCE IN A WORLD THAT HATES SCIENCE - A POEM

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

On www.carnivalofgleecreations.com find ATARI BYTES episodes, social media and more here. Find IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN episodes, social media and more here.

Bill's books: MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. Find info and just a few links to sellers on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Become an ATARI BYTES subscriber to support the show financially on the Patreon project here. Get episodes early! Get bonus episodes!

"Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com.

Episode 208 of ATARI BYTES finds us hanging out with the 7800 Pro System once again. It's so pretty in this futuristic world. The sun high and gorgeous. Lush vistas spread out before us. Hey...what's that squirming around over there...Oh, no! It's...

CENTIPEDE! We thought we left you behind on the 2600. But no...the fight against the angry arthropds continues in this 1987 port of the classic arcade-er (a word I just created. Cool, no?). Not to mention, scorpions, spiders and your own self-doubt at your ability to survive. Revisit this classic and your own failings all at the same time!

This week's short story: CENT IMPEDED

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find show notes, info, social media and episodes at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for ATARI BYTES here and for my monthly podcast about all things related to Snoopy and friends from the "Peanuts" comic strip IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

Support the show by becoming a subscriber on Patreon.com here. Get episdes early! Get BONUS episodes! Thanks!

Your podcast host is an author too! Check out books he's written and just some of the places you can order them here. 

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." stuff at zazzle.com/ab_pod_store here.

Go suck an egg!

Sorry...meant go lay an egg.

No, that's not right. 

Oh! Right. In episode 207, we're playing the 1987 Atari 7800 port of JOUST where, astride a fierce ostrich (yep) you do battle with knights on buzzard-back (really), scrambling (heh!) to keep the buzzard eggs from hatching into new enemies. I swear, that's what this game is. 

This week's short story: THE INFINITE CIRCUS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the Mad Mike Hughes update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Get more info, social media and episodes of ATARI BYTES and my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.

Get info and links to some of the places you can order my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME or the short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS here. 

Become a subscriber on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page here. Get epsisodes early! Get bonus episodes!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." stuff at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com here.

In episode 206, we're playing the 1983 game SORCERER'S APPRENTICE. The game was inspired by the Mickey Mouse "Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment of the iconic 1940 Disney masterpiece "Fantasia"....oh, and some poem by Wolfgang von Goethe. But mostly Mickey.

This week's short story: THE SORCERER'S RETIREMENT

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find social media, episodes and more about ATARI BYTES here and about my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, the monthly discussion of all things related to the Peanuts comic strip and related stuff here on www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Your host is a writer too! Find out about books he has written, like IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, including some of the places you can order them at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com too.

Support the show financially by becoming a subscriber on Patreon.com here. Get episodes early! Get bonus content!

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You." shirts and mugs here at the AB_Pod_Store on zazzle.com 

So.

For the last episode in 2018,  I reviewed a video game-related movie (Megaforce). This year, I fully intended to do that again, but after playing the game "Revenge of the Beefsteak Tomatoes", I decided instead to go with one of its inspirations, the 1978 disaster parody "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes".  It's a...comedy?....about ordinary tomatoes that mutate and go aroud killing people. Also, there's the San Diego Chicken. And a song about puberty.  Yep. 

I couldn't keep all this fun for myself. Sean and Jim from the "Pie Factory" podcast are in the studio to talk about the movie too! Don't worry, I unlocked the door and let them out when it was over.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for episode links, social media and info about ATARI BYTES, my other monthly show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. 

The website also has info about my books MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and the holiday-themed IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. Links to some of the places to order them too!

Support Atari Bytes financially by subscribing on Patreon.com here.

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You" shirts and mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com.

Like the mud and slush stuck to the runners of Santa's sleigh, episode 204 glides onto your podcast rooftops. No game this week, but plenty of nog-worthy fun! Our short story is: TINY TIM'S ATARI DREAMS.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring", Jingle Bells", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", Dance of the Tuba Plum Fairy", and "Oh, Christmas Tree". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Email the show at ataribytes2016@gmail.com. Like the show on our Facebook page. Follow the show on Twitter @ataribytes or follow me personally @carnivalofglee. Check out the Instagram too.

Don't forget, you can call the podcast and leave a voicemail at 563-265-1978 and it might get played on the show.

Check out the website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info, social media and show links for ATARI BYTES and my monthly discussion and analysis of all things related to the Peanuts comic strip IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The website also has info about my books IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, including some of the places you can order them.

Consider becoming a subscriber to the show on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page. You could get early episodes and BONUS episodes. Thanks!

Pick up "Go play some old games, they've missed you" shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Episode 203 comes to you from a galaxy pretty not far away at all.

In honor of the final installment of the most recent Star Wars trilogy coming out, we're playing STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI - DEATH STAR BATTLE, inspired by the final installment of the original film trilogy. Does this 1983 Parker Brothers offering feel the force or does it Jar Jar Binks all over the place?

This week's short story: "Life in Three Parts"

By the way, Henry's on the show this week, but you can't hear him a lot of the time because I couldn't convince him to sit closer to the microphone. Kids, man.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find ATARI BYTES show notes, episodes and social media at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. 

Love Snoopy? Every month on IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, we talk about ALL things in, around, and inspired by the Peanuts comic strip universe.  Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for episodes, show notes and social media. 

Find info and links to some of the places you can order IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Help keep the lights on at ATARI BYTES studios by becoming a Patreon subscriber. Early access! Bonus content! All the goodness!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts and mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com 

Do you have any idea how hard it is to put four pairs of tiny boxing gloves on a spider?

We find out this week on episode 202 as we're playing the Activision 1982 title SPIDER FIGHTER. Was designer Larry Miller confessing a phobia with this one? His other titles "Snake Strangler", "Dental Damage", and "When You Have to Give a Speech, Blast Everyone Naked with Your Laser" would seem to suggest yes...

This week's short story: RECLUSE REFORMATION

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find show notes, social media and all manner of what not for ATARI BYTES here and about my other show, the monthly ode to all things "Peanuts" comics, IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.

Your podcast host is an author too. Go here for info and retailer links for MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and the holiday themed Santa story for adults IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber on Patreon.com. Get episodes early! Get BONUS episodes! Thanks!

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts, mugs and what not in the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

You might not know it from the recent self-destruction of Sears & Roebuck, but back in the day Sears was HIP, man. All the best stuff came from Sears.

And then there's SLOTS, the Sears Tele-Games 1979 version of the Atari title SLOT MACHINE. Because there's nothing eight-year-olds like better than casino gambling.

SLOTS is our focus this week in episode 201 and playing it gives you some insight that the harbingers of Sears's future doom were present even in 1979.

THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: "A Place for Everyone and Everyone in Their Place"

*Sorry for the occasional audio drop. Tried to clean them up. Lately, my software seems to be rebeling. Everyone is a critic.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs, "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Info, show links, social media for ATARI BYTES can be found at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com here. Info, show links, and social media for the podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN is here.

Check out Bill's books MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, as well as the holiday-themed Santa Claus for adults, IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. 

You can support the show financially by becoming a Patreon subscriber here. Early episdes! BONUS episodes! 

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You." shirts and mugs at the Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store. 

TWO HUNDRED EPISODES!

Yep, two hundred weeks in a row (well, except for that one week I missed in 2017) this dumb show has been burrowing into your brain via your listening holes. 

To celebrate, this week we're taking a break from writing stories and playing video games. Sort of. We're playing a BOARD game! 

What?!?!

I know!

We're playing the 2018 IDW adaption of one of my favorite games: MISSILE COMMAND, now in board game form. Anarchy, I tell you!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find show links, info and social media for ATARI BYTES and my other podcast, the monthly ode to all things related to the Peanuts comic strip IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

It's the holiday season! Time to pick up books for the book lovers in your life. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info and links to some of the places you can pick up IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Become a Patreon subscriber on the Atari Bytes page there. Get episodes early! Get bonus content! Do it!

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games. They've Missed You." mugs and shirts at www.zazzle.com/ab_pod_store 

"Blueprint" is a process developed in the 1800s to reproduce techical documents, turning them blue in the process.

Coincidentally, the CBS Electronics game "Blueprint" also makes people blue. What about you?

This week's short story: WITNESS TESTIMONY, THE PEOPLE vs. BARNABY BUILDER

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find links to info, show notes and social media for ATARI BYTES and the monthly tribute to all things "Peanuts" comics IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

Check info about my books IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS here.

Become a Patreon subscriber here. Early episodes! Bonus episodes!

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games, They've Missed You." shirts and mugs in the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Episode 198 is PELE'S SOCCER, Atari's tribute to one of the greatest athletes of all time: Brazilian soccer star PELE. That's right, this week's game about an amazing sports star is brought to you by one of the least sports-y people ever. Enjoy!

This week's short story: LEAVE IT ALL ON THE FIELD

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can find ATARI BYTES show info, episode links and social media at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

If you love Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang, check out my monthly show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN for all things Peanuts. More info at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Your host is an author too. Find out more about my books IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS here. There are even links to just some of the places you can order the books!

You can get "Go play some old games. They've missed you." mugs and shirts at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com here.

Remember how great Sears was?

When I was a kid, Sears Roebuck was THE place to shop. And along with your Toughskins and washer/dryer sets, you could get Atari games cleverly renamed and packaged in boring, generic text labels so that...well, I don't know why exactly.

BUT, thanks to this bit of video shell-gaming,  in episode 197 we get to revisit one of the "original nine" from 1977, COMBAT, only now it's called TANK PLUS. "Plus what?" you ask. Plus FUN, my friend!

This week's short story: Who Will Be Tank's Plus One?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for "Storytime" theme.

Links to episodes, show notes and social media for ATARI BYTES and my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN can be found at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. 

Become a financial backer of the podcast by subscribing on the Atari Bytes page on Patreon.com here.

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games, They've Missed You" stuff at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Check out my collection of short stories MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS or my Santa Claus story for adults IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME

Episode 196 featuring the 1983 Fox Video Games offering REVENGE OF THE BEEFSTEAK TOMATOES is clearly an allegory for the plight of the American farmer in the 1980s international trade market.

Also, tomatoes are trying to kill you, so maybe the message is: Kids, eat less fruit.

This week's short story: TOMATO PUREE 

Flat Earth Rocketman Measuring Curve of the Unite States

A ROM Has Been Released of Atari's "Pursuit of the Pink Panther"

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you can get info, episode links and social media for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.

The webiste also has info about my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story for adults and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Pick up "Go play some old games, they've missed you." shirts and mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com.

You can support the show financially by becoming a Patreon subscriber here. Get episodes early! Get bonus episodes!

In episode 195, we're teeing up the golf ball that is the podcast to sink in a hole in one of your earholes. Or maybe both. But we don't want to overreach.

That's right, we're playing MINIATURE GOLF, Atari's 1978 plaintive cry about being out of ideas already. "Weird. I thought they'd come up with more stuff. They had such potential," said the 1970s consumers.

This week's short story: MINIATURE DEATH 

*Producer's Note: This week's recording was overrun with audio drops. Don't know why. Tried to clean it up as best I could, but if it sounds incoherent in places, just assume it's a technical issue, not the failings of your host. Please.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

ATARI BYTES show notes, episodes, social media and more at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN is a monthly show about all things in and around the "Peanuts" universe. Find out more here.

Pick up "Go play some old games, they've missed you" shirts and mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com 

You can become a Patreon subscriber and get access to bonus content by going to the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

Find out here about my books IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS

Don't stop believin'...it's episode 194 of ATARI BYTES!

Drive one of your Cars to your game console and Wham your cartridge in. Don't get distracted by the Eagles above or Hall & Oats bringing you chicken nuggets and Oreo Speedwagons. We're playing JOURNEY ESCAPE, a 1982 game inspired by the artwork on Journey's album of the same name. Because apparently in 1982, Atari was doing lots of coke.*

*Kidding.**

**It was probably heroin.

This week's short story is: IT'S THE JOURNEY. NOT THE DESTINATION

Atari Brings Back Centipede, Asteroids & More in Exclusive Arace1Up Deal

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

ATARI BYTES info, episode links, social media can all be found at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN is my other show; a monthly excursion ito all things Peanuts. Find out more here.

Support ATARI BYTES by becoming a Patreon subscriber here. Bonus episodes! Early episodes! Madness!

Find out about books I've written like MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS here.

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you." stuff at the AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com

Cogito ergo sum.

I think, therefore I am.

Cogito ergo playsumhuhhhh????

I think no one knows what this game is; does it exist?

In episode 193, we're playing AUTO RACING, which despite hold it in my hand, seems to not exist if the Internet is to be believed. But I played it...I think I played it...does anyone else see the walls melting?

This week's bad poetry corner: OTTO RACING

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

Find show notes, social media and show info for ATARI BYTES and IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

At the website books and publications page, you can also find out about my publications like IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

Support ATARI BYTES at Patreon to unlock early access to episodes and BONUS episodes here. 

You can get "Go play some old games, they've missed you." shirts, mugs and more at AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com

This week on the show, you have two jobs.

You must hunt.

You must score.

That's because we're playing Atari's 1978 Concentration, Memory, Memory Match, A Game of Concentration...fine, let's call it HUNT & SCORE. You might remember that as being part of the second wave of new titles from Atari.

But hopefully that's not all you remember, because you'll need a steel-trap mind to line up these pairs and crush the computer with infinite (not infinite; not in 1978) memory. 

This week's short story: NO MATCH FOR ME

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find episodes, social media links for this show, ATARI BYTES, and the monthly IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, about all things related to the inconic "Peanuts" strip at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

I'm a writer too. Find info about and links to some of the places you can pick up my books at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Support the show ATARI BYTES on Patreon.com and get access to episodes early or even get bonus episodes.

Pick us "Go play some old games, they've missed you" shirts at mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

The Far Side could be coming to the Internet

"We're Going to Slam a Spacecraft Into an Asteroid to Try to Deflect It"

"When We used to Storm Area 51 at the Arcade"

Episode 191 is right up your alley...if you're a cold-hearted criminal - possibly with an eye patch, but that may be optional - or a federal agent with a chronic inability to avoid the short straw for assignments.

From 1982, we're playing Spectravision's GANGSTER ALLEY. Join me as we power through my personal game cartridge's attempts to sabotage the episode. Grrrrr, technology! *shakes fist at the sky dramatically*

This week's short story is: FAMILY TERROR, I MEAN FUN

"Lost in the Time Vortex: The American Cult of Doctor Who"

Water Found on a Potentially Life-Friendly Planet

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find links to episodes, social media and other info about ATARI BYTES and my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN at my website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Find links to pick up my books IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Support the podcast on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page here.

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games, They've Missed You" merchandise at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

In 1982, there was an epidemic of sides splitting at CBS Electronics due to all the laughing. What was so funny? The programmers were handed a new arcade game to adapt for the Atari.

"Tell me again what it's called," one giggling programmer said, gasping for breath.

"It's called GORF," the other shrieked, wiping mirthful tears from his eyes.

This week's game in episode 190 is the space shooter with the dumb name: GORF. Part Space Invaders, part Galaxian...all fun? We shall see.

This week's short story/bad poetry corner entry: THE FINAL MOMENT BEFORE OBLIVION OR WHATEVER ACTUALLY COMES NEXT

New York Daily News piece about the "new" Jim Henson project 'A Tale of Sand'.

The Game Console: A Photographic History From Atari to Xbox

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find out more about ATARI BYTES and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN including links to show notes, episodes and social media at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Find out more about my books MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com too. Here's one of the places you can order MISERY BANANA.

Pick up shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

You can support ATARI BYTES financially on the Atari Bytes page on Patreon.com

Remember "Happy Days", the feel good 1970s show about a bunch of teens in 1950s Milwaukee? In the show, break-out popular hoodlum character Fonzie had cut ties with his old gang of trouble-makers "The Falcons". 

DESERT FALCON, the 1987 Atari game that is the focus of episode 189 has absolutely nothing to do with that. But it's fun to remember such a good show isn't it?

This week's short story is titled: DISPENSE WITH THIS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes Update" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find show notes ("Atari Bytes" AND "It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown"), social media, and info about books I've written at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page. New tiers are up there, so this is a good time to subscribe!

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games, They've Missed You" merchandise at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS is a book that can be yours in print and ebook. Here's one of the places you can get it.

We're not sure, but we're guessing that in 1978 at Atari HQ, game designer Warren Robinette won an office pool. The bet was who could come up with a game that matched it's title close enough that the boss would take it, but still had really nothing to do with it. SLOT RACERS, a game that has "cars" in it, but are not slot cars, nor are they racing, was the result. 

In keeping with that spirit, this week's short story in episode 188 is SLOTTED, really has very little to do with the game we're talking about. 

START YOUR ENGINES! You know, if you want. Really doesn't matter.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find links to episodes, show notes, social media and more for ATARI BYTES and my other podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com. 

You can support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games, They've Missed You" shirts and mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com.

Check out MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS, my short story collection in print and ebook wherever you like to order books. Find out more about that and my other works at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

You know, we here at ATARI BYTES are tired of hearing people whine about video games dumbing down generations and making kids illiterate. We happen to think there's lots of educational value to be had and these games are designed by sharp literate people with impeccable language and spelling skills. Just consider the game in episode 187: WIZARD OF WOR.

Uh. Never mind.

 But does the dubious spelling belie a great game? Joyne usss to fynd owt.

This week's short story: THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF WAR 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes Update" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

You can find links to social media, show notes, info about my other podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Check out my short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. You can get it wherever you like to order books. Some of those ebook and print book order links and more info on that and other books can be found at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com

Pick up "Go play some old games, they've missed you." shirts and mugs at Zazzle.com/ab_pod__store 

Support the show financially as part of our patreon project on the Atari Bytes Patreon page at patreon.com

In episode 186, we're playing FLASH GORDON, the 1983 Twentieth Century Fox game inspired by the golden age comic book character. Flash Gordon is a blow-dried, blonde, muscular polo-playing-space-football-astronaut.

Who says video games aren't relatable to our real lives?

This week's short story is: WHY IS EVERYONE FLASHING GORDON?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Find links to show notes, episodes, social media and books written by ME at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com 

Pick up "Go play some old games. They've missed you" mugs and shirts at Zazzle.com/ab_pod_Store. 

Please consider supporting the show financially as part of the Patreon project here. 

Check out my short story collection in print and ebook wherever you like to order books. It's MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. Here's one of the places you can get it.

In episode 185, imagine yourself on an early Sunday morning in a crowded, noisy breakfast joint. The scents of coffee and waffles waft through the air. Your arms are pleasingly sticky from syrup residue on the table. What are you doing to pass the time until your twelve egg omelette and bacon with a side of heart attack arrives?

Playing HANGMAN on the placemat of course! And this week, we've got Atari's 1978 placemat-fun-in-a-cartridge answer to the pen and paper icon. You provide your own greasy breakfast meat.

In a fun experiment, this week's short story is provided by friends of the show Dave Ciampa and Greg Klein from the podcast "Ciampa & Klein: The Knight Rider Years". It might be called "Those Are My Alpha-Bits" or maybe it doesn't have a title. Dunno. It's pretty good though.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for more about my podcasts and books!

Pick up Atari Bytes shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Support the podcast financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon here.

Pick up MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS in e-book and print pretty much wherever you buy books. Here's one such place.

In 1977, Atari said, "We need a small batch of games to show off this new video console we've got."

Larry Kaplan heard this and was like, "Great! Here's like six of them. Car racing. Skiing. Airplanes. All sorts of stuff."

"But, Larry," Atari said, "we've only got room in the catalog for one more."

Larry grumbled a bit and instead of scrapping his six games, he stuffed them all into one cart, slapped a STREET RACER label on it and went home to dinner.* Before Atari knew it, the misnomer STREET RACE became one of the "original nine" of Atari...and episode 184 of this podcast. 

*We totally made that up. But what if we didn't?

This week's short story: BAD POETRY CORNER: MOVING ON, STANDING STILL

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Check out carnivalofgleecreations.com for podcast info, book publishing info and social media links. 

You can pick up MISERY BANANA VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED By OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS in ebook and print many places. Here's one.

Support the show financially on the Patreon page here.

AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com has Atari Bytes mugs and shirts.

Episode 183 flutters in on cute-as-a-bug little wings with FIRE FLY, a 1983 offering from Mythicon. Is this game where you pilot a metallic humanoid insect in battle against other metallic humanoid insects in exchange for fabulous prizes mere myth? A flat-out con? The bee's knees? What's the buzz around the nectar-filled flowers on this one? Plant your stinger in this episode and find out for yourself.

This week's short story: HELL'S CEREAL

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Man for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and what not here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can pick up Atari Bytes mugs and shirts at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com.

You can support the show financially on Patreon.com here.

Check out the exclusive collection of short stories from THIS VERY PODCAST wherever you like to order e-books or print books! It's called MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. Thanks!

It's episode 182, in which I lose my title belt and my podcast pants fall down so I'm left in my gaming skivvies. Aren't you glad this is an audio podcast?

This week, we're playing TITLE MATCH PRO WRESTLING, a 1987 entry from Absolute Entertainment. Is it absolutely entertaining? Well, we'll pile drive this sucker to the mat and see if it airplane spins out some fun. Or something.

This week's short story is: "Humble Pie...Er, Cobbler"

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up Atari Bytes mugs and shirts at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Please consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

Hey! I wrote a book! MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS is on sale now wherever you like to order books - e-book or print! Here's one of those places!

Everything old is new again...even in podcast land. In episode 181, we're going home to episode 8 with MS. PAC-MAN. Sort of...

You see, this week we time travel to Atari's future with the 7800 port of this iconic 1984 title. Do we still like the game in new wintergreen - er, 7800 - flavor? Yes, yes we do. (spoiler) Are we any better at it on the new platform? Well...

This week's short story is: TURN LEFT! NO, RIGHT! NO, LEFT!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Support the show financially on the Atari Bytes page on Patreon.com

MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS is a book you can own in print or e-book for your very own! You many options to order, including the one at this link!

Episode 180 of Atari Bytes is all about giving tanks.

That's not a typo, 'cause we're overjoyed and overrun by tanks this week with Activision's 1983 Battlezone rip-off  tank adventure game ROBOT TANK.

In the game, it's 2019 and the landscape is overrun by hostile forces who want nothing more than to destroy you and take control. Weird how Activision knew in 1983 what life would be like so many years later. It's like Activision predicted Twitter.

This week's short story is: ROSIE THE RIVETER...OF DEATH!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes -show notes, social media and stuff here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up show merchandise at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

This week, I'm swinging in on a vine as Planet Funk Con sinks into the quicksand below and I land on the other side to record a podcast. The episode, unfortunately, is just me screaming as I am crushed by a rolling log. 

I recorded episode 179 after attending Planet Funk Con where much fun was had. (Hello, new listeners!) This week marks the end of Intellivision Month for the podcast. (Stop cheering!) We close on a high - and not just because of those vines. We're playing PITFALL! for the Intellivision gaming system. Did David Crane have any new tricks up his sleeve for this version?

No. No he didn't. But we had a good time anyway. 

This week's short story is: LOG ROLLIN'

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Support the show financially (please) on our Patreon page here.

Pick up shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com

If you're so inclined, pick up a copy of MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS in e-book and print wherever you like to order books. Here's one place you can do just that.

This week on the podcast we LOCK in episode 178 and CHASE down another game as Intellivision month avoids the Atari cops to continue for another week. 

My surprise co-host and I are playing the Mattel 1982 edition to the Intellivision line LOCK 'N' CHASE. Does this Pac-Man wannabe maze game steal our hearts or leave us locked in a cold dungeon of disappointment?

This week's short story comes to us from Bad Poetry Corner: DEADLOCKED.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes show notes and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Thanks the Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "storytime" theme.

Pick up shirts and mugs in the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

You can order the print or e-book of MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS many places. Here's one of them.

So, is Intellivision month on ATARI BYTES continuing in episode 177?

You BET it is!

In 1979, Mattel gambled on a game based on the thing kids love most: casino gambling. This week's title is ROULETTE. Place your bets. When the ball drops on this episode, will you be in the audio chips or the gaming gutter?

This week's original short story is: SPIN IT, BOB!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Check out the merchandise store AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes page on Patreon.com

Pick up MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS in e-book or print wherever you like to order books! Here's one option!

YAH, HORSEY! YAH!

ATARI BYTES Episode 176 comes down the stretch with the second entry in our annual "Intellivision Month" - HORSE RACING, Mattel, 1980. Pull off your blinkers, grab hold of your podcatcher's irons and coax that filly into the backstretch to break maiden on this latest episode! It's a breeze!

Oh, and, for you Henry groupies: He's on this week!

This week's original short story: "Ghost Horses"

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and what not

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other podcast!

Pick up shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes Update Theme"

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Order MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS wherever you like to order books.

Do you like gladiator movies?

I only ask because when you watch a gladiator movie, it's astounding how these brave, bold warriors insist on lining up in straight lines and running at each other, expecting that they won't be mowed down. Still, you have to cut the gladiators some slack. They lived centuries ago and had limited technology.

Which makes it even more stunning that the futuristic alien invaders in Intellivision's SPACE ARMADA, Mattel, 1981, aren't any smarter. In episode 175, we're kicking off our 2019 INTELLIVISION MONTH with this close cousin to the iconic Atari "Space Invaders". Does it live up to its inspiration - not to mention gladiators? Do any of us really?

On that note, this week's original short story is: "Space Letters from the Space Front Lines...In Space". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes and what not

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Pick up shirts at mugs at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com 

Please consider becoming a subscriber to the show on Patreon.com. Thanks!

You can pick up a collection of short stories inspired by the games in this show and told in a wide variety of genres from sci fi to contemporary fiction to 19th century erotic literature. It's MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. Here's one place you can do that.

Listen closely...hear that? Right now, as I write and you read this, tiny little plaque jerks are eating away at your tooth enamel. You can hear them, can't you? I can't unfortunately, as the voices in my head are much louder.

We're playing Activision's 1983 ode to oral hygiene, PLAQUE ATTACK. Blast the plaque with your tube of toothpaste and leave the whole eight teeth in your mouth minty fresh. Pucker up!

This week's short story is: "Bared Teeth. Bared Soul."

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and whatnot. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up "Go Play Some Old Games. They've missed you" mugs and shirts at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Become a Patreon subscriber here. 

My first collection of short stories from this show is out! MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS is available many places, including this one. 

Dive down deep into episode 173: SUB SCAN, the 1982 port of Deep Scan from Sega. We explore the depths of this submarine v. destroyer ocean battle. 

I hope you don't get the bends coming back up to the surface to listen to this week's original short story: "Maximum Depth Charge: A Steve Stetson, 1980s Superspy, Adventure". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. 

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up Atari Bytes "Go play some old games" shirts and mugs at AB_Pod_Store on the Zazzle.com store.

You can support the show financially by becoming a Patreon subscriber here. 

Pick up my book! Please! Here's one of the places you can get MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS.

In 1982, Data Age had a video game concept meeting. "We need a new idea, people," the team leader said. "We gotta get this one out by the end of the day."

It was 4:45 p.m.

The office closed at 5:00

It was also Friday.

In desperation, someone grabbed a marker and scrawled "SPACE BUGS" across the large flip chart, knocking the easel to the floor. 

Ernie sat at the computer. He wasn't the best programmer, but was the fastest typist. He banged out some code that would have pink centipedes type things and some other cylindrical bug with antennae crawl slowly across the entire upper half of the screen. It wasn't really clear what they were doing, but you could shoot them.

"Good enough?" Ernie said.

"YES," the rest of the team said in unison and fled out of the building into the five o'clock world where no owned a piece of their time.

And, thus, BUGS, the game at the heart of episode 172, was born. Is this a bad game? Well, can one dung beetle drag 1,141 times its weight?

This week's story is...BUGS: A POEM

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Circus Waltz". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and what not

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

The AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com has Atari Bytes related stuff to buy.

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page.

Pick up your copy of MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS wherever you like to buy ebooks or print books. Here's one of those places.

We exist in three dimensions: length, width, height.

This podcast has spanned three types of classic video games: Intellivision, Atari 2600, Atari 7800.

And now, much as H.G. Wells, in his 19th century novel "The Time Machine", bravely journeyed in time, the fourth dimension, this podcast is venturing into a fourth type of game...

We are playing our first Atari 7800 HOMEBREW!

We're playing the 2016 title T:ME SALVO, a run and shoot game inspired by Wells' novel and the movies the book spawned. Is the game destined to become a timeless classic or is it simply not worth the time?

This week's short story is "Weena: Warrior Princess". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support Atari Bytes financially on our Patreon page here.

Pick up show mugs and shirts and what not in our Zazzle.com AB_Pod_Store...store!

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme

Don't forget to check out the new collection of short stories from this very podcast. MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS. Here's one of the places you can order it.

Formula One is our focus this week. 

That's right! Grecian Formula One, that liquid warrior against grey hair rides in on a wave of faux-youthful delusion and -

Whoops! Wait! Formula one RACE cars...

*Puts on a hat. Reminds Grecian Formula we are still looking for sponsors.*

We're actually playing Activision's 1982 race car effort GRAND PRIX. Is it grand? Is it prix? Join us before the checkered flag drops...

This week's short story: Once More 'Round the Track

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the Mad Mike Hughes theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com 

Support the show financially on the Atari Bytes page on Patreon

Quiet! I'm sleeping!

A week out from Midwest Gaming Classic in Milwaukee and I am STILL tired. But it's a good tired. Had a great time playing a few games, reconnecting with friends and fans old and new, and, of course, talking about this podcast and the Misery Banana book. 

This episode has my exhausted reactions to the weekend AND you get to hear my audio journal entries recorded at various times throughout the weekend. 

All right. Well, much like the lady with the tail who came over to say "hi" and then abruptly bolted, I'll end these show notes here. Where do I sign up for MGC 2020?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, etc.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up Atari Bytes shorts and more in the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Please consider support the podcast financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

Misery Banana: Very Short Stories Inspired by Old Games and Odd Thoughts is for sale many places. Here's one.

In the St. Nick of Time

In 1983, Sega said, "We took a shot at creating a 3-D looking game for the arcade. Congo Bongo looks amazing."

"We took a shot," some staffer said. "But it really doesn't look that great."

"We should now adapt that for the home console," the powers-that-be said. "It will look even better."

"It will look even worse," the staffer said and was summarily fired.

Okay, that's not exactly how it happened, but it might as well have. 

Well, if Gilligan can spend all those years lovin' on his coconuts. We can spend one episode. 

This week's short story is: "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts...But is That All There is to Life?"

Con-Go? Bon-Go!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and what not...

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Thanks to Mike Mann for the Mad Mike Hughes theme

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme

Support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

Pick up Atari Bytes merch at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

You can pick up Misery Banana: Very Short Stories Inspired by Old Games and Odd Thoughts in many places. Here's one of them!

Episode 167 finds us revisiting an old gaming friend sporting a slightly more youthful facelift. Or something. We're playing the 1984 MILLIPEDE which was pretty fun...when it was called CENTIPEDE. 

"Centi" means hundred. "Milli" means Vanilli's disgraced music fraud partner. 

Whoops! I meant "milli" means "thousand". At this rate, I would expect the next title in the "pede" franchise will be Gazilipede or maybe Bazillipede. I'd play those. 

This week's short story is: "Untitled Diploda-Based Comedy Pilot Pitch Meeting".

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes, etc.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes Theme"

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

Zazzle.com - pick up Atari Bytes merch here.

Misery Banana: Very Short Stories Inspired by Old Games and Odd Thoughts

This week, we have another M Network game for you, this one from 1982, boldly titled SPACE ATTACK. That's a name right up there in the creativity pantheon with "Space Battle", "Racing" and "3D Tic-Tac-Toe". At least that last one tries to dress things up with the 3D part.

Does only being in 2D keep SPACE ATTACK from being a classic? Or even fun? Does this week's original short story "It's People I Can't Stand...But I Can Stand With Them" overcome its clunky title? Do I use the ellipsis as a means of expression too much?

So many ... questions. 

And please check out my Atari Bytes - inspired short story collection MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page. Thanks in advance.

Pick up show merchandise on the Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store.

My dad always said never stay at a hotel called Lakeview. There won't be a lake within sight. It seemed like just a bit of clever wordplay. But this week, ATARI BYTES episode 165 is DARK CAVERN. What we get on screen for this M Network game is neither dark, nor cavernous. 

Holy crap! Dad was right!

So, if you're brave enough, journey down into the caverns of this episode and then, when you come out the other side, enjoy this week's original short story "Lost and Found". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the storytime theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, social media

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page. Thanks in advance.

Check out the Atari Bytes merchandise store AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

This week, episode 164 of ATARI BYTES is drenched in sweetness. So much squeaky clean gaming joy, it'll make your teeth hurt.

This is bad because of the teeth gnashing you'll do trying to have fun playing STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE: MUSICAL MATCH-UPS. To be fair, you're probably not a preschooler who's into mixing and matching the heads, torsos and legs of Strawberry and her friends Lime Chiffon, Huckleberry Pie and Blueberry Muffin. That jerk Purple Pieman has messed them all up. It's basically "Frankenstein" with a fruity pastry scent.

After you get through that, stick around for a big ol' slice of this week's "Untitled Strawberry Shortcake Story". It's like the a la mode to your gaming pie. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up Atari Bytes merchandise on the AB_Pod_Store podcast store on Zazzle.com

You can support the show financially on our Patreon page here. Thanks in advance for doing so!

Wallaby darned! It's another episode of ATARI BYTES! Though the game is actually KANGAROO! Not Wallaby! Which makes the pun even more annoying! If that's possible!

That's right. This week, episode 163 is devoted to the largest marsupial in the family Macropodidae, that icon of Australia that isn't Crocodile Dundee: the kangaroo.

KANGAROO is a 1982 Sun Electronics arcade game distributed by Atari, which caused some hard feelings. Know who else is experiencing some hard feelings? The kangaroos in this week's short story "Kanga-Ruined". 

So throw some shrimp on the barbie and hop on over and give us a listen. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for our "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and social media here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up Atari Bytes merchandise at the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Please consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

This week, episode 162 of the podcast isn't just coasting in neutral. We pop the clutch, pop a wheelie and burn rubber down the track! It's DRAGSTER from 1980, one of Activision's first efforts for the Atari. 

I know there's been some controversy about world record scores and what not. But know what isn't controversial? This week's poem written (Why not?) in the style of Schoolhouse Rock's "A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing", though not really. Did Schoolhouse Rock feature a clown named Mr. Soggy Pants? Well, MY poem does!

But please listen anyway.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

You can support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks in advance.

Pick up Atari Bytes merchandise in the AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Atari Bytes social media, episodes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

BRIAN COLIN IS A FLIPPIN' GENIUS.

How do I know? Well, he helped design two of the most beloved fun, whimsical arcade games of ALL TIME. RAMPAGE and XENOPHOBE, among many others. And then they were adapted for the home video console market which was...almost as good?

We've talked about Rampage in the past. This week on episode 161, we've got the 1988 Atari 7800 port of XENOPHOBE. Does it live up to it's arcade progenitor? Ancestor? Daddy? 

This game about beaming aboard a space station overrun by aliens and blasting them with your phaser - which is totally different than Star Trek - is the backdrop for this week's story "To Go Where No One Has … But Not Boldly". The story centers on a character who is basically the space equivalent of Hermie from 1960's TV's "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer". 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons us of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the storytime theme.

Thanks to Mike Mann for the Mad Mike Hughes update theme.

Atari Bytes show notes episodes and more. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. 

Check out the merch in our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store.

You can support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

WOOOHOOOO! Check it out, y'all! We're doing CODEBREAKER on episode 160 of Atari Bytes!

ZZZZZZZZZ.

Sorry! Nodded off there. Seriously though, in 1978 when this game came out, the idea of using a keypad controller to play a game by entering numbers on the pad that show up on a TV screen was probably pretty compelling. Today though? Well, listen to the show to hear our thoughts.

BUT...our favorite 1980s superspy STEVE STETSON, does drop by to save the world in this week's short story "DEATH BY THE NUMBERS: A STEVE STETSON, 1980s SUPERSPY, ADVENTURE".

So there's that.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes show notes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Thanks to Mike Mann for his Mad Mike Hughes update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme.

Please consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page.

You can pick up Atari Bytes merch on our Atari Bytes store, AB_Pod_Store, on Zazzle.com

In this divided world we live in, it's fitting episode 159 features ENTOMBED, the U.S. Games title from 1982. It's a game about running blindly through a maze, not really knowing where you're going. You stay alive by putting up walls between you and those with whom you conflict. Also, your enemies are zombies. Substitute Internet trolls for zombies and it's just like real life.

Relationships also are at the heart of this week's story "Wall-Eyed".  Archaeologist Roger Lipton's brain says one thing; his heart says another. What's an adventurer to do?

So, cat-a-COMB on over and listen! (Get it? Like COME on over...Just humor me.)

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incomptech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes - episodes, social media and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get all your Peanuts info here!

Consider support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

You can pick up sweet Atari Bytes merch at our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store. 

Thanks to Mike Mann for our Mad Mike Hughes Theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme.

Come in! Come in! Welcome to "The Grille"! Sit anywhere. Grab a menu. It's short. You can have anything you want as long as it's a burger on a bun. What's that? Oh, that cursing from the assembly room is just Short-Order Sam trying to fill all the orders himself. You can't pay minimum wage to every one. Wait? Come back! He doesn't drop all the toppings on the floor...

In episode 158, we're playing PRESSURE COOKER. Short-Order Sam single-handedly defends "The Grille" from bad Yelp reviews. Sam works hard, but is he happy? What brought him to this junction on life's highway? We have thoughts in this week's short story. 

So grab some onion rings and some napkins. These burgers are messy.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for our "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Check out merchandise in the Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

You can support Atari Bytes financially on our Patreon page here. 

Episode 157 features a game whose name is both a title and cogent life advice: DODGE 'EM. 

No time to write out the full word "THEM". This race car game moves too fast! Can you gobble all the pellets in the maze before you get caught? Does that sound a lot like Pac-Man? That's weird...

Why are you, car driver, so desperate for speed and pellets? This week's short story has an idea...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more here. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get you fix of all things in the Snoopy universe here. 

You can pick up Atari Bytes merchandise on Zazzle.com

Please consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

Plunk down your chips, put on your poker face and shove an extra Ace wherever you need to. It's time to play some cards!

This week on episode 156 of the podcast, we're playing CASINO, from Atari, 1978. And you can BET the FULL HOUSE that this week's story, "A Quarter of the Way There" will DEAL you a HANDful of feels.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his Mad Mike Hughes update theme.

Thanks to Sean Courtney for our Storytime theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

Are you ready for some football?

Well, too bad. This week on episode 155 we're gonna slam dunk on Kareem Abdul Jabbar as we're playing Atari BASKETBALL from 1979. Then we'll celebrate Dr. James Naismith's creation of the wholesome American game of basketball with some mildly suggestive poetry in the style of Victorian era erotic literature. I'm not slapping the "explicit" tag on this episode, but don't say I didn't warn you. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for the Mad Mike Hughes update theme. 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for our brand NEW storytime theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and more are here. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. 

You can support the show financially on our Patreon page here.

Here's a link to the Strategy Wiki article about the various Atari Basketballs.

Episode 154 fires at you like a cannonball, screaming profanity and peeing itself with fear like a human. That's right, we're playing from Atari's early days the "what the hell, let's try this" title, the 1978 classic HUMAN CANNONBALL.

Those of you who didn't get enough of your aggressions out by splatting flailing stick figures into the ground in "Circus Atari", this game is for you. But does this week's short story land dead center in the water tank or smack the dirt?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

If you're still interested in a review of 2018 written in the style of classic children's book "Goodnight Moon", well I wrote one! Go read it here.

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and what not. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! You could ring in 2019 watching a ball drop, while drenched in expensive champagne and kissing your favorite person. OR...

...you could crack open whatever was on sale and come on out to the movies. Tuxedo is optional.

This week on episode 153, we're reviewing the 1982 action hit sort of action-y flop MEGAFORCE. This is the movie which inspired the MEGAFORCE game. (See episode 129). Who is "we"? Well, making his first appearance on ATARI BYTES, it's FERG! That's right, Robert Ferguson of the Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast stops by to talk with me about this movie. I wonder if he'll ever come back. 

So put on your blue headband and pilot your flying motorcycle into the cargo plane that is this movie. You probably won't be sorry.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks in advance. 

Christmas is over, but Santa is a jolly old elf for all seasons. And in my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, he quits! He befriends a famous author with emotional problems and a multiple alien abductee. In this Santa story for adults, the three men learn about friendship, about themselves and - wait for it - save Christmas as we know it. Here's on of the many places you can order it. 

My annual review written in the style of classic children's book "Goodnight Moon" is up! Check out GOODNIGHT, 2018! on the blog.

Ho - Ho - HO...ly cow! It's the Christmas episode of ATARI BYTES!

In episode 152, we set aside the egg-nog-drenched game console to wish you all a joyous holiday season. To thank you for your support throughout the year, please enjoy the world debut of my original poem 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE ATARI CHRISTMAS.

Now go ask Santa to stop using the Pac-Man cart as a coaster for his milk. And the E.T. cartridge is not a cookie plate.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", and "Oh, Christmas Tree". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and more. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Support the show on the Atari Bytes Patreon.com page here.

Want to keep the holidays going for a bit, at least in your own brains? Check out my Santa Claus novel FOR ADULTS. It's called IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, available wherever you like to order books, such as this place. 

We hope you already peed, because once the cross-country race that is this week's episode gets going, we're not stopping. It's the Activision game ENDURO, from 1983. So, this week's story probably has something to do with eggplant farming.

Racers! Ready! Get set! Listen to 151!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, social media and more. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown- grab a root beer and get your fill of ALL things Peanuts here, on the 15th of every month. 

Here's the Atari Bytes Patreon page where you can support the show financially. Thanks. 

In the St. Nick of Time is my holiday novel. A Santa Claus story for us adults. You can order it wherever you get books. Here's one of those places.

Much like the unnamed karate-practitioner in Broderbund's 1988 port of KARATEKA for the Atari 7800, my moves are lightning fast and totally ineffectual. But we both look great with bare feet. Bunions are in now, right?

Why is Mr. No Name - let's call him "Ed" - storming the castle of evil warlord Akuma? Why does Akuma leave his doors unlocked? Is the lovely, Princess Mariko longing to be saved by...Ed...or is she doing just fine on her own, thank you?

We'll take a flying drop kick into episode 150, roundhouse the deets on this game and then, as the story within the game lies convulsing on the floor, we'll FINISH HIM. 

(Note to self, less coffee before writing the show notes for next episode.)

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes Theme". 

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, and social media.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Good Grief! That's my other show!

Patreon - You can support Atari Bytes financially here. 

Zazzle.com - the Atari Bytes merchandise store is here. If you have suggestions for items you'd like to see, let me know.

You can order my novel IN THE ST. NICK IN TIME pretty much anywhere you want (support your indie book stores!), but here's a common location. And don't forget to leave a review!

Episode 149 offers up GOPHER, a 1982 U.S. Games title for those among us who long to bash in the brains of a furry little creature with a shovel. 

In the game, you are a farmer defending your carrot patch from relentless gophers stealing your crop. You are armed with a shovel which you wield with merciless glee. Sometimes you actually use to fill in the holes the gopher leaves, but, mostly, you're all about the bonking. Who doesn't love to bonk their pocket gopher now and then?

So what's this week's story about? I, too, am scared to imagine...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can, if you're able, support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks!

If you're so inclined, check out my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story for ADULTS. Humor, gun play, and St. Nick in an existential crisis. Hope you enjoy! Here's one of many places you can order it. 

What goes better with reheated Thanksgiving leftovers than the disturbing jelled, canned cranberry podcast equivalent ATARI BYTES?

If I had to venture a guess, I'd say this week's episode IS THE SINGLE GREATEST PODCASTING EXPERIENCE YOU WILL EVER HAVE... during the time you listen to this particular podcast. 

In episode 148, we're playing VENTURE, Coleco's 1982 port of the classic arcade game that I never actually played. Treasure hunters seek their booties in deep, dark dungeons. Meanwhile monsters shake their booties in pursuit of those same hunters. 

You'll be relieved to know that I don't think the word "booty" appears anywhere in this week's story.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes - the website

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Calling all Snoopy lovers!

Thanks to Mike Mann for our Mad Mike Hughes Theme!

Consider checking out my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story...for adults! You can order wherever you like to order books. Here's one of those places!

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page. You can do that here. Thanks. 

Take a deep breath and bend over to touch your toes! Your tic-tac-toes, that is. And 1 and 2 and 1 and 2...

This week on episode 147, we're playing an early Atari effort from 1978: 3D TIC-TAC-TOE. Was making tic-tac-toe three dimensional an innovative twist on a perennial diner placement favorite or was it a distracting, pancake-themed riddle over nothing more worthy than a gravy stain on that placemat?

Thanks to Mike Mann for the Mad Mike Hughes Theme.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

You can support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks. 

Here's one of many places you can pick up my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME - a sort of Santa Claus story for adults. Don't like this retailer? Pick your own! You can order it pretty much anywhere! Thanks in advance!

Despite the waves of political unrest, some 8 million tourists visit Egypt every year to take in such amazing sites as the Great Sphinx. Therefore, when the listener stats come in for episode 146 of the show, iMagic's RIDDLE OF SPHINX, we're expecting similar numbers. That's reasonable, right?

*Ahem*

Anyway, as the son of the Prince of Egypt, you are the ultimate tourist striving to get in line ahead of death god Anubis at the funnel cake stand. Or something.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and oh, so much more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes Theme".

Please consider supporting the production costs for Atari Bytes by joining the Patreon. You can do that here. Thanks in advance!

Here is one of the places you can pick up IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, my holiday Santa Claus story for adults. 

This week on episode 145 of ATARI BYTES, we dive deep into the valley of the poisonous mountain cacti (plural for cactus) that is the intersection of philosophy and science. For example:

If the universe encompasses everything we know, but the universe is also expanding, WHAT is it expanding into?

Mallory said he climbed Mt. Everest simply because it is there. What the hell does that mean?

That second wondering is prompted by this week's mountain climbing game SPIKE'S PEAK, Xonox, 1983. It was hard getting hold of this one. A cadre of strong men put all their effort into turning the double ender cartridge we played "Ghost Manor" on last week around so that we could play SPIKE'S PEAK. We're exhausted. You're welcome. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for our "Mad Mike Hughes" update theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, social media, puppies*

*No actual puppies. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - My other show is chock full of Chuck Brown, Snoopy, and cartoonist Charles Schulz himself

The Atari Bytes Patreon page is here. If you can donate to the show, we thank you in advance. 

We've got a spook-tacular Halloween-ish episode this week. You won't get any candy, but it could be worse. You could get a bag full of rocks. (Sorry, Charlie Brown)

We scare ourselves silly* with the 1983 Xonox title GHOST MANOR.

*Not actually that scary.**

**The game has not so much in the way of ghosts as it does have frolicking little boys and girls playing amongst the tombstones.***

***That's pretty weird though.

So, if you think you're brave enough, join us for a chillingly good time...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike" update theme.

Atari Bytes show notes and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

The Atari Bytes Patreon page is here.

This week on episode 143, we get a demonstration of what happens when you title a game by smashing two words together to create a third word. 

This week's game is ASTROBLAST, an unholy union of "astronomy" or "astronomical" and "blast". Personally, I thing "Astronomical Blast" is just as, if not more, inviting a game title as Astroblast, by M Network in 1982 never asked me. 

The title is enough to tell us this game is about blasting things wherever astronomy is. That probably means space! And that is awfully fun. 

So is this week's original short story!

So much goodness in one podcast episode. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes" theme

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show

The Atari Bytes Patreon page can be found here. Please consider donating. Thanks in advance.

In "Ghostbusters", Rick Moranis told Sigourney Weaver he was the key master. Well, cool as Rick was, he's got nothing on you, my friend. For, with a little luck, you can be the STARMASTER.

This week, we're playing the 1982 Activision game STARMASTER. Anyone can wish upon a star. Catch a falling star. See stars if you smack your head on the game console after passing your eighteenth straight hour of Pitfall II. But only the elite listener of this podcast can attain the rank of STARMASTER. Good luck.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Theme".

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Everything you wanted to know about the Peanuts strip, animation, the mind of cartoonist Charles Schulz, and the strip's place in the universe.

You can support the show financially on the Atari Bytes patreon page here.

You got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away. Know when to run. 

Then prepare to get laughed at and possibly shot by the dudes you're playing with at the Old West saloon, because we're not playing poker on episode 141 of the podcast, we're playing BLACKJACK. 

This 1977 title from Atari is one of the original nine the company released with this new-fangled devil-machine unleased on the unsuspecting masses who'd only just recovered from the mind scramble that was pong.

After the cards are dealt, we have a short story inspired by the sweet science of blackjacking. Or whatever.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for his Mad Mike Hughes theme.

Atari Bytes - our site with all our episodes, show notes, social media and what not.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey, Peanuts fans (and you know you are), here's my other podcast. On the 15th of every month, dive deep into the lore of the strips, the TV specials, the movies, the mind of cartoonist Charles Schulz itself. 

Please consider supporting the show financially to keep the lights on here at the studio. You can do that at our Patreon page here. Thanks.

This week's episode is dedicated to tennis great Serena Williams, who was beaten recently by a young upstart. Serena, if you're listening (and reading those show notes), you are welcome to come play TENNIS from Activision with me anytime. I assure you, you will have no trouble beating me.

That's right, in episode 140, we're playing the 1981 Activision (squee!) game TENNIS. "What's this one about?" you ask. Then I ignore you because, really, that should be self-evident. 

We're talking about this sports game, Bert & Ernie, the origins of the cliché "Tennis, anyone?", and the curvature of space/time. Also, we've got a nice little short fiction piece about boys growing up in the early 1980s...until things take a turn...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike" update theme.

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and more. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - the show that meets all your Snoopy needs

Please consider support the show on our Patreon page which you can do here. 

"Wouldn't you rather play a nice game of chess?" - Joshua, the WOPR US defense computer, speaking to Matthew Broderick in "Wargames".

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Matthew Broderick, though I think that was in a different movie.

Anyway, this week, we're playing the 1979 Atari stalwart VIDEO CHESS. You thought you knew chess, but you haven't lived until you've seen rooks and bishops and whatnot rendered in digital form. It's gonna get CRRRAZZY up in here! How can I ever make a story from this game? No, seriously. HOW?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike" theme.

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, social media here

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Patreon - Please consider supporting the show on our Patreon page to help us keep the pod-lights shining. 

Sometimes, the setups for these blurbs write themselves.

Are you ready?

Here we go.

This week's game is Atari's 1988 offering for the 7800 console CRACK'ED. Join us to find out if this game is all it's CRACKED up to be.

Low-hanging fruit, friends. Or low hanging eggs, we should say. And we have to protect them from snakes and relentless birds. Seriously, Hitchcock's movie "The Birds" has nothing on this game.

And why are the eggs in the trees? And in the sewer? And UNDER THE FLIPPIN' SEA FOR CRYING OUT LOUD???

So many questions, so little time. We'll ignore most of them and instead, make lots of egg-related puns. It would be egg-cellent if you joined us!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks also to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike" Hughes theme. 

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and more. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my Snoopy intensive podcast. Climb inside the doghouse full of strips, TV specials, merchandise, the very mind of Charles Schulz himself.

The Atari Bytes Patreon page is out there, should you be inclined to financially support this show. Thanks in advance. 

This week, we're battling the flagship of the Galagan fleet on ATARI BYTES, the flagship of all the podcasts on the Internet.*

*Might not be the actual flagship.**

**The podcast is mostly just tolerated.

We're playing the 1987 Atari 7800 port of Namco's legendary GALAGA. The. Best. Game. Ever. Okay, that's debatable, but as much as has been said about the virtues (and some deficits) of the game, has anyone ever speculated about what was ticking off the Galagan Fleet? What it was like to be drafted into the Intergalactic Warrior Fleet? No. No. They haven't. Until now.

So jump into your flight suit, squirt some space meatloaf into your maw and strap in for the space battle of all space battles. 

Thanks to Mike Mann for his Mad Mike Hughes update theme.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media, fudge. (Maybe) 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Get a monthly feast of all things Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Charles Schulz himself. 

You can donate to the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

The Atari Bytes Zazzle merch store is still up should you wish to partake here.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the podcatcher…

ATARI BYTES Episode 136 SHARK ATTACK (formerly known as LOCHJAW) is circling ever closer to its prey - I mean its listener - offering you a unique take on this 1982 Apollo game. 

This week's story could feature sharks...but that's a little on the nose, don't you think? We might go with a "My Dinner With Andre" type think piece instead.

Or maybe not. You'll just have to listen and find out!

Thanks to Mike Mann for his "Mad Mike Hughes Theme"

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes - shownotes, episodes, social media

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - all things Peanuts in just one monthly podcast. 

The Atari Bytes Patreon page is right here, should you wish to financially support the show.

If your lock is warped, do you need a skeleton key with scoliosis to open it?

We have many questions in episode 135, WARPLOCK from Date Age, 1982. None of which will be answered.

How will the ship get free of the space/time warp leaving it at the mercy of the space pirates? If you warp time, does that mean I can watch Sharknado 6 live again? If you lock space, and you call a locksmith, can you just carpool with the locksmith back to where the ship is since you now occupy the same space?

Will any of these questions be answered? No. No, they will not.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes show notes, social media...keys to the universe.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - This podcast fills all your Peanuts gang needs from Snoopy to Pig Pen and beyond.

You can support the show on our Patreon page here. 

In 2018, the ATARI BYTES podcast life support systems malfunctioned, freezing the host and leaving him in suspended animation. When he was revived five hundred years later, no one had a podcast app.

NOOOOOOO!

The future is scary, friends.

But the future is a safe space in episode 134, BUCK ROGERS PLANET OF ZOOM from Sega, 1982. Why? Because Buck is here protecting us. Well, not actually US. He's protecting Planet Zoom. Or fighting it? And I guess it's never really clear that it's Buck in the ship. Could be Luke Skywalker for all I know.

Basically, we have questions about this game. But not about the story (we made up) within the game. That is quite good. *Pats self on back. Cries over dislocated shoulder.*

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and other stuff. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - My other show! Get your fill of all things Snoopy here. 

Please consider supporting the podcast financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

In Episode 133 of Atari Bytes, we release our bopper! 

It's both creepy and cosmic, man!

Our game this week is COSMIC CREEPS from Telesys, 1982. Your orbinaut must save the cosmic kids from the space station before the planet's orbit is in retrograde and the moon is in Sagittarius, but only when Uranus is visible. Or something.

And why, exactly, are we unleashing our bopper in front of the orbinaut? Well, you'll have to stick around for the story to find out.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Thanks to Mike Mann for providing our "Mad Mike Hughes Update" theme!

Atari Bytes - show notes and infinitesimally more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! You know you love the Peanuts gang (or know someone who does). On this show, we cover everything in Snoopy's TARDIS doghouse and more.

Please consider donating to the production costs of the show on our Atari Bytes Patreon page.

Imagine slimy worms maneuvering blindly through the topsoil, pooping and plotting the demise of civilization. Not unlike this podcast.

In episode 132 of ATARI BYTES, we're playing the 1982 20th Century Fox game "WORM WAR I". War is hell, inspiring much moving poetry. It also inspired this week's somewhat less moving poetry. 

Thanks to whoever wrote the kid's nursery rhyme "Inchworm" for making this week's poem possible!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Mike Mann for his Mad Mike Hughes update jingle.

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media, episodes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Good grief! That's my other show!

Please consider donating to the show on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks!

The Atari Bytes Zazzle.com store is still up. Go grab some "Go Play Some Old Games, They've Missed You" stuff!

Yodelayheehoo! The hills are alive with the sound of...sparse, but integral music in episode 131, MOUNTAIN KING. 

This 1983 CBS Electronics game boasts a dark cave, diamonds, spirts, both flame and skull, and a quest for the mysterious golden crown. Bats and spiders and grumpy spirits bar your way. Sort of like life. 

The look of the game is simple..but what about the narrative lying underneath the surface? As our explorer unearths the temple, we are on a quest to unearth the story within this game. (And there just might be a bonus second story in this week's offering!)

Hope a giant spider doesn't sit on me. Unless he says "please".

*Audio Note* - There's quite a bit of crinkling paper in the audio for this one. Sorry about that. My cohost was busy writing during the recording and I failed to realize how much the microphone picked up. My bad.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks also to Mike Mann for providing the Mad Mike Hughes jingle.

Atari Bytes show notes, social media and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Come inside a Snoopy's doghouse full of strips, TV specials and movies, merchandise and the mind of Schulz himself. We do it all here on the 15th of every month.

Please consider support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page at patreon.com

Question: What's lower than a snake's belly?

Answer: Your mood after playing SSSNAKE, 1982, from Data Age.

Sorry. Spoilers!

It's got a bad reputation, but is SSSNAKE really as bad as we've heard? And, even if it is, can we shove our forked tongue into the meat of the story within the game to shed some literary goodness into your podcast-listening mechanisms?

Man, I hope so.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes - episodes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Admit it...you love Snoopy too!

Please consider plugging some quarters into the Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

In 1982, movie-goers were embracing a new, post-apocalyptic, motorcycle and explosion fueled popcorn movie. What was it?

That's right: Road Warrior.

But a few people misread their ticket stubs and wandered into the 20th Century Fox motorcycle and explosion-fueled popcorn movie MEGA FORCE. Make that a very few people. Well, one, actually. The film's star Barry Bostwick's mother, we think.

Few people know Barry's mom was a huge Atari fan too, so the 1982 game MEGA FORCE, and by extension episode 129 of Atari Bytes, was born. The game is mostly notable for blowing up a young Bryon Cranston in the commercial. Seriously, go look it up on YouTube.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", "Volatile Reaction" and "Killers".

Atari Bytes - Show notes, episodes, social media, etc.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get a deep dive into Snoopy's doghouse and everything else in Peanuts Town here.

Consider supporting the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page. You can do that thing here. Thanks in advance.

This week in episode 128 of ATARI BYTES, it's the Three Little Pigs (curly) tale LIKE NEVER BEFORE. We're playing the 1982 Konami/Stern Electronics game POOYAN. That means "pig" in Japanese. See, you learned something. Congratulations, you!

Mama Pig is on the rampage. Not in Rampage, mind you, though the idea of a giant pig smashing buildings is a good one. The wolves have taken her little piglets. This aggression will not stand. Join her as she takes down each and every Canus Lupus with her trusty bow. How a pig shoots an arrow with hooves is not for mere mortals like us to ask. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and cupcakes. I'm lying about one of those things. Go see which one!

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. For all things Peanuts - from the strip to the merchandise to the animated efforts to Schulz himself. It's all there.

You can help keep the lights on at the show with a donation on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks to those already doing and to the rest of you in advance!

Now that the sun has set on our trip to the gaming past/future during Intellivision month and my Sears Tele-Games is back in it's lonely, dusty corner (to be fair, most corners in my house are dusty), we return to the present in episode 127 with the Activision (squee!) title FREEWAY from 1981.

What could be better than getting out on the highway for a little road trip? Well, mowing down some poultry while you're at it, of course! But in this game, you get to channel your inner birdie, playing as the Gallus gallus domesticus trying to cross the road. Thing is, ten lanes of traffic don't give a feathery fig if you actually make it. Keep your feathery head down and keep moving!

In this week's story, we actually try to answer the question: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Thanks to Aretha Franklin! I couldn't have done this week's story without her.

Here's the article about using Raspberry Pi to bring Doctor Who's K-P back to life.

Thanks to Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Please consider helping to keep the lights on here at the podcast by making a donation on our Patreon page here.

In episode 126, Intellivision Month comes to an end. *SOB*

Does the epic conclusion of this Atari Bytes experiment bowl a strike or land in the gutter?

The question is apt, because this week we're playing SUPER VIDEO ARCADE BOWLING from Mattel, 1980. After we enjoy some pin action and virtual chili cheese fries, we enjoy this week's story inspired by the game featuring the first appearance of BOBBY PINS: GALACTIC BOWLER.

So refill your beverage, disinfect your rental shoes and chalk your palms. IT'S TIME TO BOWL!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media links and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get your monthly fill of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the mind of Schulz himself!

AB_Pod_Store - that's where you can find "Go play some old games. They've missed you." shirts, mugs and much more on Zazzle.com

Go to the Atari Bytes page on Patreon here to make a donation to help keep the lights on at this here podcast. Thanks!

The grassy outfield. The roar of the crowd. I've got my cap and cup. Put me in, Coach. I'm ready to game! Take me out to the ball game. Take me out to the...game room?

Intellivision month continues on Atari Bytes episode 125 with Mattel's Major League Baseball (aka "Super Video Arcade Baseball", aka "Big League Baseball", aka just, you know, "Baseball") It's a dandy 1979 title even my dad would play when I was a kid. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media, episodes, etc.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Join us for a deep dive into the comic strips, TV, movie and merchandise from the beloved Peanuts juggernaut.

The Atari Bytes AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com is where you can get "Go play some old games. They've missed you" mugs, shirts and so much more.

Support the show financially at our Atari Bytes page on Patreon to help keep this show running.

Intellivision Month continues on episode 124 with ASTROSMASH, which, contrary to what you might think, does NOT include the Hulk in an astronaut suit smashing lunar modules. 

The 1981 Mattel game is like a cross between Asteroids and Space Invaders, taking elements from both - especially the laser blasts. Why would they do this? And what is motivating the laser battery commander (aka you) to act? Not to give anything away, but we think it's the NEED TO DANCE!

What do we mean by that? Listen to find out!

Here's the Atari Times article comparing Atari and Intellivison.

Here's a link to that Venture Beat article about Tommy Tallarico's plan to bring back Intellivision. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media links, episodes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get your Snoopy fix here.

Pick up "Go play some old games" shirts, mugs and more at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com here.

Patreon.com - Go to our Atari Bytes page on Patreon to support the show financially. 

Order up! Ever go to a burger joint expecting the familiar, tasty bacon double with crispy onion rings you love, only to find out they've changed the menu to some sort of tofurky burger or something? Then you're all worried, but discover it's pretty tasty too? Episode 123 is kind of like that.

This month, our nice Atari 2600, story-based podcast has been overrun by Intelevision bandits. They even ate all my onion rings! 

Now, every Sunday in June, we're featuring an Intelevision title. We kick things off with the iconic BURGERTIME from Bally Midway. Compared to the Atari port (which we covered on the podcast WAY back in episode 25!), does the Intelevision port stack up like your favorite bun full of meat, or more like trying to stack the ketchup packets at the bottom of the bag? And what, exactly, is Chef Peter Pepper up to this time?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Oppressive Gloom". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and so much more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Love the Peanuts comics, TV shows, movies and merchandise? So do we! We cover it all on this podcast, which drops on the 15th of every month.

AB_Pod_Store - That's our store on Zazzle.com where you can get "Go play some old games" mugs, shirts and more.

Want to donate to the show? Thanks! Here's the Patreon.com page where you can do just that.

The star power driving the nuclear fission that is this week's episode, 122, of the podcast is off the (radiation) charts

There's me, of course.

But we've also got Jane Fonda! Michael Douglas! Jack Lemmon!

Oh, and some super naughty Muppets!

Okay, technically, none of those people is on the show. They're all in the 1979 movie China Syndrome. A "China syndrome" is a theory that an exploding nuclear reactor could punch a hole through the Earth from North America to China. This theory inspired the 1982 Spectravision game of the same name. Because there's nothing kids love more than nuclear physics.

Oh, there's no Muppets actually on the show either. There's still me, though, and I'm pretty sure I'm not a Muppet. No matter what my eighth grade teacher said. 

We'll take the atoms floating around this game reactor and smash them together to unleash the story energy within. Or something.

Beware the Atari Mushroom Cloud awaits.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - episodes, show notes, social media, on and on and on

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Anything you want to know about the Peanuts strip, films, TV, merchandise. We do it all.

Get your "Go Play Some Old Games" mugs, shirts and more at our store AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com here.

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon.com page here. Thanks in advance.

In space, can anyone hear you fall into a cavern?

The 1982 Games by Apollo shooter with the most Five-PM-On-A-Friday-Trying-To-Get-Out-Of-The-Office title ever, SPACE CAVERN is our focus this week in episode 121. 

Where is this cavern? Is it just floating in space? Is that even possible? Instead, is it on a planet and, if so, shouldn't the game be called "Planet Cavern" or maybe just "Cavern"? What is an electrosauri? Why does it want to kill us?

All these questions (and more) will be answered in this week's story (or not).*

*Which is to say, probably no questions will be answered.**

**And more will probably be generated. Such is life.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Springs" and "Reformat"?

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media, etc.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Have a need to know about Snoopy and friends in any form - strip, TV, film or merchandise? We've got you covered.

AB_Pod_Store is our merchdise store on Zazzle.com - get yer "Go play some old games" mugs and stuff here.

Here's a link to the Atari Bytes Patreon page. Please consider supporting the show financially if you are able.

What up, moms of the world!

What better way to celebrate on the day in which we honor the mothers in the world who do so much for us than by putting on headphones and ignoring them while we listen to podcasts?

This week, on episode 120, we're checking out I WANT MY MOMMY from Zimag. It's a game deliberately targeted to the under-eight-year-old set. We assume that's chronological age, not maturity level. Will this game delight us or leave us weeping for OUR mommies? 

In this week's story, WHY exactly do we want our mommies? The mystery awaits...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, links, social media, episodes and more can be found here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! If it exists in the Peanuts universe, we talk about it on this show. Check it out.

AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com - get her "Go play some old games, they've missed you." shirts, mugs and more here.

Patreon.com - Please consider supporting Atari Bytes financially to offset some of our costs here.

On episode 119 of ATARI BYTES, there's magic all around us.

*Waits patiently for my Dr. Strange cape to wrap itself around me. Nothing happens. I sigh heavily and move on.*

We're playing the 1983 Mythicon game SORCERER. The wizards fight the sorcerer - you - for the treasure Pitfall Harry apparently left behind. We'll take Harry's leftovers. We're not picky. You could wonder why, if you're a sorcerer, you can't just conjur your own treasure. But perhaps it's best not to ask so many questions. The plot in this week's story doesn't just have holes. It has craters. Bring your climbing equipment. 

Here's a link to the complex.com 50 greatest Saturday morning cartoons we talked about.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Interested in some aspect of the Peanuts universe? We probably cover it.

Pick up "Go play some old games" shirts, mugs and more at our Zazzle.com AB_Pod_Store here.

Please consider support the show at our Patreon page here.

Hollywood has unleashed monsters on an unsuspecting country. No, I don't mean predatory Hollywood executives. 

We're talking, of course, about the 2018 Duane Johnson blockbuster movie "RAMPAGE", based on the beloved 1986 arcade game. An evil corporation loses it's "gene-editing" sample. A wolf, a crocodile and a gentle, though foul-mouthed (tsk)(via sign language), gorilla named George grow to thirty feet tall and go on a, well, on a RAMPAGE to Chicago. As one does. 

This week, on episode 118, we're taking a break from playing games and making up stories about them to watch a MOVIE based on a game and analyze its story. Let someone else do the work for once. We're busy eating popcorn.*

*And Junior Mints.**

**I was hungry. Stop judging. 

I'm pretty sure Duane Johnson will be calling any day now to be on the podcast after he hears this episode.

Oh, and in the episode, I shamelessly beg creamy, refreshing Junior Mints to sponsor the show. Junior Mints, call me! 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - Show notes, social media, episodes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get your Snoopy fix here.

Check out "Go play some old games" mugs and more at our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

Support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

I just flew in from Milwaukee and boy are my arms tired.*

*I didn't actually fly. I drove.**

**My arms are fine. Thanks for asking.

I just came back from the 2018 Midwest Gaming Classic where I had a great time at the Atari Bytes table talking to current listeners and lots of potential new listeners. If you are one of those new listeners, welcome to the party!

I also picked up some great new games from the various vendors selling their wares, played some great arcade games and met a slew of well-known gaming people from the guys at the "Guys, Games and Beer" podcast to legends Billy Mitchell and Walter Day, and from game designers like Jeff Lee to Brian Colin.

This was my first time at MGC and the "Pie Factory" guys, Jim and Sean, were invaluable to making my experience awesome. Thanks, guys!

On episode 117, I talk about my time at MGC. AND...I read some of the "mad lib" style stories visitors to the AB table at MGC wrote for me. One lucky writer might win an ATARI BYTES t-shirt, like the one I wore at MGC. (Not the SAME shirt, mind you. That would be gross.) WHO WILL IT BE??????

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes show notes, social media, episodes and more on our site here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Your one stop source for all things Peanuts.

Check out Atari Bytes "go play some old games" shirts, mugs and more at AB_Pod_Store, our Zazzle.com store here.

Please consider supporting the show financially as you are able on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

A political hot button issue is the state of America's infrastructure. Our bridges, roads and buildings are crumbling before our eyes. It's a national crisis. And, yet, our politicians do nothing.

What the liberal media WON'T tell you about, though, is the plague of mutated dinosaurs, werewolves and gorillas that are single-handedly (triple-handedly?) devouring our great cities and pooping the rubble into those devastated roads. 

The Atari 7800 port of the 1986 Bally Midway arcade classic RAMPAGE, our focus in episode 116 of ATARI BYTES, puts you in the role of those mutant monsters. Sure, politicians squabble while our buildings crumble, but they lack the style of an irradiated werewolf. Except you-know-who. From Vermont I think? It's just a rumor, but everyone hears the howling. Just sayin'. 

(In related news: I was once in a band called Dino Poop Rubble.)

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes show notes, social media and so much more!

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up "Go play some old games" shirts and more in our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

You can support the show financially on our Patreon page here.

As you emerge from your chocolate Easter bunny sugar coma, let episode 115 of ATARI BYTES spool soothing wake up game info into your ear holes.

Back in 1980-81-ish, we imagine, the folks at Activision had this new space battle game, sort of a top-down Missile Command with alien invaders and ground forces and lots of laser battles. "What should we call it?" someone asked. They came up with lots of cool options, but couldn't agree on one. It was getting to be 5 o'clock and the production team wanted to get to the bar, so someone said, "Screw it. Let's just call the thing LASER BLAST and get out of here." And so they did.

And now we're playing the most generically named video game since "Combat". But the story within the game is UNIQUE and EXCITING! At least, we think so. Hope you do too.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and episodes!

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. All the Snoopy, all the time.

AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com - Here's where you can get "Go Play Some Old Games" shirts and more.

Patreon.com - You can support the show financially here!

Here, in episode 114, there be monsters!

In Froggo's 1987 treasure-hunting adventure SEA HUNT, it's raining gold doubloons. The pieces of eight are scattered like our dreams on the ocean floor as you, fearless skin diver, harpoon man-eating fish and sea monsters to get to a sunken Spanish galleon. Is the game a treasure chest or a bucket of chum? Whatever the answer, the story within might be the key to Davey Jones' locker...and his heart.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and stuff...

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here, every month.

AB_Pod_Store - that's our store on Zazzle.com where you can get "Go play some old games" shirts and more...

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Patreon page here.

Hey, Pinheads! Don't biff the bumpers, just nudge the podcast machine - DON'T TILT! - and check out this week's kick-out hole of an episode before it goes down the drain. 

Obviously, this week's episode is all about golf. 

Kidding! Don't do a panic flip. 

Now, let me do a lazarus ball to get these show notes back on track. This week, on episode 113, we're playing VIDEO PINBALL, Atari's 1980 port of it's own 1978 coin-op machine. Is the game (and the story therein) a house ball or a gobble hole? Insert your quarters where indicated and let's find out.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes episodes, social media, show notes and more here...

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here, every month.

You can get "Go play some old games, they've missed you." shirts nd more at our Atari Bytes Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store here.

Consider supporting the show financially on our Patreon page here.

Here's the Mental Floss article where we got the pinball slang used in the episode.

Sorry! No show this week. We've gone fishin'...

Just kidding! In episode 112, we've gone fishin' AND we're doing a show.

How is this possible? Well, obviously we're playing the 1980 Activision (squee!) game FISHING DERBY. So is playing this game like landing a lunker or is it the one that got away? And why, we wonder, are these fish derby-izing?

Unlike the typical fish story, we actually check the facts on this one. Pull up a bucket of chum and join us!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here.

AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com - pick up "Go play some old games" shirts here.

Patreon - support the show financially on the Atari Bytes page here

We could have phoned in this week's episode, #111 to be specific.

We could have tossed Encounter at L-1 at you.

Maybe even L-2 with nary a thought. 

Encounters L-3 and 4? Probably good enough.

But we here at ATARI BYTES believe that any encounters below L-5 are for chumps, which is why we've got for you:

ENCOUNTER AT L-5 from Data Age, 1982.

No need to thank me. But what do we find on our Encounter at L-5? Tune in to find out...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring, "Gustav Sting" and "No Frills Salsa".

Atari Bytes show notes and much more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show

AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com for "Go play some old games" shirts and more

Patreon.com - You can support the show financially here

Episode 110 of the podcast is silent...but DEADLY.

That is to say, we're playing DEADLY DUCK, the 1982 20th Century Fox game. It's sort of like waterfowl nested inside a Space Invaders game and QUACKED everything up. Also, there are brick-wielding crabs and dragonflies armed with bombs. Because why not?

What story could I possibly make out of this? Hope I don't lay a (duck) egg on this one. Listen to find out if I do.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and so much more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here.

The AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com for show shirts and more

You can also support the show financially on our Patreon page here.

Ding-Ding! In the left corner, weighing in at episode 109, it's BOXING by Activision, 1980. In the right corner, weighing in at...well, he's working on it. Gotta get back on that treadmill. It's PODCASTER BILL.

Gentlemen...fight! Dirty tricks and junk-punching totally okay.

Our salute to the Olympics concludes this week with an Activision game. We do love us some Activision here on the podcast. Does this game disappoint? Listen and find out. Then hang around the ring for this week's story devoted to the "sweet science"...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - episodes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get your fix of all things Snoopy here.

Zazzle.com store at AB_Pod_Store - get your "go play some old games" shirts here

Patreon - If you can, support the show financially on our Atari Bytes page on Patreon

Our salute to the Olympics continues this week in episode 108. Like all elite Olympic athletes, I've got a beer and a pocket full of nachos (I hope those are nachos). Why? Because we're going BOWLING! The 1978 Atari version that is. 

You might argue bowling is not an actual Olympic sport. I submit to you that, as with doughnuts being a health food, in my reality Olympic bowling darn well is a thing.

In this week's story: what mystery and intrigue lurks at the other end of the lane? 

Grab your balls and join us!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media, episodes, puppies and chocolates (guess which one is a lie)

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - get all your Snoopy needs met here.

Zazzle.com - AB_Pod_Store - that's my store with "Go Play Some Old Games" shirts and more

Patreon - support the show financially here

As the episode rolls out, the 2018 winter Olympics are underway. The competition! The pageantry! The steroid scandals! To celebrate, we're leaping off the ski jump into the future to play the 1985 game WINTER OLYMPICS from Epyx FOR THE ATARI 7800!!!

If the story WITHIN the game we've come up with can be believed (it can't), the drama and intrigue on the ski jump, bobsled, speed skating rink and biathalon (biathalon? Really?) is NOTHING compared to the thrilling adventure going on behind the scenes. Good thing our old friend, Steve Stetson, superspy, is on the case. 

So cinch up your leotard, grab a bowlful of steroids and join us at the medal ceremony that is this episode!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring", "Volatile" and "Killers".

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and more here

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show.

The AB_Pod_Store at Zazzle.com - pick up show merchandise here.

Patreon - you can support the show on our Atari Bytes page here

This week on the podcast, we're going commando!

Aren't you glad this is an audio podcast?

Of course, we're actually referring to this week's game COMMANDO RAID, a 1982 game from U.S.Games, a division of Quaker Oats. The odor of heavy artillery fire and oatmeal hangs heavy in the air.

In this week's story within the game, we wonder: in the war between the humans and androids, are there any winners?

R.I.P. Mort Walker

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes episodes, show notes, social media here

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here every month.

Pick up Atari Bytes "go play some old games' merchandise and other stuff in our Zazzle.com store here. AB_Pod_Store

Please consider supporting the show financially on Patreon. Thanks!

When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are...though retro gamers get preferential treatment. Am I right???

Well, we wished upon a star and we got episode 105 of Atari Bytes - STAR VOYAGER, the iMagic game from 1982. We wanted to be 6"1", with a chiseled physique and good cheekbones. But this is a good consolation prize. I've still got some Ranch Doritos in the kitchen, so it's all good.

In STAR VOYAGER, you travel among the stars protecting star ports from the treaty-breaking Zakorans. Be careful, or the only wish you'll be making is to not have your atoms scattered among the stars. In this month's story, we imagine Jimminy Cricket in a space helmet singing to space Pinocchio. We might have been heavily medicated when we recorded this.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, social media and what-not can be found here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get your Snoopy fix! Show notes, episodes and social media links here.

Get Atari Bytes mugs, shirts and more at our store AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com here.

If you can, please support this show financially on Patreon here.

If they only knew.

If only Elliott and those soft-hearted scientists knew.

In 1982, extra-terrestrials invaded Earth - by leaving a so-homely-he's-cute alien being to wander the planet, seeking only to feed his addiction to sugary snacks and flowers. This horror was chronicled by some brave journalist named Steven Spielberg in the documentary "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial". Our government finally caught the would-be conquerer of Earth. Phew! Crisis averted!

But then...they let him go...

And as a result, a fate worse than the destruction of Earth crashed down on us.

The same year, Atari self-destructed by way of a pretty bad E.T. game that everyone hated, single-handedly destroying the video game industry. Earth went on a-spinnin', but life as we know it was over.

At least, I think that's how it happened.

This month, as we mark two years since this podcast launched, episode 104 of ATARI BYTES picks through the wreckage to try and figure out why E.T. was the...man? thing? to  bring Earth to its knees. Why, E.T.? WHY??????

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take  Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media links and on and on.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Here's the episodes for all your Snoopy and Charlie Brown needs.

Check out "Go play some old games, they've missed you" shirts and mugs and more at our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store here.

Please consider helping out with the production costs of this show, by supporting us financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page here. Thanks!

Here's that Den of Geek interview with Howard Scott Warshaw

Unearthed 'E.T.' Atari Games Sell for $108,000 at Auction

In 1978, Atari was all set to unleash upon the world another maze game. But then someone said, "We can do better. We can make this maze game something more...something with higher stakes. We can turn an ordinary maze game into a SUPER maze game of chases. We could make this game...a game of COPS AND ROBBERS! We have the technology."

And MAZE CRAZE was born. And it, in turn, begat this podcast episode a mere forty years after that. Funny how fate works.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and oh, so much more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Check out episodes here.

Check out the Atari Bytes shirts and more at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

If you can, please support the production of this podcast on our Patreon page here.

We can thank the 1981 arcade game VANGUARD, and the 1982 Atari port we're talking about this week, for giving us many firsts: the "continue" feature, four-direction shooting, multi-direction stage scrolling, and invincibility power-ups. 

But can VANGUARD give us the love we so desperately need? 

Failing that, how about egg rolls? I feel like some egg rolls...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

The Atari Bytes merchandise store is at AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

As 2017 slinks off the stage wiping from it's jacket bits of rotten tomato, we prepare to usher in a new year full of promise and, of course, Atari games. The (root beer) taps are open. Let's celebrate!

And celebrate we do with Bally Midway's 1983 root beer (*wink*) -slinging party TAPPER. Cheers!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Pick up Atari Bytes mugs and more at our AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

If you can, support the show financially on the Atari Bytes Patreon page.

My 2017 year-in-review "GOODNIGHT, 2017!" is up at my oft-neglected blog here.

Don't forget to please check out my book IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story for adults. It's never too late to start on next year's Christmas spirit.

Egg the nog, yule the log and send Rudolph to guide Santa through the fog. It's CHRISTMAS EVE!

Oh, and it just happens to be episode 100 of this here podcast thingy. 

So what does all this mean for this week's ATARI BYTES episode?

I dunno. Let's find out together! Happy holidays, everyone!

Links:

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and, this week, "Happy Happy Game Show".

Atari Bytes - show notes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here every month. 

Zazzle.com - pick up cool show merch in our store AB_Pod_Store.

Atari Bytes Patreon - Our Patreon page is here. Consider supporting the show if you can.

Here's one of the places you can pick up my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story for adults, ALL YEAR 'ROUND! And if you've already bought the book, thanks! Don't forget to go where you ordered it and leave a review!

Check out my year-in-review, GOODNIGHT, 2017!, here. It's written in the style of classic children's book GOODNIGHT MOON, by Margaret Wise Brown (my apologies)

So, here's what I think happened:

In 1982, game company Parker Brothers wanted to make another video game. One of the designers had her heart set on making a space battle game. Another designer really wanted to make a game that said something about the nuclear arms race and the dangers of nuclear waste. The designers waged all out war, each entrenched in their positions. Until Mr. Parker Brother said, "Work together or you're fired."

And, thus, REACTOR was born. 

Those designers compromised to merge their ideas and create something new. Does the premise, flying your space ship inside a nuclear reactor and fighting evil photons and neutrinos, make any sense? We find out in episode 99. (Spoiler: No)

But there was no way they were going to mix their chocolate and peanut butter.  Some principles just can't be compromised. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes - show notes, episodes, social media and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Get your Snoopy fix here.

Zazzle.com - Get cool mugs, shirts, totes and more at my Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

Patreon - please consider financially support the show on our Atari Bytes page here

My holiday novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME is still available. In fact, you can get this Santa Claus story for adult anytime! Click here for one of the places you can do that.

ATARI BYTES STRIKES BACK...

...With another episode. Number 98 to be specific.

This week, in honor of the oncoming cinematic blockbuster STAR WARS EPISODE VIII: THE LAST JEDI, we're playing the game based on episode II of the original Star Wars trilogy, which *actually* was episode V of the overall story.

Hey, wake up. This is nerdery at it's finest.

Anyway, we're playing STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Is it a good time or do we need the Force just to get through the thing? And by storming ice planet Hoth, what exactly are those AT AT's playing at at?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and much more 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Get your Snoopy fix here.

Here's a place where you can pick up my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus novel for adults.

Pick up Atari Bytes shirts, mugs, bags and more at our Zazzle.com store, AB_Pod_Store

Please consider helping with the production costs of this podcast by supporting the show financially on our Patreon page.

Build a better mouse trap and the world will beat a path to your door.

Well, that's assuming they can find the door. It's like a maze out here. Hasn't anyone heard of Google Maps?

This week on episode 97 we're playing Exidy's 1981 game MOUSE TRAP (Well, specifically we're playing Coleco's later Atari port of said game) and then we'll dissect the motives of the titular mouse. Is it really all about the cheddar?

Crowd around your podcaster apparatus to listen, but on your way grab a big, gooey bowl of cheese fondue and some delectable items to dip. Or a trowel with which to apply the cheese directly to your skin. You do you.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, social media and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Go there for your Charlie Brown and Snoopy fix.

It's the holidays! Check out the t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, stickers and more at our absurdly named Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store here.

If you can, consider supporting the show financially on our Patreon page here to help offset some of the web hosting and other costs. Thanks!

Also, since the holidays are upon us, do please check out my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story for adults. One of the places you can get it is here. Please do leave a review to help others find the book!

"Mad" Mike Huges Cancels Rocket Launch to Prove Earth is Flat

The bomber in Activision's 1981 game KABOOM! is mad. How do we know? The exclamation point in the title, obviously!

That doesn't stop him from dropping bombs with cartoony lit fuses though. What are you supposed to do? Call the bomb squad? Flee the scene? 

Nope. Just get out you buckets of water and start fielding those explosive pop flies. Miss one and bucket water won't be only thing splattered all over the computer landscape. 

Why is all this happening? We'll blow the lid clean off this mystery. Join us!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here.

You can get show-inspired mugs, shirts, tote bags and more at our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME - my novel about three men thrown together during the holidays, one of which is Santa himself. It's a sort of Santa Claus story for adults. Here's one of the many places you can get it.

In the Spectravision B-movie pirate serial THE CHALLENGE OF NEXAR...*Show notes interrupted by a note passed to the host by the editor*

What? THE CHALLENGE OF NEXAR is an Atari game?**

**Yes. Yes, it is. From Spectravision, 1982.

But I thought Spectravision was a format 1950s TV was presented in.***

***You're fired. Also, there are no pirates in it.

Anyway, I guess this is a game where you fly through some sort of colorful space vortex thing and shoot space saucers that look less like saucers and more like an unnamed licensed property, the name of which, in Pig Latin, is Rsta Swar Eti Rfighte.

Classic Arcade Machines Make a Comeback $100 a Pop

If you like my podcast: first, thanks! Second, consider checking out my writing! My novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a sort of Santa Claus story for adults (it even has guns and naughty words!) is available wherever you like to get books. Here's one of those places.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes social media links, show notes, episodes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Find Atari Bytes mugs, shirts, stickers, bags, etc. at our Zazzle.com store here AB_Pod_Store

Please consider supporting the show financially on our Patreon page. You can do that here. I am thankful for all of you.

Feeling claustrophobic? Like the walls are moving in on you? No, you're not coming down from one too many espresso shots. You just have SQUEEZE BOX fever!

And you know what they say about fevers: starve a cold and feed a fever, right? Like, maybe, you could feed it some Quaker oats, which would be appropriate since a division of that company, U.S. Games, released SQUEEZE BOX in 1982. And it's our focus in episode 94.

In the game, you're a prison inmate, desperate to escape as the walls literally squeeze in on you. Don't worry, though, this isn't one of those lame prisons where you have to make due with turning a spork into a shank. In this prison, you have your own gun. Why? Dunno. But we'll make something up!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes, social media links and so much more.

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The holiday season is upon us. If you'd like to check out my novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, please do! Here's one place you can do that. This Santa Claus story for adults is available anywhere you buy books and makes a great physical and/or digital stocking stuffer!

As Jimmy Buffett sang, "I like mine with lettuce and tomato. And hot dogs. And ice cream. And pickles. Not the purple ones though. Eatin' my pickle in paradise!"

(Parrotheads send your angry emails now.)

The 1982 Telesys game FAST FOOD recalls a more innocent era - high calorie snacks. Parachute pants. Urkel. We know the mission in the game is to gobble as much food as you can (We Americans do love our excessive consumption!) and we know WHAT to eat. (Hold the purple pickle!). But do we know WHY we eat?

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Got a hankering for some Peanuts? This show has you covered!

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This week's episode of ATARI BYTES, number 92 for those keeping score, is all about Benjamin Franklin.

Well, not really. But thanks to this week's co-host, my kid Henry, there is a long digression from talking about the 1983 Data Age game FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER to talk about the mechanics of the founding father's famous key-on-a-kite-string experiment. Just a little extra info for you, our faithful listeners, at no extra charge. You're welcome.

Getting back to the game, what lurks in the creepy depths of Dr. Frankenstein's castle? Any why is it so angry? How big is its power probe exactly? Can we do NOTHING about this unsightly green wall it hides behind? 

No tricks, only treats in this Halloween episode!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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EPISODE 91: SPACE JOCKEY, 1982, from U.S. Games, looks a lot like a game made by a company that mostly just makes oatmeal. 'cause it is! But we're playing it anyway. 

Why so much space? Who, exactly, is this "jockey" of which the game speaks? Are YOU the jockey? Am I the jockey? There's not a single horse in this thing, so why do we even need a jockey. I'm so confused. 

Thanks this week to Speck for the use of (a portion of) the song "I Don't Care Anymore".

Thanks also to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Check out that cool Atari cake (that someone needs to get me RIGHT NOW!) here. 

Atari Bytes show notes, links and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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Way back in episode 12, we covered the Atari 2600 classic POLE POSITION. Now that you've been circling the block in your Formula I racer all this time, we're finally ready in episode 90 to hit the track (or should I say tracks? There's FOUR of them this time.) again in the Atari 7800 ProSystem pack-in game POLE POSITION II from Namco, 1983.*

*If you need to make a potty stop first, I totally understand. Get me a Snickers while you're in the gas station.*

*This week's episode sponsored by M&M Mars**

**No, it's not. I can dream though.

Here's the TV Guide article about the blue sky rangers I talked about in the show.

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes episodes, show notes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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Last week on the podcast, in KEYSTONE KAPERS, our beat consisted of the back alleys and mean streets of Keystone where Harry Hooligan made his mischief. This week, in Spectravision's 1983 adventure PLANET PATROL, our beat is, well, the whole darn planet. It's like when, after the sitcom "Gilligan's Island" ended, the castaways ended up in the cartoon "Gilligan's Planet". Yeah. Exactly like that. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and so much, much more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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Here's the Mental Floss article about the popularity of retro gaming we talked about in the show.

Leapin' Lizards! 

Sorry, that's Annie. Is there an Annie Atari game?

Anyway, leapin' leprechauns! In the 1983 Activision (We love us some Activision on the podcast) game KEYSTONE KAPERS, Harry Hooligan is on the loose, plundering Southwick's. Arguably, the store deserves it, given it leaves huge bags of money sitting all over the sales floor, but Keystone Kelly, finest kop on the force, is determined to bring in his man. The keystone kops are an elite law enforcement unit here to protect you from villainy, even if they can't spell very well.

So, slap on the thumb cuffs and then use one of your free fingers to hit "play" on this crime-busting episode!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance", and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more here!

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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This week's episode drops on September 24, which is also the birthdate of Muppet creator Jim Henson (9/24/36 - 5/16/90) and is dedicated to his memory. Doctor Who, Star Wars, Peanuts and Muppets pretty much sum up my childhood preoccupations (with a sprinkle of "Dukes of Hazzard" and "Superfriends" for color)

The game we're playing this week is the 1982 Atari children's title (the last of the line) PIGS IN SPACE, based on the recurring sketch from the 1970's iconic series THE MUPPET SHOW. And really, for one price of admission, you're getting THREE games in one! The crew of the Swinetrek - Captain Link Hogthrob, first mate Miss Piggy, and Dr. Strangepork - are here to save the universe from ridiculousness. Lord knows somebody should. 

It's time to start the music, it's time to light the lights. it's time to get things started on the ol' podcast tonight!

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of this songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and more are available here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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You barely have time to adjust your athletic supporter before ATARI BYTES episode 86: SUPER CHALLENGE FOOTBALL is thrust upon us. Is this game super and/or a challenge? Discuss. In this week's story, this rag-tag team just needs some 21st century motivation...

The articles we referenced this week: Monopoly in the Park ; Atari Planned to incorporate ColecoVision in 1983

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and so much more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown! - Hey! That's my other show!

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Support the show at our Patreon page here. 

Quick! Name every pool/billiards - related movie you can! There's "The Hustler", "The Color of Money", and, uh, there's a great pool scene in "The Cat From Outer Space" (What's that, you ask? The title says it all. Go check it out. Sandy Duncan and Ken Berry at their finest. Trust me.) And, of course, the game of pool reduced River City to a radioactive, rubble-strewn Hellscape in "The Music Man".

So with that pop culture pedigree, we couldn't resist checking out iMagic's 1982 TRICK SHOT this week for the show. Does the game scratch on the break or bank the eight ball to glory? Chalk up your cues and come join us to find out!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

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It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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Classic '80s detective series "Magnum P.I." was supposed to end ****SPOILER HORN FOR THIRTY YEAR OLD SHOW**** with Magnum dying from multiple gunshot wounds, the last shot of the episode being Magnum walking up to the pearly gates with a contented smile on his face. That finale was actually aired. But then CBS convinced Tom Selleck to return to the show and Magnum survived.

What does any of this have to do with this week's game, the 1986 Atari space odyssey SOLARIS? Absolutely nothing. Except for this. SOLARIS was a follow up to STAR RAIDERS that came out in 1986, the dregs of Atari's end of days - it was about as dead as Magnum on that ER exam table - just before the NES really started to stomp all over all other gaming consoles. SOLARIS allowed Atari, instead of dying, to sit up once more and gasp, "I want a pint of stout". Seriously, you need to go find "Magnum, P.I." on Netflix.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and so much more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown. Hey, that's my other show! Check it out here!

Consider supporting the show financially on our Patreon page here.

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A running gag in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" finds the knights riding on imaginary horseback. What does that have to do with JOUST, the 1982 Atari port of the Williams Electronics arcade classic? Absolutely nothing, except that both involve knights. Also, I just realized as I type these notes, the Python story and my backstory for the game both involve catapulting four-legged creatures - cows for them, horses for me. I could be the next generation Python! See ya, suckers!

In JOUST, you are thrust into a world of airborne jousts over fire pits, but that's not the weirdest part: everyone insists on calling the ostrich you ride a buzzard. It's clearly not. Learn your birds, people!

Here are links to the articles I mentioned in the news segment of the episode: Chuck E. Cheese is phasing out its animatronic bands; Atari partners with LGBT Media to Make More Inclusive Games; Kit Kat accused of copying Atari game Breakout; Real life Mario Kart has life in Missouri.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and so much more here. 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Pick up show mugs and shirts at our Zazzle.com store AB_Pod_Store

Support the show financially on our Atari Bytes Patreon page here. 

This week on episode 82, like the Phoenix of old, the podcast rises from the ashes, says "Ow! That's hot!", then jumps into the cooling waters of Taito's 1980 classic PHOENIX (well, the 1982 Atari 2600 port anyway) about what happens when the mythological bird from ancient Greece goes bad.

We also say "hi" to Ferg from Atari 2600 Game by Game. A lot.

Oh, and we learn more about sting ray tails than you'd ever want to know. Yes, really.

And when I say "we", I mean it. For this week, the studio is a wee bit crowded...

The Digital Antiquarian article about "Adventure" can be found here.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show! Check it out here!

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In episode 81, we DIG deep into yet another game and leave no stone, worm, or dog turd unturned until we've DUG up the truth about the 1982 Namco classic DIG DUG. If we hit the center of the Earth, we'll tell Jules Verne you said "hi".

Grab a motor-powered shovel and join us!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

Atari Bytes show notes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey, that's my other show! Find it here!

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The Newsweek article about time travel can be found here.

DON'T FORGET TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THIS SHOW!

This week on the podcast, we're excited to offer another Conversation Bytes segment. This time, we've got Eoin Marron, the artist drawing the new "Centipede" comic from Dynamite Entertainment. 

Centipede is a classic 1982 arcade shooter and a favorite among Atari fans. The game about a giant, rampaging centipede, angry, jumping spiders, and mushrooms galore already got the comics treatment via a pack-in comic from DC in the '80s. THAT story gave us little Oliver, magic wands and wizards. We don't want to spoil anything for you, but we can assure you the new "Centipede" is NOT your father's (Or brother's. Or your) Centipede comic. Less engaging in whimsical hijinks; more being hell bent on revenge. 

(By the way, you can hear my CENTIPEDE game review and story within the game in episode 11 of this very podcast.)

Thanks again to Eoin Marron for giving me a little of his time. I really enjoyed talking to him. I think you'll enjoy listening. So do that thing right NOW!

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring", and "Take a Chance". 

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey, that's my other show!

Atari Bytes show notes and more.

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If you learn only one thing from ATARI BYTES episode 79, let it be this:  Bears who live in crystal castles, shouldn't throw magic gems.

Wait. That's not it.

Actually, throwing magic gems is exactly what you should do in this 1983 Atari port of the proto-3D arcade adventure game CRYSTAL CASTLES. I mean, how else is Bentley Bear going to defeat the evil witch Berthilda? With an earnest heart-to-heart over steaming lattes?*

*I'm totaling waiting for someone to make a steaming latte adventure homebrew game.

Why is Bentley the only bear for this job? Did Fozzie, Yogi and Smokey say no? Is crystal really the ideal building material for a castle? So many questions...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance," "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show. Check it out here!

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EPISODE 78 of the podcast is in the ZONE, baby!

Unfortunately, the zone is the BATTLEZONE. So, you know, duck!

We are tank-ful for this 1983 Atari port of the 1980 arcade tank shooter. And we know after you listen, you'll give us your TANKS for the episode too!

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes and more here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown episodes here.

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In episode 77, we find out whether the Pac-Apple falls far from Ghost Tree. Then we gobble it up because....mmm, pac-apples. 

We're playing JR. PAC-MAN, the 1984 son-of-a-classic-arcade icon. Does the game surpass it's predecessor? Or is it an embarrassing disappointment to the family? Then we dig into whether Jr. Pac has daddy issues or if he's his own Pac. 

Also, we eat some ghosts! And a bicycle! Good times! Join us!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". 

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! This is my other show. Go here and check it out.

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EPISODE 76: SPIDER-MAN swings in on a web to fill your earholes with sticky podcasting fluid. We're playing the 1982 Parker Brothers adventure in honor of SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING being in theaters right now. (As this episode drops.)

The Green Goblin has planted a super bomb in the high voltage tower atop a skyscraper. Will Spidey defuse the bombs in time? Will the Green Goblin get away? What exactly does the high voltage tower do? Who should get fired for signing off on the design choice of having a high voltage tower so accessible to people who want to scale it?

These questions and more will have you climbing the walls like...well, like you-know-who.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes, links and so much more are here.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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EPISODE 74: SKY JINKS. In this 1982 high-flying adventure from Activision, you need cat-like reflexes (though, ironically, felines are notoriously bad pilots. They prefer train travel.) to bank left and right around those pylons while dodging trees and hot-air balloons. Sure, you want to finish the time trials in record time, but, hey, don't let all those fast, high-altitude turns make you queasy or anything...

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".

Atari Bytes show notes and more!

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show...

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Did you know that "dogie" as in "Git along, little dogie," is spelled with just one "g" when it's cattle, not with two like in "My doggie just peed on your cat"?

Me neither!

That's just one of the many things we learn in episode 74 of the podcast where we drive those dogies across the digital prairie in Activision's 1981 tribute to the American cowboy STAMPEDE.

So go find your ten-gallon hat and chaps (pants are optional) and join us on the cattle drive!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes and more

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - hey, that's my other show!

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Episode 73 is a heapin' second helping of River Raid-esque goodness. RIVER RAID II from 1988 takes what we loved about the original Activision legend and overlays an early era flight simulator. Does the game soar or crash and burn?

Hmmm. 1980s. Fighter jets screaming overhead, performing death defying maneuvers as the sexy pilots complete their mission while trading witty banter. Does any of that sound familiar? Let's discuss...

Here's the article about the true "Age of Aquarius" we talked about in the show.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes and much, much more!

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey, that's my other show!

Find cool mugs and shirts and more at my store AB_Pod_Store on Zazzle.com

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ATARI BYTES EPISODE 72: CHOPLIFTER! has taken flight! That's two exclamation points already. That means you know the 1987 port of this 1982 Apple game to the Atari 7800 has to be good.

Who are the Bungelings? How fast can the delegates run? Who knew the post office could be this exciting? So. Many. Questions. But we're here with the (made up) answers.

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

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It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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For Episode 71, ATARI BYTES gets back to nature with an adventure in the animal kingdom - WOMBAT...

*Checks Notes*

Whoops! I meant, we're playing the 1977 Atari original COMBAT. Tanks! Bi-planes! Jets! Mayhem abounds!*

*No wombats were harmed in the production of this episode.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes and links

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - my other show!

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EPISODE 70 invites you to be a star and to get your RAID on! STAR RAIDERS is here!

This 1982 Atari game was the first to utilize the space-age video touch pad peripheral. It was also the last. That may give you a clue how this game is going to go.

Speaking of firsts doubling as lasts, listen to this episode closely for the first appearance of my wife - Mrs. Bytes - on the show. She was thrilled to do it...so thrilled that this will also probably be her last appearance.

Yes, sir, this episode is one for the record books. Join us, won't you?

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes and links.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

Support the show on the Atari Bytes Patreon page.

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What's in a name? Exactly what you'd expect when the name is a title like the 1979 Atari game CANYON BOMBER. What's that about? Well, there's these canyons....and you bomb them. Truth in advertising!

Find some sandbags to hide behind, then join us. It'll be a blast!

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Take a Chance" and "Reformat".

Atari Bytes show notes and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - a show for all your Snoopy needs.

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One day at the Atari Labs in the 1970s, they looked at Breakout and said, "Yeah, this is pretty good. But we can make it better. We have the technology. We can make the paddle smaller. The balls bouncier. The colors colorier. And we can make 'colorier' a word too. We're Atari and there is zero chance we'll implode in a video game crash just a few years hence."

The result of this bravado was 1980(?)'s Atari game SUPER BREAKOUT. Is the game indeed super? Well, no. No, it's not. Spoilers hurt sometimes.

But this episode definitely is SUPER. I'm wearing the cape and codpiece to prove it.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring."

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It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - Hey! That's my other show!

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We're back!

After an unplanned week off at the exotic locale of my local hospital, ATARI BYTES is back. And we promise you, this episode is worth the wait!

First, we talk about the 1982 Atari legend SWORDQUEST: EARTHWORLD, the first in a famously unfinished series of games and pack-in comics at the center of a contest that also went unfinished, courtesy of the video game crash. 

Then, after the game stuff, you can hear my conversation with Chad Bowers and Chris Sims. (Thanks again, guys!) They are well-known comics writers on a lot of big things - Deadpool, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, to name but a few - and are now writing an all-new SWORDQUEST - inspired comic series for Dynamite Entertainment. Preview issue Zero just dropped on May 3 at the sweet, low, retro price of twenty-five cents!

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "The Curtain Rises". 

Atari Bytes show notes, episodes, links and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown - my other show!

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On episode 66 of ATARI BYTES, we're gonna BREAK...OUT. Mighty mighty. Gonna let it all hang out...

And by IT, we mean the 1978 Atari original BREAKOUT. It's a game about smashing bricks and...well, smashing more bricks.

And providing the ying to our gaming yang, we also have a Lego correspondent in the studio giving a play-by-play of his assembly of a stack of Lego bricks into...well, you'll just have to listen to find out.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take  Chance".

Atari Bytes show notes, links and more.

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown

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Join us for episode 65 featuring the debut of what we expect will become a recurring segment on the show: Conversation Bytes!

Our guinea pig guest for this new interview segment is Scott Rhoades, fiction author and longtime writer of technical manuals - including manuals for games like BasketBrawl and Shanghai on the Atari 7800 and the Lynx during a stint with Atari in the 1980s and '90s. Thanks for chatting with me, Scott!

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance".

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See the flag. Capture the flag. It's all in the name.

Our subject this week is: FLAG CAPTURE, a flag-ship game (see what I did there?) for Atari, being one of the first eleven games released in 1978. You and an opponent race across the field of play, striving to be the first to "capture" the "flag" and which point...well, not much happens.

Is this a pirate game? I don't know, but it sure feels like a pirate game. Jolly Roger and all that? Mostly, I just want an excuse to wear an eye patch and say "arr" a lot. As if anyone needs an excuse for that sexy and totally not annoying behavior.

My thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance."

Atari Bytes episodes and show notes

It's a Podcast, Charlie Brown

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