Atari XEGS Cart by Cart
21 episodes - last episode 25 Jul 2023

 The Atari XE Gaming System was a version of their XE 8-bit line of computers but attempting to compete against the successful Nintendo Entertainment System. At the same time offering the computer option. Our podcast will focus on the cartridge games made for this system but, because this is essentially an atari 8-bit computer, we'll also review games that will play on this system.
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2023-07-25
Review Episode 19 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 19, we try out a few sport ball games. First, we have the opportunity to play One-on-One Basketball between the legendary Dr. J and Larry Bird. Next, we won't go soft on our review of the baseball game Hardball.

Show Notes

One-on-One Basketball

Hardball

  • Publisher by
    • Atari Corporation - 1981 (Atari Program Exchange: Tape & Disk), 1982 (Atari. Brown cartridge) 1987(XL/XE Silver box), 1988 (XEGS Box)
  • Developed by Atari
    • Dan Thompson
    • Mimi Doggett (Graphics)
    • Edger Noel Bogas (Sound)
  • Downloads:

2023-01-01
Review Episode 18 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 18, we take a trip back in time to World War II. First, we play as an allied commando dropping Into the Eagle's Nest to rescue our captured men, attempt to blow up the compound, and make our escape. Then we change sides and play as a German commander during operation Barbarossa as we attempt to strategically take Russia in Eastern Front 1941.

Show Notes

Into the Eagle's Nest

  • Publisher by
    • Atari (USA) - 1988
  • Developed by Pandora Software
    • Kess Beekhuis (Coding & Sound)
    • Robin Chapman(Graphics)
    • Andrew Challis (original programmer for C64 version)
  • Downloads:

Eastern Front 1941


2022-07-16
Review Episode 17 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 17, we take a double shot at some light gun games. First, we head out to the country to help Grampa rid his farm of all sorts of critters in Barnyard Blaster. Then we hit the big city to deal out some street justice in Crime Buster.

Show Notes

2022-03-04
Review Episode 16 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 16, we have a band of Brøderbund brothers. First, we put on our gi's with glee to storm the warlord Akuma's castle to save the beautiful princess Mariko in Karateka. Then it's time to dig into the puzzling platformer to find some gold with Lode Runner.

News

Karateka

  • Publisher by
    • Atari (USA) - 1988
  • Developed by
    • Jordan Mechner (Original game creator) for Brøderbund Software
    • Robert Cook (Atari conversion) from Sculptured Software
    • Francis Mechner (Music)
  • Downloads:

Lode Runner


2021-12-31
Review Episode 15 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 15, we take to the skies during WWII and battle the Axis powers to become the Ace of Aces. Then the federation needs you once again to take out the invading Zylon Empire in Star Raiders II.

News

  • Going forward, we're omitting the “Where to Buy” section from our reviews

Ace of Aces

Star Raiders II


2020-09-27
Review Episode 14 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 14, we serve up a bit of surf and turf. First we put everything at “steak” by entering the BattleZone. Then find out if the submarine simulator GATO is a fresh catch?

News

BattleZone

  • Publisher by
    • Atari (USA) - 1987
  • Developed by Ken Rose @ Atari, Inc.

    • Downloads:

GATO

  • Publisher by
    • Atari (USA) - 1987
  • Developed by James Yee of Xanth F/X

    • Downloads:


2019-11-05
Review Episode 13 (audio/mpeg)
In episode 13, we have a “Dandy” of a show where we crawl through two dungeon based shooters. First, we review the XEGS game, Dark Chambers. Then we pit it against the 8-bit arcade version of Gauntlet. Who will be victorious?

News

Dark Chambers

Gauntlet


2019-05-24
Review Episode 12 (audio/mpeg)
In episode 12, we feature two space behemoth themed games. First we rumble with the side scrolling Thunderfox and then snake our way through an exhaust port in the budget game Sidewinder II.

News

Thunderfox

Sidewinder II


2019-01-28
Review Episode 11 (audio/mpeg)
In episode 11, we go isometric when we review two games with similar angles. First, we'll pump you up with Airball and then see if the budget game Head over Heels is something to flip over.

News

Airball

Head Over Heels


2018-10-26
Review Episode 10 (audio/mpeg)
In episode 10, we’ll put on the gloves and get in the ring to go toe to toe with Accolade’s boxing game, Fight Night, and although revenge is sweet, will Jeff Minter’s Revenge II, a follow up to Revenge of the Mutant Camels, be a tasty treat?

News

Fight Night

Revenge II


2018-07-16
Review Episode 9 (audio/mpeg)
In episode 9, we conjure up a magical review while battling evil, in Necromancer, and we strap on jetpacks and blast off to rescues human souls trapped by an alien force in the budget game Excelsor.

News

Necromancer

Info:

Downloads:

Where to Buy:

Other Reviews and Info:

Excelsor

  • Published by
    • Players (1986)
  • Developed by
    • Keith "Howlin' Mad" Harvey

Info and Downloads:

Other Reviews and Info:


2017-12-24
Review Episode 8 (audio/mpeg)
In this episode, we take a shot at playing the light gun game Crossbow and say, “shuriken” (sure-I-can ☺) to reviewing the budget game Ninja.

Show Notes

News

Crossbow

  • Published by
    • Atari Corp (1988)
  • Developed by
    • Sculptured Software

Info:

Downloads:

Where to Buy:

Other Reviews and Info:

Ninja

  • Published by
    • Mastertronic (1986)
  • Developed by
    • Sculptured Software
    • Steve Coleman (programming)
    • Rob Hubbard (music)

Info and Downloads:

Other Reviews and Info:


2017-06-25
Review Episode 7 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 7, we'll have a lip-smacking review of Food Fight and we'll put our lives on the line for you by participating in the deadly budget game Death Race!.

Show Notes

News

Food Fight

  • Published by
    • Atari Corp (1987)
  • Developed by
    • John Sanderson, General Computer Corporation (GCC)

Info:

Downloads:

Where to Buy:

Other Reviews and Info:

Death Race

  • Published by
    • Atlantis Software (1987)
  • Developed by
    • Simon Leck

Info and Downloads:

Other Reviews and Info:


2017-04-01
Review Episode 6 (audio/mpeg)
In this episode we hop into our Valkyrie space fighters and shoot up some Jaggie saucers to review LucasFilm's, "Rescue on Fractalus!" and we'll go full tilt on one of Kieren's budget game, "Advanced Pinball Simulator".

Show Notes

News

Rescue on Fractalus!

  • Published by
    • Atari Corp (1987)
    • Epyx (1984, US) & Activision (1985, UK)
  • Developed by
    • Lucasfilm Ltd.
      • David Fox (programmer)
      • Loren Carpenter (programmer)
      • Charlie Kellner (graphics)
      • Gary Winnick (graphics)
      • James St. Louis (graphics)
      • Douglas "Crock" Crockford (graphics)
      • Peter Langston (sound, and team lead)
      • Charlie "Dragon" Kellner (sound)

Info:

Downloads:

Where to Buy:

Other Reviews and Info:

Advanced Pinball Simulator

  • Published by
    • Codemasters (1989)
  • Developed by
    • The Oliver Twins: Philip & Andrew Oliver (designers)
    • Hassan Mehmet (Atari code)
    • Terry Lloyd (Atari graphics)
    • David Dunn (Atari sound)

Info and Downloads:

Other Reviews and Info:


2017-02-13
Review Episode 5 (audio/mpeg)
Just in time for winter here in the northern hemisphere, we’re reviewing Summer Games! So grab your sunscreen, power up your Atari, and on your mark… get set… go!

Show Notes

News

Summer Games

  • Published by
    • Atari Corp (1988)
    • Epyx (1984, US) & US Gold (1984, UK)
  • Developed by
    • Epyx Inc.
      • Scott Nelson
      • Stephen Landrum
      • Erin Murphy
      • Jon Leupp
      • Stephen Mudry
      • Randy Glover
      • Brian McGhie

Olympic Events:

Downloads:

Where to Buy:

Other Reviews and Info:


2016-10-29
Review Episode 4 (audio/mpeg)
In our first interview episode, David sits down with homebrew creator, tep392 (AKA: Perry Thuente) to discuss his latest creation, Pac-Man Arcade. Hear how he was able to make such a spot on version of the classic arcade game and get some early insite into some of his upcoming projects.

Show Notes

News

Pac-Man Arcade

  • Published by
    • Perry "TEP392" Thuente - Atari 8-bit homebrew cart, 2012
    • AtariAge - Atari 5200 cart, 2012
  • Developed by
    • Atari Inc. - original 1983 Ms. Pac-Man game
    • Perry Thuente, with contributions from MrFish and others - Pac-Man Arcade hack
  • Based on NAMCO's 1980 arcade game

Where to Buy:

Links:

Other Reviews and Info:

Pac-Man (mini review)

  • Published by Atari Inc., 1982
  • Developer Joe Hellesen
  • Based on NAMCO's 1980 arcade game

Links

Donkey Kong

  • Published by Atari Inc., 1983 & Atari Corp., 1988
  • Developed by Landon Dyer (code & graphics), Brad Fuller (sound), Atari Inc.
  • Based on Nintendo's 1981 arcade game

Where to buy:

Links:

Other Reviews and Info:

Warhawk

  • Published by Firebird, 1986
  • Developed by Andrew Betts (code), Rob Hubbard (music)

Links:

180!

  • Published by Mastertronic, 1986
  • Developed by Binary Design:
    • David Forward (code)
    • Steve Pickford & Jeremy Pickford (graphics)
    • Jason C. Brooke (music)

Links:


2016-08-29
Interview Episode 1 (audio/mpeg)
In our first interview episode, David sits down with homebrew creator, tep392 (AKA: Perry Thuente) to discuss his latest creation, Pac-Man Arcade. Hear how he was able to make such a spot on version of the classic arcade game and get some early insite into some of his upcoming projects.

Show Notes

New Theme Song

Links


2016-06-14
Review Episode 3 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 3, we find out if the Choplifter! will be an uplifting experience, and we break out our loupe and peer into Crystal Castles to see if it's a cut above. Also, Kieren Hawken is back but this time he'll be bringing with him some of that British class live to our little show. This time we'll all review two budget titles; L.A. SWAT and Yogi Bear & Friends in The Greed Monster.

Show Notes

New Theme Song

News

Choplifter!

  • Published by Atari Corp., 1988
  • Developed by Steve Aguirre, Sculptured Software
  • Based on 1982 Brøderbund Software original, by Dan Gorlin

Links:

Other Reviews and Info:

Crystal Castles

  • Published by Atari Corp., 1988
  • Developed by The Software Factory
  • Based on Atari Inc. unreleased 1984 prototype, by Paul Metz and William Jahnke

Where to buy:

Information Sources:

Other Reviews and Info:

L.A. SWAT

  • Published by Mastertronic, 1986
  • Developed by Randy Platt, Sculptured Software

Information Sources:

Other Reviews and Info:

Yogi Bear & Friends in The Greed Monster

  • Published by Hi-Tec Software, 1990
  • Developed by Russell Knight (code) & Rich Morton (graphics), PAL Developments

Information Sources:

Other Reviews and Info:


2016-04-16
Review Episode 2 (audio/mpeg)
In Episode 2, we take to the skies with Blue Max, then dive down to the sewers to join the Mario Brothers. We also touch on Joust and Zaxxon, two games that share many similarities to our featured reviews. Kieren Hawken gives his two pence on Budget Titles, and we finally get to our user feedback.

Show Notes

New Theme Song

News

Missing Links (Ep 1.: Missile Command)

Mario Bros.

  • Published by Atari, 1988
  • Developed by Sculptured Software

Information Sources:

Other Reviews and Info:

Joust

  • Developed and published by Atari, 1983

Where to buy:

Information Sources:

Other Reviews and Info:

Blue Max

  • Original disk version (1983)
    • Published by Synapse Software (aka SynSoft in the UK) & U.S. Gold
    • Developed by Bob Polin
  • XEGS cartridge port (1987)
    • Published by Broderbund / Atari
    • Developed by Sculptured Software

Where to buy:

Information Sources:

Zaxxon

  • Published by Sega, 1983
  • Developed by Ron J. Fortier, Datasoft
  • (Disk and tape versions published by Datasoft and others)

Information Sources:

Other Reviews and Info:

Kieren Hawken on Budget Games


2016-02-01
Review Episode 1 (audio/mpeg)
In our first review episode, we review EA’s Archon to find out if the game is good or evil. Then we set our sights on the XEGS packaged light gun game, Bug Hunt. We also have user submision from Shinto, the host of the The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast and Kieran Hawkin introduces his new UK Budget Games segment. This time he reviews Fruit Machine Simulator and puts in his two pence on our two featured games.

Show Notes

Archon: The Dark and the Light

Other reviews & references:

Other ports:

  • Archon was ported to the Apple II, Commodore 64, Amiga, IBM PC, Apple Macintosh, NES, Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and PC-88
  • Archon II: Adept - 1984 sequel for Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. Unfortunately, was never released on cartridge
  • Archon Ultra - 1994 remake for MSDOS, by Free Fall Assoc (published by SSI)
  • The Unholy War - 1998 spiritual successor by Paul Reiche III for PlayStation, by Toys for Bob (published by Crystal Dynamics)
  • Kombat Chess - mini-game (similar to Archon) within 2004’s Mortal Kombat: Deception for PS2, Xbox, GameCube, and PSP
  • Archon: Conquest - 2009 iPhone remake, by React Games. Licensed by Free Fall. Available today, via App Store!
  • Archon: Classic - 2010 Windows remake, by React Games. Available today, via Steam!

Where to buy:

Information Sources:

2015-11-21
Episode 0 (audio/mpeg)
Welcome to the first Episode of the Atari XEGS Cart by Cart Podcast. In Episode Zero we will focus on the Atari XE Game System Console. We will learn about the hosts and get up to speed on the XEGS technical Specifications. Come join Bill, David, and Michael and find out why we love the XEGS.

Show Notes


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