ATARI BYTES

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.