ATARI BYTES

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 [email protected]. 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!