RSS: Atari Bytes

Remember those classic Atari 2600 games? They were sure fun to play, but didn't you ever wonder why they sent a plumber to take out Donkey Kong? What Yar was seeking revenge against? What made those robots go berserk? Me too? ATARI BYTES is more than a game review podcast. It's an exploration of the games to divine what exactly the story within the game is. And if we can't find those answers, we'll make 'em up.

Happy holidays! ATARI BYTES returns from hiatus with episode 331, the annual holiday special. We take a break from games and story writing to catch up on some movies. And we've made it all the way to 1985! So that movie-catching is coming along great! Earlier this year, we played the Sesame Street inspired game "Cookie Monster Munch", so it seemed like we should do a Sesame Street inspired movie. So, from 1985, we've got FOLLOW THAT BIRD. Big Bird has moved away! Oh no! What is the gang going to do?!?! Take a break from the relatives and give a listen!  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Hidden Agenda", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com carnivalofgleecreations.com

We're getting down to the last few days of tax time in America as this episode goes out. Why not relieve some of that mathematical stress with a podcast! In 330, we're playing the 1982 game TAX AVOIDERS, the intense adventure of tax sheltered investments.  Then once you've listened to this episode...go back and listen to some of the other 329 - for the first time! Or again! - because ATARI BYTES is taking a little hiatus. But keep is in your feed and hearts. We'll be back! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs Reformat, Pinball Spring, Take a Chance of Hidden Agenda.  Support the show at patreon.com Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about the podcast, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books by me that can belong to you. D20 or Die!

Peanut butter and jelly. Laverne and Shirley. And now Atari and Muppets. All great things that belong together. In episode 329, we're playing COOKIE MONSTER MUNCH for the 2600. This 1983 joint effort by Atari and The Children's Computer Workshop is a showcase for Cookie Monster. (I was more of a Grover man, myself. But Cookie is pretty cool.) But is it a tasty confection or a stale day old paper weight? Bad Poetry Corner: Don't Let the Cookie Crumble Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here. Go to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your podcast and book reading needs. The Jim Beard and Becky Books Facebook page

In 328, we build on the massive tower of gaming experiences we've had on this show with MASTER BUILDER from Spectravision, 1983. Does it stand tall and proud or all come tumbling down? Listen and find out! ORIGINAL SHORT STORY: Building Up Expectations Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Hidden Agenda", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. carnivalofgleecreations.com  Support the show at patreon.com here. Jim Beard and Becky Books

327 features the 1983 prototype KICKMAN from CBS Electronics, based on the arcade game, which also wasn't that popular. Why didn't it work out? One guess.... No, not that. It's balloons! This game is full of 'em.  And even in 1983, they knew to stay away from balloons. Why didn't we listen? Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations has all the info you need about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and books written by me that can be owned by you.

By 1988, the 2600 was feeling a bit long in the tooth. But once in a while, it could still enthrall the gamer of the day.  So, does DARK CHAMBERS from Sculptured Software enthrall or enrage? Throw open the chamber door on this episode and see what happens.  Bad Poetry Corner: HEART BEAT ON DARK CHAMBER DOORS Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books written by me that can be owned by you.   

In 1982, Canadian-based department store chain Zellers  thought it would be fun to take a break from selling washers and socks and whatever and instead program Atari games. Why? Dunno. But I played one. It's called Donkey Kong. No, wait. Sorry! It's called INCA GOLD. You'll understand why I was confused after episode 325. Original Short Story: GOLD STANDARD Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring", and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Support the show at patreon.com here. carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need to know about this show, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about my books.   

Is Answer Software's 1983 title GAUNTLET the answer to all our gaming needs? Hold your water and listen to episode 324. Raise a glass to not spilling a glass. No, really. Look, just listen to the episode. Thanks! Original Short Story: UNDAUNTED GAUNTLET Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations.com has all you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written by me that can be owned by you.   

Episode 323 is a bargain. I mean, not like cheap socks or 2-for-1 toasters like you could get at Zellers in Canada in the 1980s. (I'm just guessing about that.) But in this episode, we're playing TIME WARP, one of two games Zellers developed in 1983 all on its own for the 2600, maybe in aisle 3 between the winter coats and MC Hammer parachute pants. And the episode is ABSOLUTELY FREE! No coupon required. You're welcome. Original Short Story: The Terminal. The Eternal. And the Guy Who Counts Time. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. All you need to know about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books written by me that can be owned by you can be found at https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com/ Support the show at patreon.com here.  

No Christmas content really this episode, but it's dropping on Christmas Day, so...MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you and yours have a lovely day and joyous holiday season! Here at the podcast, we're relaxing with a movie as is our tradition for the last episode of the year. This time, it's the 1963 classic JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS. Ancient Greek Gods! Skeletons with swords! Goat-based slapstick! As usual, we have a friend dropping by for movie time. It would be great if it was Santa Claus, but we got someone even better! Jeff Fulton from "Into the Verticial Blank" joins me on the quest to find the tree at the end of the world. Or, you know, a quest to talk about a movie which is way easier. I hope you and yours have a great end of the year. Talk to you again in 2023! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinbal Spring" and "Jingle Bells".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Support the show at patreon.com www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about this podcast, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books and other things I've written.     

Ok, look. It's the holiday season. And while we all try to be good, if you're like me, you stumble a bit. We probably all deserve a bit of coal in our holiday stockings. Just think of episode 321 as your penance before the Big Guy brings your presents. This episode, we're talking about the 1982 Hanna-Barbera animated special "Christmas Comes to Pacland". Yep, that's a thing HB made. Must have lost a bet. And now it's a thing for us to talk about. So, let's get it over with.  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme. Check out www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all you podcast needs to ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and info about books written by ME and can be owned by YOU, like IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. Support the show at patreon.com here.   

While you gulp down the last of the pumpkin pie, give episode 320 a listen. We're clowning around with one of Audacity Games' 2021 debuts CIRCUS CONVOY. Does the game barrel down the highway of fun? Or does it stall out in a ditch somewhere? BAD POETRY CORNER: OVER THE BIG TOP Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books written by ME that can by owned by YOU.  Audacity Games  

As a kid in the arcade, I found Sega's 1983 title CONGO BONGO...interesting. So, of course, when I got hold of a copy of the game for the 5200, I had to try it. And now in episode 319, I have. That's a thing I've done. What did I think? Well, you'll have to listen and find out.  SHORT STORY: THE BONGO BASTARDS https://incompetech.com/Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme. Support the show at patreon.com here www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all your info about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and even books written by ME that can be owned by YOU. 

On this Halloween Eve...eve, we've got an awesome treat. No, not candy. No, not money. No, not world peace in our time. Look, it's another podcast episode, ok? Episode 318 is MIDNIGHT MUTANTS for the 7800. Is it a tasty confection or a bitter pill? And why is Grampa Munster here?!?! Bad Poetry Corner: MIDNIGHT MUTANTS - A POEM Into the Vertical Blank: Atari in the Wild piece about Airlock Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime Theme". Support the Show at patreon.com here. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to go for all things related to ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you can possess.  

In 1982, did Data Age got a LOCK on the submarine adventure genre? Or does this game suck the AIR out of gaming fun? We're playing AIRLOCK. Well, mostly we're cursing AIRLOCK. There's a nice story though... SHORT STORY: AIRLOCKED AND LOADED - A STEVE STETSON, 1980's SUPERSPY ADVENTURE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.  Find out more about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written, which you can own! Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to do all that.  Support the show at patreon.com 

With the game NO ESCAPE!, episode 316 is escapist fun you can't escape from! Well, you could just not listen, I suppose. But you wouldn't do that, would you? Would you?!?!? We're playing this 1983 title from iMagic. Goddesses! Guys named Jason! Getting stoned! It's all here! Original Short Story from Me: Yourself and Nowhere to Go From There - A Play So. Many. Exclamation. Points. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtey for the "Storytime" theme.  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. You'll also find info about my short story collections and novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, and links to some places you can buy them.  Support the podcast at patreon.com here!  

Beep! Beep! Move it...to episode 315 of ATARI BYTES! We're playing CommaVid's unreleased 1983 title RUSH HOUR. Honk if you love games! Bad Poetry Corner: GET OUT OF MY WAY! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Go to the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com to support this show here.  The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has every thing you need for this show, my othe show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books that I've written including Hell's Cereal, Misery Banana, and 2nd Duck on the Right.

This episode croaks on arrival. In 314, we're "playing" (Sort of) CommaVid's unreleased demo for something maybe called FROG that the programmer dug out of an old box after twenty years and chucked out to the masses without a care...much like this podcast is produced. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Supporters get stuff! www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and info about books by ME that you can own for your very...own.   

Does episode of 313 get a strong hold on your heart as we play Commavid's 1983 space game STRONGHOLD? Listen and decide for yourself! Original Short Story: THE INEVITABILITY OF HISTORY Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  Go the webite wwww.carnivalofgleecreations here for all your podcast needs for ATARI BYTES and my other show IT'S A PODCAST,CHARLIE BROWN. The site also has info about my books, including 2nd Duck on the Right & Other Very Short Stories. 

In episode 312, we've got tunnel vision, focused only on bringing you a doozy of an episode! This time, it's the 1983 CBS Electronics game TUNNEL RUNNER, a ground-breaking, immersive 4D experience. Okay, actually, they call it it 3D. We added the fourth D for "DAMN!" Original Short Story: TUNNEL VISION Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here, and you could get perks! Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your ATARI BYTES and IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN needs. You can also check out books I've written and, you know...maybe even buy one!