Saturday, March 31, 2018

EPISODE 04: Gates of Zendocon

PLAY EPISODE 04 HERE


#PA2023, Published by Atari Corp.
In this episode, I cover The Gates of Zendocon, one of five launch titles released for the original Atari Lynx console in 1989. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects. I also highlight reviews of the game, and I have some feedback about The Gates of Zendocon from some of my loyal listeners. Plus, I also provide information about the prices that collectors can expect to pay for an Atari Lynx The Gates of Zendocon cartridge on eBay.
THE GATES OF ZENDOCON VITAL STATISTICS
Release Date: October 1989
Initial retail price: $34.99
Cartridge: 
128kb stereo cartridge available in all three styles (flat, ridged, and curved lip)

Genre: horizontal-scrolling space action shoot-em-up for one player
Screen/playfield orientation: landscape
Other ports: The Gates of Zendocon was never ported to any other system
Cartridge: 128kb stereo cartridge, available in three styles (flat, ridged, and curved lip)
Carton:  standard-tab carton in full color; available initially in a large carton (7 5/8″ by 5 1/2″ by 7/8″), then later in a regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″) with a vertical gray band with faux-embossed X’s on the right of the carton; a regular-sized carton was released even later with larger cover art and no vertical gray band; and as far as is known, The Gates of Zendocon was never released in a blister-pack
Manual: folded 6-page manual in monochrome; available in large booklet (6 5/8″ by 4 3/4″); available later in regular-size booklet (4 7/8″ by 3 3/4″)
Languages: English only (in the United States); Japanese language-version also available
     
Compare the spaceship in the 1977 Atari VCS (2600) Asteroidscarton cover art by Chris Kenyon pictured on the left with the spaceship in the 1989 Atari Lynx Gates of Zendocon carton cover art pictured on the right. Notice any similarities?
THE GATES OF ZENDOCON CREDITS
Developer/Licensee:
 Epyx, Inc.

Programmer: M. Peter Engelbrite
Other credits:  Included in a review written by Mike Kosher and posted in the June 1990 issue (Issue 11) of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine is an allusion that R.J. Mical and Dave Needle from Epyx were involved in the production of the game, along with R.G. (unknown), Tom (probably Tom Schumacher), and LX (undoubtedly LX, or Alex, Rudis)
LYNX LYNKS
How to Win a McWill-modded Lynx I Console:
Rules and details about how to enter the Retro Man Cave Giveaway Competition can be found here. First Prize is a working Lynx I console, recapped and upgraded with the McWill LCD screen!
Information about The Gates of Zendocon:
Atari Age title info/rarity guide for The Gates of Zendocon
Wikipedia article about The Gates of Zendocon
Giant Bomb article about The Gates of Zendocon
PDF of “Atari Lynx Hint Book,” published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (hints, level codes/select cheat and Easter Egg for The Gates of Zendocon can be found on pages 37-46)
Reviews and ratings for The Gates of Zendocon:
Review by Marshall Rosenthal in The Games Machine (UK) magazine (issue 27; February, 1990)
Review in Zero Magazine (Issue 05; March, 1990)
Review by Clayton Walner at STart Magazine (Issue 39, December, 1990)
Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999)
Review on Video Game Critic (2003)
Review by Vireo Gilvis on Kalisiin’s (Mostly Old-School) RPG Discussion Board (2012)
Review by Steve Fulton in his blog at GamaSutra (2013)
Review by Jon Mc of JMac Productions at Atari Gamer (2018)
Review by Ryan Genno at Down and Dirty Reviews
Review at Illusionware.it
User Rating on Moby Games
YouTube videos about Gates of Zendocon:
Review (Lynx Lounge/Brian Thomas Barnhart)
Review (ROM Swamp)
Playthrough (Sharky’s Sharkade)
Playthrough (Doctor Noob’s Game Bits)
Playthrough (Zonelynx)
Playthrough (World of Longplays)
Playthrough (Atari7800com)
Playthrough and commentary (Atari Fitness)
Playthrough and commentary (live stream) (The Atari Times)
Music/Soundtrack (complete) (Laird’s Lair)
Music/Soundtrack (Marc Ripoll)
Retailers Selling Gates of Zendocon:
B & C ComputerVisions
 (pricelist last updated September 23, 2016; check website for availability)

Best Electronics (last updated March 8, 2018; check website for availability)
Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools:
Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom
Resource: 
2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon
Resource: 
Atari Lynx game carton sleeves from RetroGameFreak
Resource: 
Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer
Other Lynks:
AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into your excellent website!)
Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on your wonderful forums!)
Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!)
The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episode 151!)
The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episode 22!)
Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!)
The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The Atari Lynx HandyCast in Episode 167!)
Interview with LX (Alex) Rudis at The Atari Times (2002)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), “Duck (Squeezed)” by Dee Yan-Kee, “Chiefs” by Jahzzar, “Scuba” by Simon Mathewson, “Sweet Passage” by Frau Holle, and “The 90s” by Los Close.
I especially would like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you don’t own or have never even seen a Jaguar console. You can find it here.
Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, Please Stand By.
Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his don’t-miss podcast, even if you’re not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here.
I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast.
-Mark
Next Episode: “EPISODE 05: Gauntlet: The Third Encounter”

Monday, March 26, 2018

EPISODE 03: Rampage

PLAY EPISODE 03 HERE


#PA2022, Published by Atari Corp.
In this episode, I cover Rampage, released in 1990. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects. I also highlight reviews of the game, and I have some feedback about Rampage from some of my loyal listeners. Plus, I also provide information about the prices that collectors can expect to pay for an Atari Lynx Rampage cartridge on eBay.
Additionally, I also speak about my decision to remove Krazy Ace Miniature Golf from my own list of official game titles released for the Atari Lynx during the console’s lifetime. This decision, of course, affects the number and order of planned episodes for the podcast, so be sure to check out the updated Schedule of Episodes here.
Finally, I have a special invitation to all of my loyal listeners: If you happen to be in the Atlanta area during the weekend of April 21-22, 2018, please make it a point to attend Vintage Computer Festival SouthEast 6.0 at the Computer Museum of America in its new location in Roswell, GA. I will be there, along with two displays: “Experience the TI-99/4a,” a large setup that I’ve hosted at the show for three years running, and (more importantly to my listeners) “A Look at the Lynx,” a smaller display with two working Lynx II consoles (one with the McWill LCD upgrade), about 45 game cartridges, and several Atari Lynx accessories. Both consoles will be available for game-playing and everyone is welcome to try out their favorite titles. But bring your own AA batteries (just kidding; I’ll provide power for the Lynxes). Please stop by and say “Hi.” You can find out more about the festival here.
RAMPAGE STATISTICS
Release Date: September/October 1990 (based on 2-page Atari Lynx ad in the December 1990 issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine; the ad features screen shots of 12 new Lynx games (including Rampage) and states that they are all “now here.”
Initial retail price: $34.99
Cartridge: 
128kb curved lip-style stereo cartridge

Genre: horizontal-scrolling action beat-em-up for one player (two-four players using the ComLynx cable)
Screen/playfield orientation: landscape
Based on:  Rampage arcade machine released in 1986 by Bally Midway
Working titles: Monster Demolition, Rampage Deluxe
Other ports: Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari Lynx, Atari 8-bit, Atari ST, Amiga, Nintendo 64, MS-DOS/IBM PC, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, NES (released by Data East), and Sega Master System
Carton: regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″)
Manual: regular-size stapled 12-page monochrome booklet (4 7/8″ by 3 3/4″)
Languages: English only
RAMPAGE CREDITS
Developer:
 Atari Corp.

Licensee: Bally Manufacturing Company; licensed through Midway Manufacturing Company, a Subsidiary of WMS Industries, Inc.
Programmer: Pete Wierzbicki
Art and Animation: Susan G. McBride, Melody Rondeau, and P. Wierzbicki
Music: LX (Alex) Rudis and Bob Vieira
Sound: LX (Alex) Rudis
Special Thanks to All the Links: John Skruch and Julie Wade, Steve Jungels and Greg Omi, Jerome Strach and Eric Ginner, Bruce Coleman and Tom Gillen
Starring: George (the Gorilla), and His Menacing Menagerie: Lizzy (the Lizard), Larry (the Lab Rat), and Ralph (the Werewolf)
LYNX LYNKS
How to Win a McWill-modded Lynx I Console:
Rules and details about how to enter the Retro Man Cave Giveaway Competition can be found here. First Prize is a working Lynx I console, recapped and upgraded with the McWill LCD screen!
Information about Rampage:
Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Rampage
Wikipedia article about Rampage
Giant Bomb article about Rampage
Rampage Wiki website
Gamecodes/cheats for Rampage
PDF of “Atari Lynx Hint Book,” published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (select level cheat for Rampage is on page 50)
Reviews and ratings for Rampage:
Review by Moby Games (1990)
Review by Robert Jung at Atari Archives (1991)
Review by Robert Jung at IGN (1999)
Review by Matthias Jaap at The Atari Times (2001)
Review by Cyril Lachel at Defunct Games (2004)
Review by Erde Kaiser at The House of Games (2005)
Review by Alex V at Giant Bomb (2008)
Review by Darran Jones at Retro Gamer Magazine (2008)
Review by Ultimate Console Database
YouTube videos about Rampage:
Review (Lynx Lounge/Brian Thomas Barnhart)
Review (RetroGamerDaz)
Review (Retro Unlim/Dave’s Nostalgia Trip)
Review (UnconBentional)
Cross-platform comparison (DarthMarino)
Cross-platform comparison (Gaming History Source)
Cross-platform comparison (Leftover Culture Review)
Playthrough (Doctor Noob’s Game Bits)
Playthrough (Funk Star)
Playthrough (iN008)
Playthrough (Jp4rk)
Playthrough (iN008)
Playthrough (TotallyRadicalRetroGames)
Playthrough (World of Longplays)
Playthrough and commentary (Let’s Wing It!/GenTenStation)
Playthrough and commentary (lucas boy)
Playthrough and commentary (Steve Benway)
Music/Soundtrack (Prime VGM 330)
Rare pre-1990 footage of Monster Demolition (later Rampage(thanks, Kiernen!)
LIST OF RESOURCES FOR COLLECTING MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Resource: 
Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom
Resource: 
2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon
Resource: 
Atari Lynx game carton sleeves from RetroGameFreak
Resource: 
Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer
OTHER LYNKS:
AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into your excellent website!)
Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on your wonderful forums!)
Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!)
The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episode 151!)
Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!)
The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The Atari Lynx HandyCast in Episode 167!)
Interview with LX (Alex) Rudis at The Atari Times (2002)
THANKS
I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), “SuperBluesBros Banana Blitz” by RoccoW, “Voyage to Pluto (Netlabel Day Mix)” by Prism, “Call for Surrender” by Jesse Spillane, and “5” by Christian Bjoerklund.
I especially would like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of this episode’s featured game, Rampage…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you don’t own or have never even seen a Jaguar console. You can find it here.
Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, “Please Stand By.”
Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his don’t-miss podcast, even if you’re not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here.
I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast.
-Mark
Next Episode: “EPISODE 04: The Gates of Zendocon”

Sunday, March 4, 2018

EPISODE 02: Electrocop

PLAY EPISODE 02 HERE


#PA2021 Published by Atari Corp.
In this episode, I cover Electrocop, the second game (in part number order) and one of the five launch titles released for the Atari Lynx in September of 1989. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects. I also provide how much collectors can expect to pay for an Atari Lynx Electrocop cartridge on eBay, as well as a few tips and hints. Plus, I have some feedback about Electrocop from some of my loyal listeners.

ELECTROCOP STATISTICS
Genre:
horizontal-scrolling third-person action shooter for one player

Screen/playfield orientation: landscape
Based on:  Impossible Mission (originally developed as a port of or as a sequel to Impossible Mission). Developer Greg Omi's recollection: "It's funny, but I can't remember if it was supposed to be a sequel to Impossible Mission or not. I remember writing a story and basic game design and pitching it to RJ Mical, but I don't remember if they were asking for a sequel."
Other ports: Electrocop was never ported to any other system, although there is evidence it was planned for the Atari 7800.
Cartridge: 128kb stereo cartridge, available in flat, ridged, and curved lip styles
Carton: standard-tab carton in full color; available in large box (7 5/8" by 5 1/2" by 7/8"); available later in regular-size box (5 3/8" by 4 3/8" by 7/8")
Manual: folded 6-page manual in monochrome; available in large booklet (6 5/8" by 4 3/4"); available later in regular-size booklet (4 7/8" by 3 3/4")
Languages: English only

ELECTROCOP CREDITS
Developer:
Epyx Games

Producer: Greg Omi
Artists: Arthur Koch, Karen Mangum, and Matthew Crysdale
Design Assistance: Chuck Sommerville (wrote animation engine for the intro), Charlie Kellner, Tom Schumacher, and RJ Mical
Music and Sound: Alex (LX) Rudis and Bob Vieira

LYNX LYNKS
Information about ELECTROCOP:
Atari Age rarity guide for Electrocop
Wikipedia article about Electrocop
Giant Bomb article about Electrocop
Gaming Arcryphon article about porting Electrocop to the Atari 7800
Gamecodes/cheats for Electrocop
Interview with Greg Omi by Gregory D. George and C. Forhan for The Atari Times (2003)
PDF of "Atari Lynx Hint Book," published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (cheats and codes for Electrocop: pages 34-36)

Reviews and ratings for ELECTROCOP:
Review by Robert Jung at The Atari SIG Historical Archive/AtariMax (1992)
Review by JDeLuna at GameFAQs (1999)
Review by Moby Games (2005)
Review by Ron Alpert at Gamasutra (2010)
Review by Ray Hardgrit at Super Adventures in Gaming (2012)
Review at Obsolete Gamer (2013)
Review by Verzu Chase at 3Wirel! (2017)
Rating by IGN
Rating by LaunchBox Games Database

YouTube videos about ELECTROCOP:
Review (Lynx Lounge/Brian Thomas Barnhart)
Review (mattymetro/Tavon Lavis)
Review (Video Wolff)
Playthrough (World of Longplays)
Playthrough (Virtua Boys)
Playthrough (Takashi Tsukasa)
Playthrough (Doctor Noob's Game Bits)
Playthrough and commentary (NecroVMX)
Music/Soundtrack (Laird's Lair)
Video of HighScore.com World Record by Swaggers
TV Advert for Electrocop (Scottith Games)

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Retro Gamer Magazine article: "The Making of Blue Lightning" by Kieren Hawken, host of the Laird's Lair YouTube channel (thanks, Kieren!)
Interview with LX (Alex) Rudis by The Atari Times
AtariGamer.com (thanks, Igor!)
Retro Video Gamer Forums (thanks, TrekMD!)

THANKS

I would like to thank Gamechops for graciously allowing me to use "Spider Dance" by Holder as the opening and closing theme music for The Atari Lynx HandyCast.

I would also like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: "Suede" by Jon Luc Hefferman, "A Tourist in His Hometown" by Zero V, "Matriculate Yo" by Throcke, and "Eve" by Jahzzar.


I especially would like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of the Atari Lynx to this episode...they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto's excellent Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it's definitely worth listening to, even if you don't own or have never even seen a Jaguar console. You can find it here.


Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, "Please Stand By."


Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his podcast, even if you're not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here.


I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast.


-Mark


Next Episode: "EPISODE 03: Rampage"

EPISODE 22: Paperboy

PLAY EPISODE 22 HERE #PA2041, Published by Atari Corp.   In this episode I cover yet another arcade port for the Lynx, Paperboy , released ...