We're back to cram more square pod pegs into your round ear holes. It's another cubist's delight in 266 with RUBIK'S CUBE 3D. The three "D"s are "delightful", "delicious" and "de-wonderful", to borrow from an old song.
Or are they?
Tune in this week to find out. With this 3D, there are no glasses required. Or pants.
Short Story: 3D-NYED
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your stop for info, show notes, episodes of ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
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ATARI BYTES episode 265:
Back in the 1970s, Hungarian inventor Erno Rubik, we assume, decided to see if he could drive people insane. He designed a cube consisting of a bunch of smaller cubes of many colors. He said, "Here, take this cube. Mess up the colors, then put them right again." Of course, he probably said it in Hungarian. But that makes it no less insidious. The Rubik's Cube was born.
Then in 1982, Atari put out the trademark-friendlier "Atari Video Cube", redubbed in 1983 "Rubik's Cube", translating Erno's quest for insanity to our TV screens.
And that's why the world is the way it is today.
SHORT STORY: Love Cubed and Lubed.
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes, social media, episodes and more for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.
Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here.
On episode 264 of ATARI BYTES, we went back to the beginning; a bit of a palate cleanser after the disturbing "Porky's" last week. We take a look at PONG, the game that started it all. The original came out in 1972 with an Atari port in 1975. For my fifteen-year-old on the field report, it may as well have come out in the Pleistocene.
Kids, man.
This week's short story: PING PRAWN
Engadget.com "Atari Pong Review (1976)
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for info, show notes and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
In 1981, 20th Century Fox released a little family film called "Porky's" about a precocious lad named PeeWee with a knack for revenge against strip clubs and putting his privates where they probably shouldn't be. THEN, they made the obvious brilliant marketing move of turning that movie into an Atari game.
In episode 263, we play PORKY'S...because listener Patrick told us to. We're still a little mad about it. No shower scenes in the episode though...or are there? Plug your peepholes and earholes and give a listen.
THIS WEEK'S BAD POETRY CORNER - BOOBS: A POEM
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, social media and info about this show ATARI BYTES here and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
In ATARI BYTES episode 262, we're playing the 1983 Tigervision port of Taito's 1980 arcade cabinet POLARIS. Defend your nuclear sub from withering attacks by destroyers, dive bombers and ever increasing frustration. Is the game a hit or miss - ile?
Sorry.
This week's short story: DOWNTIME
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme
Thanks to @M_Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About a Different Game" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find show notes, info, social media and what not for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.
Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com and get bonus content and episodes early!
ATARI BYTES episode 261 is off the hook. Off the chain. Off the books. And occasionally off the rails.
We're playing the 1989 Atari/Axlon title OFF THE WALL. The objective is to smash the brick wall to get to the dragon. Maybe they should have called it THROUGH THE WALL. But no one asked me. What other failings does the game suffer through lack of consultation with me? Listen to find out!
This week's short story: OFF THE WALL
Atari Poop article about "Off the Wall".
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has social media, show notes and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
You can support show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here.
At some point, whatever governing body governs auto racing said, "What if we made up a racing sport where the drivers do everything we tell them not to do?" The initial idea - Murder Car - was scrapped. But the monster truck rally - complete with smashing cars, wheelies, jumping off ramps and wanton attacks on venerable Plymouth autos - was born.
In episode 260,from 1990, we're playing the Atari title MOTORODEO. Roll your fat tires on over and give a listen.
This week's short story: Bad Poetry Corner: Where the Monster Trucks Park
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for episodes, social media and info about this show, ATARI BYTES, here and my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.
Don't worry about that penguin riding a sea otter reciting the works of Robert Frost (the penguin is doing the reciting. Not the otter. That would be stupid. Everyone knows otters are haiku creatures.)
They're here to tell you that ATARI BYTES episode 259 has arrived. We're playing ACID DROP, produced by Salu Ltd. in 1992. This was the last commercially released 2600 game, which leaves us wondering: why bother?
This week's short story: ACID TRIPPED
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, social media and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
The skies over ATARI BYTES episode 258 glow bright orange with fire as fierce dragons sweep into view. We're playing the 1983 iMagic title DRAGON FIRE. Is the game more Puff than Smaug? Is the action hot or will we just get burned?
This week's short story: DRAGON FIRED
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Thanks to @M-Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About Another Game" theme.
"Hell's Cereal: Very Short Stories Fortified With Essential Syllables" Goodreads.com book giveaway
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your place for show notes, info, episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Man, I don't know if you've heard, but 2020 has been quite a year.
I think we could use a break. So, in episode 257, we're setting aside the games and stories and we're just gonna kick back with a beverage to watch a movie. And what a movie it is!
THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING is a 1964 black & white, sci-fi film. The aliens are invading via gas attack! (Insert joke here.)
This 62 minute film has it all. Robots! Zombies! Pregnant women!
The 1983 Atari game of the same name (ep. 248), for those wondering, is inspired by the film...and has NOTHING in common with it. So there's that.
Joining us in this little British town under siege is Dave Ciampa, one of the hosts of "Ciampa & Klein: The Knight Rider Years".
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
"Auld Lang Syne" by Mats Norrefalk, Ulf Samuelsson, and Sankta Eugenia Vokalensemble
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you can go to find show info, episodes, social media and more for this show "ATARI BYTES" and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.
It took five years (or so) of podcasting, but I finally got my wish. In episode 256, we're playing the 2006 homebrew TOYSHOP TROUBLE. It's a game I've heard about for years and finally got to experience. But is it a wonderful surprise under my gaming tree or a giant lump of coal in my stocking? Tune in to find out.
Also, weirdly, we give a shout-out this week to beer from Athletic Brewing Company. Not a sponsor...but they could be!
This week's short story: LAST STAND IN TOY TOWN
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Thanks to @M_Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About a Different Game" theme.
The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, social media, episodes and info for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.
In 1982, men of vision went to work for a company called "Men-A-Vision" - which seems appropriate - and made a game called AIR RAID, a sort of cross between "Missile Command" and "Space Invaders" (it seems to me) where you must defend Manhattan from flying helicopters, UFO's and...giant pretzels? Sure, let's say that. The game didn't sell well, and is a much sought after collector's item now. Kind of like your podcast host.
And we're checking it out in ATARI BYTES episode 255.
This week's short story: SIREN'S ECHO
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to get social media, show info and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.
You know that mildly frustrated feeling of waiting for an elevator; that eagerness for something to happen? Well, now you can feel that for the entire half hour and change of a podcast episode!
In episode 254, we're playing ELEVATOR ACTION, the unreleased 1983 port of Taito's popular arcade game. Unreleased that is, until (we assume) in a 2001 late night, trench coat-wearing exchange in a dark parking garage - or perhaps an elevator??? - and the game came to light.
Does the game shoot upward like Wonka's glass elevator or crash to the basement? Hit the button and find out.
THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: FLOORED
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find show notes, episodes, social media for ATARI BYTES here and about my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Episode 253: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING: JOURNEY TO RIVENDELL. As the sun rises on Hobbiton, you find yourself on the podcast road seeking the one episode to rule them all. At last, you have found it! Don't lie! You have it! I put it up here! What has it gots in its pockets, precious!?!?!?
Yes, that's a "Hobbit" reference to tell you about a "Lord of the Rings" thing. Go ahead and rat me out to Gandalf.
We obtained this 1983 unreleased prototype in a secret, late night exchange. No. Wait. That was something else.
Anyway, this week's short story is: FELLOWSHIP OF THE STRING
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has episodes, info and social media for this podcast, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
In ATARI BYTES episode 252, we play the the 1981 Apollo game INFILTRATE; a game which feels like it should have an exclamation point at the end of its name, but doesn't. But is that the only disappointment? Listen and find out.
Also, I mention how much I like Lego. I mean, Christmas is coming...
THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: ENTERING S.H.E.I.L.A.: A STEVE STETSON, 1980's SUPERSPY, ADVENTURE
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, episodes and social media for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Looney Tunes fans rejoice! In episode 251 of ATARI BYTES, we're playing Atari's 1983 offering TAZ, featuring the tornadic glutton, the Tasmanian Devil. Whether you think the game is brilliant or garbage or brilliant garbage, nothing compares to one particular line in the instruction manual. I promise you this line has never appeared before or since. I won't spoil it here. Tune in to experience the awesomeness!
This week's short story: BAD POETRY CORNER: I'M SO FULL
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your needs as they relate to me. The ATARI BYTES page over there has social media, info, and episodes here and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
MMMMMMMMM!
There's some tasty gaming going on in ATARI BYTES ep 250. MMMMMMMMM! as in "M NETWORK" that is!
We're playing the 1982 flight simulator AIR RAIDERS. Is the game a dogfight utopia or just a dog?
This week's short story: CORPORATE AIR RAIDERS
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, episodes, social media for this show ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Episode 249 of ATARI BYTES is going to the dogs.
We're playing powerhouse gaming publisher Purina's maze game...
Hold on...*checks notes*
Yep, PURINA. Ok...see, in 1983 Purina ran a deal where you could send in proofs of purchase (kids, go ask your parents) from bags of dog food and get an Atari game called CHASE THE CHUCK WAGON. Spectravision did the programming. Such as it is. But we'll get into that. WOOF!
This week's short story: CHUCK WAGON, THE ANACHRONISTIC COWBOY
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, social media and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
I know Halloween is coming, but after all the chaos of this year, politically, culturally and pandemically, it would be great if the game in episode 248 is a quiet, relaxing affair. Let's see...what have we got this time?
THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING, 20th Century Fox, 1983.
Well, crap.
This week's short story: ALL OVER BUT THE SCREAMING
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
You can find show notes, episodes, social media and more for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here on the website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com
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Episode 247 revs its podcast engine to soar over the pond of other podcasts, leaving them in the dust as we fly down the dirt roads of the Internet. Yee-haaaah!
From 1984, we're playing Atari's developed, but unreleased, DUKES OF HAZZARD, inspired by the classic TV show "I Love Lucy".
Just kidding. Or am I? Tune in to find out.
This week's short story: THE DUKES OF HAZARDS
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for show notes, social media, episode links for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
In episode 246 of ATARI BYTES, that wascally wabbit is up to his old tricks...rejecting junk food for carrots. how un-American!
We're playing Atari's 1983 unreleased game BUGS BUNNY. I don't know what bugs the bunny, but will this game bug you?
This week's short story: DANGLING A CARROT
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, show notes, episodes and more about ATARI BYTES here and for my monthly show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
ATARI BYTES episode 245 is a bounty of riches we, much like Robin Hood, bestow upon you, the poor listener. We're so sorry.
Just kidding! But you will indeed be Merry Men (and Women!) as we play the 1983 Xonox game ROBIN HOOD.
Then we go all medieval on an original short story titled "ROB 'N' HOOD".
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for many things, including show notes and episodes of ATARI BYTES here and the same stuff for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Lords and ladies! The dragon XONOX did in the year of our lord 1983, gift upon the gaming kingdom SIR LANCELOT. And now in episode 244, we knights of the podcast realm, must evaluate its worth.
Also, we gather in the great hall to hear the royal storyteller share another glorious tale. This one is titled KNIGHT AND DAY.
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, show notes, and links to this show ATARI BYTES here and to my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here,
Covid. Deaths. Hurricanes. Wildfires. Murder Hornets. Near misses with asteroids. And now, 2020 brings down upon us the worst of all...DEMON ATTACK!
Okay, actually 1982 brought this and it's an Atari game courtesy of iMagic. It's our topic on episode 243 of the podcast. No podcasters were possessed by actual demons in the making of this episode.
...Or were they????
This week's short story: KING DEMON ATTACKS
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, social media, episodes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my monthly ode to all things "Peanuts" IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Sometimes, you're so excited about an Atari game, only to get shafted. Then there's episode 242 featuring 1984 Activision mine rescue adventure H.E.R.O. We still get shafted...But in a good way!
This week's short story: We Do Need Another Hero
Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.
Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, social media, and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and the same stuff for IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.
Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on www.patreon.com here. You could get episodes early and bonus content!