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!

Call the Orkin man!

(Gratuitous Orkin Man shout out. Send me a check.)

In episode 311, I'm sorry to tell you, you've got termites.

And not just any termites. Giant, space-faring, killer nest-building termites. It's COSMIC SWARM, the 1982 title from CommaVid. Termites all over the darn place. And you, friend, must destroy them.

Fight that creepy crawling feeling you're experiencing right now thinking about giant bugs and get to work.

Bad Poetry Corner: BATTERED BY THE COSMIC SWARM

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. 

The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all you need about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you can own for your very...own.

Episode 310 is going to the dogs...er, rabbits. We're playing Apollo's 1982 title WABBIT for the 2600. The bunnies are on a fluffy rampage!

So grab your carrots...er, joysticks and join us!

This episode's original short story: THE CABAL

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Mining by Moonlight". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and get...stuff!

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop shop for all things about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written by me that YOU CAN OWN. 

In ATARI BYTES 309, I hear voices. 

This is nothing new, but this time, I know the voices are coming from outside my own head. Probably. 

We're closing out Intellivision Month on the podcast by playing the 1982 Mattel title "Space Spartans" with - holy crap! - the "Intellivoice" voice synthesizer module. Is the game fun? Who cares! There's a robotic voice emanating from my blocky, outdated gaming console!

Short Story: WHAT'S THE POINT? 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Change", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Head over to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, books written by ME that can be owned by YOU, and so much more!

Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com.

Episode 308 of ATARI BYTES is a blast!

A GAS blast, specifically!

It's true! In SPACE HAWK, your gas is the only thing that can save the universe. Tell you significant other to stop complaining.

The 1982 Mattel title SPACE HAWK is for the Intellivision console. Why an Intellivision game on an Atari-based podcast? Well, it's our annual INTELLIVISION MONTH! If you have thoughts about this title or Intellivision, send them to me. If you're blasting gas, keep it to yourself. 

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. 

Support the show on patreon.com here.

Does the 1983 nuclear terrorism game COUNTERMEASURE for the 5200 measure up to the quality you've come to expect from this podcast?

Counter point: Don't sweat it. The podcast is free.

Short Story: MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE...TO THE BONE

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find more about this show ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. While you're there, check out books by ME that you can own for your ownselves.

You can support the show at patreon.com here. 

Let ye who is without Sin-istar, cast the first pod.

Well, fortunately for us, we DO have this episode's game SINISTAR, the 1984 Atari 2600 port prototype of the arcade game.

Is the game a heavenly delight or sinfully awful? Count your luck stars and join us.

Bad Poetry Corner: THE SINN SISTERS HOST A BRUNCH

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of "Pinball Spring", "Take a Chance", and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find out more about ATARI BYTES, my other podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written, including "2nd Duck on the RIght & Other Very Short Stories". 

Support the show at patreon.com 

The 5200 love-fest continues in 305 with QIX. This 1982 puzzling, strategizing, flashy lights game is a keeper...of addictive frustrations.

SHORT STORY: QIX-SAND

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.

Head to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books by ME, like 2nd Duck on the Right & Other Very Short Stories".

Support the show at patreon.com!

In episode 304, you're joining the podcast at an historic moment...the debut of our brand-new (refurbished) ATARI 5200 CONSOLE (Thanks, Jose!)

We launch into the stratospheric heights of new game possiblities by falling into the dungeon, the SPACE DUNGEON, to be specific. The 1983 Taito arcade port is my focus in this one...until my cameraman wrestles away control of both joysticks from his old man. Kids, man.

SHORT STORY: HOME SWEET HOME

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 here at patreon.com

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about ATARI BYTES, my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written BY ME, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

Throw this ATARI BYTES episode on the junk heap. Episode 303 is going to the SCRAPYARD DOG (For the 7800, Atari, 1990).

Is this game doggone fun or just one for the dogs?

SHORT STORY - BAD POETRY CORNER: DOGGED

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

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and also about books that I've written! Which you can own very your, uh, very own! Including 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

WE'RE BACK, BABIES! After a scary week while my computer was in the computer hospital getting a hard drive transplant and other upgrades, we're back!

And that's not the only reason we're flying high! In 302, we're playing SUPER HUEY for the 7800. Was it worth the wait for this episode? Now boarding to find out...

Short Story: SUPER, HUEY

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you CAN OWN! Like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

Support the show at patreon.com here.

Do you remember the 1970's cartoon "Gilligan's Planet", where the castaways travel from the island to outer space? No? Well, you should. It was...something.

The 7800 game BALLBLAZER, which we played in episode 301, is a little like that. It's like transporting a soccer game from the stadium to space. "Ted Lasso" in an astronaut helmet maybe. So, is the game a ball or should all copies be set ablaze? Listen to find out! (To the extent my opinion means anything.)

Short Story: WHEN BLAZER MET SLACKS: CRIMES OF FASHION

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 about ATARI BYTES here, about my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here, and books I've written like 2ND DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here. 

Support the show on patreon.com and get bonus STUFF!

ATARI BYTES is 300 episodes old! If it were years, we'd be older than America! ATARI BYTES deserves some respect as the country's elder. I'm going to stop paying taxes.

We're taking a break from the video games and story-fying to play a good, old-fashioned video game. This time, it's Buffalo Games' 2021 SPACE INVADERS: THE BOARD GAME. But is this board game boring? Tune in to find out.

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". 

THanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. 

Head over to the website here for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and info about books I've written, like 2nd Duck on the Right and Other Very Short Stories.

Support the podcast on patreon.com. 

So, I think I've only had to re-record ATARI BYTES 299, featuring ASSAULT from 1983, once due to technical glitches. But I've seen enough science fiction to know I could be caught in some sort of time loop. This could be my 8,000th recording. Is the game worth eternity in this one moment? Well, it was made by a company called Bomb. Hmmm.

Short Story: A Salt Story

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinbal Spring" and "Reformat".

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info about this show ATARI BYTES here, about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here and about books I've written, like 2nd Dog on the Right & Other Very Short Stories here. 

Support the show at patreon.com 

The Moon God gets a bad rap. 

Sure, in QUEST FOR QUINTANA ROO, the 1984 game from Sunrise Software, the Moon God wants to kill you. But, I mean, in the game you are plundering the Moon God's ancient temple. 

On the upside, all this unpleasantness did bring about episode 298 of ATARI BYTES!

Bad Poetry Corner: The Quest Chooses Us

Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". 

Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.

www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. 

The website also has all sorts of info about my books! Go pick one! Thanks!

Head over to patreon.com to support the show and get access to special stuff!