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Retro Gaming => Atari Chat => Topic started by: TL on January 31, 2013, 15:30:23 PM

Title: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on January 31, 2013, 15:30:23 PM
Thought it might be a nice time to share a few scans of game reviews and other stuff from UK magazine Raze:

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/raze04000022_zps5a8775fe.jpg)

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/raze80000050_zpsc65f85da.jpg)

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/raze03000040_zps84f30448.jpg)

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/raze03000041_zpscf8a8ee2.jpg)

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/raze01000025_zpsc94ee8c1.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 31, 2013, 16:22:12 PM
Cool.  Looks like BasketBrawl was not a favorite. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on January 31, 2013, 16:39:44 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Cool.  Looks like BasketBrawl was not a favorite.

Yeah strange as I really like Basketball, its easily one of the best 7800 sports games.

Seeing this scan actually inspired me to review it for the next issue of Atari User.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 31, 2013, 16:42:14 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "TrekMD"Cool.  Looks like BasketBrawl was not a favorite.

Yeah strange as I really like Basketball, its easily one of the best 7800 sports games.

Seeing this scan actually inspired me to review it for the next issue of Atari User.

Cool.  I think it's a nice game.  It certainly looks a lot better than One-On-One Basketball!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on January 31, 2013, 20:00:17 PM
After years of searching I think I might finally have a lead on 7800 Gauntlet . . . . .

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/Gauntlet7800_zpscd7bd357.png)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 31, 2013, 20:03:58 PM
It says he was writing it! I wonder how far he got?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on January 31, 2013, 20:56:47 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"It says he was writing it! I wonder how far he got?

I found him!!!!

In fact I just added him on Facebook, so watch this space!!!!!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 31, 2013, 20:57:44 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "TrekMD"It says he was writing it! I wonder how far he got?

I found him!!!!

In fact I just added him on Facebook, so watch this space!!!!!

Awesome!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on January 31, 2013, 23:12:27 PM
I have just been chatting with him for around an hour on Facebook, there is good news and bad news . . . . .
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 31, 2013, 23:14:43 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"I have just been chatting with him for around an hour on Facebook, there is good news and bad news . . . . .

Oh oh.  Can't wait to hear what the news are.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on January 31, 2013, 23:17:14 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"
Quote from: "The Laird"I have just been chatting with him for around an hour on Facebook, there is good news and bad news . . . . .

Oh oh.  Can't wait to hear what the news are.

I will put it together in a mini interview very shortly
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Console Compulsive on January 31, 2013, 23:58:49 PM
Oooh!  :o I'll be looking forward to reading that.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 01, 2013, 00:04:30 AM
Quote from: "Console Compulsive"Oooh!  :o I'll be looking forward to reading that.

[size=180]POSTED! (//http)[/size]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on February 01, 2013, 00:07:32 AM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 07, 2013, 20:53:38 PM
Who has seen this before?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIhNXt3R49A (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIhNXt3R49A)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on February 07, 2013, 21:38:47 PM
Not me.Impressive though.

Did'nt realise it was going to be FMV of: 'A Day In The Life Of CHIPTUNE from RG Forum' though. :-)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 07, 2013, 22:01:04 PM
That is native hardware too, no extra chips in the cart or anything.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on February 08, 2013, 04:37:02 AM
I have seen that video before.  It is pretty cool!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on February 09, 2013, 02:06:37 AM
Not I. Makes me sad, it reminds me of the unreleased Fido Dido for the 16-bit era.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on February 09, 2013, 11:05:13 AM
I quite like the 7800 but I have 2 issues with it. Firstly its the PAL version so I'm always thinking what the NTSC games would be like - its unlikely PAL games got any speed optimisation (can someone here shed any light on that?).

Secondly the video out really is its achilles heel in this day and age. I run mine through a VCR which helps a bit but the image still suffers from the RF output. I hear you can get mods done but they seem very fiddly and there's variable results.

Not really an issue for me but the lack of POKEY onboard hurts it too - weird decision that.

Really like the lineup - I have a small but enjoyable collection. My favourites are the oldies - the built-in Asteroids game is excellent and its rock hard too. Centipede, Joust and Food Fight would be my other favourites and I got the Pacman Collection homebrew cart from Atari Age which is the business though the PAL version's colour conversion means one of the ghosts is a bit hard to see but from looking at other games like Donkey Kong it seems to be an issue with some official PAL games too - some reds look like a bit washed out.

It being the PAL version it means I have the better NES style controllers so that's a plus though I don't use the little screw in joysticks - a mate broke one during a frenetic Demon Attack session anyhow...which brings me to the final plus - 2600 compatibility - hard to knock though I'm convinced 2600 games look better on the woody.


One more thing - the weird power adaptor connector? Bit of a worry that if it came to the point where I would need a replacement given the relative low numbers of 7800s.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.kelly4/atari7800Hardware.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 09, 2013, 11:11:58 AM
The French version of the 7800 actually has an RGB socket, which makes it very sought after. I have always said that I would like to get a French model one day for this reason. There is barely any difference between the PAL and NTSC model speed wise. The PAL console has no region locking so will play most NTSC games, the only major one that doesn't work is Robotron 2084 :( The American console can't play PAL only games like Sentinel though. I have lots of problems with tuning on RF on my 7800 but the colours have always looked fine, never had that problem you speak of on Pacman Collection.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on February 09, 2013, 11:15:34 AM
Cool - thanks for that - nice to know I'm getting a close to full speed experience.

Strange what you mention re Pacman Collection - maybe its my 7800's hookup isn't great. I can see the ghost OK and its perfectly playable - just I have to look a bit harder than I would expect to (then again at my age - my eyes aren't what they were!!)

Added a pic of my console - no box unfortunately - it fell apart once it was opened - should have chucked it up into the loft with the other boxes I keep but for reason I binned it :(

Quite like Planet Smashers despite the abysmal sound and the RSI - I think it would make a great little shmup if it were remade - like the crystal warp idea.

Don't really like the ports of Galaga and Dig Dug - Dig Dug looks a bit ugly and Galaga takes too long to get challenging and then it seems to stutter a bit (and the sound is horrible!!)

Had heard of the French models but thought they were composite - RGB? Wow - would love to get my hands on one of those....
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 09, 2013, 11:20:21 AM
Quote from: "davyK"One more thing - the weird power adaptor connector? Bit of a worry that if it came to the point where I would need a replacement given the relative low numbers of 7800s.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.kelly4/atari7800Hardware.jpg)

My PSU failed a few years back and I got a new one from Telegames UK, wasn't a problem. It can always be modded to use a different type of power supply or you can cut the plug off and re-use that.

I like the fact the PAL 7800 is a bit more overstated than the US model, looks nicer IMO:

(http://www.mathpirate.net/GameSystems/Atari7800/Images/Atari7800.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on February 09, 2013, 11:22:18 AM
Yeah - think we got the better deal look wise.


Didn't know it was region free either - are the colours OK on NTSC games?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 09, 2013, 11:42:22 AM
Quote from: "davyK"Yeah - think we got the better deal look wise.


Didn't know it was region free either - are the colours OK on NTSC games?

Yeah they are fine, I have all the NTSC only games. Winter Games, Water Ski, Tank Command, Rampage, Super Skateboardin' and Summer Games all work fine although some games have a bit of glitching and Summer Games crashes unless you hit select right after it starts.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on February 09, 2013, 14:44:47 PM
Quote from: "davyK"Secondly the video out really is its achilles heel in this day and age. I run mine through a VCR which helps a bit but the image still suffers from the RF output. I hear you can get mods done but they seem very fiddly and there's variable results.

I found a solution for this that does not require modding.  I use a signal amplifier with the TV I use to play games.  The video is crisp and clear.

[align=center:2q3rs5t8](http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/90/00/40/0007900040361_500X500.jpg)[/align:2q3rs5t8]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on February 09, 2013, 15:29:46 PM
cool - will have a look around for one of those!!!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 13, 2013, 19:38:33 PM
This is another cool 7800 demo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmyDvftpd8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXmyDvftpd8)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on February 14, 2013, 00:52:34 AM
I think I have that rom.  It's quite impressive!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on February 17, 2013, 14:06:12 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"I think I haver that rom.  It's quite impressive!

What I found most impressive about it is that it's using the TIA chip and not a POKEY!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on March 14, 2013, 13:02:34 PM
Now this is cool!

A portable ProSystem!  :8:

(http://media.techeblog.com/images/atari7800system.jpg)

Master game console modder Ben Heck shows off his latest creation, a portable Atari 7800 system. Boasting a 7-inch widescreen display, built-in rechargeable batteries, a combination driving / paddle controller, and A/V out. Video after the break. Click here (//http) for first picture in gallery.
 
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5u83k_atari-7800_tech (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5u83k_atari-7800_tech)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on March 14, 2013, 13:04:43 PM
That's cool indeed.  You beat me to it at posting it!  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on March 14, 2013, 14:11:59 PM
Very Cool! It amazes me what some people can do.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on March 15, 2013, 15:42:13 PM
If they want to revive Atari, why do not release something like this? The Flashbacks are neat but portable would be much better.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on March 15, 2013, 15:54:08 PM
Quote from: "onthinice"If they want to revive Atari, why do not release something like this? The Flashbacks are neat but portable would be much better.

Yeah I totally agree. I would love to see them release a 2600/7800 handheld about the size of the PSP with an SD cart slot and loads of built in games. All official with the Atari name on it and everything, even better if it played Lynx games too  :16:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on March 15, 2013, 16:00:42 PM
That would be the perfect handheld.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on March 15, 2013, 18:35:52 PM
One handheld to rule them all!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on March 15, 2013, 18:37:19 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"One handheld to rule them all!

Atari my precious!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 08, 2013, 20:04:36 PM
Okay so I bought my first Atari 7800 a couple weeks ago and tried it out over the weekend past. I mentioned this already but I'll say it again that I'm really impressed with the picture quality. I don't think I've ever seen such a good picture using an RF cable before.  The next thing I must mention is the controller. I've heard a lot of bad things about the 7800 controller before and now I see why! It works okay for some games but on others my hand would cramp up pretty quickly. Definitely need to get one of the controllers that came with the UK 7800. As for the games I've pretty much only tried the arcade ports so far but they're all very well done and lots of fun, feels like I have an old school arcade in my house :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 08, 2013, 20:08:41 PM
Awesome!

The 7800 is home to some amazing arcade conversions. Stuff like Dig Dig, Centipede, Joust, Galaga, Crossbow and Food Fight is close to arcade perfect and they are classics that I will never tire of playing.

Ms. Pacman is brilliant too but has since been surpassed by the Pac-Man Collection.

What you really need though is Ninja Golf!!!!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 08, 2013, 20:13:27 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"Awesome!

The 7800 is home to some amazing arcade conversions. Stuff like Dig Dig, Centipede, Joust, Galaga, Crossbow and Food Fight is close to arcade perfect and they are classics that I will never tire of playing.

Ms. Pacman is brilliant too but has since been surpassed by the Pac-Man Collection.

What you really need though is Ninja Golf!!!!

I read your review of Ninja Golf and I definitely need to get it!
It's a very odd idea but looks really cool  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 08, 2013, 20:49:58 PM
Welcome to the world of the Atari 7800!  Definitely a nice console that did not get as much support as it could have.  Also unfortunate that more POKEY-enhanced games were not made to match the nice visuals that system was capable of.  Thankfully the XM addresses that issue so homebrewers can now make games without that limitation.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 08, 2013, 22:24:44 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Welcome to the world of the Atari 7800!  Definitely a nice console that did not get as much support as it could have.  Also unfortunate that more POKEY-enhanced games were not made to match the nice visuals that system was capable of.  Thankfully the XM addresses that issue so homebrewers can now make games without that limitation.  :)  I read that they are making a lot more XM modules then what's been pre ordered so I'll be watching for it's release.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 08, 2013, 23:08:23 PM
Quote from: "Shadowrunner"
Quote from: "TrekMD"Welcome to the world of the Atari 7800!  Definitely a nice console that did not get as much support as it could have.  Also unfortunate that more POKEY-enhanced games were not made to match the nice visuals that system was capable of.  Thankfully the XM addresses that issue so homebrewers can now make games without that limitation.  :)  I read that they are making a lot more XM modules then what's been pre ordered so I'll be watching for it's release.

Yes, I can hardly wait to get mine!  DK XM demonstrates what the 7800 can do when it is given the additional resources of memory and a POKEY chip!  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on April 09, 2013, 02:44:59 AM
Quote from: "Shadowrunner"Okay so I bought my first Atari 7800 a couple weeks ago and tried it out over the weekend past. I mentioned this already but I'll say it again that I'm really impressed with the picture quality. I don't think I've ever seen such a good picture using an RF cable before.  The next thing I must mention is the controller. I've heard a lot of bad things about the 7800 controller before and now I see why! It works okay for some games but on others my hand would cramp up pretty quickly. Definitely need to get one of the controllers that came with the UK 7800. As for the games I've pretty much only tried the arcade ports so far but they're all very well done and lots of fun, feels like I have an old school arcade in my house :)

The 2600 or Sega controllers work fine with these games as only one button is needed

Ballblazer
Centipede - If you ever get a 2600 track-ball it works fine for this game.
Crossbow 
Dig Dug
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Junior
Fight Night
Food Fight
Galaga
Impossible Mission
Joust
Kung Fu Master
Mario Bros.
Ms. Pac-Man
Pete Rose Baseball
Robotron: 2084
Summer Games
Super Skateboardin'
Title Match Pro Wrestling
Touchdown Football
Tower Toppler
Winter Games
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 09, 2013, 04:52:54 AM
Thanks Ice  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on April 09, 2013, 13:41:21 PM
Your welcome! Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the 7800 :113:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on April 10, 2013, 19:33:14 PM
(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/ninja_10.jpg)(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/alien_10.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 10, 2013, 19:46:56 PM
Great to see those thanks!  :41:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on April 11, 2013, 00:54:30 AM
:)
(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/rampag11.jpg)(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/rampag12.jpg)(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/karat10.jpg)(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/karat_10.jpg)(http://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/17/65/85/95/motor10.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 11, 2013, 00:55:26 AM
Karateka for the 7800...a game in dire need of hacking!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 11, 2013, 01:27:27 AM
Great scans!  :16:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 11, 2013, 04:14:09 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Karateka for the 7800...a game in dire need of hacking!

Now that I have this game I have to try it and see if it's really as bad as you guys say it is.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 13, 2013, 11:24:23 AM
It is! Run away now! Karateka might look good in screenshots or even video but it just controls terribly. Don't believe me? See what Classic Game Room said about it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZQb7IQ5vb8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZQb7IQ5vb8)

The 7800 game you need in your life is this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVTLnTDA8KU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVTLnTDA8KU)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 13, 2013, 13:45:17 PM
Karateka's problem is not in the looks department but with the controls.  That's why I said that it just needs to be hacked to have that addressed.  The lag kills it.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 14, 2013, 02:01:58 AM
So I noticed on the side of my 7800 there's a big square hole where you can see right inside the console. I wondered what it was so after a little digging I found out on early models there was a expansion port there but when Jack came along he got rid of it to cut costs. I try to keep my consoles as dust free as possible but I have to imagine a lot of stuff can get inside a hole that big. Just wondering if there's supposed to be a cover there or is that the way they came? If there wasn't a cover what do you guys do? Guess a piece of tape would work if nothing else.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 14, 2013, 02:05:07 AM
Yep, uses the same case design. Don't have it on PAL models though.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 14, 2013, 02:09:53 AM
Quote from: "The Laird"Yep, uses the same case design. Don't have it on PAL models though.

Okay so tape it is  :21:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on April 14, 2013, 21:48:44 PM
I have one of the later 7800 releases. Sorry I could not help you, Shadowrunner.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on April 14, 2013, 23:02:09 PM
Quote from: "onthinice"I have one of the later 7800 releases. Sorry I could not help you, Shadowrunner.

Don't worry about it, thanks anyway  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 19, 2013, 22:41:26 PM
Just came across this, pretty cool seeing them all in a row!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbm0mBvA17o (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbm0mBvA17o)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 20, 2013, 01:42:08 AM
This is definitely a cool video!  Nice to see the progression of the intermissions also!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 26, 2013, 20:33:05 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"This is definitely a cool video!  Nice to see the progression of the intermissions also!

Yep! I am not good enough to see them all myself  :-[
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on April 27, 2013, 02:13:52 AM
They are all really good. Nice to see the Junior intermissions.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 27, 2013, 04:23:20 AM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "TrekMD"This is definitely a cool video!  Nice to see the progression of the intermissions also!

Yep! I am not good enough to see them all myself  :) 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on May 01, 2013, 19:21:53 PM
I just remembered this so I thought I would share it for those that never saw it!

This is a fan made advert for the Atari 7800 ProSystem, much better than the real ones!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BfU2WDYj6M (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BfU2WDYj6M)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on May 01, 2013, 19:36:34 PM
That's pretty cool. Seeing Ballblazer in there reminded me that I played that a bit last weekend, is it just me or does the AI really suck in that game? Don't get me wrong, I like to win but I like a bit of opposition! Otherwise it's a great game.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on May 01, 2013, 21:58:19 PM
That is pretty cool indeed! 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on July 31, 2013, 17:59:15 PM
Dunno if this is of interest to our US readers, but looking at a feature The Games Machine did over here at the then upcoming 8 Bit consoles, they said the 7800 was 'dropped' from being released over here in UK, mainly due to the large software base already avaiable for the Atari 400/800 series and instead Atari gave us the 65XE

£79.99 got you the console with Missile command and 1 joystick, further £59.99 got you a keyboard, another joystick+data recorder.

Light Gun was £29.99, data recorder on it's own £29.99, touch tablet £49.99, disk drive £179.99 printers ranging from £189.99 to £199.99.Std Atari controllers £4.99, super controllers £7.99 pair of paddles £9.99

But they state a key flaw in Atari's plans:

You could buy a brand new Atari 800, plus disk drive for less than the 65XE disk drive alone and there were plenty of A8 computers doing the rounds on the 2nd hand market.Plus in terms of developer support, you had the likes of Ocean saying they had no plans to convert any existing A8 games to cartridge.

So why would you pay more for a console version of existing A8 hardware?.

They also featured the redesigned and relaunched Atari 2600 retailing at £49.99 which they said compared to the Nes or MS seemed ' over-priced and antiquated', even though it was 1/2 the price of it's rivials.

Software now split into 3 groups:£12.99 ( Pacman Jr, Midnight Magic and solaris-most upto date games), £9.99 (midrange with titles like:Stargate, Pole Position Ms Pacman Moon Patrol etc) and cheapest range at £6.99 (oldest arcade conversions like Space Invaders, Missile Command, Defender etc).
Title: Re: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 31, 2013, 18:50:07 PM
Slight correction, they released the XE Games System (XEGS) instead of the 7800 initially as it could be upgraded to a full blown computer. This was mainly because the British market at that time was so dominated by home computers.

Atari had already released the 65XE, replacement for the 800XL, and the 130XE computers (128k version of same system)

They only released the 7800 late on in 1987 when they released how well the SMS had taken off and that there was demand for the system too. They were also encouraged by just how well the repackaged Atari 2600 Jr. had sold. C&VG magazine also wrote a really positive piece about the 7800 in their news section and pretty much begged Atari to release it, I posted this in the NES thread.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on July 31, 2013, 19:14:35 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"Slight correction, they released the XE Games System (XEGS) instead of the 7800 initially as it could be upgraded to a full blown computer. This was mainly because the British market at that time was so dominated by home computers.

Atari had already released the 65XE, replacement for the 800XL, and the 130XE computers (128k version of same system)

They only released the 7800 late on in 1987 when they released how well the SMS had taken off and that there was demand for the system too. They were also encouraged by just how well the repackaged Atari 2600 Jr. had sold. C&VG magazine also wrote a really positive piece about the 7800 in their news section and pretty much begged Atari to release it, I posted this in the NES thread.

Looking at article in question, i'd say T.G.M were going off the various press releases given to them by Atari, sega etc concerning their plans for the upcoming 8 Bit console war.It was an 'incoming' article rather than look back.


Mentioned as part of on-going posts tonight, to give our overseas readers a look at what sort of prices UK were looking at and media reaction.

Those Special reserve prices for Nes games opened even my cynical eyes, had no idea Nes games were retailing for so much in cases compared to games on newer systems like Lynx+MD.

Will have to scan through for the C+VG article, if memory serves it was from their columnist, rather than on-board staff (not that it makes much difference, other than he always provided a superb read each time his column appeared, really passionaite about his subject material).
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on July 31, 2013, 19:35:15 PM
Laird mentioned the C+VG scan from tony Takoushi's Hot Gossip column of C+VG, where he so badly wanted the 7800 to be released in UK.

Tony, for those who are'nt aware of, started out on Big K magazine before moving to C+VG where he was responsible for the Mean Machines section (something i'm eternally grateful for), he had the 1st UK review of the PC Engine and he was always very much a real driving force with console coverage in C+VG.

Sadly Tony left C+VG (i read his interview where he talked of the then editor having personal problems and he (Tony) could see the editors way of running the magazine was very unprofessional and he just could'nt work in that enviroment.always very sad to see great talent having to leave a publication due to conflicts with the management who let personal issues get in the way of being professional).

Tony then went on to work at sega Europe, where he was european product manager and was part of the team that ovesaw Sonic 2, he also went on to become head of development services of Codemasters and set up the studio behind Freefall 3050Ad on the Nuon.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on July 31, 2013, 20:14:56 PM
Quote from: "Rogue Trooper"So why would you pay more for a console version of existing A8 hardware?.

My thoughts on the 5200 exactly! I bought one used back in the early 90's at a flea market for $30 with a dozen games.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on July 31, 2013, 21:56:19 PM
Quote from: "Gorf"
Quote from: "Rogue Trooper"So why would you pay more for a console version of existing A8 hardware?.

My thoughts on the 5200 exactly! I bought one used back in the early 90's at a flea market for $30 with a dozen games.

I an many others in UK i'm sure, picked up my 800Xl from the clearance sale a then well known electrical goods store, had.Think my folks picked up the system for just under £100, but a disk drive? bloody hell, way out of our price range as it were my friends.

So if Atari were struggling to sell them to UK A8 computer owners, what hope 65XE owners?.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on August 01, 2013, 18:52:21 PM
Here is that article for people who missed it:

(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z280/mrkizza/7800_zpsfc69fada.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: DreamcastRIP on August 01, 2013, 18:58:26 PM
Is it just me or does that screenshot of Pole Position 2 look suspiciously like an Atari 7800 console and vice versa?  :21:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 01, 2013, 21:05:53 PM
Quote from: "DreamcastRIP"Is it just me or does that screenshot of Pole Position 2 look suspiciously like an Atari 7800 console and vice versa?  :24:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: DreamcastRIP on August 01, 2013, 21:19:23 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"
Quote from: "DreamcastRIP"Is it just me or does that screenshot of Pole Position 2 look suspiciously like an Atari 7800 console and vice versa?  :24:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV7slWBbAOs/TyVuaE0C1OI/AAAAAAAAABo/RGl0jGkFeo4/s400/Spock+I.jpg)

 :4:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 01, 2013, 21:40:31 PM
Quote from: "DreamcastRIP"
Quote from: "TrekMD"
Quote from: "DreamcastRIP"Is it just me or does that screenshot of Pole Position 2 look suspiciously like an Atari 7800 console and vice versa?  :24:

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uV7slWBbAOs/TyVuaE0C1OI/AAAAAAAAABo/RGl0jGkFeo4/s400/Spock+I.jpg)

 :4:

[align=center:18fbs8gq](http://troll.me/images/business-dog/precisely.jpg)[/align:18fbs8gq]
Title: Re: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on August 07, 2013, 13:26:40 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"Slight correction, they released the XE Games System (XEGS) instead of the 7800 initially as it could be upgraded to a full blown computer. This was mainly because the British market at that time was so dominated by home computers.

Atari had already released the 65XE, replacement for the 800XL, and the 130XE computers (128k version of same system)

They only released the 7800 late on in 1987 when they released how well the SMS had taken off and that there was demand for the system too. They were also encouraged by just how well the repackaged Atari 2600 Jr. had sold. C&VG magazine also wrote a really positive piece about the 7800 in their news section and pretty much begged Atari to release it, I posted this in the NES thread.

Slight correction :-)


Reason 7800 was not released over here was because Atari officials in the USA were convinced the UK 8 Bit market was tape driven, so it was storage medium not ability to upgrade that drove the decision.

they accepted the fact that in UK, cartridge manufacturing was difficult, as it meant high production volumes and long lead times.

Bob Gleadlow, Atari UK's general manager at the time, talking of the then un-named 65XE, was talking about how it was him who had brought the prototype 65XE from the USA to show to UK software houses and how it'd recived an enthusiastic welcome.

Atari UK put A8 users in UK at that time around 350,000
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on August 07, 2013, 16:28:14 PM
Update to my above 'slight correction' (i so hate leaving posts vague when theres more info to share): )


It was officials at Atari UK who convinced Atari in the States that the british market would benifit from a machine that could run cassettes-not just cartridges.Atari's P.R statement at the time said:

'We feel that this offers the users over here the best of both worlds'.

Atari UK claimed within 48 hrs of the 65XE being annouced, it'd taken advance orders for 75,000 units.

So there we have it, Atari UK any new Atari 8 bit console to run tapes as well as carts, rather than carts only, hence it was choosen to replace the 2600, not the 7800.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Rogue Trooper on August 07, 2013, 23:27:52 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "onthinice"If they want to revive Atari, why do not release something like this? The Flashbacks are neat but portable would be much better.

Yeah I totally agree. I would love to see them release a 2600/7800 handheld about the size of the PSP with an SD cart slot and loads of built in games. All official with the Atari name on it and everything, even better if it played Lynx games too  :16:

Well they had 65XE variations planned:

65XEM-Music micro, 4 channel sound to be replaced by 8 channel sound, 64 harmonics, sampling rate of over 30 Hz etc.

65XEP-Portable version of 65XE

Both scrapped as was the 130ST-A 'naked' CPU with just 128K Ram


Claims were the 65XEP was scrapped as Atari working on a 16 Bit portable....
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on August 15, 2013, 20:03:06 PM
That would have been the STacy I guess. From what I heard the other XE models were scrapped because they couldn't get the AMY chip working right.

But anyway back to topic, I wonder if any games were ever worked on that would have used the planned Laser Disc add-on?

I am guessing Fire Fox would have been one.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on August 15, 2013, 23:21:17 PM
Fire Fox! Sounds good!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on August 23, 2013, 20:28:04 PM
Cool 7800 poster:

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/994902_190694274436272_1264569538_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 23, 2013, 21:22:02 PM
Karateka would have been a "Super Game" had they done a better job with control!  All those "Super Games" also could have done with POKEY sound.  Ballblazer is the only one there to have that honor. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on August 27, 2013, 00:27:53 AM
The 7800 should have had the POKEY on board...period. It also should have had a means to allow the 6502
to continue running along side Maria. Though it's probably the best of the consoles of it's time as far as sprite
handling goes....it sorely lacks elsewhere.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 27, 2013, 00:52:47 AM
Quote from: "Gorf"The 7800 should have had the POKEY on board...period. It also should have had a means to allow the 6502
to continue running along side Maria. Though it's probably the best of the consoles of it's time as far as sprite
handling goes....it sorely lacks elsewhere.

Yep, but the Tramiels wanted to be cheap. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on August 27, 2013, 03:10:36 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"
Quote from: "Gorf"The 7800 should have had the POKEY on board...period. It also should have had a means to allow the 6502
to continue running along side Maria. Though it's probably the best of the consoles of it's time as far as sprite
handling goes....it sorely lacks elsewhere.

Yep, but the Tramiels wanted to be cheap.

And as usual paid dearly for it and so did us fans.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on August 27, 2013, 07:37:14 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"
Quote from: "Gorf"The 7800 should have had the POKEY on board...period. It also should have had a means to allow the 6502
to continue running along side Maria. Though it's probably the best of the consoles of it's time as far as sprite
handling goes....it sorely lacks elsewhere.

Yep, but the Tramiels wanted to be cheap.

Can't blame them for this one, the 7800 was originally released under Warner.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 27, 2013, 13:21:06 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"Can't blame them for this one, the 7800 was originally released under Warner.

Well then, Warner was too cheap (or dumb)!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on August 29, 2013, 00:57:54 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"
Quote from: "The Laird"Can't blame them for this one, the 7800 was originally released under Warner.

Well then, Warner was too cheap (or dumb)!

They both had similar suckability. If only Nolan were to hang on a little longer. I think Atari
would still be the dominant force in video games today.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on August 30, 2013, 05:08:55 AM
Wonder if Nolan would have pushed for Chuck E Cheese to be the official mascot of Atari?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 30, 2013, 13:20:20 PM
Quote from: "onthinice"Wonder if Nolan would have pushed for Chuck E Cheese to be the official mascot of Atari?

Hmm, I think I would have preferred Bentley Bear as Atar's mascot.  Then again, I may be a bit biased.  ;)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: DreamcastRIP on August 30, 2013, 18:10:35 PM
Quote from: "onthinice"Wonder if Nolan would have pushed for Chuck E Cheese to be the official mascot of Atari?

While I don't know the answer to that question it was certainly the case that Nolan took numerous opportunities to have the mascot pictured alongside Atari publicity photoshoots for their latest products prior to the first restaurant opening.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69771719@N06/9550875250# (//http)

There was of course a mutually beneficial relationship between the two companies because the restaurants had numerous Atari arcade coin-op machines available for its diners to play on.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 30, 2013, 19:55:52 PM
Hmm, interesting seeing the Chuck E Cheese's pet with the Atari stuff.  Makes sense given the connection, though.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: DreamcastRIP on August 30, 2013, 20:03:25 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Hmm, interesting seeing the Chuck E Cheese's pet with the Atari stuff.  Makes sense given the connection, though.

Yep, there's another such photograph in Marty & Curt's book too.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on September 02, 2013, 16:47:14 PM
I don't think CEC would have mattered or ever become reality if Nolan stuck it out a bit longer...he should have just got some initial investment money from Warner or someone instead of selling them the company. A move I bet he still regrets to this day seeing what has happened to his once great company.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on September 02, 2013, 17:01:35 PM
So many what-ifs. I saw an interview on tv years ago, Steve Jobs wanted Nolan to invest in Apple. Wonder how that might have went?

Asteroids on the 7800 is still the best version for me. I wish Activision had ported more classics. The 7800 was all about arcade and old school games. Updates of River Raid, Pitfall II, Stampede and Private Eye would have been cool.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on September 02, 2013, 17:07:21 PM
We already know how good some of those games looked on the 5200, so they could have been even better graphically on the 7800.  They probably just assumed that users would just play the 2600 versions on their 7800 and did not feel it was necessary to port the games to the system with upgraded graphics.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on September 02, 2013, 17:10:40 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"We already know how good some of those games looked on the 5200, so they could have been even better graphically on the 7800.  They probably just assumed that users would just play the 2600 versions on their 7800 and did not feel it was necessary to port the games to the system with upgraded graphics.

Thankfully I am grateful for that decision.  :113:

Backwards compatibility now, is different from the 7800 days.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on December 10, 2013, 02:47:52 AM
Endgadget published an article about the Atari 7800 that I just saw.  So, what do they have to say about Atari's backward compatible system?  Check it out:  Time Machines: Atari's CES Endgame (//http).

[align=center:13s35daq](http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/adam/2bc7168a310b0e6026d2371cf14d7c91/time-machines-CES847800-2.jpg)[/align:13s35daq]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on December 17, 2013, 20:47:17 PM
This is very cool . . . .

Worlds First 1MB Demo (//http)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on December 17, 2013, 20:55:38 PM
Ah, the Megacart!  Awesome!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 14, 2014, 01:42:41 AM
[align=center:2ff64ceb]So I see somebody did a multi-cart for the 7800!

Atari 7800 - 16 in 1 (//http)[/align:2ff64ceb]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 14, 2014, 01:53:34 AM
The first of several, apparently.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 14, 2014, 01:54:50 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"The first of several, apparently.  :)

Cool, but very dubious from a legal perspective though.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 14, 2014, 02:00:53 AM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "TrekMD"The first of several, apparently.  :)

Cool, but very dubious from a legal perspective though.

Yep, you could say that. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on April 19, 2014, 17:22:19 PM
The game companies let them get away with it. A few treats of lawsuits would greatly change this behavior...at least drive it underground. Blatant thieving bastards. Exactly why I wont waste time on dead consoles with not real protection.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 19, 2014, 22:26:39 PM
[align=center:1qiopm9o]Let Me Show You: The Atari 7800 (//http)[/align:1qiopm9o]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on April 19, 2014, 23:53:37 PM
Sold!  Now Desert Strike will have to go on hold  :-[
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 19, 2014, 23:54:18 PM
Quote from: "Lorfarius"Sold!  Now Desert Strike will have to go on hold  :-[

You just bought a 7800?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on April 19, 2014, 23:56:07 PM
No but I'm seriously looking at them now over on eBay.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 20, 2014, 00:00:19 AM
Quote from: "Lorfarius"No but I'm seriously looking at them now over on eBay.

If you do get one I have a few spare here - Ballblazer, Super Huey and Xevious (all loose)

Like I said to you earlier, it's a great system and easy to get a complete collection for it without spending silly money.

It also has some of the best homebrews of any console. Definitely a very under rated console.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on April 20, 2014, 00:13:22 AM
How many games does it have?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 20, 2014, 00:19:38 AM
Quote from: "Lorfarius"How many games does it have?

There are only 59 official releases! Pretty crazy for a console that outsold the Master System by 2:1 in North America!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Atari_7800_games (//http)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on April 20, 2014, 00:47:09 AM
During my todays verification of my new mod i recognized that a lot of my cartridges seems to be broken. They works fine in first run but fails after a while. For example centipede show screen noise at the bottom. Which changes during gameplay.
Ninja golf works fine too, until you reach the middle of the first level, then you will notice white lines at he bottom appearing randomly but steady at the same position. Finally it crashes in gameplay.
I have multiple ballblazer modules, sometimes they reach the demolevel, sometimes they alter the lucasgame screen and crashes. Seems due to pokey init. Weird as it happens randomly on different consoles. Also checked pal/ntsc version.

Several month ago i got a heavy sixer which vaporized their plastic components, for example the joystick ports simple broke if you tried to change the joysticks. Any plastic looked old seems the housings reached their lifespan and now vaporize if you hit them accidently.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on April 22, 2014, 05:10:55 AM
I've been getting my kids into the 7800 over the past week. They both ask me to play Midnight Mutants, they really like that for whatever reasons (part of it must be the bosses, they really seem to get a kick out of them). Also I finally managed to get to Hole 9 in Ninja Golf for the first time. It was only Normal difficulty, I guess previously I just didn't try hard enough. I was quite close to finishing it but lost my last life right as I was reaching the shoreline to fight the last dragon. Such a great game, among the "what ifs" I think it's a shame that Atari didn't use these two particular properties on either the Lynx or the Jaguar - Ninja Gold Jag or Midnight Mutants Jag could have been interesting experiences and if pulled off properly (AvP or BattleMorph quality, not Trevor McFur or Club Drivel quality  :48:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 22, 2014, 11:40:35 AM
Ninja Gold sure is a unique game for the 7800.  I like your idea about a Jag version.  That would have been nifty to see an updated version and it would have been cool to also see that kind of connection between the systems.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on April 22, 2014, 16:29:41 PM
I certainly would have taken Ninja Golf 2000 or Jag or 64 or whatever they might have called it over Kasumi Ninja. But the siren song of 1-on-1 fighting games was just too powerful so I understand why they bothered with KN instead. Or maybe Kasumi Ninja Golf, hehe. Choose your character then compete! That also might have worked.

When it comes to the 7800 I know a lot of fans love how it has a lot of arcade ports but personally I like it for the non-arcade stuff. Playing the arcade games themselves is easier than ever and I don't think the reliance on arcade ports was crucial on the system like it was for the 2600. The NES proved that for the most part. I would have liked to have seen something like Star Raiders or Solaris on the system. I bet it could have pulled off something quite good in that regard.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 22, 2014, 19:01:01 PM
The 7800 had a lot of potential at the time and, had Atari followed through and done more enhanced carts, it would have had a very nice life to compete against the NES.  Sadly, they didn't.  Heck, had they released the XM as they originally intended, that would have also helped and it would shaved costs.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: dot.fyre on April 22, 2014, 20:42:14 PM
Some of my boxed 7800 games.

(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee342/stvd_games/7800.jpg) (//http)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 22, 2014, 20:46:06 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"The 7800 had a lot of potential at the time and, had Atari followed through and done more enhanced carts, it would have had a very nice life to compete against the NES.  Sadly, they didn't.  Heck, had they released the XM as they originally intended, that would have also helped and it would shaved costs.

Indeed, I would have loved to have seen what some of the big 3rd party NES licensees would have done with the 7800.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 22, 2014, 20:46:45 PM
Nice set of games, dot.fyre.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: dot.fyre on April 22, 2014, 21:22:15 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Nice set of games, dot.fyre.  :)

Thanks. I got boxed versions of Asteroids and Centipede too but they were NTSC.  >:(
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on April 22, 2014, 21:27:56 PM
Quote from: "dot.fyre"
Quote from: "TrekMD"Nice set of games, dot.fyre.  :40:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: dot.fyre on April 23, 2014, 11:44:14 AM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "dot.fyre"
Quote from: "TrekMD"Nice set of games, dot.fyre.  :40:

Neither worked properly. Could have been the carts although they were both sealed when I got them.
As for Asteroids, it's a nice box.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on April 23, 2014, 20:58:11 PM
I would just like to see the XM get released period at this point :P

But yeah, in a more perfect universe, the XEGS being released in 1982 instead of the 5200 and the XM in 1987 instead of the XE would have been an interesting thing. But there were many other things that needed to happen. And of course there is the Mirai, who knows what that might have ended up being if released in 1988 or 89 or whenever it was.

Given the new release of Atari 7800 BASIC, it's tempting to try and learn that and hammer something out for the 7800 although I have never been able to wrap my head around programming enough to make anything happen. I can design all day long but code is a different story.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 23, 2014, 21:24:14 PM
Yes, rumor has it that we'll be seeing the XM in June!  Can't wait! 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on April 24, 2014, 07:56:52 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Yes, rumor has it that we'll be seeing the XM in June!  Can't wait!

yes hopefully. I cross the fingers a long time for such a project. as I know the first incarnation was based on original design and delivered as a modul called "the hiscore card". The current design is an extension with some add-ons of this concept. The website lists the XM as "sold out" and as I've heard it will not enter mass production at all. Not sure how many pieces will be built but at a price of $150 I'll bet there are no earnings in comparison to time spent.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on April 24, 2014, 11:17:04 AM
Quote from: "retromod"During my todays verification of my new mod i recognized that a lot of my cartridges seems to be broken. They works fine in first run but fails after a while. For example centipede show screen noise at the bottom. Which changes during gameplay.
Ninja golf works fine too, until you reach the middle of the first level, then you will notice white lines at he bottom appearing randomly but steady at the same position. Finally it crashes in gameplay.
I have multiple ballblazer modules, sometimes they reach the demolevel, sometimes they alter the lucasgame screen and crashes. Seems due to pokey init. Weird as it happens randomly on different consoles. Also checked pal/ntsc version.

problem solved: after some investigations it seems a flacky ground solderpoint was the root cause. I've found several reportings of similar issues after modding consoles to S-video. I solved the problem by simple adding an additional ground solder point from the console to the modding PCB. Now all games are stable and ballblazer works fine every time except you'll switch off/on too rapidly. It seems the used capacitor within the console requires too long and keeping voltage for a while (same issue on Atari 2600 where you'll notice even if there is no power connection the LED will light for a while). but this can be improved by a simple trick in the circuit  :104:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on May 11, 2014, 13:00:11 PM
[align=center:14znfeej]You don't see many 7800 walk throughs, so this new video was a welcome upload!

Atari 7800 Longplay [001] Commando (//http)[/align:14znfeej]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on May 11, 2014, 15:11:23 PM
Very nice and also an excellent choice for a longplay video!  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Gorf on May 11, 2014, 17:25:43 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"Indeed, I would have loved to have seen what some of the big 3rd party NES licensees would have done with the 7800.

Unfortunately, they'd have done nothing either way since Nintendo monopolized all the big 3rd party dev's with the exclusivity clause. You would have not seen the 7800 falter but they had no one who was allowed to code for the system. Another big a-hole move from Atari delaying the release of the 7800 two years. Had they released it when they originally intended to, Nintendo would have not had such an easy time convincing top dev's that they were the only game in town...because they would not have been. As it was, they were the only game in town and released the NES at the right time and the right place.

Blame Atari for this....another hair brained move.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on May 11, 2014, 17:32:02 PM
To be fair it wasn't Atari's fault, it was Warners. Jack Tramiel's Atari didn't own the rights for the 7800 because Warner had never paid GCC for developing it and the original games. Warner thought Atari Corp should pay, Jack thought Warner should as they released it first, a bit horrible mess that only got settled when Jack eventually paid up because he really wanted to get the 7800 out the door before it was too late.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on May 15, 2014, 10:11:57 AM
Quote from: "The Laird"[align=center:2sb2skag]You don't see many 7800 walk throughs, so this new video was a welcome upload!

Atari 7800 Longplay [001] Commando (//http)[/align:2sb2skag]

it seems the video is offline as the owner was branded for copyright issues....
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on May 15, 2014, 20:58:49 PM
WTF  :o

What copyright issues would there be with a gameplay video? Real shame as it was a great video.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on May 15, 2014, 22:27:09 PM
Probably none but it only takes someone with a grudge to flag a few vids as being against copyright to get stuff pulled.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on May 16, 2014, 01:11:30 AM
Quote from: "The Laird"WTF  :o

What copyright issues would there be with a gameplay video? Real shame as it was a great video.

I'll guess the simplest one of these videos: music he is not the owner of. Youtube automatically matches music and removes those as the music lobby is better organized than the mafia. People who are not aware of simple copyright rules falls very quickly into these traps.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on June 11, 2014, 16:33:51 PM
[align=center:1ei3gxiy]Worst game EVER on atari 7800 (//http)[/align:1ei3gxiy]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 11, 2014, 21:01:54 PM
Yep, we've said it many times.  That games needs a serious hack!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: 64bitRuss on June 11, 2014, 22:32:35 PM
I want my XM dammit!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on June 12, 2014, 07:36:54 AM
Quote from: "64bitRuss"I want my XM dammit!

the XM is still not available? After all that years? Why? Last information was that Curt will deliver them to the 30th anniversary of the Atari 7800....
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 12, 2014, 11:46:16 AM
Curt has had health issues that have delayed the project.  He also lost some of the help he had and that further delayed things.  Curt said he would try to deliver them sometime this month but that hasn't happened yet.  He had tried to keep that quiet because he wasn't 100% certain of the delivery month.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on June 13, 2014, 22:13:36 PM
That sucks. I didn't pre-order but the moment they are available I will order - well, assuming there will be extras outside of the pre-orders.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 13, 2014, 22:14:18 PM
Word is that Curt will make more once the preorders are all delivered, so you should be able to get one. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on June 13, 2014, 22:15:57 PM
Allrighty then. Hopefully XM software will flow like The Spice as soon as that happens.  :36:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 13, 2014, 22:26:01 PM
Quote from: "arcadehero"Allrighty then. Hopefully XM software will flow like The Spice as soon as that happens.  :36:

Hopefully.  Development of several games was stopped because the XM is not available yet.  Let's hope development continues after release.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: 64bitRuss on June 14, 2014, 04:27:41 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Word is that Curt will make more once the preorders are all delivered, so you should be able to get one.
Well I have a feeling that the first batch will be the only batch when everything is all said and done. The project keeps getting delayed for health reasons, so I can't imagine him being able to continue if this thing actually gets shipped out the door. I'm actually curious why this project hasn't been handed off to someone equally capable of finishing it up.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on June 14, 2014, 18:04:21 PM
Quote from: "64bitRuss"
Quote from: "TrekMD"Word is that Curt will make more once the preorders are all delivered, so you should be able to get one.
Well I have a feeling that the first batch will be the only batch when everything is all said and done. The project keeps getting delayed for health reasons, so I can't imagine him being able to continue if this thing actually gets shipped out the door. I'm actually curious why this project hasn't been handed off to someone equally capable of finishing it up.

What happens with the "done is better than perfect" thinking in usa? 4 years is quite a long time and most likely some feature are not used at all (like sio and keyboard). If this would be my project it would support stereo/surround, sd card support, highscore and a fpga pokey support including a coprocessor for speed reason. most of them still exist as circuit schematics or existing product either. May be better to deliver a stripped version of the xm and deliver a full blown version ii later if it is really adopted by developers.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 14, 2014, 18:22:02 PM
That would defeat the intended purpose.  Atari had originally planned to release an XM back in the day.  This release is meant to do what Atari did not and the goal is to keep it as close to the original product as possible.  Even doing that there are many complaining about it because they rather see the hardware incorporated into carts than into a centralized unit. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on June 16, 2014, 15:30:08 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"That would defeat the intended purpose.  Atari had originally planned to release an XM back in the day.  This release is meant to do what Atari did not and the goal is to keep it as close to the original product as possible.  Even doing that there are many complaining about it because they rather see the hardware incorporated into carts than into a centralized unit.

but why it is delayed by years? As I understood from project websites they add/remove features on their own so it seems not really a 1:1 copy of the Atari project in my opinion, specially as their are some "private" features developers want to implement. Any more details?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 16, 2014, 15:40:51 PM
Health issues, losing help, bugs that are affecting compatibility with some carts...  We have a thread on the XM with a link to the original site:  Atari 7800 eXpansion Module (XM) (//http).
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on June 19, 2014, 20:47:03 PM
[align=center:2x5ddyru]Lets Play Atari 7800 Frenzy! (//http)[/align:2x5ddyru]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 19, 2014, 20:52:57 PM
I have this cart and it is well made.  It's cool having both games included.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on June 19, 2014, 20:55:32 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"I have this cart and it is well made.  It's cool having both games included.

I REALLY REALLY want this, wish I could have got one when it came out  :12:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 19, 2014, 21:27:15 PM
It is still available:  http://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1029 (//http) 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on June 19, 2014, 21:57:05 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"It is still available:  http://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1029 (//http)

Yes, but only on Atari Age  :20:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 19, 2014, 22:56:50 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "TrekMD"It is still available:  http://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1029 (//http)

Yes, but only on Atari Age  :20:

I can order one and send it your way.  It does appear to support both NTSC and PAL systems.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on June 20, 2014, 03:11:45 AM
I will probably open up a can of worms here but why is it that 7800 fans practically demand nothing but arcade ports? I'm Mr. Arcade and I have zero desire to see more arcade ports for the system, if you want to make a couple of bucks off your ability to make 7800 games then I would rather spend it on something fresh (Crystal Quest will have my money)

I say this because:

1) The most memorable games on the 7800 were original stuff like Ninja Golf or Midnight Mutants
2) It had a lot of arcade ports BITD because it was the cheap and easy thing to do
3) I think it's have enough ports that we know what the system can do in that regard.
4) MAME
5) I own some of these games in their original arcade form so perhaps that makes it worse but I really have no desire to own something that I paid a heck of a lot more for in the best form you will find the game
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 20, 2014, 03:21:55 AM
There were some original games being developed but, since the XM has not been released, development stopped.  A game that isn't original but was finished is Super Circus Atari, essentially a nice update of the 2600 title for the system.  Also, if you check on the homebrews section here, you'll find other homebrews being made, including one I recently posted about that is a type of Adventure game.  Neither one of those games are arcade ports. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on June 20, 2014, 05:01:54 AM
Quote from: "TrekMD"There were some original games being developed but, since the XM has not been released, development stopped.  A game that isn't original but was finished is Super Circus Atari, essentially a nice update of the 2600 title for the system.  Also, if you check on the homebrews section here, you'll find other homebrews being made, including one I recently posted about that is a type of Adventure game.  Neither one of those games are arcade ports.

Well I just mean when I talk with 7800 fans, the majority seem to be always clamoring for arcade ports. I've argued with people before who try to make the case that we should ONLY get arcade ports because that is the "spirit of the 7800" supposedly and to have anything more complex like NES level complexity would apparently be sacrilege. I just think that is a bunch of baloney but I'm just trying to understand it a little better as the position doesn't make full sense to me. The Atari 5200 library is 95% ports and it bombed. Adventure II is the only reason I had to go out of my way to get one, pretty much everything else worthwile you can get for the XE/XL, even Space Dungeon.

 I know there are some games that aren't ports (as mentioned, Crystal Quest) but where so many of them are, I just can't get excited for them. I would like to support the guys that put all this effort into it but I just am not interested in the ports of those games. I can get behind ports of stuff from the Atari 8-bit or maybe a system I don't own like the Sinclair. Heck I wouldn't mind seeing how the 2600 could handle Solaris or Save Mary but those aren't available on 1000 different platforms.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 20, 2014, 05:50:14 AM
I agree with you there.  Limiting the library of the system to just arcade ports is narrow minded.  The system can certainly have more complex games (and needs them) and there should be no reason for it to not get more complex games once the XM is out and programmers can take advantage of having the extra memory and POKEY in one place (rather than worrying about finding carts with those). 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on June 20, 2014, 08:09:44 AM
Its probably because its much easier for design and gameplay purposes to port something rather than create something entirely new.  The Adventure game sounded interesting but I wouldn't mind seeing the likes of an RPG maybe even a redesign of something like Ultima as the consoles more than capable.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 03, 2014, 17:52:36 PM
[align=center:2darmh43]Atari 7800 Astro Blaster (//http)[/align:2darmh43]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 03, 2014, 18:09:22 PM
Another one of Bob's masterpieces!  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 03, 2014, 18:22:01 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Another one of Bob's masterpieces!  :)

Indeed, and another game to add to my shopping list. I love the speech in this!

You can definitely see where Activision's Megamania got its influence from.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 03, 2014, 18:23:09 PM
Indeed.  Waiting for this to be added to the AA store.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on July 03, 2014, 19:21:09 PM
Looks awesome and I also love the speech! I really need to start buying some of these new 7800 games.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 03, 2014, 19:26:16 PM
Oh my God.....one of my favourites. I played this in the arcade (the sound during the asteroid section was brilliant - the bass speaker made the cabinet shake). Played it to death via MAME in later years. I could never get past Sector 3 as it was a real tough game.

There are two versions of the ROM - the earlier one was even harder - wonder which version this is based off.....better be an optimised PAL option!!!

Just checked at atariage - the diff levels equate to the diff ROMS! What a job (3 ROMS -1 I didn't know about!)

Is this running on an unexpanded 7800? The speech is impressive - the speech in game is missing but that wouldn't be an issue for me.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 04, 2014, 03:28:09 AM
Quote from: "davyk"Oh my God.....one of my favourites. I played this in the arcade (the sound during the asteroid section was brilliant - the bass speaker made the cabinet shake). Played it to death via MAME in later years. I could never get past Sector 3 as it was a real tough game.

There are two versions of the ROM - the earlier one was even harder - wonder which version this is based off.....better be an optimised PAL option!!!

Just checked at atariage - the diff levels equate to the diff ROMS! What a job (3 ROMS -1 I didn't know about!)

Is this running on an unexpanded 7800? The speech is impressive - the speech in game is missing but that wouldn't be an issue for me.

If I'm not mistaken, this is not XM enhanced.  It uses the native hardware of the 7800.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 04, 2014, 08:08:32 AM
Glad to hear that - I suppose it it using POKEY for sound which would make a cartridge a wee bit more expensive (and difficult to produce).

Wish there was a Harmony/Cuttle Cart type device widely available for the 7800...
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 04, 2014, 08:11:10 AM
Quote from: "davyk"Glad to hear that - I suppose it it using POKEY for sound which would make a cartridge a wee bit more expensive (and difficult to produce).

Wish there was a Harmony/Cuttle Cart type device widely available for the 7800...

I don't think it is actually, I think it's TIA speech! Have you ever played/heard Jinks?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 04, 2014, 08:12:16 AM
Wow - Impressive. There's the Berzerk Speech enhanced too for 2600 I suppose....

Haven't played Jinks - heard mixed reviews about it. Had a chance to pick it up CIB for cheap in a retro shop in Bimingham some time ago and passed on it.  :-
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 04, 2014, 08:18:36 AM
Quote from: "davyk"Wow - Impressive. There's the Berzerk Speech enhanced too for 2600 I suppose....

Haven't played Jinks - heard mixed reviews about it. Had a chance to pick it up CIB for cheap in a retro shop in Bimingham some time ago and passed on it.  :-

It's very cheap to pick up, I think Lofarius here was saying he had a load of them. I think it's a really good game personally, read my review of it for more info.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on July 04, 2014, 20:33:53 PM
I'm not sure where else to share this but I've put together some thoughts on making a new Ninja Golf:

http://arcryphongames.wordpress.com/2014/07/04/designing-ninja-golf-for-a-new-age-of-gaming/ (//http)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 05, 2014, 02:57:16 AM
Ninja Golf is such a unique game.  It would indeed be cool to see an updated version of the game.  You know, it would have made a nice and unique title for the Jaguar.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 05, 2014, 23:55:35 PM
Here's a nice blogpost: Atari 7800 missing classics... (//http)

[align=center:nq4bo2cc](http://retrogameguydotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cropped-dscn60163.jpg)[/align:nq4bo2cc]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 06, 2014, 12:16:55 PM
That's cool and I agree with a lot of the choices too.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 06, 2014, 12:52:05 PM
Yes, I thought it was a nice list of games that could have been part of the original 7800 game library.  One of the reasons I decided to get a 5200 was precisely because of many of those titles.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 06, 2014, 19:50:43 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"
Quote from: "davyk"Wow - Impressive. There's the Berzerk Speech enhanced too for 2600 I suppose....

Haven't played Jinks - heard mixed reviews about it. Had a chance to pick it up CIB for cheap in a retro shop in Bimingham some time ago and passed on it.  :-

It's very cheap to pick up, I think Lofarius here was saying he had a load of them. I think it's a really good game personally, read my review of it for more info.

Also here is a vid, you can hear the amazing speech at the begining:

Jinks - Atari 7800 (//http)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on July 07, 2014, 21:17:34 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Here's a nice blogpost: Atari 7800 missing classics... (//http)

[align=center:tpz2weuy](http://retrogameguydotcom.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cropped-dscn60163.jpg)[/align:tpz2weuy]

I guess this fits in with my little rant about a plethora of arcade hits coming home, Of that list the ones I would like to see would have been Star Raiders and Pitfall or Pitfall 3. Or if something like Adventure 2 had come to the 7800 back in 86. I guess I'm pretty much alone in my thinking about this.  :43:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 07, 2014, 21:54:58 PM
I would have loved to see versions of Star Raiders, Pitfall, and Adventure done for the 7800 to take advantage of its graphical chip.  Those games would have been fantastic for the system and, maybe, the main character in Adventure would have been something other than a square! 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 09, 2014, 19:15:11 PM
Jinks looks interesting. It would probably work rather well on modern consoles with analogue control. The wii's point control option would be ideal.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on July 09, 2014, 20:00:26 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"I would have loved to see versions of Star Raiders, Pitfall, and Adventure done for the 7800 to take advantage of its graphical chip.  Those games would have been fantastic for the system and, maybe, the main character in Adventure would have been something other than a square!

While we'll never know what would have been used, I like to think that the Knight sprite you can select in Adventure II would be the perfect fit. Now with more colors on the 7800!

I am quite curious to see how the 7800 could have handled 1st person space games like SR. I mean the leap in graphics from Star Raiders to Star Raiders II is substantial, I imagine the 7800 could easily do SR2 and take it a bit further.

But once again, I guess I'll be frustrated until I can finally understand code and figure it out myself  :69:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 09, 2014, 20:02:54 PM
I guess we can just dream. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: guest5175 on July 09, 2014, 20:06:42 PM
Speaking of space games, are there any sources that still sell Sirius or Plutos? Those games look fantastic but I missed the boat on them (and my CC2 bit the dust six months after I got it)

Sirius - Atari 7800 Playthrough (//http)

Plutos - Atari 7800 2-players (//http)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 09, 2014, 20:10:26 PM
Quote from: "arcadehero"Speaking of space games, are there any sources that still sell Sirius or Plutos? Those games look fantastic.

Sirius - Atari 7800 Playthrough (//http)

Not as far as I know.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 13, 2014, 14:42:26 PM
Quote from: "The Laird"IIRC CPU Wiz on AA made some for people, but's neither has ever got a proper release. Real shame as I would love to have them in my collection too.

Yes, it was a limited run and with two different types of labels.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TL on July 17, 2014, 21:24:28 PM
[align=center:wlu1mqvf]Say Hello To: Atari 7800 (//http)[/align:wlu1mqvf]
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 17, 2014, 21:51:45 PM
Not the most stellar video but at least he did not say that the NES saved video games (he said it revitalized them) and he did acknowledge the 7800 can do some games better than the NES.  Interesting how much he covered in 6 minutes too! 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on August 05, 2014, 12:37:10 PM
but finally all late Atari Consoles suffer from "fresh" gameplays. Only arcade conversations and finally licensed by Atari having any title available. I agree that the Atari 7800 is underestimated in first run. Late birth and outdated hardware which can't compete with old titles on fresh game concepts by Sega, Nintendo etc.

The key was software, a business Tramiel did not understand at all. Repackaging of old technology can't be a big success anyway as there is no "surprise" and fans already owns the hardware so no reason to buy again.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: bogstandard on August 05, 2014, 14:43:59 PM
The 7800 had better hardware than the NES.  Nevertheless, Nintendo figured out extending the game system through on-cartridge upgrades (MMC1 - VRC7) was the way forward.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 05, 2014, 21:05:53 PM
Quote from: "theloon"The 7800 had better hardware than the NES.  Nevertheless, Nintendo figured out extending the game system through on-cartridge upgrades (MMC1 - VRC7) was the way forward.
Exactly, something that Atari was unwilling to do.  Nintendo wasn't afraid to spend the money to make their system succeed.  Atari missed the opportunity despite having a system that could also be expanded in the same manner.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on August 06, 2014, 08:32:48 AM
I don't think you realise the success the NES was having at this time.  They were printing money with NES carts with total control of cartridge supply, its why you had so many companies setting up smaller ones to get roudn the 5 carts a year release.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 06, 2014, 11:51:41 AM
Quote from: "Lorfarius"I don't think you realise the success the NES was having at this time.  They were printing money with NES carts with total control of cartridge supply, its why you had so many companies setting up smaller ones to get roudn the 5 carts a year release.

Of course I know how well the NES was doing in the US market.  The point remains that Nintendo was not afraid to do what it needed to do to be successful with the console. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: WiggyDiggyPoo on August 08, 2014, 22:43:37 PM
Quote from: "TrekMD"Of course I know how well the NES was doing in the US market.  The point remains that Nintendo was not afraid to do what it needed to do to be successful with the console.

Afraid isnt the right word.

Nintendo weren't tight enough not to spend some extra ££££ on improving their console :36:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: onthinice on August 11, 2014, 21:59:12 PM
Quote from: "WiggyDiggyPoo"
Quote from: "TrekMD"Of course I know how well the NES was doing in the US market.  The point remains that Nintendo was not afraid to do what it needed to do to be successful with the console.

Afraid isnt the right word.

Nintendo weren't tight enough not to spend some extra ££££ on improving their console :36:

Nintendo is cheap. That is why I like them. Nintendo has sold good systems at affordable prices since the SNES days. They have learned something some manufactures never will.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on October 27, 2014, 14:22:48 PM
So I'm now thinking of getting one of these!  Considering going for a full collection of games as there isn't that many but not sure if PAL or US is the way to go.  The PAL console can't play US games properly if I recall?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: avick on October 27, 2014, 17:49:29 PM
Good choice! I think there are 8 US only titles, and only 2 pal exclusives. The BIOS uses region lockout, although I do recall someone fitting a dev BIOS to get around this
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 27, 2014, 18:13:27 PM
Yes, each console is region-specific.  Pretty much all the games were released in both markets, though, with some even being exclusive to the PAL version.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on October 27, 2014, 19:36:16 PM
I'll stick to PAL then
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 27, 2014, 20:25:02 PM
That's cool.  The PAL system also has Asteroids included without having to get a cart.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on October 28, 2014, 20:08:31 PM
Managed to get one on a Buy It Now for just £40. Includes a fully boxed copy of Ninja Golf and 9 other games. Most are sealed and mint.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 28, 2014, 20:10:47 PM
Sounds like you got a good deal.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on October 28, 2014, 20:27:08 PM
It also came with:

Planet smashers
Meltdown
Basket brawl
Tower toppler
Xenophobe. (New not opened)
Scrapyard dog
Fatal run (new not opened)
Fight night (new not opened)
Motor psycho ( no box )

Bit miffed with Meltdown as I have a massive crate of those all sealed from back in my trader days. Stuck in the loft for 10 years!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 28, 2014, 20:37:56 PM
You got some good titles in there.  Keep Fight Night closed, though. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on October 28, 2014, 20:41:29 PM
Is it rare?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 28, 2014, 20:47:34 PM
Quote from: "Lorfarius"Is it rare?

Rare? No.  It's an unplayable POS.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on October 28, 2014, 20:51:21 PM
Damn. Got me all excited for a minute!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 28, 2014, 20:53:26 PM
Quote from: "Lorfarius"Damn. Got me all excited for a minute!

Sorry.  I should have been more clear with the first post.  :21:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on November 01, 2014, 20:02:29 PM
I'm not quite sure what's going on as I always said I wouldn't get into retro collecting in a big way but after the GB, Lynx and Famicom I seem to be on a roll.  This time I went for an Atari 7800 which came with 10 games and a controller for just £40 on eBay, add in a tenner for shipping and it wasn't all that bad!

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm55/Lorfarius/photo1_zpsca7154a1.jpg)

I did see a collection only auction which included something called Mean 18 which is a pretty expensive game but they only allow collection and its on the other end of the country to me [:(]   But after a day checking out other auctions I found this lot which included the infamous Ninja Golf.  I'm told its one of the systems best and seems to sell for silly month especially in the condition this ones in.  Loads of these games were sealed and all have instructions and despite a few bashed boxes I'm pretty pleased.  I'm sorely tempted to go for a full collection as there's only about 50 games if that.

It wasn't without problems sadly, the controller has seen better days and the joystick was broken off:

(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm55/Lorfarius/photo2_zps8b3a4b90.jpg)

Luckily I was able to remove the broken plastic and screw leaving just the D-Pad, still playable but not ideal. Buttons don't feel right either so I'll be keeping an eye out for a better one.  I've played a few of the games so far and quite enjoying it, makes a break from the Sega and Nintendo stuff from the same era though I doubt any of the games are at that level.  This one isn't modded and only comes with RF but after running it through a booster to the HDTV it doesn't look half bad!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on November 01, 2014, 23:19:29 PM
Nice looking lot! I've had a 7800 for a couple years now I think and I really like it. I know what you mean about collecting, once you start it's hard to stop!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on November 02, 2014, 02:34:33 AM
Despite the issues with the controllers, that is a good lot indeed. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: zapiy on November 02, 2014, 08:56:26 AM
Great purchase fella. Got some decent games there for the money
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on November 02, 2014, 10:21:48 AM
I'm still gutted I missed out on that Mean18 bundle :(
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: zapiy on November 03, 2014, 20:32:44 PM
So you moving away from the 7800?
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on November 03, 2014, 20:33:30 PM
Already gone.  Putting the lot up on ebay  :16:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: zapiy on November 03, 2014, 20:49:09 PM
Can i ask why fella? :113:
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Lorfarius on November 03, 2014, 20:58:14 PM
After spending an afternoon with it I just don't get the love.  The games are too basic for my liking, it kept making me want to play a NES or Master System.  Consoles are built on its games but this just doesn't have them :(
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on November 03, 2014, 23:08:35 PM
I think you needed to give it more time and try more titles.  The homebrews expand the library significantly and many of them are excellent.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: retromod on November 11, 2014, 13:26:48 PM
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10655302_1548601505353627_5219462446470463866_o.jpg)

Current customer project: Atari 7800 in Rack Chassis

AV+ (for best AV picture), Stereo/Surround and Atari 2600 pause mode (to halt 2600 games at any time).
Backlight in blue for cartridge slot and function keys. Internal power supply and SCART connector on the back.
You can control stereo/surround, backlight and pause function directly on the key panel. If pause mode is active in 7800 or 2600 mode a yellow led is flashing to signal the status.

This project is the first one using the new PCB which will be also part for the upcoming 30th anniversary 7800 line. There are several changes on the mainboard required to fit into the housing and the cartridge slot must be turned in 90 degree angle and fitted into a new metal surrounding.

this console will also be prepared to fit the upcoming PSX controller mod board into it. An expansion slot is located behind the function keys for a simple upgrade.
 
You must be extremely carefully to not scratch the housing. The combination of metal work, painting, soldering and creativity is pure fun.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on May 22, 2015, 00:51:37 AM
Here is a nice article from the folks at Retro Gaming Mag remembering Atari's announcement of the Atari 7800:  Atari Announces the Atari 7800 – Today in History – May 21st, 1984 (//http).
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on May 09, 2018, 01:09:45 AM
This thread hasn't had any action in some time.  I just listened to the most recent episode of the Retronauts Podcast which discusses the Atari 7800. 


(https://i.imgur.com/vO8NTJg.png)

Atari: The 7800 and the raw deal

Episode description: A two-parter from Midwest Gaming Classic 2018. First, Kevin Bunch and Brian Clark talk the history of Atari 7800 with Jeremy. Then, as a backup, Marty Goldberg (and Bob!) join Jeremy and Kevin to explain how the Atari Crash wasn't totally Atari's fault.

Listen to the episode:  Retronauts Episode 150 (https://retronauts.com/article/847/did-atari-get-a-raw-deal-in-the-video-games-crash).
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on June 27, 2018, 23:32:49 PM
I  have a love/hate thing with the 7800.

It has superb ports of Asteroids, Centipede , Joust and Food Fight. Has some great home-brew games now too. Pacman Collection is a great game.

But the video signal isn't great. Why it didn't get at least a composite out is pretty shameful. And it should have got a POKEY chip built in. And what is with that proprietary power connector? Madness.

And of course there is PAL-itis. Although I think some of the games are speed adjusted for PAL.

Asteroids is so good on it I'm of the opinion that it is still the best home port of the game. If the PAL console didn't have it built in I'd probably have got rid of mine. Asteroids is the only reason I keep it.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on June 28, 2018, 00:11:25 AM
I agree with you that Asteroids is one of the best home ports of the game.  As for the POKEY, they couldn't fit it into the board because they wanted to maintain the 2600 compatibility.  Their plan was to add it to carts and GCC had even planned to make a chip as good as the POKEY (if not better) that would be cheaper than the POKEY.  That would have made it practical to add it to all the carts.  Unfortunately, this was when the Tramiels bought Atari and they scrapped the whole thing.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 03, 2019, 01:41:31 AM
I'm waking up this thread.  I attended PRGE in 2016 and there was a panel where Steve Golson, from GCC, spoke about the Atari 7800 and what they intended for the system.  I thought it was a very interesting panel because I think things could have been different in the video game world had the system been released as intended in 1984.  It's a "what if" scenario now but this panel was quite interesting and I found it today on YouTube.  Here it is.  Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/ack4jr09qw0
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on January 10, 2019, 21:49:45 PM
Excellent video that. Answers some questions I had about the 7800; particularly the poor sound.

Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 10, 2019, 23:17:36 PM
Cool, glad you learned something about the 7800 from the video.  Clearly, they had different plans for it but that's not what happened because of the sale of the company and the delay in the launch of the system. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 20, 2019, 01:42:15 AM
I just watched this and wanted to share it.  Maybe it'll start some chat about the 7800...

https://youtu.be/OKF0NTDcCoA
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 20, 2019, 18:22:23 PM

Would really like a 7800 version of the Harmony - the 7800 homebrew scene over at atariage is creating some really great titles.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 21, 2019, 02:38:03 AM
They have been working on one for some time now, but having difficulties because of the varied 7800 hardware.  I hope they don't give up!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 21, 2019, 13:57:44 PM
There's an expansion module too but I'm not keen on that as it means the machine isn't a 7800 any more. Don't see the point of that.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 21, 2019, 14:05:13 PM
The expansion module does not change the system.  It adds hardware that was intended to be in carts (POKEY, RAM, etc) to the one module so that games can be made that take advantage of those without having to sacrifice Ballblazer or Commando carts. It was even planned by Atari but never released.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 21, 2019, 20:53:13 PM
If that's the case then fair enough.  My Ballblazer POKEY is in my Asteroids cabinet.....but I still have the POKEY it replaced. There's a very good chance it is OK because I only changed it thinking it had failed when in actual fact it was getting dodgy voltage from the failing power supply.

I really should swap it in again but I can't be bothered.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 21, 2019, 20:55:40 PM


Anyhow - 7800 Asteroids is still the best home Asteroids game around ignoring emulation. I still play it.  The 7800 picture looks better on the CRT I got to replace the one that died on me.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 21, 2019, 21:48:59 PM
It sure is!  I love that version because of the two-player modes on it also! 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on July 22, 2019, 16:07:38 PM

Yeah - the Centipede port shares those same 2P modes.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on July 23, 2019, 02:10:24 AM
Very true!  Another feature unique to the 7800 on that game.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Spector on September 16, 2019, 15:14:52 PM
Quote from: davyk on July 20, 2019, 18:22:23 PM

Would really like a 7800 version of the Harmony - the 7800 homebrew scene over at atariage is creating some really great titles.

Didn't Chad Schells Cuttle Cart II act like a Harmony cart? It came out many years ago and allowed you to upload all your 7800 and 2600 games onto the cart to be played on a real 7800. And I bloody well had one!! Why on earth did I get rid of it... 😑
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on September 16, 2019, 16:43:33 PM
Similar but no longer available at a reasonable price.  A Harmony cart is much easier to use, though, as you just put an SD card with the games and it's ready.  I believe SainT may have decided to work on one for the system once he's done with his sales for the Jaguar SD cart. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Spector on September 16, 2019, 17:17:14 PM
Quote from: TrekMD on September 16, 2019, 16:43:33 PM
Similar but no longer available at a reasonable price.  A Harmony cart is much easier to use, though, as you just put an SD card with the games and it's ready.  I believe SainT may have decided to work on one for the system once he's done with his sales for the Jaguar SD cart.

I also seem to remember it had problems playing games like Commando with the added sound chip, but my memory is fuzzy. I should have kept it anyway. The more I read about the 7800, the more interesting it seems, especially with the homebrew that's been coming out these last few years.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on September 16, 2019, 17:40:11 PM
You can add a POKEY chip to it to address that problem.  The issue is the POKEY chips are becoming rare and expensive!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on September 22, 2019, 22:59:47 PM
Just discovered this channel and saw this video that should be of interest:  Atari 7800 Light Gun Games...

https://youtu.be/KP_Qyaem_ng
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on September 23, 2019, 10:36:41 AM
I remember getting Meltdown in a pack of games but never got to play it as I had no gun.


Wasn't missing much going by that video though if the gun worked better it would help.....

Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on September 23, 2019, 12:09:07 PM
The issues with the lightgun don't help either.  It shoots more to one side than where you want it to shoot.  I did know know people adapted the Sega gun to use with the 7800, though.  I thought that was cool.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on October 10, 2019, 09:56:05 AM
Quote from: TrekMD on September 16, 2019, 17:40:11 PM
You can add a POKEY chip to it to address that problem.  The issue is the POKEY chips are becoming rare and expensive!

read recently that there is a new POKEY compatible chip on sale. It has proven to work in Atari arcade games and 7800 carts as far as I remember. There are some issues with some Atari computers but it seems to be a workable alternative to finding an old chip.  Google POKEYOne for info.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 10, 2019, 12:02:06 PM
Yep, I'm aware of it.  It's one of the developers from Atari Age who made it.  Albert will be selling carts with those chips next week at PRGE.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on October 11, 2019, 13:44:19 PM

Nice.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 22, 2019, 22:08:59 PM
Here is a system review from Player One Start.  It is a long video and he does a pretty good job...

https://youtu.be/3Vpr8P8dpCY
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on October 23, 2019, 16:01:26 PM

Good coverage there. I wonder how much the AV mod cost? Must have a look around for that.

The lack of onboard POKEY was a huge mistake.  :(   I have 7800 Donkey Kong and the sound is horrendous.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 23, 2019, 16:40:37 PM
Yep, an onboard POKEY would have been better.  They just planned for the games to get it in the carts but then didn't want to spend the money on the chips. 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on January 19, 2020, 19:44:02 PM
Here's another video looking at the game library for the 7800...

https://youtu.be/xNI6Sex0KOY
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 07, 2020, 21:53:15 PM
Figured I'd leave this here.  It's a demonstration of a new control stick being made by RetroGameBoyz for the 7800 (and the 2600)...

https://youtu.be/goi9qRTI6-I
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on August 06, 2020, 00:06:06 AM
Figured I'd share this...

https://youtu.be/JAPDD8SGtHk
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 21, 2020, 15:12:21 PM
Today is very special! I'm getting a box in the mail from cjherr over at AtariAge filled to the brim with 7800 games! He didn't use them anymore, so he wanted to send them to me, free of charge! How nice of him! I'm very humbled by this generous donation and incredibly thankful. I'll post what's all in there here in this thread later. I plan on doing an unboxing video.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: Shadowrunner on October 21, 2020, 16:17:57 PM
Well that's pretty cool! Looking forward to seeing what games you get.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 21, 2020, 19:26:42 PM
That is awesome!  I'm curious to see your unboxing video when you get it done.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 21, 2020, 20:34:58 PM
Well, @TrekMD , you won't have to wait long! Here it is, in all its 7800 glory!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EVrexiMc7g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EVrexiMc7g)

I think that's how you insert a hyperlink here. Not entirely sure if that'll work or not. I'm still getting used to the way things work here.

Anyways, if you are too busy to watch the video, here's a list of what I all got:

Asteroids
Centipede
Choplifter!
Crossbow
Dark Chambers
Desert Falcon
Dig Dug
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Junior
Galaga
Hat Trick
Joust
Ms. Pac-Man
Pole Position II
Rampage
Realsports Baseball
Robotron: 2084
Touchdown Football
Xenophobe
Xevious
Xevious (yes there were two in the box)

Thanks so much, cjherr!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 21, 2020, 20:56:41 PM
Whoops! I forgot the BIG ONE! Commando is also in there. One of the two games that uses the POKEY audio chip instead of solely the stock 2600 TIA sound.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 21, 2020, 23:28:50 PM
That is one nice group of games and, Commando is awesome!  I've saved the video to watch later.  :)  Congratulations!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 22, 2020, 02:55:12 AM
Cool, be sure to tell me when you watch it!
Commando is a lot of fun. I tried them all out and they do work. I haven't spent equal time with all of them, but I played at least one game of each (except some of the sports games). So far, I have been really enjoying Commando, Choplifter!, and Crossbow mostly. The 3 "C's".
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 22, 2020, 04:54:39 AM
I will!  Glad the games work too!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 23, 2020, 01:04:17 AM
What are some of your favorites on the console? I am loving Choplifter, Commando, Galaga, and Food Fight especially.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 23, 2020, 01:05:55 AM
Just watched the video.  Very nice!  Favorites from the original lineup:  Ms. Pac-Man, Commando, Xevious, Donkey Kong, Desert Falcon come to mind.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 23, 2020, 02:55:32 AM
Those are all very good games! The first three you mentioned (Xevious, Commando, Ms. PAC-Man) are all easily better than their NES counterparts.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 23, 2020, 03:24:39 AM
Yes they are!  I forgot to include Dig Dug, Asteroids and Centipede!  Love them all!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 23, 2020, 05:43:36 AM
And I heard Robotron is pretty good too! I haven’t tried it out with a proper two stick setup yet on 7800. I made this holder for my joysticks seems to hold them pretty well. It’s okay to laugh if you want as it’s pretty ugly, but I’m not complaining! I think it will work well. I plan to blast some robots tomorrow on my day off.

Whoops, sorry. Looks like I can’t insert a picture on my phone. Or at least I don’t know how to. I think I will do a video on it and maybe post later. Sorry!

But rest assured, it’s not winning any beauty contests!
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 23, 2020, 17:46:02 PM
Oh, it is!  Definitely a fun game and, perhaps, one of the best home versions of the game.  Hey, if you made your own holder for the joysticks and it works, more power to you.  :)
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on October 24, 2020, 13:37:19 PM

7800 got some really solid ports. Asteroids on the 7800 is still my favourite home port of it. Centipede, Food Fight and Joust are all really splendid conversions. Food Fight might still be an exclusive still - can't be sure of that though.

Look out for Pacman Collection which is an excellent homebrew hack built on the original Ms.Pacman game. I think there's a POKEY version of it now - I own the original version with the old 2600 sound but it plays great.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 24, 2020, 13:39:14 PM
There is a POKEY version of Pac-Man Collection at Atari Age but no POKEY games are being sold right now due to some sort of glitch that is being fixed.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on October 24, 2020, 13:41:57 PM
Yeah - had heard of the POKEY version. The sound doesn't bother me that much. The main problem with it is it's the PAL version and going by the sound it wasn't adjusted for speed sadly. Still plays well - it's a highly addictive cartridge because of the different variations on offer that are nicely implemented via the option menu.  You find yourself trying loads of different modes - I rarely stick to one variation!  :)

Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on October 24, 2020, 16:26:38 PM
I probably won't spend the money on Pac-Man collection. I mean, it's really cool and all, but I'll spend most of my time just playing Ms. Pac-Man. I don't mind the OG 7800 version and I don't need the update on the Collection or the speed hack.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on October 24, 2020, 16:47:30 PM
Quote from: HDN on October 24, 2020, 16:26:38 PM
I probably won't spend the money on Pac-Man collection. I mean, it's really cool and all, but I'll spend most of my time just playing Ms. Pac-Man. I don't mind the OG 7800 version and I don't need the update on the Collection or the speed hack.

Yeah - unless you are totally nuts about Pacman sticking with the original is probably a good bet. I only got it out of interest and wasn't able to find a copy of the original at the time.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on October 27, 2020, 23:39:51 PM
More Atari 7800 Prototypes.  Video by Classic Gamer74...

https://youtu.be/coNjN54GFHQ
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: HDN on November 09, 2020, 00:22:21 AM
Any fans of Desert Falcon here? It seems to be one of those “love it or hate it” games.
Me? Love it. Which is strange given my thoughts on a lot of OTHER isometric games.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on November 09, 2020, 01:18:43 AM
I love it!  It's not an easy game but it is one that I love in the system.  I have a printed sheet with the glyphs so I know what to pick up! 
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: zapiy on November 09, 2020, 19:30:44 PM
I was never a fan, I guess some games just never appealed to me.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 11, 2021, 19:30:44 PM
Here's a nice video review of the 7800.  Check it out...

https://youtu.be/ZgSora8F6Nw
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on April 12, 2021, 14:33:01 PM
 I use my 2600 and 7800 via a VCR too. Makes for a better picture as the Sony VCR has a better tuner than my Samsung CRT.

I still play 7800 Asteroids and Centipede - great ports. Food Fight is a great game on the 7800 too.
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: davyk on April 12, 2021, 14:46:15 PM
btw....here's two REALLY old videos I made , capturing 7800 footage of my games. Image quality isn't great - it was my first attempt at doinf this.

I have since sold some of these but I've no real regrets. I still have DK, Centipede , Food Fight and Pacman Collection. Asteroids is built into the console. I probably should have kept Joust.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTUHK0Q7hkw



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S3bA055T6k
Title: Re: Atari 7800 Thread
Post by: TrekMD on April 12, 2021, 23:30:34 PM
Asteroids and Centipede are awesome, particularly with the cooperative two-player games! 
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