Atari Bytes

ATARI BYTES 271 revisits an old friend. A twitchy, large-nosed, profanity-obsessed friend who just won't just hold still for goodness sakes. We all have a friend like that. If you're not sure about that, it's probably you. It's Q*BERT'S QUBES, the 1983 follow-up to the adorable arcade-er (I'm trying to make that a word. Help me out. I'll be rich!). Is the game fun cubed, or just for squares, man? This week's short story: NOT THE CUBES YOU EXPECTED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the show notes, social media, info you need about ATARI BYTES here, and about my other show IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES, here, with links to a few of the places you can order them. Support the show financially on the

Guys, if life has taught us nothing else, we all should know by now that we must pick up our balls. This is especially true in Atari's 1983 let's-stick-it-to-em-and-see-how-mad-they-get, QUADRUN, our focus for ATARI BYTES episode 270. Tune in to find out just how frustrated this game makes me.  This week's short story: CAGE FREE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incmpetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, episodes and social media for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.  The website also has info about books I've links to some places to order them, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  Consider supporting the show by subscribing on patreon.com here. Subscribers can get early access to the main feed and BONUS CONTENT. Thanks!

In episode 269 of the ATARI BYTES podcast, we play SOLAR FOX, the 1983 CBS Electronics port of Bally/Midway's 1981 arcade game. Much like Icarus, we fly a wee bit too close to the sun, but do we get burned? Listen and find out! This week's short story: THE SOLAR FOXES REBOOT The ComicVine piece about the "Solar Fox" comic ad. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for all things related to this show ATARI BYTES here, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info and links to places to order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. You can support the show by subscribing on the "Atari Bytes" patreon page on patreon.com and perhaps get early access or bonus content!

ATARI BYTES episode 268 is bubbling over with tasty goodness. We're playing PEPSI INVADERS, a 1983 cartridge created by Atari to cheer up sad Coca-Cola sales people sad about losing the "cola wars" to Pepsi. This episode is both sugar and caffeine free, so you'll just have to rely on my dulcet tones to keep you awake. Sorry.  This week's short story: THE COLA WARS BUBBLE OVER Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his song "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all your info, episodes and social media needs for this show, ATARI BYTES, here, and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.  The website also has info about books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES and links to some of the places you can get them.  Support the show on our ATARI BYTES patreon project here. Thanks!

In 1979, Twentieth Century Fox unleashed an iconic sci-fi movie called ALIEN. In 1982, Atari released the game version, in the maze style of iconic game Pac-Man. In 2021, the podcast ATARI BYTES did an episode about ALIEN, episode 267. It was...wait for it...iconic. THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: BAD POETRY CORNER - WHEN PERSEVERANCE RAN OUT Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs, "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you can go for info about my work, including ATARI BYTES here and my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about books I've written and links to some places you can buy them, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. Go to Patreon.com to help keep the lights on in the podcast studio. Subscribers get episodes early and bonus content. 

We're back to cram more square pod pegs into your round ear holes. It's another cubist's delight in 266 with RUBIK'S CUBE 3D. The three "D"s are "delightful", "delicious" and "de-wonderful", to borrow from an old song.  Or are they? Tune in this week to find out. With this 3D, there are no glasses required. Or pants.  Short Story: 3D-NYED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your stop for info, show notes, episodes of ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links to some places you can order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. Support the show by subscribing here on patreon.com and you could get bonus stuff! No, really!

ATARI BYTES episode 265: Back in the 1970s, Hungarian inventor Erno Rubik, we assume, decided to see if he could drive people insane. He designed a cube consisting of a bunch of smaller cubes of many colors. He said, "Here, take this cube. Mess up the colors, then put them right again." Of course, he probably said it in Hungarian. But that makes it no less insidious. The Rubik's Cube was born. Then in 1982, Atari put out the trademark-friendlier "Atari Video Cube", redubbed in 1983 "Rubik's Cube", translating Erno's quest for insanity to our TV screens.  And that's why the world is the way it is today. SHORT STORY: Love Cubed and Lubed. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes, social media, episodes and more for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.

On episode 264 of ATARI BYTES, we went back to the beginning; a bit of a palate cleanser after the disturbing "Porky's" last week. We take a look at PONG, the game that started it all. The original came out in 1972 with an Atari port in 1975. For my fifteen-year-old on the field report, it may as well have come out in the Pleistocene.  Kids, man. This week's short story: PING PRAWN Engadget.com "Atari Pong Review (1976) Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for info, show notes and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links to places you can buy my books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and you could get access

In 1981, 20th Century Fox released a little family film called "Porky's" about a precocious lad named PeeWee with a knack for revenge against strip clubs and putting his privates where they probably shouldn't be. THEN, they made the obvious brilliant marketing move of turning that movie into an Atari game.  In episode 263, we play PORKY'S...because listener Patrick told us to. We're still a little mad about it. No shower scenes in the episode though...or are there? Plug your peepholes and earholes and give a listen. THIS WEEK'S BAD POETRY CORNER - BOOBS: A POEM Listener Patrick started an ATARI BYTES message board and has put up one of the covers from BLIP magazine, a 1980's game-themed comic. Check it out.  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, social media and info about this show ATARI BYTES he

In ATARI BYTES episode 262, we're playing the 1983 Tigervision port of Taito's 1980 arcade cabinet POLARIS. Defend your nuclear sub from withering attacks by destroyers, dive bombers and ever increasing frustration. Is the game a hit or miss - ile? Sorry. This week's short story: DOWNTIME Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme Thanks to @M_Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About a Different Game" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find show notes, info, social media and what not for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.  The website also has info and links to places to pick up my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here. Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com and get bonus content and episodes early!

ATARI BYTES episode 261 is off the hook. Off the chain. Off the books. And occasionally off the rails. We're playing the 1989 Atari/Axlon title OFF THE WALL. The objective is to smash the brick wall to get to the dragon. Maybe they should have called it THROUGH THE WALL. But no one asked me. What other failings does the game suffer through lack of consultation with me? Listen to find out! This week's short story: OFF THE WALL Atari Poop article about "Off the Wall".  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has social media, show notes and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and some order options about my books, including, HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  You can support show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here.

At some point, whatever governing body governs auto racing said, "What if we made up a racing sport where the drivers do everything we tell them not to do?" The initial idea - Murder Car - was scrapped. But the monster truck rally - complete with smashing cars, wheelies, jumping off ramps and wanton attacks on venerable Plymouth autos - was born. In episode 260,from 1990, we're playing the Atari title MOTORODEO. Roll your fat tires on over and give a listen. This week's short story: Bad Poetry Corner: Where the Monster Trucks Park Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one-stop-shop for episodes, social media and info about this show, ATARI BYTES, here and my other podcast, IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, here.  The website also has info about books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYL

Don't worry about that penguin riding a sea otter reciting the works of Robert Frost (the penguin is doing the reciting. Not the otter. That would be stupid. Everyone knows otters are haiku creatures.) They're here to tell you that ATARI BYTES episode 259 has arrived. We're playing ACID DROP, produced by Salu Ltd. in 1992. This was the last commercially released 2600 game, which leaves us wondering: why bother? This week's short story: ACID TRIPPED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, social media and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info about books I've written, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES, and links to just some of the places you can order them. Supporters of ATARI BYTES on patreon.com he

The skies over ATARI BYTES episode 258 glow bright orange with fire as fierce dragons sweep into view. We're playing the 1983 iMagic title DRAGON FIRE. Is the game more Puff than Smaug? Is the action hot or will we just get burned? This week's short story: DRAGON FIRED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Thanks to @M-Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About Another Game" theme. "Hell's Cereal: Very Short Stories Fortified With Essential Syllables" Goodreads.com book giveaway www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your place for show notes, info, episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info about my books and some places you can order them, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. Consider supporting the show financially at the ATARI B

Man, I don't know if you've heard, but 2020 has been quite a year. I think we could use a break. So, in episode 257, we're setting aside the games and stories and we're just gonna kick back with a beverage to watch a movie. And what a movie it is! THE EARTH DIES SCREAMING is a 1964 black & white, sci-fi film. The aliens are invading via gas attack! (Insert joke here.) This 62 minute film has it all. Robots! Zombies! Pregnant women!  The 1983 Atari game of the same name (ep. 248), for those wondering, is inspired by the film...and has NOTHING in common with it. So there's that. Joining us in this little British town under siege is Dave Ciampa, one of the hosts of "Ciampa & Klein: The Knight Rider Years". HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thanks to Dave Ciampa from Ciampa & Klein: The Knight RIder Years who joined me on the show this week! "Auld Lang Syne" by Mats Norrefalk, Ulf Samuelsson, and Sankta Eugenia Vokalensemble Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance"

It took five years (or so) of podcasting, but I finally got my wish. In episode 256, we're playing the 2006 homebrew TOYSHOP TROUBLE. It's a game I've heard about for years and finally got to experience. But is it a wonderful surprise under my gaming tree or a giant lump of coal in my stocking? Tune in to find out. Also, weirdly, we give a shout-out this week to beer from Athletic Brewing Company. Not a sponsor...but they could be! This week's short story: LAST STAND IN TOY TOWN Thanks to Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Thanks to @M_Carp for the "What Game is Henry Playing While We Podcast About a Different Game" theme. The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has show notes, social media, episodes and info for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.  The website also has info and links to some of the places you can order IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, a San

In 1982, men of vision went to work for a company called "Men-A-Vision" - which seems appropriate - and made a game called AIR RAID, a sort of cross between "Missile Command" and "Space Invaders" (it seems to me) where you must defend Manhattan from flying helicopters, UFO's and...giant pretzels? Sure, let's say that. The game didn't sell well, and is a much sought after collector's item now. Kind of like your podcast host. And we're checking it out in ATARI BYTES episode 255. This week's short story: SIREN'S ECHO Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to get social media, show info and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. The website also has info about books I've written, including the Santa story for adults, IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME and my new short story c

You know that mildly frustrated feeling of waiting for an elevator; that eagerness for something to happen? Well, now you can feel that for the entire half hour and change of a podcast episode! In episode 254, we're playing ELEVATOR ACTION, the unreleased 1983 port of Taito's popular arcade game. Unreleased that is, until (we assume) in a 2001 late night, trench coat-wearing exchange in a dark parking garage - or perhaps an elevator??? - and the game came to light.  Does the game shoot upward like Wonka's glass elevator or crash to the basement? Hit the button and find out. THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: FLOORED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".   Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find show notes, episodes, social media for ATARI BYTES here and about my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info and links to some places to get book

Episode 253: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING: JOURNEY TO RIVENDELL. As the sun rises on Hobbiton, you find yourself on the podcast road seeking the one episode to rule them all. At last, you have found it! Don't lie! You have it! I put it up here! What has it gots in its pockets, precious!?!?!? Yes, that's a "Hobbit" reference to tell you about a "Lord of the Rings" thing. Go ahead and rat me out to Gandalf.  We obtained this 1983 unreleased prototype in a secret, late night exchange. No. Wait. That was something else. Anyway, this week's short story is: FELLOWSHIP OF THE STRING Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs: "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.  The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has episodes, info and social media for this podcast, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website is the place to also where to go for info about books I've written and l

In ATARI BYTES episode 252, we play the the 1981 Apollo game INFILTRATE; a game which feels like it should have an exclamation point at the end of its name, but doesn't. But is that the only disappointment? Listen and find out. Also, I mention how much I like Lego. I mean, Christmas is coming... THIS WEEK'S SHORT STORY: ENTERING S.H.E.I.L.A.: A STEVE STETSON, 1980's SUPERSPY, ADVENTURE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for show notes, episodes and social media for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info about books by me for you! Info and links to some places to buy the titles, including MISERY BANANA: VERY SHORT STORIES INSPIRED BY OLD GAMES AND ODD THOUGHTS and, timely for right now, the novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. Please consider support the show by b