The Official Atari User Blog

Retrovision 2012

2012-05-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

Atari User's very own Kieren will be at Retrovision 2012 in Oxford this weekend and will hopefully be speaking to Llama fan Jeff Minter!

Check out the event facebook page here for the event details and photos as they get added - that's if people get chance between all the drinking and retro game playing that is!

Breaking News - Jack Tramiel has died

2012-04-09T10:48:00.001-07:00

It is with great sadness that we report that Jack Tramiel passed away yesterday, April 8th 2012, aged 83.

Jack Tramiel led Commodore to greatness before taking over the failing Atari from Warner Communications and turning it into the market leading Atari Corporation. Under Jack's leadership the Atari ST - billed as a Macintosh beater - was born.

He was a father, business leader and Auschwitz survivor. His contribution to computing history cannot be understated. Rest in peace Jack.

Atari User Issue 17 is here!

2012-04-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

This issue we look at the Atari Megafile for the Atari ST, check out the Portfolio Smart Parallel Interface and review The Battle Of Britain and STAC (the ST adventure creator) for the Atari ST. We look at how close we came to seeing an Atari branded Megadrive, check out more ST coin-op conversions and take a detailed look at another month in Atari history.

Also this issue a masterclass in DOS XE for the XL/XE,we look at the various football games released on the Atari platforms, and check out Hi-Tec software and their 8-bit releases. Lots more inside including reviews for the Atari 2600, 7800, Jaguar, Lynx, Jaguar CD and Atari 8-bit.

Print editions are available from Lulu & Magcloud. PDF available from www.atariuser.com .

etails. If not, message me here.

Atari Megafile 30

2012-04-01T17:37:00.001-07:00

The Atari Megafile hard disk series was released to accompany the Atari ST range, styled particularly to match the Mega ST range. These beasts use MFM hard drives the size of doorstops. Still, if you want to avoid disk swapping and amaze your mates then an Atari Megafile is the way to go. We've reviewed the Megafile 30 in issue 17 of Atari User.

Atari User Issue 16 is here!

2012-02-18T14:11:00.001-08:00

Yes, Atari User issue 16 is out, and we're all going to take a very small break to recover from the workload before hitting the ground running on Issue 17.

In this issue we look at the Atari STE and ask if Atari dropped the ball, we also cover the Atari Lynx in Japan, the Atari 600XL and look at the latest Atari related news.

Our ST coin-op series covers Konami and we take a look at another month in detail, in Atari history.

Lots of reviews this issue including Alien Vs Predator for the Jaguar CD, and titles for the Jaguar, 2600, 7800, Atari 5200, ST and XL/XE.

Finally, we look at Tera, the next big game to be distributed by Atari.

This issue is available as always in PDF from the Atari User Website and you can buy print editions from lulu.com and Magcloud . Remember, the Magcloud edition is full color throughout, printed on glossy magazine quality paper.

Kieren goes all YouTube on us

2012-01-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

Atari User's very own Kieren has posted some Atari Lynx music videos on YouTube. Now we don't normally encourage such attempts at individual fame or internet stardom but as Kieren is known to write the odd article for Atari User we thought we'd be nice and post a link on the official Atari User Blog.

You can check out Kieren's videos by checking out his YouTube channel.

The Last Retro Computer Games Festival Ever?

2012-01-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

Fancy a day of retro goodness, plus lots of beer?

Check out the Last Retro Computer Games Festival, being held on Saturday, January 22nd, at the Garden Gate pub in Aldershot.

Expect arcade machines, lots of retro computing and gaming hardware, High Score Competitions and more. Kieren from Atari User will be in attendance so you'll have plenty of chance to talk about everything Atari Jaguar and Atari Lynx, plus talk about Atari User magazine.

For more details, check out the event's facebook page where you'll find directions and more information.

Issue 15 is here!

2012-01-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

After a well earned break and lots of festive fun we're back as issue 15 kicks off 2012.

n this issue we check out Atari's DOS XE for the 8-bit, look at the different versions of the Commando arcade classic on the Atari, review the Atari scene of the last 12 months and start a new series where we look at one month of Atari history over the years in each issue.

Also, we ask the question: What was the Atari Mirai?, we look at Tradewest's coin-op conversions for the Atari ST, review 2 great wargames from Microprose for the XL/XE, we look at A Byte Before Christmas for the 2600, detail the latest homebrew scene news and we have a ton of reviews for you, covering everything from the VCS to the Atari Jaguar including killer Jaguar game Raiden.

The latest issue is available in PDF as well as in print from lulu and magcloud. For details, check out the Atari User website today!

Atari User Issue 14 is now out

2011-11-28T14:39:00.001-08:00

We lead this issue with a special feature on the Atari Lynx - Atari's killer handheld. We look at the hardware and the games that made the Lynx so special and years ahead of the game.

UK publisher Rainbird were a prolific supporter of the Atari ST. We look at the high quality titles they released for both the Atari ST & the Atari 8-bit, plus Grotweed is out of his cave to review The Pawn & Jinxter by Magnetic Scrolls. In this issues' ST Coin-Op Conversions we cover SNK and their arcade games ported to the ST. Our popular Game Over! series comes to an end as we review the last batch of unreleased titles for the Atari 2600 & 5200. Our In-Dev column looks at the latest homebrew releases for the Atari scene.

Also this issue, we report from the recent Retro Gaming Revolution event, have a look at the different Atari 8-bit disk drives, feature Atari's Super Sprint and have a shed load of reviews for you including titles for the Atari 2600, 7800, Jaguar, Jaguar CD, Atari ST, Atari 8-bit & the Atari Lynx.

The latest issue is available in digital PDF from www.atariuser.com , plus two print editions that can be ordered from lulu.com or magcloud.com .

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Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Here at Atari User Towers we're getting ready to hit the town dressed as zombies, witches and evil nurses.

We haven't forgotten our dear readers though which is why you'll find in the latest issue of Atari User (spookily issue 13) a Halloween special feature dedicated to the scariest and evilest games you can play on your Atari - from the Atari 2600 to the Atari Jaguar.

Trick or treat anyone?

Atari Apologise over atari2600.org debacle

2011-10-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Andrew Davie, owner of atari2600.org, has confirmed that Atari have apologised for demanding that he hand over his domain name to them.

Davie & Atari have been in regular contact in recent weeks to reach an amicable solution to the issue. As far as Davie is concerned the matter is now closed and resolved.

Atari's recent cease & desist crusade resulted in a backlash from Atari enthusiasts, the retro community and the gaming press. Atari are now making efforts to build bridges with their retro fans and ensure future efforts to protect their intellectual properties are more tightly screened and focused on genuine infringement , rather than seemingly blindingly targeting anyone using the name "Atari" on their website.

Here at Atari User we believe this is a very positive development and hopefully a sign that Atari are indeed going to be making an effort to re-engage with the retro community.

SillyVenture 2K11

2011-10-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

SillyVenture is back again this year, and will be held from the 10th to the 13th of November in Gdansk, Poland. Aiming to be even bigger and better than before, this year's SillyVenture looks like it is going to be amazing.

Check out the SillyVenture website (in English & Polish) for full details of what could be the Atari party of the year! Full location details as well as information on local accommodation and pricing is on the site.

Atari User Issue 13 Out Now!

2011-10-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

In Issue 13 we look at the scariest & most evil games you can play on your Atari - just in time for Halloween. We feature UK software label Firebird, and the games they released for the Atari XL/XE and we look inside Atari UK once more, this time focusing on the games they released for the Atari ST.

We have an exclusive report from the recent Sunrise Demo Party, take a look at the Jaleco coin-op games converted to the Atari ST, check out the latest developments on the Atari homebrew scene and our popular Game Over! series looks at yet more unreleased titles for the Atari 2600 & Atari 5200.

Also this issue, we check out the different Star Wars games released for the various Atari platforms, our series on BASIC programming for the Atari 8-bit continues, plus we have lots of reviews for the Atari Jaguar, Lynx, 2600 & 7800. Finally, we check out Atari's latest facebook game - Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of Neverwinter.

This issue is available in PDF, or in print from lulu or magcloud (magcloud are running a 25% discount offer through October 31st). Check out the Atari User website for details.

Steve Jobs Has Died

2011-10-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

Apple co-founder Steve Jobs has died. The company issued a brief statement today, he was 56.

Jobs had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, and had recently stood down as chief-executive.

"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve," said Apple.

New Game for the Atari Jaguar

2011-10-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of talk about a new and secretive game for the Atari Jaguar that was to have been demoed in exclusive at the Retro Revolution & Atari User Live! event this weekend in Chelmsford.

We can now show you a screenshot of the new game. Some of you may have got to see a sneak peak at Retro Revolution but, as already mentioned here on the AU blog, some gremlins meant that the demo wasn't 100% ready.

So, here is a screenshot of the game, courtesy of Stormworks Interactive, so you can see it is in the works. We'll be posting more details as the project rolls along.

Retro Revolution a major success!

2011-10-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

The first Retro Revolution event hosted this weekend in Chelmsford was a major success, with a vast selection of retro hardware on display to check out and play, and loads of visitors who ended up stumbling home in the wee hours!

Atari User Live! was there, and Kieren kindly did a quick video to give those of you who couldn't attend a look at what you missed. A big thanks to Steve and Rinoa for putting together a brilliant event and hopefully more will follow.

We'll be posting some pics here on the AU blog over the next few days, plus look out for an event report in issue 14 of Atari User Magazine.

As for rumors of an exclusive demo of a new game for the Atari Jaguar, sadly some gremlins (maybe sponsored by Sony?!) meant that the demo wasn't ready on time. That is about as much as we can say on the subject at the moment as we've all been sworn to secrecy - under pain of death.

We'll bring you more news on what this elusive and highly secretive game is as we get it.

Game Group Losses More Than Double

2011-09-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

UK video game retailing giant Game Group (owners of Game and Game Station stores) have reported a pre-tax loss of £51.5 million (around $85 million USD) for the six month period to July 2011, a sharp rise from previous losses of £21.5 million last year. The company also reported sales were down by more than 10%.

Game Group blames the squeeze on consumer spending and a lack of new hardware coming to market. Many retailers and software developers have stated the lack of new console models is hurting sales but both Microsoft and Sony are in no hurry to replace their current generation machines.

Game has hundreds of stores across the UK, Ireland, Europe and Australia, and is pinning its hopes of a recovery in sales on the release of big budget titles in the run up to the crucial Christmas trading period.

Atari User In Print via Magcloud

2011-09-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

Atari User Issue 12

By Atari User

60 pages, published 22 SEP 2011

Atari User is a monthly magazine dedicated to all the classic Atari consoles, and home computers. Packed with reviews, historical features, news, exclusive interviews and more every month.
Yes folks, Atari User is now available on Magcloud either as a digital PDF download or buy the mag in print, full color with FREE digital download!.

Atari's Heroes Of Neverwinter now in OPEN BETA!

2011-09-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, it is here and it actually looks good and plays rather well. OK, it is in beta, and is a bit rough around the edges but what you basically have here is a great RPG game for the facebook generation.

Don't expect this game to have you ditching your Xbox 360 or PS3 any time soon, it is a facebook game after all, but it is an Atari game featuring the Dungeons & Dragons franchise - and, unlike Atari's last D&D venture, this one doesn't suck.

You can choose from one of several classes as well as customize your character and allocate skill points to various character traits before you set off. The tutorial is similar to EA's Dragon Age facebook RPG, but once you get going the game comes into its own and begins to shine.

In the town of Neverwinter you can recruit characters to join you in your quests as well as select from a list of different adventure quests to follow. You can select a different difficulty level for each quest too which is a good option for more experienced players. Recruiting party members is done via the tavern, and characters beyond Level 2 cost gold or crystals (the in-game currency). Level 1 characters, though, can be added to your party for free.

What we have then is a great looking turn-based RPG that does seem to be worthy of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. In order to defeat the nasty creatures you'll inevitably come across, you'll need to choose the makeup of your party carefully as well as use some strategic thinking when it comes to making your moves. Do you go in for melee combat or do you use ranged attacks to wear down the enemy first?

We're impressed with what we've seen so far, and looks like Atari are on to a winner with this one.

Atari User Issue 12 is out!

2011-09-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Atari User Issue 12 is here!

Yes, we're celebrating our first anniversary with this monster issue that includes a feature on arcade smash hit Xeonophobe, an interview with 8-bit games developer Stephen Goss, plus an in-depth look at Nolan Bushnell after he left Atari. A great read if you want to find out about Catalyst Technologies, Androbot, Axlon, Pizza Time Theatre and Etrak.

We look at the best and worst football games for the Atari ST, examine the Atari Cosmos 3D handheld, look at Namco arcade titles converted to the Atari ST plus have loads of reviews for the 2600, 7800, Lynx, Jaguar, ST and Atari 8-bit.

For more details, check out the Atari User Website .

Atari User Issue 12 Preview

2011-09-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

A quick preview of Atari User Issue 12, the cover has just been finished and we're polishing off the mag to get it ready for publication.

This issue includes a look at Nolan Bushnell's rise and fall after Atari and his involvement in companies such as Androbot, Axlon and Sente Technologies. We also have a great interview with Stephen Goss, formerly of Harlequin - some fantastic big franchise games almost made it to the Atari 8-bit.

Deep Impact Event as Atari C&D frenzy continues

2011-09-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Atari Inc's cease and desist email onslaught shows no signs of abating. The company has recently targeted website asteroids.co.uk for using an Atari trademark, in its entirety, in the domain name. Just like in the case of atari2600.org, Atari want the domain name - or else. At time of writing asteroids.co.uk shows locations and trajectories of various asteroids that could be a risk to the planet Earth. The site has been used, however, in the past as a tribute to the Atari arcade hit Asteroids and featured a playable clone of the Asteroids game. Atari's email to the site operator makes no mention of this - they just want the domain name.

Atari are also turning up the heat on emulators. This time Atari are targeting various Atari related emulators for, wait for it, the Sega Dreamcast.

There has still been no news from Atari regarding atari2600.org - a story Atari User broke to the world last week. At time of writing, Atari have ignored requests from Atari User Magazine for a statement.

http://asteroids.co.uk/atari

http://www.dcemulation.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=101370

Retro Revolution & Atari User Live!

2011-09-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

Retro Revolution is a new retro gaming event, taking place October 1st 2011 at the Red Lion Pub (147 New London Road), in Chelmsford Essex. Planned systems include the Megadrive (Genesis), Master System, PCEngine, Dreamcast, NES, Saturn, Xbox, C64, Amiga, BBC Micro and more.

Plus, Atari User will be there. Yes, Atari User Live! finally comes out of beta and Atari User staff will be at the event with a whole load of different Atari hardware and we'll be covering the event (naturally) for Atari User magazine.

For more information on Retro Revolution, venue details and how to get there, visit the official event website . For Atari enthusiasts there will be a massive Atari Lynx and Atari Jaguar collection on show plus competitions and more.

Doom loses "adult only" ban in Germany

2011-09-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

Germany has lifted an "adult only" ban on Doom, some 17 years after the game went on sale. Buying the game alongside other decidedly more adult titles was always a bit off-putting to the average German gamer but now the graphics in Doom are looking a bit old hat to say the least.

Video gaming has moved on and so Bethesda Softworks have been able to appeal against the ban. The American version of Doom II remains banned due to the use of Nazi symbols in parts of the game.

Atari, moving forward

2011-08-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

There has been quite a bit of interesting commentary recently from industry experts concerning Atari, its future direction and its problems. Atari, in its current incarnation, has gone through so many changes and employees that you might find it hard to remember them all. "Revolving door", the "Grand Central station" of employment - both are phrases used recently by industry experts.

Nicholas Lovell has written an interesting piece on Activision (see gamasutra), which bears some similarities with the situation Atari currently finds itself in. Atari seems to be moving away from AAA titles to smaller projects including social and mobile gaming releases where development costs are lower and where the risk is reduced. Now Nicholas warns that Activision is running down its old IP , and in many ways Atari are doing the same although the vast majority of their IP is much older. In order to succeed surely there has to be a combined strategy of new key AAA titles whilst using the social and gaming markets for titles that wouldn't necessarily make it in conventional retail. Of course there is plenty of scope also for using these rapidly expanding markets as a crossover point for the big AAA titles. EA are doing it, you can play Dragon Age on your Xbox 360 then play a Dragon Age branded game on Facebook. Of course it doesn't compare to the real thing but it serves to generate additional revenue and , perhaps more importantly, bring the Dragon Age franchise to a huge market at relatively low cost and hopefully inspire people to go out and buy the full priced game for the console or PC - plus buy all that value added DLC.

Breathing new life to a classic Atari title is always going to be risky. Many people have very fond memories of their time growing up with their Atari 2600 or Atari 8-bit. The Atari consoles and computers had a huge catalog of killer titles and many would rather stick with their memories rather than see a game they were (and still are) very fond of be resurrected for the Xbox 360 or PS3 - only to see the whole thing be handled very badly.

Star Raiders is a classic example of a massive franchise opportunity handled very badly. When Atari broke the news that it was to be re-released the vast majority of Atari enthusiasts were excited and couldn't wait. Sadly, the end result was a game that didn't look too bad but when it came to playing it most found themselves turning off their Xbox 360 and digging out the old Atari 800 from the attic.

The recent Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale was another opportunity to use a decent franchise and drive revenue. Leaving the whole fiasco with Hasbro to one side (both sides seem to have kissed and made up), many gamers have complained that the game is buggy, customer support has been lacking and at least one reviewer has branded the title an "unmitigated disaster". The developer responsible (Bedlam Games) appear to have effectively closed with most staff on the street under "temporary layoffs" and without severance pay. Most of those affected appear to have already moved on.

Whilst Atari has a vast and aging IP which they can tap into, it should be a case of quality not quantity when considering titles for a revamp. For fans of the brand there would probably be nothing better than to see new, AAA quality titles appearing for the current generation consoles under the Atari brand.

When I say "probably be nothing better", I refer to the fact that many brand loyalists would also like to see a new Atari branded next generation console - but we have to be realistic here folks, Atari is in no position to do that.

Some recent decisions have been made out of economic necessity - that is understandable, but Atari shouldn't lose sight of those new AAA titles. Star Raiders is just one example of a franchise that has been wasted, let's hope Atari get things right moving forward.