The Official Atari User Blog

Atari User Magazine - The Best Of Volume 1

2019-04-25T02:56:00.000-07:00

Atari User Magazine, The Best Of Volume 1

It's here... we've crammed in the best bits from the first 12 issues of Atari User Magazine , over 100 pages of Atari features, interviews, facts and history.

The digital edition can be purchased directly from Atari User, full colour print editions can be purchased from our print partners Lulu or Magcloud.

For full details, visit the Atari User Website.

Atari User Magazine

New Atari User Website Launched

2019-04-25T02:51:00.001-07:00

We're pleased to announce that the new Atari User website has been launched and we hope we will see you there.

You can purchase all back issues of the magazine directly from the site with direct download links.

We'll be adding more features to the site over the coming days.

https://www.atariuser.com

2013-07-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Atari User Issue 24 is out now!

We're celebrating our 2nd anniversary with a bumper issue that includes the latest news on Atari's Chapter 11 woes, latest homebrew news, reviews, more ST coin-op conversion and much more including:

How to install a 576K RamDisk with battery backup for your Atari 130XE

Installing the Atari emulator Colleen on your Android device and the Amazon Kindle Fire HD

A look at Q*Bert on the different Atari Platforms

Show Report from Revival

More Atari history

CLOAD - a look at the world of turbo loaders for the Atari XL/XE

Interview with the DarkLord, sysop of the famous DarkForce Atari BBS

Plus more...

With this issue, every reader gets a FREE fully licensed and custom written version of RealDOS for the Atari XL/XE , courtesy of Stephen Carden and ILS.

To subscribe to Atari User or to purchase the latest issue, visit the Atari User website .

Atari parent files for bankruptcy protection in French courts as dire financial situation is revealed

2013-01-22T14:45:00.001-08:00

A day after Atari Inc filed for Chapter 11 protection in the USA, citing efforts to split from its unprofitable French parent company, today said French parent filed for similar protection against creditors in the French Courts. Both Atari SA and Atari Europe SAS have filed for Book 6 protection.

In a bizarre twist, a new press statement was issued today stating that both Atari Inc and its French parent are coordinating efforts to protect the company.

Atari’s dire financial position has now been revealed. Atari’s board met last month to discuss options as a deadline for a previous restructuring arrangement with BlueBay loomed. BlueBay agreed to extend the term for their $21 million debt until March 31st 2013 but warned they could not offer any further funding or assistance, and were continuing their efforts to offload their stake in the company.

For their part, Atari management continued in vain with their own efforts to secure funding and a potential buyer. Without funding, the cash-strapped company revealed it would be announcing an operating loss for the second half of 2012, and would end the year with significant losses.

As Atari Inc filed for bankruptcy it sought permission from the courts to release funds to cover unpaid wages. The situation is desperate, and with debts of up to $50 million USD owed to over 200 creditors you could say the writing is well and truly on the wall. As for assets, the company has stated a value between $1 to $10 million USD.

Without significant investment the company is doomed, and investors haven’t exactly been queuing up to help out. Everything is for sale, even the rights to the Fuji logo. Given the debt mountain the company faces it may be doubtful that someone will move now to save the company or buy its assets. The vultures are gathering and many will probably wait for Atari to fail so they can pick at its bones for a knockdown price.

As Atari Inc seems to be heading helplessly toward the wall, we’re reminded that the company of today holds almost no resemblance to the Atari Inc of old. There will be no love lost, no flowers sent from long-time fans of the brand and retro gaming and computing enthusiasts.

Many will hope that Atari joins hundreds of other once great consumer brands in corporate heaven. At least then the retro community will be able to do what they do best, without fear of persecution from a company that failed to make a profit but yet excelled at alienating its most die-hard of fans.

This sorry saga is not over yet. We should remember that today’s news impacts on Atari employees and their families. There are real people behind the headlines. We should also take some comfort in the fact that, whatever happens, the Atari brand will endure. It is now much more than any corporation that might hide behind it.

Steve Wilds

Editor

Atari User Magazine

www.atariuser.com

Atari files for bankruptcy protection

2013-01-21T10:46:00.002-08:00

Atari Inc has filed for bankruptcy protection today in an attempt to split itself from its loss making French parent company, Atari S.A.

Atari has struggled to be profitable for some time, selling off assets and focusing on low-cost online and mobile gaming - ditching big-budget titles such as the Test Drive franchise.

Whilst today's move in New York could be a positive development as Atari aims to protect its key interests and assets and start again with a clean slate, more worrying is the news that Atari could sell off key intellectual properties such as the rights to Pong and even to the use of the famous Fuji symbol itself , in an attempt to raise cash.

Is this a promising new start or is this just part of Atari's long and agonising death? Is it time for Atari's long-time fans to step in and start up a community effort to save the brand once and for all? Let us know on twitter, hashtag #SAVETHEBRAND .

Atari User Sale Now On!

2012-12-30T11:15:00.002-08:00

Atari User Back Issue Sale Now On!

The Atari User Back Issue Sale is now on! For every back issue you purchase before the end of January 5th 2013, we’ll send you another back issue completely FREE. Buy 2, get 2 FREE, buy 6, get six FREE!

We’ll email you after you complete your purchase to find out which FREE issues you’d like. Order your back issues today from Atari User and take advantage of this limited time offer!

Atari User Issue 21 is out now!

2012-12-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

Folks, Atari User Issue 21 is here, and just in time for Christmas.

This issue is full of reviews, including the new Star Castle game for the Atari 2600 and Impulse-X for the Atari Jaguar. We continue our in-depth look at Atari through the years, one month at a time, and cover yet more coin-op conversions for the Atari ST.

Also this issue a show report from the recent Play Expo, news, our dedicated homebrew column, a look at British 8-bit micros that didn't make it, and a lot more!

The latest issue is available to buy as a PDF download from Atari User and in print editions from Magcloud and Lulu . The magcloud edition is full colour, glossy, and the Lulu edition has black and white interior pages with a full color quality cover.

New Atari book launched!

2012-12-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Long time Atari enthusiasts and historians Curt Vendel and Marty Goldberg have released their new book Atari Inc: Business is Fun .

Several years in the making, and weighing in at 800 pages, the book covers the often called golden years of Atari, before the company was off-loaded by Warner Communications to Jack Tramiel.

With hundreds of pictures, many of them never published before, interviews and factual information, this book aims to be the definitive historical piece to Atari history and puts to bed many myths about the company once and for all.

Atari Inc: Business is fun is available now from Amazon in the USA, and from Amazon UK. It is a must buy purchase for any Atari enthusiast as well as anyone else with a broader interest in video gaming history.

It's Black Friday!

2012-11-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

We're celebrating the day the whole world goes crazy by not discounting anything this weekend!

Instead, LIKE Atari User on facebook, message us within facebook with a quick hello and your email address and we'll send you a download link for Issue 19 of the mag, FOR FREE!

No catches. We just hope you'll like the magazine so much you will tell all your friends and maybe subscribe or buy future issues!

This offer ends Sunday 25th November 2012.

ATARI USER WILL BE AT PLAY EXPO

2012-08-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

Remember Replay? The guys at Replay Events are back this year with a show that is bigger than ever before!

The show will take place at the brand new EventCity venue in Manchester on 13-14th October 2012.

Play Expo will be the only UK video games expo catering for all gamers and all forms of games.
Located at the brand new EventCity venue in Manchester, the show will cover four core gaming zones:
• now.play – latest releases and previews for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC and handheld
• re.play – freeplay arcade & pinball machines, retro consoles and vintage computers
• pro.play – a competitive eSports event featuring pro gaming tournaments
• cos.play – costume role play including masquerades, talks and anime.

Organised by Replay Events, the new expo follows their successful Replay shows in Blackpool over the past three years. Using the experience gained from staging their own events and exhibiting at some of the largest consumer gaming shows, the team at Replay are confident that Play Expo will offer opportunities for the widest possible range of publishers, accessory suppliers and gaming peripheral companies to get involved.

Play Expo spokesperson, Gordon Sinclair said: “There is great demand from gamers for a show outside of London and from our experience, we know there is appetite for Replay’s unique approach. In fact, we surveyed previous attendees to our shows and found that 96% said they wanted this type of event and that they would be very likely to attend. With that kind of support, we are confident that this huge step forward will be a successful one for both us and our exhibitors.”

Play Expo will be able to comfortably accommodate 10,000 consumers over the two days. In
addition, Play Expo today announced a partnership with eSports provider EGL – which will stream the expo to up to 500,000 worldwide viewers.

Most of the Atari consoles will be covered at the re.play zone of the event and the organisers are working on a homebrew gaming showcase and hobbyist trading zone (subject to enough interest).

Atari User will be at Play Expo to cover the event and thanks to Replay Events we'll be offering discounted tickets plus we'll be giving away (again courtesy of Replay Events) a pair of tickets. For your chance to win a FREE pair of tickets all you need to do is head over to our facebook page , and add your like.

For discounted tickets, there will be a discount of 10% and any normal online booking fees will not apply. We'll need a group of ten or more to secure this deal. Again, head over to our facebook page for details.

To be entered into our Play Expo competition you must click "like" on our facebook page and be resident in the UK .

Atari User Issue 19 is out!

2012-08-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Yes folks, issue 19 of Atari User is here.

We're pleased to announce we've got exclusive interviews with Bill Hogue and Nolan Bushnell.

Bill Hogue brought us the legendary Miner 2049er and Bounty Bob. Bill talks about how it all started and how Big Five Software made it big.

Nolan Bushnell, Atari founder, really needs no introduction. Nolan speaks to Atari User about Atari, the Atari 2600, his Catalyst Technologies ventures plus sheds light on what is keeping him busy right now.

As well as these cracking interviews we continue our look at Atari history, celebrate the Atari 2600, check out Tennis games on the various Atari platforms plus have an expanded homebrew column.

Lots more this issue too including a report from Retrovision and more ST coin-op conversions.

For details, check out atariuser.com . The mag is available in PDF digital download, plus print editions are available from lulu and magcloud .

Nolan Bushnell Interview

2012-07-31T11:35:00.002-07:00

We're pleased to confirm we've just wrapped up an interview with Atari founder Nolan Bushnell.

We were going to save the interview for a future edition but, as we're nice, the interview will be appearing in the next issue of Atari User magazine!

Watch this space.

Bill Hogue talks to Atari User

2012-06-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

We're proud to announce that Bill Hogue from Big Five Software will be stopping by Atari User towers for an exclusive interview!

We'll be finding out all about Miner 2049er, Big Five and how Bill went from his bedroom to becoming responsible for a million dollar sales success and one of the most licensed videogames of our time.

We'll also be trying to find out where Bounty Bob is, and what he is up to now!

Issue 19 of Atari User will be out soon.

Atari 7800 trading cards

2012-06-30T12:26:00.002-07:00

Marc Oberhäuser, a freelance graphics and videogame designer, has released a set of trading cards based around the official Atari releases for the Atari 7800 console.

They look pretty fantastic. Marc is responsible for the amazing cartridge and box artwork used with the recent homebrew releases from Pacmanplus. A second set is planned that will feature 7800 homebrew releases. Marc is asking $50 for the set, including shipping to Europe and North America.

Atari turns 40!

2012-06-28T12:35:00.001-07:00

On this very day, forty years ago, Atari was officially incorporated and what followed were decades of gaming and computing excellence.

We'll be celebrating and we hope you will be too!

The next issue of Atari User will continue with our anniversary specials, dedicated to the Atari 2600.

Like the new Atari User Facebook page and you could win a new Steel Talons game for the Atari Lynx!

2012-06-20T13:17:00.002-07:00

We've launched our new facebook page. Like Atari User on facebook and you could win a brand new Steel Talons game for the Atari Lynx! One lucky fan will be picked at random on September 1st!

Coming Soon to Atari User

2012-06-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

The next issue of Atari User is going to be dedicated to the mother of all consoles, the Atari 2600. Plus, look out for a great feature by Kieren on Tennis on the Atari - just in time for some strawberries and cream action from Wimbledon.

The Atari homebrew scene is hotting up so expect the latest news on the latest releases and in-development projects plus we are busy lining up some cracking interviews with some of the most talented people in Atari history.

We're excited, and we hope you are too!

Atari User Issue 18 is here!

2012-06-06T13:49:00.001-07:00

It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce that Atari User, issue 18, is out. This issue we pay tribute to Jack Tramiel who sadly passed away in April, and we kick off the celebrations for Atari's 40th anniversary.

Some of what is inside this issue:

Jack Tramiel Tribute
The Toys Jack Built
Atari At 40
Ghostbusters - Atari at the movies
ST Coin-Op Conversions
In-Dev - our regular homebrew column
Reviews including Rip Off (Atari 7800), Plan B (XL/XE), Tube (Jag CD) and much more.

This issue is available to purchase from Atari User , and print editions are available from lulu.com and Magcloud . For those of you interested in a print edition, the lulu edition is black and white with full color cover, and the Magcloud edition is full color glossy throughout.

Next issue we'll be running a special feature on the mother of all consoles, the Atari 2600.

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.