ozyr

This is a definite possibility!

Games only for the time being, so Chuck Pelt is a better option for that for now.

This is a repost from an intro from another online group (AA is not the only place to be - but it is nice). Reposting here for those on AtariAge: Quick introduction: David 'Ozyr' Flemming, the new and current owner of Packrat Video Games, LLC (for those who don’t already know — the change from the old Packrat happened during late 2012 into 2013). I have been involved in the homebrew scene for some time now (dating back to 2004 to be exact), mainly working behind the scenes, doing manuals and lots of play testing. This was mostly for the Odyssey2/Videopac community. I was also good friends with Jarett, the prior Packrat owner. When he decided to sell the business in late 2012, I jumped at it, because I've always wanted to get more into the homebrew scene up front (aka - producing and selling games for programmers). Started off of course with what Packrat has, and slowly getting games back into production (has taken time and had its share of issues, but getting there). Even released a new 2600 game, the first one from Packrat in 7 years, at the MGC show in April. Fast forward to Fall 2013, and a friend pointed out that John Dondzila was shutting down his Vectrex game production (and Odyssey2 production too). I've know John Donzilla for years, so contact was made, and an initial agreement was made to take over production and sales of his Vectrex and Odyssey2 games. As with the takeover of Packrat, and no offense to John at all (I respect the guy way too much), but the process has been somewhat slow. Hoping to get games back for sale in the 2nd half of 2014 though, and getting there step by step. As for games that John sold from other programmers, that will take time, as Packrat will have to contact them all — and negotiate new deals with Packrat. Hoping that this goes through, as I'd like to be able to sell 'all' the games that John was selling, and at close to the same prices that I am able to do (at cost for some of them, and that works fine for me). So for now, rest assured, John's games will be be for sale again. When is another story (it will happen - just don't have an ETA at this time). Packrat Video Games, LLC is proud to becoming a member of the Vectrex community (I've personally have three units, and a good amount of Homebrews that I bought myself over the years for the Vectrex — outstanding system).

Yes, it is Packrat, as this is very interesting. If these boards work out, hope to be doing some long term business here.

If possible to order a 2nd cart here, I'd like too (I always like two of any multi-cart, as backups, not to resell — I would never do that and never have). Okay to get another?

The name definitely is part of the fun, and it does draw attention (it sure did at MGC 2014). The story is another part of it, which folks got a kick out of at the MGC show again (and for once, people were 'reading' the manual). The last but not least thing was game play, simple yet fun. Combine it all together and it works.

Arenafoot - $15 + $5 shipping, now, and as long as it is possible to sell at that price. Unlimited release.

eBay is what it is, and there is no way to stop folks selling there. If anyone buys off there without at least Googling the game, then they deserve to pay more (and I love that little comment in the video review)

I still play Fatso here and there, so don't give me that nobody like to plays or cares about your games. I'd say do it when you feel like it, but don't just drop it. Seems to me you like it to a point, and that is the main thing.

As of April 19th, the game is now available to the general public (initially sold at the Midwest Gaming Classic 2014). Order through the Packrat website (see link at top) or PM me here on the forum. Thank you!

Packrat is getting into Vectrex, with John's games, and hopefully others as well (time will tell). Only issue is, I just got a large shipment of shells from the 'other guy' — and I do mean 'large', so my interest here may be somewhat limited. Would like to know if these shells have the same internals as regular shells - in simple terms, will PCBs I have now that fit the old style mold fit your mold? If so, I might be interested in some color shells besides the standard. Also, will these boards only be 32K? I only ask, as I will need to go up to 64K for some of my future needs. Other than that, it is nice that the PCBs are programable, and there is interest here fro Packrat. One thing that is not clear to me, does the price for the PCBs include the price of the chip on them?

Just a quick update — MGC show over and Explosive Diarrhea got very good reception at the show, from gamers of all types (even those not collecting or buying 2600 games). People loved the storyline behind the game (I don't often see people reading 2600 manuals, but they read this one), along with the game itself, and of course the games name. Initial batch of games made for the show sold out Sunday afternoon at the show. Packrat does have more almost ready for sale, and should be up on the Packrat site soon. Will post here when ready for sale. Almost there....

Sad part of the homebrew market, as I see this all the time. Person didn't even get it right in the listing (there was more than 10 for sale - no idea where he got that number from). As for RJ Delmoko and his two friends they acted so nice, and talked about how much they like buying and playing home-brews. They did buy a few extra copies, but this was for trading (their actual words). Funny thing is, the guy is still in Milwaukee, and asking for more copies. Guess what my answer will be. P.S. Thanks for pointing this out! Also listed this to - bought at the show (and listed from his 'smoke free home' — which was of course never at his home yet). Oh the power of E(vil)Bay.

No April Fools joke (even though it was posted on April 1st). Just happened that way. I've been slapping these things together for the MGC show. Then afterwards, for sale on the Packrat website.

Tim, VP manuals are the same size as O2 manuals, and same goes to manuals from Brazil, Canada, etc for the Odyssey2. All 4.5 x 6.25. @Ianoid: I've got all type of these manuals, so not sure how the 2600connection manual is different? Only thing missing is the Index Card (or spine card as you call it).

Yup, there was a blurb on there, for a while (about spending thousands on Vectrex shells which I will finally have next weekend, first step toward producing Vectrex games). Took the notice off for the moment... Will be signing up soon on the board you pointed out, but super busy for the MGC show, so will wait till that is over. Otherwise, I'll be stopping in there. Thanks for the link and all!

Yes, Jarett used to hand make (professional print, but from what understand hand-cut) boxes in limited quantities for some of his 2600 releases back when he had more time to do so. I actually have one Pressure Gauge box, but guessing it is a bit different, as it is a sleeve with a plastic craft box inside (the box is 2600 sized, the sleeve make it firmer and hold the box artwork well). As for your inserts, what exactly are they? Something that goes inside of the regular boxes some folks makes? Maybe send me a PM on this if that is okay. Thanks. As for keeping Packrat alive, that is the 2nd reason I took over from Jarett. I bought many games from him some years ago, and we he was contemplating selling the company a few years ago, I wanted to keep his games going. The rest is now history, and hopefully I can keep Packrat going for some time! Thank you for the comment!!!

@Arenafoot - sorry, no white carts, just standard Atari cart shells. @AtariFriend - The Packrat business change is somewhat of a long story. Short version: Jarett is too busy with family (kids) and his family fun center business (two locations now), and could not devote enough time to Packrat (this happens too often as we age — don't get enough game time in myself). Thus Jarett somewhat jokingly made this comment about selling Packrat on Facebook back in 2012/2013 (yup, FB is useful, sometimes). I was interested, as I've been helping out in the Odyssey2 homebrew area for years now, so between the two of us, we worked out a nice deal to shutdown his side, transfer the assets, and then I restarted Packrat were I live. Finally started getting this thing going late last year, but still need to ramp up some things (especially 2600 games, and eventually Vectrex soon too). Jarett and myself are still in contact, so he's not gone totally, just not doing anything with homebrew games anymore. @bfstats - A box was seriously considered, but decided against if for the first release under the new management (for various reasons - not ready to create boxes yet — they are very expensive to create in limited quantities), but working on going with a plastic case w/sleeve possibility for future releases. It is all undecided yet, so boxes are not out of the question, just not for this game release. I know folks have been wanting boxes more often lately, but Packrat won't do them until we are ready to, and ready to do them 'right'. Thanks for the comment though!

Coming real soon now... and announced here on AA.

Packrat Video Games, LLC (yes, Packrat is still around and under new management) is proud to announce the upcoming release of our first new Atari 2600 game in seven years (with more coming later in 2014). From the creator of Atari 2600 games GoSub, GoSub 2, the Alien Greed series, and more, comes a new game for Spring 2014. Explosive Diarrhea by Chris Read for the Atari 2600. The Game: Someone at the Redneck family reunion forgot to check if the clams were any good before serving them. Turns out they weren't. So now everyone has to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately for the Rednecks, they held their family reunion next to a minefield and the outhouse is on the other side of it! How many Rednecks can you guide to the outhouse? Guide as many Rednecks as you can in 60 seconds, across to the outhouse. Be smart, and remember where the mines are, and get more Rednecks to safety. Take care, that field is dangerous! Explosive Diarrhea (aka E.D.) will be an unlimited release, initially being sold at the Midwest Gaming Classic, in Brookfield/Milwaukee, WI, on April 12th and 13th, 2014. It is now on sale on the Packrat Website as of April 19th, 2014. Pricing is only $15 plus shipping ($5 for shipping in the USA, $12 for Canada, and $16 for everywhere else in the world) Includes cartridge and full color manual. More information is on the Packrat Website: http://www.packratvg.com/ed.html Sincerely, David ‘Ozyr’ Flemming - (aka - the new Packrat Video Games, LLC) Note: This game was originally brought up here by Chris a little over a year ago…

Wow, thanks for the comments, from all. @LidLikesIntellivision - Nice to know most package arrive, but may take a long time (months). That info helps. Thank you! @save2600 - Yes, have shipped to Italy, with no problem (once so far, another soon). @LS_Dracon - Did not know there was a postal strike. Nice to know. @TomBrazil - Wow, Super thanks for all the information, very, very helpful. Puts back my confidence in shipping to Brazil (not that I was too worried, but was a bit concerned) — just have to let people I ship to know that it may take some time to get their packages.

Odyssey2 cartridges are wanted to help create new (and old) homebrew games. Money will be paid per cartridge, based on the condition of the game cartridge, anything from roughly $0.25 to $5 maximum (thus no rare game please). If you want to donate cartridges, that is okay too (and helps keep game costs down of new games). Contact me by PM here is you have any carts you'd like to sell to me (aka Packrat Video Games, LLC). Note that I need O2 cart shells, not VP shells (they are slightly different inside, and I cannot easily use VP shells at this time - sorry). -David 'Packrat' Flemming

Not sure if this is the best place to post this, but looks like it to me, so here I go. Through Packrat, I've shipped several packages to Brazil, and so far they have all gotten lost (stolen, dropped off a truck, who knows). Basically never got to the destination. I used USPS for both shipments. Am curious if anyone else has had experience shipping to Brazil, and if they have and any success or not. Also would be nice to know if there is a more reliable way to ship to Brazil, as in some service that would be more reliable than USPS to Brazil. So far, this is the only country that I've had issues with. Not cutting the country down, but their mail system is having some major issues. Any advise, stores, tips on shipping to Brazil would be welcome. Thank you! -Dave

Nice topic! The amount of quality games for the O2 by the homebrew (Indie) community keeps growing. The list pointed out by Serious is maintained by myself on the VP/O2 forum, along with the instructions site listed a few posts back too (that is a bit dated, but still there). As the new owner of Packrat Video Games, LLC (yes, I'm the guy who bought it from Jarett), we got our old games still available, and new ones coming up soon - O2/VP and 2600 (and more later in the year too). Always been a fan of the O2/VP, every since I had one in 1981. The graphics cam be cruder than some systems from the times, but the games are great (a good many of them), and I still think they look good onscreen anyway. The recent influx of home-brews shows now signs of slowing down, and the quality of some of those games are very, very good. There are at least 13 games so far coming out in 2014 alone (and that is a true fact). As Serious pointed out too, I love the O2 joysticks, always have. And love that there is not any flicker in the O2 games (not that I'm saying anything bad about other systems). And current programmers are pushing the limits of the system, more and more. Just love it!

This game will be released, by Packrat Video Games, LLC (yes, Packrat is still around, new owner and new stuff coming out). Soon too. The carts are being made right now, labels soon too, and just the manual and cover art which are being worked on is left to complete. Hope to release at the Midwest Gaming Classic April 12-13 (or at least demo it there before its release). Will know more in a week or so.