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Atarick

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    Caverns of Mars: Recharged - (in VCS Store)

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    By far and away one of the most replayable and fun of the Recharged series, a blast. I was thinking of ranking them on playability, fun, and experience and this is where I came out:

     

    1. Centipede 

    2. Asteroids 

    3. Caverns

    4. Yars

    5. Breakout

    6. Black Widow

    7. Gravitar

    8. Missile Command

    • Like 2

    A new VCS or a classic controller from MyArcade Gaming?

    in Atari General

    Posted

    1 hour ago, RadiATIon said:

    Here the MyArcade's announcement :

    Z668

     

    I see the new classic controller with this button on the side below the A button. So VCS or just a controller? 

     

    No more doubt for me when we see a previous MyArcade Post:

    GkwV

     

    This is the classic controller accompanying the VCS with led around the handle. 

     

    Here the Atari's announcement :

    0Uyw

    I see in the background the VCS Walnut model...

    Could it be the famous license agreement announced in the financial report that accompanies the closing of the 1st fiscal semester (30/09/2022) to develop the VCS ecosystem? 

     

    Otherwise here is the MyArcade distribution network in Europe:

    fUxv

     

    Source : MyArcade

     

    So an European exit is in the pipeline? 

     

    Or it's just the classic controller for all the others systems... 

     

    A lot of questions? To be continued. In the meantime we have the right to dream. It's free.

    I noticed you phrased it "European exit" in the Discord too. Did they ever make an entrance? Otherwise, seems like it could be some plug&play mini console deal or, optimistically, a cart reader that functions with the VCS. If they can facilitate VCS distribution to Europe via this venture go for it, but they'd need to grow their troubleshooting and support a bit before then. 

    • Like 1

    News article possible end of VCS

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    4 hours ago, T.A.P. said:

    I've never seen the guy before, but he just seems like a smug condescending jerk.

    One of my least favorite YouTubers. His videos are the shart of meaningful analysis. There is quite possibly no one whose "take" I value less than him. 

    • Like 2
    • Haha 1

    News article possible end of VCS

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    My estimate and informed guess based on forums, software sales, stock and share data, etc, is that the VCS has sold about 25,000 units. I bet there's another 10-15,000 in a warehouse somewhere, and with deep discounts and better marketing maybe they can move about half of that stock. If they go gangbusters with games and can showcase it more, maybe they can produce another 50k units in a few years and see where they get, but a million units seems pure fantasy to me.

    • Like 2

    News article possible end of VCS

    in Atari VCS

    Posted · Edited by Atarick

    All I am seeing across these reports is that Rosen is still living with the baggage from Chesnais et al, and that the company's best prospect for a revival of its brand is through software and games- a point I don't think anyone on this forum would disagree with. The blockchain/hotel/NFT nonsense was always a distraction from the company doing one thing and doing it well, and a full return to roots is long overdue. I don't think Atari is going to bury thousands of VCSes in the desert, so these grand assessments of Atari missing big with the VCS are comical to me. It was always a modestly marketed and produced console for a focused set of backers and fans. That's it. If it went bigger they'd have loved it, but that's not where they are (nor honestly where hardware is). 

     

    This is fairly obviously a shareholder leak to tank stock and rally a takeover/curry investment (and sell remaining VCS stock to fill 2022 bottom lines, if people see this as their last chance to own one). Happens all the time. I don't blame Rosen for this, as he can genuinely look to the profit line for games and see where Atari is best positioned to succeed. The brand's best plan has always been this: focus on games and rebuild your franchises and marketing, specifically focusing on quality games and growing your appeal (including among indie and homebrew developers). Then and ONLY then, in a couple of years explore whether there is both appetite and partnerships to launch a possible piece of hardware to amplify and harness said games. If Rosen is the person to implement that kind of focused approach, all the better. But that IMO is the way forward here. 

    • Like 2

    Someone to blame (at Atari) and yell at!

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    3 hours ago, phuzaxeman said:

    Why is the VCS not a priority and other systems are receiving new games? 

     

    Atari announced a new game yet VCS owners don't even have Atari 50.

    I could buy the trickle of games six months in. Now? Come on. And not launching a major anniversary product on the flagship modern console, like it or not, for the brand? Whatever the circumstances, it's just a big, fat slap in the face. Just absurd.

    Someone to blame (at Atari) and yell at!

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    7 hours ago, joeatari1 said:

    I 100% second this motion!  It should be integrated with the VCS Companion APP on your phone as an alternate tab.  Also the UI in the Companion App needs a refresh.  Some of the boxes to click are not visually friendly (the initial setup login).

    Thanks davpa for being here and all the info. The VCS is a lot of fun and I feel still has huge potential for the brand. It was the first new piece of hardware the company had produced in nearly 25+ years, so it was bound to have hiccups and snags along the way. I would echo the sentiments about finding a way to bring more if Atari's "postmodern" catalogue to the VCS, like RC Tycoon, Pong Quest, etc. As game brands go, I also think they should explore an updated new standalone game for something like Crystal Castles or at least Bentley as a character. That would help throw a face to the company, and while trivial, my kids instantly know that Zelda and Mario=Nintendo, and Sonic=SEGA. Atari could benefit from a marketing piece like that. 

     

    Also agree on the store- really cool start but love how I can log onto Steam or XBOX cloud remotely and buy items. I am no developer but seems like if nothing else it could open up further revenue for the company from more people. Look forward to your posts and content!

    • Like 2

    Vcs worth it?

    in Atari VCS

    Posted · Edited by Atarick

    6 minutes ago, Video said:

    Thanks for the info guys, I mostly want one for classic and classic style games. I've got plenty of streaming boxes and computers. I got in just on the sale line (probably be another around xmas) got it bundled with the speaker hat, no idea how that works, or practicality, but its an Atari logo, and a lot cheaper than the original pos of like $99 (I think) so unless it just sucks to wear, I figure its ok for the $30 ish it cost.

     

    Speaking of paddle games, are there controllers? I know the pad probably uses the sticks like a paddle, but just something about a knob you know? I did get a second stick for multiplayer ed games, there's the supposed free vault, and a lot of 8 bits for $1-$10 range.

    So if you're talking about the bundle, it comes with one modern and one retro controller. The retro (classic joystick) has a twist motion that replicates the 2600 paddles. While it isn't a perfect recreation it is pretty true to the motion and feel of the classic games (particularly on games like Tempest and Warlords). Hope you enjoy it.

    PC Mode "On-A-Stick" (from Atari store)

    in VCS PC-Mode Discussion

    Posted

    An hour or so into using this thing, I think I see it's biggest utility as a pretty sweet emulation device. I easily brought up NES and 2600 ROMs without issue. You could obviously achieve this in Windows, but the user interface here simplifies that a bit. I am trying to tap into Steam but looks like most of the games in my library won't come up. Also trying to figure out how to go full screen or use a controller in Stella. All in all, a cool little add on.

    PC Mode "On-A-Stick" (from Atari store)

    in VCS PC-Mode Discussion

    Posted

    5 hours ago, NISMOPC said:

    Well... so far no go on my Debian install.

     

    I have gone thru the set-up 5 times now, and after setting everything up 5 times, I get the ATARI VCS imaged desktop with NO apps, no drop downs, nothing. Only options I get are the power drop down.

    If I reboot, it just goes right back to the Debian set-up. ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

    IMG_20221202_122915414[1].jpg

    Yeah same deal happening to me. Just the three option icons top right but no browser,, apps, etc. I almost wonder if it is a resolution deal. I'll fiddle with it later but if anyone has any theories or experience, all help appreciated.

    Vcs worth it?

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    2 hours ago, joeatari1 said:

    If you are truly interested I would buy one from Atari direct during their Black Friday sale going on through tomorrow.  The "all in bundle" includes a modern controller and a classic style joystick.  I like mine but I also realize that it's not for everyone.  At $239.00 though it's a really good deal.

    Would echo buying direct from Atari given the sale. It's a steal IMHO and will well live up to that price point. It's important to know what it is and what to expect. I was looking for a retro console with the ability to play classics and some modern games via streaming or Steam. This delivered, and thanks to a 500GB external hard drive, it can harness some things that I would seek elsewhere, like Minecraft. The AtariOS games are limited, base storage is at a premium, and it can be quirky at times, but it succeeds far more than it fails and has been a hell of a lot of fun for me and my family. And I achieved my initial mission, which was to hook my kids on classic games while letting them discover modern ones. Hope you pick one up, and enjoy. 

    • Like 1

    Atari VCS (retail deals/discount thread)

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    42 minutes ago, tripled79 said:

    I'm surprised Atari doesn't just sell them through eBay. At least they could ship worldwide and put a dent in scalper type of sales...

    Right, or form a deal with some major Euro electronics distributor, like MediaMarkt, Saturn, Argos, etc just to sell a fixed number. I can't imagine that would put the company out much, front money-wise.

    PC Mode "On-A-Stick" (from Atari store)

    in VCS PC-Mode Discussion

    Posted

    2 hours ago, zzip said:

    I do have Minecraft running on VCS under Ubuntu.    This is the Java edition which has native Linux support.   It runs well enough for my kids.    I don't know if the Bedrock edition is doable under Linux, maybe with Wine.    

     

    I use PC mode with ubuntu for emulation (Wii is the most recent system I emulate, some say VCS works well for Playstation 2 as well, but I haven't tried.   I also run older PC games using Wine and DOSbox

     

    Also media player-   something like VLC has more codecs than the average set top box, so it can play some of my older videos that my Roku or PS5 can't

     

     

    Nice. Yeah I have found some early XBOX 360 games work nearly perfectly on the VCS (Lego Batman, Joyride, etc), so that may be another good one, as thise games live on Steam. I'll give Java edition a go on this stick once it arrives. They do have a Linux debian build for Minecraft but I'd rather go with what works for most. I also think it seems like some of the Steam games for Windows 10 should be playable via this stick as well. 

    PC Mode "On-A-Stick" (from Atari store)

    in VCS PC-Mode Discussion

    Posted · Edited by justclaws
    Added link

    I just checked the Atari store during the Black Friday sale and saw something I hadn't seen before: a flash drive branded with the Fuji logo sold as "PC Mode on-a-stick". Anyone have experience with this yet? I grabbed one as it seemed a good deal (not a huge drive but preloaded with a Debian Linux build and drivers), and I am having the worst time trying to get Minecraft to work for my son using Windows 10 from an external drive (Seagate 1 Touch, 500G) in existing PC mode (without any added RAM or memory). If the stick is close to Batocera or similar my plan is to just use it as an emulation vehicle. Feel free to share any other uses/ideas you could envision given the specs of this thing. 

    https://atari.com/products/usb-port

     

    Atari Mania - (in VCS Store)

    in Atari VCS

    Posted

    This is a good game that flirts with something greater but doesn't quite hit it. I love the setup of the game and concept, but there's something off about the controls. Maybe it's the classic controller but a few of the microgames (Sentinel Mashup, balloon Circus Atari with blocks) were near impossible to me, even upon repeated play. And I feel like they left money on the table by not making the caretaker avatar more customizable around Atari's history. 

     

    Pros:

    - Animation style is fun, and while it's not perfect my kids instantly compared it to Minecraft and were drawn in. The 8 bit feel, while it isn't the strength IMO on this game, resonates. 

    - The game play is mostly great and paces well. Collecting relics and tools to find old games is fun and fits this brand.

    - The idea of "blended" microgames is awesome, and mostly results in fan service games that are fun throwaway moments that bring back memories of the originals. Especially for Atari, this is a natural fit.

    - The soundtrack fits great and is a solid addition, easy to both remember and ignore (which is my requirement).

     

    Cons:

    - The controls are spotty and in some cases even a liability on the mini games. That robs game play substantially.

    - 11 mini games to play one "boss"? Sweet lord. I would have preferred 4-6 longer timed challenges of higher quality vice variety. An argument could be made that the content is too diluted. 

    - As mentioned above, there a ton of great callbacks to Atari lore but I feel like they failed to "stick the landing" a bit. Bentley a villain? When you have a pantheon of other characters out there? This brought it to Wario country to me, when I felt they could have stood out. 

    - One save slot? Is this 1988? Could they not offer a profile or anything? Just dumb.

     

    All in all I am really enjoying this game and will continue playing, but I do feel like they could have brought more polish and ambition to a great idea like this, given their catalogue and the anniversary. If nothing else, it fits perfectly on the VCS and with the younger gen of gamers, introduces them to a whole new world of old games and characters. This could IMO be something to build on, pushing to Arcade ports, 5200, 7800 8-bit etc for a sequel, but only if it addresses the issues above. 

    • Like 4
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