[Atari Recharged Series (Discussion)]

8 minutes ago, Mockduck said:

Yes, I have totally thought through how a great Beserk: Recharged could be. 

It would be awesome. Bonus if they could get a notable actor with a great voice to do the commands like "Intruder Alert."

[I'm thinking of getting a VCS]

All in all I'd recommend. There are a few threads talking about pros cons but I'll break it down as follows:

 

Highlights:

 

-- It's a very intuitive system and all in all does everything it should be able to well, sometimes great even. It is mod-able and has a clean interface, and Atari did a solid job of knowing which apps to feature and offer. 

 

--  The games are all very affordable and with a couple minor exceptions perform extremely well. There is enough there to attract all ages of gamers and the Recharged series is a high point, as are the modern retro classics (Sydney Hunter, Pixel Cup, Jetboard Joust). Yes, these games are available elsewhere, but the classic controller handles some of these games (the Recharged titles in particular) great. 

 

-- If you so desire, Stadia, Luna, GeForceNow, and XBox Cloud are all there for AAA games, and at least in Stadia's case, seem to work great. I am a sports fan and can pull the modern sports games, like Madden, NBA2K, and F12020, without any issue. You can also get a free month of Stadia to test it, and the kids game options there (a few DreamWorks titles and a Paw Patrol game) are great. 

 

-- The addition of Antstream Arcade and the Vaults are huge for this system, and do a magnificent job. Good content, leaderboards, and fun variety that plays well. 

 

Lowlights: 

 

-- The lack of games overall, and the lack of games tailored for the VCS, is absurd. Yes, there are levels added for some games, and some VCS-specific specs, but it's not a marked change. Atari needs to fix this, and good news is they seem to be aware of how this can attract new players. Since Chesnais left, Rosen has been saying this is the priority, and they do already have 3 games slated for release in Q1. We'll see, but even if they somehow dropped 10 games in the next 2-3 months, it would seem sparse. That IMO is the biggest black eye this system has right now, other than being slightly overpriced ($279.99 would be near my retail price for an all-in).

 

-- The OS is good, but lacks some easy, basic functions. Why no search? Why can't I sort the icons? Why no manuals for the 7800 games? All in all it looks great and works well but could be better. 

 

-- Network issues. It's been better since Christmas, but man, what a lame couple of weeks. VCS users are a fun and open minded lot, but they need to avoid that, big time, going forward to avoid burning the fans who bought this and supported them.

 

-- Lack of transparency on forthcoming system updates. This seems a little unfair maybe, but especially after the network outages it would help people maybe be a little more patient knowing some patches are on the horizon.  

 

Bottom line, I am a huge fan of the system and think (and hope) they'll turn the corner. I recommend the Super Nicktendo reviews, as well as John and others who have done great reviews. As they often mention, keeping expectations realistic is key to enjoying the device. I do think that Atari might have a couple tricks up their sleeve, like possibly through USB-based features such as an emulator, or something even crazier like a USB-based cartridge reader for 2600 games. I have had a lot of fun with it and hope they can get the kinks out and add more content and users to really drive the idea home and maybe keep growing the functionality over time. 

[Google Stadia - streaming gameplay on new VCS]

28 minutes ago, ColecoGamer said:

I wonder what will happen to Stadia once the following occurs:

 

https://www.xda-developers.com/google-stadia-google-stream/amp/

 

Excerpt from article:

 

 

 

It's a good service and I think it works great on the VCS. I also think that gaming habits are changing and having in house studios for companies like them is kind of dumb. AAA games are a mammoth market, but one thing I noticed in using Stadia was that it was not logically arrayed, relies on a Stadia-specific controller, and is a bit choppy, though not bad, with a high speed internet connection. That last thing is an issue for all cloud gaming services, but it's something purists just can't get over. I still see a big future for cloud gaming but do wonder if companies with a bigger native user base and better access to agreements with developers, like XBOX, will turn the corner quicker. For now I like Stadia and will co tinge using it. 

[Coming Soon - new games announced (by Atari / developer)]

5 hours ago, THX-1138 said:

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but it would be great if those amazing new games shown on the home page of this site were available on the Atari OS Store for purchase.

 

This is a great idea, and IMO would instantly elevate the connection the VCS could have to Atari fans and help it sonewhat stand out from the other console/mini PCs out there. 

[Rally Racers (in VCS Store)]

2 hours ago, Tidus79001 said:

Rally Racers is such a unexpected surprise and a very welcome one at that. This game is exactly type of content needed to help with making the Atari VCS a successful gaming platform. Having a proper 2 play co op kart racer game is real delight. Can't wait to play it with family and friends.

 

Excellent game, and I agree with others who feel definite MarioKart vibes. I am still learning how to unlock tracks but this looks like a fun one to play head to head as well. 

[Let’s Imagine Desired Atari VCS Games]

This is easy, E.T. Once and for all (kidding).

 

That said, there are a ton of properties they could leverage that had or were scheduled to have games. One is A-Team, which just ripped off Saboteur. The other is Knight Rider. I would absolutely love a game that is like a modern version of Fatal Run meets Spy Hunter based around that show. We also talk about the lack of a stellar RPG first person shooter, boom, do something around Rambo or Miami Vice. The possibilities are endless, especially when it comes to properties for kids games. I do think Atari can lean heavy into the nostalgia, being who they are, and hopefully pull it off. 

[WTF! Sound is dead, HDMI weirdness.]

4 hours ago, jgkspsx said:

Okay, this is a special kind of crazy.

 

I have six devices going into my TV through a low-lag HDMI switch, including the VCS. Today, the VCS decided it didn’t want to output sound. I tested each other device in the switch, all had no sound problems. Then I unplugged the HDMI out (that goes directly into the TV) from the switch and plugged it into the VCS. The VCS won’t even boot. If I swap it back into the switch and plug the switch in, it shows the Asteroids boot animation.

 

One weird thing of note that may be relevant: when I booted it up I noticed I was missing some challenge

completions in Black Widow. When I played a normal game and then went back to challenges, it reset me all the way to zero.

 

Is the built in solid state storage failing or something? Has anybody seem anything like this?

Did you make any mods to the system? I wonder if something shorted somehow.

[Atari 7800 Game Releases (in VCS Store)]

53 minutes ago, sixersfan105 said:

Perhaps they could work out a deal with Bob Decrescenzo to bring over his stellar Atari 7800 homebrew Bentley Bear's Crystal Quest, which was inspired by Crystal Castles. It's a really great game!

 

 

I would predict this game would be among the top 3-5 sellers among 7800 games if released. An absolute gem. To me, Bentley Bear is the Atari marketing/licensing icon that got away. They could have turned him into a Mario/Sonic/Zelda/Pac-Man, but missed it. 

[Atari 7800 Game Releases (in VCS Store)]

49 minutes ago, swlovinist said:

I am hopeful, but want to keep my expectations realistic for what the small company can create this year.   I would love to see a new Yars' game and would be a hit for sure.  

Agreed. I also think the VCS is screaming out for a Crystal Castles reboot (not recharged, like a fully reimagined new release akin to the new Food Fight) and a really awesome racing game. I believe they still have the license for Checkered Flag and owe us a solid release to get the Jaguar version out of our minds. 

[VCS Black Screen of Death?]

3 hours ago, sixersfan105 said:

Help! Tonight when I turned on my VCS, I was greeted with the usual Asteroids-style boot screen, it lets me turn on my controllers (and acknowledges they are on both on the controller and also on the screen - bouncing Bluetooth icon in the lower left goes away and the banner at the top confirms that a controller is connected, but other than that, the screen is black and remains black. It doesn't load my Home Screen or anything. I did switch ISPs today so I have a new Wifi network, and my purpose in turning on my VCS tonight was actually to update the wifi, but there's no way that could have led to this essentially non-responsive VCS, right? All other devices in my house are a-ok.  I tried turning it off and back on again, and even unplugging and plugging it back in after 30-60 seconds but the same symptoms persist. Any suggestions???

First I've heard of this. When the server issues came up in November there would be a delay in loading, for some people up to several minutes, from the post animation black screen to the login page. The wifi would affect the loading after login maybe, and the store, but shouldn't affect the initial boot. Could your console have overheated somehow? If not then it may be a server issue. I'd give it another go and see if it comes up. If it persists I'd throw a ticket Atari's way. Best of luck.

[Let’s Imagine Desired Atari VCS Games]

Crystal Castles (VCS): A first person perspective 3D puzzle game where you are commanding Bentley (think a view angle similar to Super Mario Party for the Switch) through various mazes, dodging all the usual characters and pitfalls. A Berthilda spell can take you to a level of the 2600 game, with a successful completion of the 2600 level gaining you a power up. Bentley discovers shops along the way that can provide spells or tools to help in the quest, while Atari easter eggs abound. Each maze has a boss that can be defeated for new spells/resources or dodged to get to a new level. 

[Atari VCS operating system won’t update. Help!]

1 hour ago, Leonard Smith said:

I've been eyeing these VCS threads for a few months, since I've been considering purchasing one.
It is concerning to see all the issues users have been experiencing as of late (unable to log in, updates not installing, etc).

Doesn't give me a whole lot of confidence at the moment.

 

3 quick things on this. I also am an avid car fan and browse several car forums, and see similar things to this there. Here goes:

 

1.) The VCS was launched for retail in June 2021, and for pre-sale backers in DEC 2020. The first persistent issues with the server showed up in November 2021 and appear resolved for most now. Thus, about a month of dogged issues, thankfully temporary, for all but a few people (unfortunately).

 

2.) Generally, the people who gravitate to forums are avid enthusiasts or concerned owners. If I went to the Honda Civic forum, a  popular, established car from a popular, established brand, I'd imagine most of the posts relate to the new model, mods, or problems/questions about something going wrong. There isn't enough content to dominate or pace discussion for the VCS (this is a wholly separate issue that Rosen and co. are working to address) so the issues people are having somewhat dominate the signal. 

 

3. It's a niche system for a niche target audience that welcomes mods and alterations. That said, there is no measure or control for whether two people are making said changes the same way. If someone adds RAM but accidentally disconnects a wireless antennae, they may have issues. Granted, some people just got unlucky with the hardware and that sucks. But some people may have went in to mod it and accidentally or inadvertently affected something else. It was a natural, intrinsic possibility with an open architecture like this. It's the same if someone tries to do their own oil change and leaves a gasket loose, then complains about oil leaks on a car forum. It's very difficult to understand where the issue truly lies. 

 

Ultimately, until the VCS has more content or announcements these issues will clog the line for the microphone. I am hopeful they will be making the adjustments needed and hope you give it a shot. Admittedly, it still feels somewhat beta even with about ~20,000 units floating around out there, and the people who seem to enjoy it most might have a bit of a pioneering spirit about the whole thing. That said, it has been a lot of fun for me and I can sense a number of software releases building on the horizon, which will hopefully help things. 

[Coming Soon - new games announced (by Atari / developer)]

On 1/3/2022 at 12:43 PM, ColecoGamer said:

Now that 2022 is here, are there any updates on what new games we can expect for the VCS in Jan/Feb?

In addition to the list above, there are at least 2-3 more rumored: BPM Boy (details in other threads); a new game from Janni, who made Guntech/Utopos; and a racing game called Rally Racers, which I am near positive is the racing game ported from Xbox described above. 

 

To be even modestly viable as a console/mini PC I suspect Atari needs to release 3-5 games a month, so they better hop to it. Games and playability are what people gravitate to, so they have work to do.

[New VCS - Very disappointed!!!]

1 hour ago, Tinman said:

Nope.  I must have tried a hundred times by now, but no luck.  I’m about ready to return the thing and get a Nintendo Switch or something.

Remind me, was this a Microcenter buy, eBay, or Atari site? If the latter they should replace, at a minimum.

[New VCS - Very disappointed!!!]

2 hours ago, flickertail said:

My wife and my mother went halfsies on VCS for my Christmas present. On the 26th, I could barely get it to work, and on the 27th, I couldn't get the Atari store to load... but ever since the 28th, I haven't had a problem.

Good to hear and hope you enjoy it. I honestly think that if they can really flood the store with games to increase the content, drop the price a bit, and avoid the server issues, they could have a big winner on their hands. It seems like the easy solution would be to move some of the mobile and legacy games over, along with any new releases. 

 

The one thing that also needs to jump is the marketing, but baby steps. 

[Atari Server Problems (VCS Logins/Store etc.)]

36 minutes ago, stirrell said:

My experience last night was better than it has been in weeks. Friends and the Store loaded right up and I was able to purchase a couple games with no issues. It was just one night but I hope it is a good sign that perhaps they are finally sorting it out. I will be interested to hear from others who have also had issues if the connection issues are resolved for them.

Played for about 2 hours yesterday, one hour midday one at night, no issues. Installed a controller update but that was it.

[Donut Dodo - (in VCS Store)]

3 hours ago, joeatari1 said:

Again guys, this is hearsay from someone on Discord.  I don't know if it is true or not but as I recall it was one of the better informed persons on there, so I think the info has some validity.  I hope he is wrong though as I was looking forward to this one as well.

Yeah exactly. I remember there was some bluster that delayed the Sydney Hunter release but it still made it. Both sides are interested in making money so I have a hard time believing a deal won't/can't get done. 

[Atari Server Problems (VCS Logins/Store etc.)]

3 hours ago, Estiemaker said:

I received a new VCS for Christmas and have had nothing but trouble trying to get access to the games..I created a new user but it took forever to get that validated thru the Atari website. Finally I got that done and cannot log into the VCS with my new user information. I get to the PIN section and it tells me I have internet connection issues. Well.. No... If I log in as guest, it works fine, but I have no access to download any games...I see where hooking a keyboard up helps some, but is there a real answer to this? I emailed tech support but of course the holidays will mean a delay.. Thanks for the sounding board..

Answers abound on this forum and the Reddit. TL; DR: keep trying. There is a server issue affecting Atari and other gaming platforms and its just crap luck. It came up for several people after awhile yesterday. 

[New VCS - Very disappointed!!!]

59 minutes ago, mario64 said:

Agreed. Unfortunately the VCS is an extremely buggy product, both hardware and software. 

I can't say this was my experience but yeah, that would be frustrating as all get out. I'd say give it till first update. If it still glitches out, give Atari hell. I luckily had like 7 months of solid performance and the lags corrected for me, but yes, it would be irritating. Keep us posted.

[Atari Server Problems (VCS Logins/Store etc.)]

11 minutes ago, Atari_JaguarVCS said:

No idea if it’s server related but I turned my VCS on this morning only to be greeted with a screen asking me for a 6 digit pin code for my account which is odd as I never use a pin code with my device and upon trying to reset the pin code to try gain access to my account I’m getting an error saying my account has been deactivated and to contact customer support!. There’s definitely something strange going on with Atari at the moment, anyone else had something similar today? I feel it’s server related but won’t know untill my ticket is answered, either that or my account has been hacked, it sux as i own every game available on the VCS I would hate to lose my account permanently. 

It feels like they are rolling out server updates and upgrades before/without doing a full system update. Which is kind of dumb. But wouldn't shock me if they roll out a full robust system update within the next day. They better do that, actually, if this thing may be a Christmas gift and be lampooned by server issues on the first boot up. 

[I wonder if Atari is ever going to bring its Mobile games over to the VCS]

6 hours ago, joeatari1 said:

Will probably not be coming as he is no longer with us.

I should have been more specific, I was talking about the Beats Legend game on mobile that donates money to his charity. It's entertaining and I thought there was a port playable on PS4.

[Atari Server Problems (VCS Logins/Store etc.)]

7 hours ago, joeatari1 said:

So how do you know this?  I haven't read that in any of the discord servers.

The update info came from just justclaws I think via a discord or reddit, I believe; the server info was buried in a recent press release from the Atari shareholders meeting when they talked mostly about blockchain, NFTs, and the acquisition of MobyGames. I should heavily caveat that this article was translated from French, I believe, and the announcement of the server was a somewhat inspection aside. If anyone else has cone across it feel free to add your take on that.

[Atari Server Problems (VCS Logins/Store etc.)]

3 hours ago, mario64 said:

So sick of this mess. Being able to login to the Store is total hit or miss pot luck for me. Even getting to the dashboard doesn't work half the time. I really regret purchasing the VCS at this point. At least I didn't pay MSRP for it...

So good news: Atari is launching an update and made a huge server purchase a few weeks ago, so I imagine, and hope, this will resolve soon. 

 

But yes, near term, it sucks. All I can say is keep the faith, I've had an awesome time with it and think it is a fantastic system for its price and specs. I do think this is a hiccup as they adjust to more users and volume and hope they can make the adjustments soon. 

 

In the meantime, I wired directly to ethernet and  noticed a little less lag that way. And oddly, I found that logging into the PIN prompt and then letting it reject me, but repeating it twice, on time 3 it worked. I cant explain it and it's totally unscientific, but give it a shot. Best of luck and hope it all works out for you ASAP.

[I wonder if Atari is ever going to bring its Mobile games over to the VCS]

1 hour ago, Chris Brockman said:

It seems like they are keeping the modern Atari games apart from the VCS to keep it a retro console.  I think that is a mistake.  They should just be shoving content into the VCS so that owners have something to do.  They should not waste the development they made on those mobile games they would all work on the VCS imho.

Agree totally. Ninja Golf, Avicii, Castles and Catapults, and the RC Tycoon games would all work amazingly IMO and be great adds. I got the VCS expecting those to be launched on it eventually, and was disappointed they weren't on it. A huge opportunity missing.

[Atari Recharged Series (Discussion)]

12 hours ago, SabertoothRetro said:

It was a good overview of the series but appears to have been sponsored by Atari. Erin & Mike Matei also did a Co-op twitch stream earlier in the week. Smart of Atari to partner with folks like this for some exposure.

Here here, yeah this was really well done. I disagree with her on one thing though- I don't want to see Crystal Castles: Recharged, I'd rather see that launched as a new refreshed game on the VCS with new features and levels optimized for the classic controller, kind of like I think they're doing with Food Fight. I see immense potential there.