[What Classic Game Was Your Childhood?]

Arcade, Galaga or Operation Wolf. No contest. 

 

For 2600 games, Activision Skiing or Milipede. Both took large chunks of my time. Battlezone is also one I loved but may have played to death. 

[Chrome Won't Update - Apps Not Functional (Recurring)]

46 minutes ago, SoCalAttorney said:

Issue resolved with yesterday's update. Yay!

Awesome, great to hear! Let us know what you think!!!

[Vault 3 (Hypothetical Wish List)]

53 minutes ago, phuzaxeman said:

Any news on a Vault 3?

 

If you had to choose, which games would you like to see? 

 

I'd like to see more 7800 and possibly some Jaguar games. 

I'd trade a Vault 3 to get a Vault of Activision games, a la Activision Arcade. And I'd pay at least $15 for it. Those are my some of my favorite games by a huge margin. 

[What games do you suggest I buy for the new Atari VCS?]

Also, one more thing. The game play on the VCS off of Antstream is fantastic. That and the Recharged series have been a lot of my playing recently. 

[What games do you suggest I buy for the new Atari VCS?]

I have loved Pixel Cup Soccer, VCS Vault 2, Jetboard Joust, and Thrustlander. I am also getting into Spear Master but it's tough. Danger Scavenger is also fun but I am taking to that one a bit slower. I think Sydney Hunter is a phenomenal throwback game and that Unsung Warriors will be amazing once it drops in full next year.

[Modern VCS Owners Geographical Survey (Ongoing)]

Vote submitted. USA, received June 2021.

[Atari Jaguar games (for VCS Store?)]

On 11/30/2021 at 2:30 PM, joeatari1 said:

There were questions asked about Jag games on the VCS on Discord.  The most we ever got from Atari was a maybe.

 

Some of the games on the Jag would be good to have on VCS but probably not the whole library.  Most of those games are better off forgotten (Checkered Flag and Supercross 3D are examples).

The funny part is that I absolutely love Checkered Flag on the Lynx and think there is potential for a modern rehash on the VCS. Atari can't offer much in terms of attracting F1 licensing but maybe if they dual launched as a mobile game available on the VCS as well that could be more interesting (such a partnership is not essential IMO,  but would be a huge marketing coup). Perhaps something like IndyCar Series is more gettable. Checkered Flag on the Lynx, even with imaginary teams, is solid. The Jaguar version reminds me of Hard Drivin', which lost a lot when you took it out of the arcade, with some weird control quirks.

 

For the VCS, I imagine something like a modern Super Monaco GP, possibly even optimized for the classic controller (seems like a natural stick shift function could be enabled). I think there would be a huge market for such a game. 

[So is there a chance? (Activision retro etc.)]

9 hours ago, Flojomojo said:

Yes, it’s a nice collection. The Atari Vault you’ll get on VCS is largely the same thing. An Activision add-on would be a good way to handle it if the business deciders got their act together. 
 

If you or others feel strongly about this, why not write to Activision and tell them?

I agree completely, those games are solely missing on this thing. I have a hard time believing that Activision, especially at this moment, wouldn't be interested in a trip around memory lane to remind people their brand is pure at heart and connected to classic gaming. Also financially, it's dumb to overlook an easy cash grab. They would simply have to mildly update the Activision Arcade collection for the VCS (music, maybe graphic support, controller formatting, etc), and set a price. Even if they only charged the $9.99 that Atari does (they're a premium company so could probably charge like $12.99 or more) for their collection they could easily sell between (at least) 8-11k copies on the VCS and make a decent amount of money. License or no license, it's still about a hundred thousand dollars or so just sitting on the table, and renewed goodwill with classic gaming fans. It's a move they should make. 

 

Also, I can't recall the exact passage or comment but I feel like Michaelt Artzt spoke to this a bit in his last long interview about the VCS. He said something about their interest in getting access to classic gaming titles and I naturally inferred he was talking about Activision. Maybe I was mistaken on that but I agree, a whisper becomes a roar if we can draw attention to the VCS audience's interest in such a collection. 

 

Activision's will to offer those games and play ball with Atari, though, is an open question. 

[Any VCS Games That Were New or Surprised You.]

10 hours ago, jbmindtrick said:

I played a ton of the Atari games in my youth but never played Black Widow before. Cannot believe how much I love that game now and that I missed playing it when I was younger. It's a mash up of three games that I love: Tempest, Centipede and Asteroids. I am definitely thinking of picking up the Recharged version. Any old school Atari games that you missed out on and have "discovered"?

Two that I have spent a ton of time playing that I never knew about were Lunar Lander and Destroyer. Both of those are challenging but very satisfying to get good at. Destroyer resembles Air-Sea battle a lot but with the classic controller it feels great. 

[VCS Rpg?]

13 minutes ago, joeatari1 said:

No real RPG yet.  There are a few holes in the catalog that Atari needs to fill and RPG is one of them.  I agree that Adventure could be a good one for a re-imagining.  Hopefully they have something in the works to that end.

RPG

Sports

Classic shoot 'em up (Bite the Bullet will serve this niche a bit)

A really killer fighting game or other head to head game perfect for multiple players. 

 

[VCS Rpg?]

3 hours ago, Chris Brockman said:

I am baffled as to why Atari has not done anything with the Adventure IP.

Now that would be a re-release, similar to what they're doing with FoodFight, I could get behind. Also, Swordquest comes to mind as another series full of potential. Huge cult following and fascinating gameplay for its time.

[New user questions]

34 minutes ago, fmh said:

I tried again first thing this morning and I was able to sign on right away.  I am applying more updates and looking through the Store now.  Everything is working well today.

Same for me. Support got back and suggested a restart from the menu page, which I actually had done before their reply to me. Works fine now. All told, actually feels a bit quicker.

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

9 hours ago, swlovinist said:

Update:   I was able to buy two games off the app store, but then locked up on me.   The app store needs a cart function.   I hope that they are working on an update.   

Just heard back from Atari support. Sounds like they are working on a remedy and aware of the problem. Also said that a restart of the system from the menu screen may help improve things, which was the case for me. It does sound like a server update or backend development of the store or other function was the culprit. Hope this helps!

 

Update: Just booted up and everything loaded fine. Was able to make a purchase from store as well, no problem.

[New user questions]

27 minutes ago, phuzaxeman said:

I was able to get everything running.  The server was able to work.  The loading of the store was taking really long.  I suspect a lot of people are downloading on their limited server.

I think that was the last to correct for me last night. Login worked well after awhile but store still gave an error code. I restarted once more and then everything cam back in full. Glad it's back!

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

15 minutes ago, mondodon said:

Hey Atarick! Thanks SO MUCH for the information! I'm sorry to hear there are others dealing with the same issue, but at the same time, it's nice to know I'm not alone. Just curious, when you mentioned things improved for you, what did you notice? Thanks for keeping us updated if you hear anything. I have not heard back from the help ticket that I submitted yet. Thanks again!

So originally it took like 10-15 seconds after the Asteroids load animation to reach the login screen, longer than normal, and another 20-30 from Login to Dashboard. Normally, this is like 3-5 seconds, tops. Then the store wouldn't load. Around 1130pm (EST) last night it was all working like normal.

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

2 hours ago, mondodon said:

Hello,

 

Yesterday, I updated my VCS, and when I tried to sign in, I get to the welcome screen where is says "Hi" and "Setting up your dashboard". But it sat like that for hours. I turned my system off and then back on and logged in as "guest" and it went to that dashboard no problem and I could browse the store. I didn't want to buy anything on the guest account, though. I checked the system update while I was on the "guest" account, and saw everything is updated. I wrote to Atari Customer Support yesterday, but I haven't received a reply yet. Any suggestions out there on what I should do? Thank you, AtariAge Community!

Hey! Several of us are dealing with this, appears it is a problem with Atari's servers. I submitted a help ticket and encourage others to do the same (the squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say). Hopefully they get it sorted soon. Mine was like that most of yesterday but improved last night. Would be a shame to lose momentum from Microcenter sales and other stuff from a fairly pedestrian server load glitch. I'll pass anything I hear. 

[Atari VCS (retail deals/discount thread)]

The Microcenter near me had I think 5 in stock on Monday and has 2 now. Will be interesting to see how much this has made sales jump. Might be a steer for future retail price or other discounts to come.

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

Just now, stirrell said:

The store and friends just loaded for me. Still seems a little sluggish but hopefully they are back up and running.

Awesome, here's hoping. I submitted a ticket anyways. Will post anything I hear.

[New user questions]

8 minutes ago, phuzaxeman said:

I was able to finally create an account.  I had to update through general settings. 

 

Now when I try and log in and use my pin, it says to check my internet which is ethernet so I know my connection is fine. I think there's a server problem. 

Yep, looks like it's a broader thing. The crappy part is that they're probably missing a big cash cow with people who wanted to buy games with the Black Friday offer today. There is a big, or at least marked, incentive time for them to fix this.

[New user questions]

1 hour ago, phuzaxeman said:

I have a ticket and submitted a work order. I'm really disappointed with this vcs. Hopefully this is resolved soon. What a dud.

Stick with it. It's a great system and has been real solid so far. Here's hoping they get it all put to bed quickly. Let us know if you hear anything jn the meantime and hope you enjoy the system. 

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

Ok cool, glad to know I don't have some faulty thing.
 

I reset my system again and sent a ping to my wifi, same deal. Extra 20 seconds to load the dashboard and extended length black screen. Store never loads. Hopefully they get this sorted soon.

 

Now, least they could do is keep that discount promotion going for an extra day, one would think.

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

Well looks like we may have a problem.

 

I went to buy a few games tonight on the store and my system took forever to load (sign on screen and dashboard), and when it finally did the store wouldn't even load. Pretty lame considering I was hoping to buy a slew of games. Does anyone know what could be causing this? I reset my wifi and unplugged the system while off. I had to hard reset a couple times as well. So lame. 

 

It almost feels like a boot loop error but it is actually loading up, it's just taking forever. And I have half the memory free so can't be that. Any help appreciated. 

[Atari VCS Flashback Fridays]

11 minutes ago, justclaws said:

Some great BLACK FRIDAY deals from Atari here!
 

1. CELEBRATE "FLASHBACK" BLACK FRIDAY Fire up your Atari VCS starting Friday to access our first Big Game Sale!
   All Atari Games in the VCS Store will be 33% off! 4 Days only! Friday, November 26 through Monday, November 29.
   Sale includes:
   All 7800 Titles: Desert Falcon 7800, Ninja Golf 7800, Scrapyard Dog 7800, Motor Psycho 7800, Dark Chambers 7800, and Planet Smashers 7800.
   All Atari Recharged titles: Centipede: Recharged, Black Widow: Recharged and Missile Command: Recharged
   Atari VCS Vault: Vol. 2: 14 vintage Atari arcade games, 16 Atari 5200 titles, 12 Atari 2600 M Network games, and 8 prototype/homebrew Atari 2600 games.
   Use code
   WALNUTFRIDAY for $20 Off any Atari VCS Black Walnut All-In system.
   Use code
   ONYXFRIDAY for $10 Off any Atari VCS Onyx Base system. 

   
   

Did they give away the game for the next release by showing the box art for Super Huey?

[Atari VCS Store Order Number High-Score :)]

Was late to the party buying Danger Scavenger about two days ago and was order 10906. That left me to guess, in an educated sense, that there are maybe like 15k VCS units on the street. Unless every single VCS owner purchased that game, which I doubt.

[Asteroids: Recharged (in VCS Store)]

I like the Recharged games but do wish there was a little more that was distinct across them, graphically speaking. That said I enjoy the ganeplay of each one. Asteroids looks cool but I am more eager to see Breakout with the classic controller. 

 

Two requests: I wish there was a way to find/select difficulty levels in each game, and the one life thing is a bummer. I enjoy the challenge but my kids give up after like 2 rounds.