[[AQUARIUS] Documenting the Contents of All Aquarius Cartridges and Variants]

37 minutes ago, EdgeOfPortal said:

This post is intended to accompany the Aquarius Collecting List post, which can be found here:

https://forums.atariage.com/topic/301304-aquarius-aquarius-collecting-list/

 

As this is intended to be used as a reference, I would also like to request edit permissions on this post and the next one, so that I may update it in the future.
I've wanted to create a post like this for a long time now, but I wanted to wait until I had fully completed my Aquarius set (all boxes, all overlays, all manuals, all carts). As of this month (March 2023), I have successfully done that!

The goal of this post is to document the contents of each Aquarius cartridge with photos, determine the differences between each variant, and provide a reference for future collectors. A common topic in the Aquarius community that I have noticed is the exact contents of the later releases. They are extremely hard to come by, are often missing overlays, and the manuals provide incorrect information, and so until now the exact contents have not been documented. I have been lucky enough to acquire every overlay with each of my carts, so this post will fix that issue.

 

Secondly, I would like to document Aquarius variants. Aquarius titles typically had at minimum two variants: a Mattel release and a Radofin release. Radofin releases were produced after Mattel sold the Aquarius' rights back to Radofin, and were produced in smaller quantities and are much more common in Europe than North America. They can be identified by the removal of Mattel branding from the packaging and in many cases the addition of 1 or more languages other than English to the packaging. There are more variants for some titles, such as Finnish language manuals.

 

In the future, I will make another post similar to this one covering hardware and their variations, and possibly one for cassettes as well.

 

Here we go! This post will document 21/20 of the Aquarius library, or in other words the full set as well as the store demonstration cart.

 

4K Memory:

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual.

Only the Radofin version contains a manual, and this has been verified with sealed copies of 4K memory.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages, addition of a paper manual.

 

16K Memory:

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual.

Only the Radofin version contains a manual, and this has been verified with sealed copies of 16K memory.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages, addition of a paper manual.

*Missing photo of Radofin variant, please post one if you own it

 

32K Memory

No Mattel variant was released.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Oversized Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual.

 

Modem

No Radofin variant has been found.

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Cassette Tape, Manual and brochures/catalogs.

 

FileForm

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages, manual binding is no longer spiral.

 

FinForm

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages, manual binding is no longer spiral. Note that the Radofin version of this title still uses a Mattel Electronics branded manual. This is not a mistake, as I have confirmed this with 3 copies of the Radofin variant.

 

Logo

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding

*Missing photo of Radofin variant, please post one if you own it

 

Extended Microsoft Basic

No Mattel variant was released.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Cardboard Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

*This example is in bad condition, if you have a better condition example, please post a picture.

 

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Treasure of Tarmin

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding

 

Astrosmash

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages.

 

Biorhythms

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages.

Note that this is the only software release that does not contain any overlays at all.

 

BurgerTime

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, copyright information on cartridge is blue instead of white.

 

Nightstalker

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding

*Missing photo of Radofin variant, please post one if you own it

 

Snafu

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding

*Missing photo of Radofin variant, please post one if you own it

 

Tron: Deadly Discs

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding, addition of several languages to packaging.

*Missing photo of Radofin variant, please post one if you own it

 

Utopia

Total Contents of Mattel Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Differences between Radofin and Mattel Variants: Removal of Mattel branding

*Missing photo of Radofin variant, please post one if you own it

 

Melody Chase

No Mattel variant was released.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

 

Chess

No Mattel variant was released.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays.

Note that this is the only game that does not include controller overlays. This has been verified with multiple copies, and the manual does not state that controller overlays are included.

It is likely that a variant of Chess exists that has a small label with the title in the corner of the box's front, instead of a full color box art. Also note that the box art for Chess and Zero-In read "Cartridge Instructions". This is an example of Radofin's poor QA towards the end of the system's life cycle.

 

Zero-In

No Mattel variant was released.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Note that although this game's manual states only one controller overlay is included, there are actually two in a complete copy. This is an example of Radofin's poor QA towards the end of the system's life cycle.

Unfortunately for variant collectors, Zero-In does have a variant. Instead of a full color box art, it only has a small printed label with the game's title in the corner. The two variants are pictured on the right. Also note that the box art for Chess and Zero-In read "Cartridge Instructions". This is another example of Radofin's poor QA towards the end of the system's life cycle.

 

Space Speller

No Mattel variant was released.

Total Contents of Radofin Variant: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge, Manual, Left + Right KB Overlays, 2 Controller Overlays.

Note that although this game's manual states only one controller overlay is included, there are actually two in a complete copy. This is an example of Radofin's poor QA towards the end of the system's life cycle.

 

Store Demonstration Cartridge (NOT REQUIRED FOR FULL SET)

It is unknown if there are variants, and since this is the only known boxed copy, it is possible there are inserts missing. This cartridge is not required for a full Aquarius set since it was not available commercially, and is only included here for reference.

Total Contents: Box, Plastic Tray, Cartridge.

 

That's all!

If anyone can provide photos for the missing Radofin variants, that would be greatly appreciated, and I will add them to the main post. If additional variants are discovered, they can be posted here and added to the main post.

Once again, if a moderator reads this, I would like to request edit permissions for this post and the next one. Thank you.

 

I hope this serves as a helpful reference for both future and veteran collectors for the Aquarius. It will be linked to from the Aquarius Collecting List thread, which is pinned in the Intellivision/Aquarius subforum.

 

Thank you for reading through this behemoth of a post.

 

More discussion for the Aquarius can be found at the discord server, here:

https://discord.gg/TjCZZZ8HZQ

We are always happy to welcome new members!

Wow!!! What an achievement!!! 😎👍

[Aquarius: Word Chaser, new game on the works!]

Absolutely brilliant!! Well done mate! Cant wait to see the full version! Loving the music.

[Aquarius, is there a flashcart?]

If you are looking for a multicart, then I highly recommend Jay's Aquaricart - instant load (but no write functionality)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123726769111?hash=item1cceb0abd7:g:Xt0AAOSwq5lTqz4a
 

The Micro (not mini) expander is a good choice if you want USB capability, but the units are rare, and then often only sold as kits. But it does allow you to read and write to a USB fob, with fast rom and caq support, and an excellent upgraded version of BASIC.

There is also the AquaMax that will give you SD card reader functionality (plus 32k ram), but only emulates the tape deck (so slow load times)

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154850475718?hash=item240dcebec6:g:RowAAOSw43liC-Y4

and if you are looking for some new games for your Aquarius, I recommend
https://cronosoft.fwscart.com/MATTEL_AQUARIUS/cat5357733_4720275.aspx

 

[[AQUARIUS] Aquarius Collecting List]

On 1/27/2022 at 11:34 PM, EdgeOfPortal said:

The long awaited Aquarius Collecting list v3.0 is here!
 

If you have new information to add, discuss here or at the Aquarius Computer Discord Server (https://discord.gg/TjCZZZ8HZQ)
 

Current Version: v3.0
 

The list now consists of 81 cassette tapes, 35 cartridges (incl. variants), 17 hardware (incl. variants), 16 literature items, and 5 bundles.
 

Changelog:
v3.0 (1/27/22)
-Added Doomsday Defender (Cassette) from Cronosoft/Roy Templeman
-Added Turmoil 2022 (Cartridge/Cassette) from 8-Bit Milli Games
-Added Games Pack 3 and 4 (Cassette) from Processor Software
-Added the Radofin variant of Biorhythms (Cartridge)
-Added a US variant of the 4-Color Printer and changed the original to reflect the European version
-Added Thinking About [TLC] Logo for Mattel Aquarius (Literature)
-Added Kronos Europea Bundle (Bundle)

Aquarius Computer Collecting List v3.0.xlsx 20 kB · 8 downloads

Hello mate, can I ask for a couple of changes/updates?
My games, Aquariworm needs 8K not 4K, BCII has 3 different versions on the same tape. A 4K version, an 8K version and a 16K version (not sure how you want to show that?). All good with Doomsday Defender! 

I am also working on Warp Factor (a Star Trek game), you may have seen my screenshots on discord or twitter. I havent really decided whether or not I want to publish it as a cassette yet, or just make it a digital download. Cronosoft are keen to publish though, so you might want to add that? Its a 16K game.

[New Aquarius game being released soon!]

1 hour ago, Intymike said:

 

I really would like to order the game. But in a facebook post you wrote that you won't ship to the EU anymore.

 

Not me, but the publisher (Cronosoft).

[New Aquarius game being released soon!]

It took a while, but finally DOOMSDAY DEFENDER is available to buy on cassette. Head over to Cronosoft ( https://tinyurl.com/doomsdayd ) to get your copy!!

[New Aquarius game being released soon!]

1 hour ago, jltursan said:

Nice!

 

No one can provide a way to create cartridge editions of these games?. Even more, does it exists a 3D model for Aquarius cartridge case? 

I have looked in to cartridge's, and the simple fact is that they cost too much to produce in small quantities, hence my choice of cassette as a physical medium. Tapes are still fairly easy to get hold of, and are still quite cheap, as well as the cases. I know that a lot of Aquarius games came on cartridge, but quite a few were also released on cassette. My previous games are available from Cronosoft for around £6, and I expect Doomsday Defender to be about the same. A cart would be 3 to 4 times more expensive ?.

[New Aquarius game being released soon!]

My new game for the Aquarius will be out soon as a digital download and as a physical cassette via Cronosoft. DOOMSDAY DEFENDER . Your city has been invaded by giant alien motherships, which are launching alien fighters that are attacking your city! You must stop your city from being destroyed! Shoot the alien fighters before they destroy too much of your city. Avoid being shot by alien fire, and don't crash in to the alien fighters. Shoot the fighters, and if they leave behind a © token, then shoot that to extinguish some of the city fires. You gain points and energy for every fighter you shoot, but lose energy for every city fire. Watch out though, as the fighters have shields! If they turn yellow, your shot will be useless. If too much of your city is in flames, then your game is over. Changing the difficulty setting from NORMAL to HARD will change the city scape to the White House. The rules are the same, but this level is much harder to master!

Look out for my other Aquarius games, both Aquariworm and Bomb Catcher 2 are available as downloads and as physical cassette releases!

[Looking for an Aquarius Terminal program?]

13 hours ago, rietveld said:

Is there a terminal program available for the Aquarius in. WAV?

I have the modem program as a WAV... see attached. Hope this helps.

AquariusTerminal.7z

[AQUARIUS 2]

I have spent months repairing my Aquarius2. Now that she is operational, I thought that I would look at creating some software that was specific to this platform, rather than just an Aquarius game. I have already written and published a couple of new games for the Aquarius (Aquariworm and Bomb Catcher 2), so I thought about adapting one of those rather than starting from scratch... Well! A historic moment! Welcome to the FIRST and ONLY game for the Aquarius2! ??? I have created a version of my Bomb Catcher 2 game that only runs on the Aquarius2, which I think is a world first! Granted.. the market is quite small ?

[3 Aquarius Programs I Made]

On 6/28/2021 at 6:10 AM, Intelligentleman said:

Ok, back to BASIC land...

 

Ahh...... such memories of the running man, or Ralph as I have always called him. Great to see someone stepping in to the world of the wee blue key! 

[New Aquarius Game for 2021]

1 hour ago, Intymike said:

Mail call today.  
 

 

 

 

A thing of beauty!!  Enjoy!!

[New Aquarius Game for 2021]

7 hours ago, sixersfan105 said:

Both Aquariworm and Bomb Catcher 2 have arrived safely on my doorstep! Great work @Loudscotsbloke!

Awesome! and thank you!!

[Sneak Peek: My Aquarius Setup]

On 3/5/2021 at 4:42 PM, bikeguychicago said:

Nice. And you saved yourself the space, cost and struggle of trying to acquire all the software.

 

Well..... I know of at least 2 cassette based games you dont have  

[[AQUARIUS] Aquarius Collecting List]

On 2/28/2021 at 11:38 PM, EdgeOfPortal said:

Thanks for pinning the thread!

Enough new info has been added/changed to the sheet that v2.5 is ready for release. This version will be available right on this post, and additionally on the first post of the thread as well. This will be true for all future versions of the list as well. If you have new information to add to the sheet, please let me know here and it will be added in the next version!

 

The list now consists of 77 cassette tapes, 33 cartridges (incl. variants), 16 hardware (incl. variants), 15 literature items, and 4 bundles.

Changelog:
-Added programmer info for Diamond Mine
-Removed Zorgon's Kingdom (Special thanks to sixersfan105 for solving this one)
-Added Bomb Catcher II from Cronosoft/Roy Templeman
-Corrected Roy Templeman's name (Sorry about that!)
-Added 'Keral' variant of Aquarius I computer.

Aquarius Computer Collecting List v2.5.xlsx 19.1 kB · 4 downloads

Thanks for the name correction! - Glad to see the list is coming along. A couple of corrections for my games, if thats ok. Aquariworm memory requirement is 8K, and BC2 has 3 versions on the one cassette (16K, 8K and 4K) ?. If you are including 'unofficial' titles, then I also have Aquariworm and Bomb Catcher 2 on cart! (thanks to Jay!)

[New Aquarius Game for 2021]

Hi All. I finally decided to register with Atariage!! I'm glad i did (thank you Jay!). Some of you may be aware of my previous Aquarius game AQUARIWORM that was released last year on physical cassette tape via Cronosoft (the first commercial tape release for the Aquarius in over 35 years!)... Well, just yesterday my new Aquarius game BOMB CATCHER 2 was released! Again, as a physical cassette tape through Cronosoft!! Both Aquariworm and Bomb Catcher 2 are available to purchase from Cronosoft's main site for a very modest fee. I make no money for the sales, it all goes towards keeping the homebrew market alive, thanks to the awesome non-profit Cronosoft. I am a retro computer collector and restorer with over 100 machines (not inc dupes!) in my collection. The Aquarius was my first computer! and I still own it! I love writing games for the wee blue key underdog!

 

Aquariworm is also available as a digital download (BC2 will follow suit) via itch.io and any donations go to the Centre for Computing History Museum in Cambridge. 

 

So if you want a couple of new games for your Mattel Aquarius.... then click the link!

 

https://cronosoft.fwscart.com/MATTEL_AQUARIUS/cat5357733_4720275.aspx

 

I'm hoping to code more games for the platform as time goes on, and I'm already working on a platform game.

[Aquarius Printer]

I have the thermal printer, but I also have the colour printer/plotter. Its not thermal, and uses small coloured pens and ink to draw on to standard paper.