ATARI BYTES

Happy holidays! ATARI BYTES returns from hiatus with episode 331, the annual holiday special. We take a break from games and story writing to catch up on some movies. And we've made it all the way to 1985! So that movie-catching is coming along great! Earlier this year, we played the Sesame Street inspired game "Cookie Monster Munch", so it seemed like we should do a Sesame Street inspired movie. So, from 1985, we've got FOLLOW THAT BIRD. Big Bird has moved away! Oh no! What is the gang going to do?!?! Take a break from the relatives and give a listen!  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Hidden Agenda", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com carnivalofgleecreations.com

We're getting down to the last few days of tax time in America as this episode goes out. Why not relieve some of that mathematical stress with a podcast! In 330, we're playing the 1982 game TAX AVOIDERS, the intense adventure of tax sheltered investments.  Then once you've listened to this episode...go back and listen to some of the other 329 - for the first time! Or again! - because ATARI BYTES is taking a little hiatus. But keep is in your feed and hearts. We'll be back! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs Reformat, Pinball Spring, Take a Chance of Hidden Agenda.  Support the show at patreon.com Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about the podcast, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books by me that can belong to you. D20 or Die!

Peanut butter and jelly. Laverne and Shirley. And now Atari and Muppets. All great things that belong together. In episode 329, we're playing COOKIE MONSTER MUNCH for the 2600. This 1983 joint effort by Atari and The Children's Computer Workshop is a showcase for Cookie Monster. (I was more of a Grover man, myself. But Cookie is pretty cool.) But is it a tasty confection or a stale day old paper weight? Bad Poetry Corner: Don't Let the Cookie Crumble Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here. Go to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your podcast and book reading needs. The Jim Beard and Becky Books Facebook page

In 328, we build on the massive tower of gaming experiences we've had on this show with MASTER BUILDER from Spectravision, 1983. Does it stand tall and proud or all come tumbling down? Listen and find out! ORIGINAL SHORT STORY: Building Up Expectations Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Hidden Agenda", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. carnivalofgleecreations.com  Support the show at patreon.com here. Jim Beard and Becky Books

327 features the 1983 prototype KICKMAN from CBS Electronics, based on the arcade game, which also wasn't that popular. Why didn't it work out? One guess.... No, not that. It's balloons! This game is full of 'em.  And even in 1983, they knew to stay away from balloons. Why didn't we listen? Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations has all the info you need about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and books written by me that can be owned by you.

By 1988, the 2600 was feeling a bit long in the tooth. But once in a while, it could still enthrall the gamer of the day.  So, does DARK CHAMBERS from Sculptured Software enthrall or enrage? Throw open the chamber door on this episode and see what happens.  Bad Poetry Corner: HEART BEAT ON DARK CHAMBER DOORS Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring", and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books written by me that can be owned by you.   

In 1982, Canadian-based department store chain Zellers  thought it would be fun to take a break from selling washers and socks and whatever and instead program Atari games. Why? Dunno. But I played one. It's called Donkey Kong. No, wait. Sorry! It's called INCA GOLD. You'll understand why I was confused after episode 325. Original Short Story: GOLD STANDARD Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring", and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Support the show at patreon.com here. carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need to know about this show, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about my books.   

Is Answer Software's 1983 title GAUNTLET the answer to all our gaming needs? Hold your water and listen to episode 324. Raise a glass to not spilling a glass. No, really. Look, just listen to the episode. Thanks! Original Short Story: UNDAUNTED GAUNTLET Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations.com has all you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written by me that can be owned by you.   

Episode 323 is a bargain. I mean, not like cheap socks or 2-for-1 toasters like you could get at Zellers in Canada in the 1980s. (I'm just guessing about that.) But in this episode, we're playing TIME WARP, one of two games Zellers developed in 1983 all on its own for the 2600, maybe in aisle 3 between the winter coats and MC Hammer parachute pants. And the episode is ABSOLUTELY FREE! No coupon required. You're welcome. Original Short Story: The Terminal. The Eternal. And the Guy Who Counts Time. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. All you need to know about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books written by me that can be owned by you can be found at https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com/ Support the show at patreon.com here.  

No Christmas content really this episode, but it's dropping on Christmas Day, so...MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you and yours have a lovely day and joyous holiday season! Here at the podcast, we're relaxing with a movie as is our tradition for the last episode of the year. This time, it's the 1963 classic JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS. Ancient Greek Gods! Skeletons with swords! Goat-based slapstick! As usual, we have a friend dropping by for movie time. It would be great if it was Santa Claus, but we got someone even better! Jeff Fulton from "Into the Verticial Blank" joins me on the quest to find the tree at the end of the world. Or, you know, a quest to talk about a movie which is way easier. I hope you and yours have a great end of the year. Talk to you again in 2023! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinbal Spring" and "Jingle Bells".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Support the show at patreon.com www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about this podcast, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books and other things I've written.     

Ok, look. It's the holiday season. And while we all try to be good, if you're like me, you stumble a bit. We probably all deserve a bit of coal in our holiday stockings. Just think of episode 321 as your penance before the Big Guy brings your presents. This episode, we're talking about the 1982 Hanna-Barbera animated special "Christmas Comes to Pacland". Yep, that's a thing HB made. Must have lost a bet. And now it's a thing for us to talk about. So, let's get it over with.  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme. Check out www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all you podcast needs to ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and info about books written by ME and can be owned by YOU, like IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME. Support the show at patreon.com here.   

While you gulp down the last of the pumpkin pie, give episode 320 a listen. We're clowning around with one of Audacity Games' 2021 debuts CIRCUS CONVOY. Does the game barrel down the highway of fun? Or does it stall out in a ditch somewhere? BAD POETRY CORNER: OVER THE BIG TOP Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Springs".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books written by ME that can by owned by YOU.  Audacity Games  

As a kid in the arcade, I found Sega's 1983 title CONGO BONGO...interesting. So, of course, when I got hold of a copy of the game for the 5200, I had to try it. And now in episode 319, I have. That's a thing I've done. What did I think? Well, you'll have to listen and find out.  SHORT STORY: THE BONGO BASTARDS https://incompetech.com/Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme. Support the show at patreon.com here www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all your info about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and even books written by ME that can be owned by YOU. 

On this Halloween Eve...eve, we've got an awesome treat. No, not candy. No, not money. No, not world peace in our time. Look, it's another podcast episode, ok? Episode 318 is MIDNIGHT MUTANTS for the 7800. Is it a tasty confection or a bitter pill? And why is Grampa Munster here?!?! Bad Poetry Corner: MIDNIGHT MUTANTS - A POEM Into the Vertical Blank: Atari in the Wild piece about Airlock Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime Theme". Support the Show at patreon.com here. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to go for all things related to ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you can possess.  

In 1982, did Data Age got a LOCK on the submarine adventure genre? Or does this game suck the AIR out of gaming fun? We're playing AIRLOCK. Well, mostly we're cursing AIRLOCK. There's a nice story though... SHORT STORY: AIRLOCKED AND LOADED - A STEVE STETSON, 1980's SUPERSPY ADVENTURE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.  Find out more about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written, which you can own! Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to do all that.  Support the show at patreon.com 

With the game NO ESCAPE!, episode 316 is escapist fun you can't escape from! Well, you could just not listen, I suppose. But you wouldn't do that, would you? Would you?!?!? We're playing this 1983 title from iMagic. Goddesses! Guys named Jason! Getting stoned! It's all here! Original Short Story from Me: Yourself and Nowhere to Go From There - A Play So. Many. Exclamation. Points. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtey for the "Storytime" theme.  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need for this show, ATARI BYTES, and my other show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. You'll also find info about my short story collections and novel IN THE ST. NICK OF TIME, and links to some places you can buy them.  Support the podcast at patreon.com here!  

Beep! Beep! Move it...to episode 315 of ATARI BYTES! We're playing CommaVid's unreleased 1983 title RUSH HOUR. Honk if you love games! Bad Poetry Corner: GET OUT OF MY WAY! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Go to the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com to support this show here.  The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has every thing you need for this show, my othe show, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books that I've written including Hell's Cereal, Misery Banana, and 2nd Duck on the Right.

This episode croaks on arrival. In 314, we're "playing" (Sort of) CommaVid's unreleased demo for something maybe called FROG that the programmer dug out of an old box after twenty years and chucked out to the masses without a care...much like this podcast is produced. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Supporters get stuff! www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and info about books by ME that you can own for your very...own.   

Does episode of 313 get a strong hold on your heart as we play Commavid's 1983 space game STRONGHOLD? Listen and decide for yourself! Original Short Story: THE INEVITABILITY OF HISTORY Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  Go the webite wwww.carnivalofgleecreations here for all your podcast needs for ATARI BYTES and my other show IT'S A PODCAST,CHARLIE BROWN. The site also has info about my books, including 2nd Duck on the Right & Other Very Short Stories. 

In episode 312, we've got tunnel vision, focused only on bringing you a doozy of an episode! This time, it's the 1983 CBS Electronics game TUNNEL RUNNER, a ground-breaking, immersive 4D experience. Okay, actually, they call it it 3D. We added the fourth D for "DAMN!" Original Short Story: TUNNEL VISION Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here, and you could get perks! Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your ATARI BYTES and IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN needs. You can also check out books I've written and, you know...maybe even buy one!

Call the Orkin man! (Gratuitous Orkin Man shout out. Send me a check.) In episode 311, I'm sorry to tell you, you've got termites. And not just any termites. Giant, space-faring, killer nest-building termites. It's COSMIC SWARM, the 1982 title from CommaVid. Termites all over the darn place. And you, friend, must destroy them. Fight that creepy crawling feeling you're experiencing right now thinking about giant bugs and get to work. Bad Poetry Corner: BATTERED BY THE COSMIC SWARM Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here.  The website www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all you need about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you can own for your very...own.  

Episode 310 is going to the dogs...er, rabbits. We're playing Apollo's 1982 title WABBIT for the 2600. The bunnies are on a fluffy rampage! So grab your carrots...er, joysticks and join us! This episode's original short story: THE CABAL Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Mining by Moonlight".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and get...stuff! www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop shop for all things about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written by me that YOU CAN OWN. 

In ATARI BYTES 309, I hear voices.  This is nothing new, but this time, I know the voices are coming from outside my own head. Probably.  We're closing out Intellivision Month on the podcast by playing the 1982 Mattel title "Space Spartans" with - holy crap! - the "Intellivoice" voice synthesizer module. Is the game fun? Who cares! There's a robotic voice emanating from my blocky, outdated gaming console! Short Story: WHAT'S THE POINT?  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Change", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Head over to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, books written by ME that can be owned by YOU, and so much more! Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page at patreon.com.  

Episode 308 of ATARI BYTES is a blast! A GAS blast, specifically! It's true! In SPACE HAWK, your gas is the only thing that can save the universe. Tell you significant other to stop complaining. The 1982 Mattel title SPACE HAWK is for the Intellivision console. Why an Intellivision game on an Atari-based podcast? Well, it's our annual INTELLIVISION MONTH! If you have thoughts about this title or Intellivision, send them to me. If you're blasting gas, keep it to yourself.  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN.  Support the show on patreon.com here.

Does the 1983 nuclear terrorism game COUNTERMEASURE for the 5200 measure up to the quality you've come to expect from this podcast? Counter point: Don't sweat it. The podcast is free. Short Story: MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE...TO THE BONE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find more about this show ATARI BYTES, and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. While you're there, check out books by ME that you can own for your ownselves. You can support the show at patreon.com here. 

Let ye who is without Sin-istar, cast the first pod. Well, fortunately for us, we DO have this episode's game SINISTAR, the 1984 Atari 2600 port prototype of the arcade game. Is the game a heavenly delight or sinfully awful? Count your luck stars and join us. Bad Poetry Corner: THE SINN SISTERS HOST A BRUNCH Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of "Pinball Spring", "Take a Chance", and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com to find out more about ATARI BYTES, my other podcast IT'S  A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written, including "2nd Duck on the RIght & Other Very Short Stories".  Support the show at patreon.com 

The 5200 love-fest continues in 305 with QIX. This 1982 puzzling, strategizing, flashy lights game is a keeper...of addictive frustrations. SHORT STORY: QIX-SAND Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Head to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about ATARI BYTES, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books by ME, like 2nd Duck on the Right & Other Very Short Stories". Support the show at patreon.com!

In episode 304, you're joining the podcast at an historic moment...the debut of our brand-new (refurbished) ATARI 5200 CONSOLE (Thanks, Jose!) We launch into the stratospheric heights of new game possiblities by falling into the dungeon, the SPACE DUNGEON, to be specific. The 1983 Taito arcade port is my focus in this one...until my cameraman wrestles away control of both joysticks from his old man. Kids, man. SHORT STORY: HOME SWEET HOME Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs, "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show here at patreon.com www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about ATARI BYTES, my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and about books written BY ME, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

Throw this ATARI BYTES episode on the junk heap. Episode 303 is going to the SCRAPYARD DOG (For the 7800, Atari, 1990). Is this game doggone fun or just one for the dogs? SHORT STORY - BAD POETRY CORNER: DOGGED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info you need about ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and also about books that I've written! Which you can own very your, uh, very own! Including 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES.

WE'RE BACK, BABIES! After a scary week while my computer was in the computer hospital getting a hard drive transplant and other upgrades, we're back! And that's not the only reason we're flying high! In 302, we're playing SUPER HUEY for the 7800. Was it worth the wait for this episode? Now boarding to find out... Short Story: SUPER, HUEY Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and about books I've written that you CAN OWN! Like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES. Support the show at patreon.com here.

Do you remember the 1970's cartoon "Gilligan's Planet", where the castaways travel from the island to outer space? No? Well, you should. It was...something. The 7800 game BALLBLAZER, which we played in episode 301, is a little like that. It's like transporting a soccer game from the stadium to space. "Ted Lasso" in an astronaut helmet maybe. So, is the game a ball or should all copies be set ablaze? Listen to find out! (To the extent my opinion means anything.) Short Story: WHEN BLAZER MET SLACKS: CRIMES OF FASHION Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info about ATARI BYTES here, about my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here, and books I've written like 2ND DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here.  Support the show on patreon.com and get bonus STUFF!

ATARI BYTES is 300 episodes old! If it were years, we'd be older than America! ATARI BYTES deserves some respect as the country's elder. I'm going to stop paying taxes. We're taking a break from the video games and story-fying to play a good, old-fashioned video game. This time, it's Buffalo Games' 2021 SPACE INVADERS: THE BOARD GAME. But is this board game boring? Tune in to find out. Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  THanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme.  Head over to the website here for info about this show, ATARI BYTES, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and info about books I've written, like 2nd Duck on the Right and Other Very Short Stories. Support the podcast on patreon.com. 

So, I think I've only had to re-record ATARI BYTES 299, featuring ASSAULT from 1983, once due to technical glitches. But I've seen enough science fiction to know I could be caught in some sort of time loop. This could be my 8,000th recording. Is the game worth eternity in this one moment? Well, it was made by a company called Bomb. Hmmm. Short Story: A Salt Story Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinbal Spring" and "Reformat". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info about this show ATARI BYTES here, about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here and about books I've written, like 2nd Dog on the Right & Other Very Short Stories here.  Support the show at patreon.com   

The Moon God gets a bad rap.  Sure, in QUEST FOR QUINTANA ROO, the 1984 game from Sunrise Software, the Moon God wants to kill you. But, I mean, in the game you are plundering the Moon God's ancient temple.  On the upside, all this unpleasantness did bring about episode 298 of ATARI BYTES! Bad Poetry Corner: The Quest Chooses Us Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has all sorts of info about my books! Go pick one! Thanks! Head over to patreon.com to support the show and get access to special stuff!

Any old show could give you mutants, but how many can offer you COMMUNIST mutants? 2021 had Covid spinoffs, insurrections and climate upheavals. 2022 has communist mutants. Seems about right. In episode 297, we played the 1982 weirdly named Starpath game COMMUNIST MUTANTS FROM SPACE. Because with a title like that, how could we not? Short Story: A MUTANT BY ANY OTHER NAME Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme. Check out the ATARI BYTES page at www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for more info about this show here and about my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about books I've written here.  You can help keep the lights on in the podcast studio by going to the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here to sign up. 

It's the last episode of 2021! And in honor of our laziness tradition, for the last episode we put away the games and rest our story-thinking brains, and kick back with a movie. This time, we're watching the 1983....cult?...classic KRULL, which inspired the Atari game eagle-eared listeners will remember we talked about in episode 295 Was KRULL a krully good movie or krully bad? Listen to find out. And also so I don't have to do as much research  in keeping with tradition, I have a guest for this episode! Screenwriter and patreon supporter Patrick McCarthy joins me for the...fun? Again, listen to find out! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for stuff about this podcast ATARI BYTES and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN. The website also has info about books I've written like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT & OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here. Support the show at patreon.com here.   

ATARI BYTES episode 295 is all about KRULL, Atari's adaptation of the 1983 sci-fi movie...classic?...of the same name. The game, like the movie, has you, the hero, trying to defeat The Beast, with a star-shaped "glaive", save the princess and defend the galaxy.  So, is this game a five-pointed romp, or a pointless exercise, times five? We'll find out. Original Short Story: FIRE HORSE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Pinball Spring", "Reformat" and "Take a Chance". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime Theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go to find info for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other podcast, IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about books I've written that can be yours for your very own or to give to others! Really! Go here! Become a patreon.com "Atari Bytes" supporter here and you could get bonus content and other goodness!  

Commavid knew what it was doing. I mean, they went out of business, but they knew a good basis for a game. Cake! People really only like two things: kittens and cake. I know, people SAY they like other things, but this is actually about it. Unfortunately, "Kitten Walk" doesn't roll of the tongue as easy as "Cakewalk", so Commavid went with that for its 1983 game. And we're playing it in ATARI BYTES episode 294. Pass a fork! Short Story: JACK & JILL Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has everything you need to know about this show ATARI BYTES here, and about my other show "IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN" here.  The website also has info about books I've written, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here, along with links to a few places you can order them.  Check out the new 2nd DUCK book trailer here - like and share with your friends. Support the show by subscribing on patreon.com here. 

Birds of a feather listen to podcasts together. Or alone. Whatever. You do you. In episode 293, from 1982, we're playing one of the few Ultravision titles, CONDOR ATTACK. Does the game soar above the rest, or was I a dodo for playing?  Here's hoping you don't get dive bombed while listening... Short Story: ATTACKED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes, episodes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about books I've written, like 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT AND OTHER VERY SHORT STORIES here.  Support the show by subscribing at whatever level works for you at patreon.com here. 

Whoaaaaa! You're reading this show note (possibly) on Halloween, about an episode released on Halloween, featuring a game called "Halloween", inspired by the movie "Halloween". Spooky! Which is appropriate because in episode 292, we're playing the Wizard Video 1983 title "Halloween". If you enjoy sprite decapitations and 8-bit child murder in a Skittles-colored house, this is the game for you. If not, blame Patreon supporter Patrick McCarthy who suggested this.  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme. Thanks to Sean Courtney for "Storytime" theme.  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for all the info and notes you could ever want for this podcast ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about books that I've written, including the brand new (very) short story collection 2nd DUCK ON THE RIGHT here.  You can support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here and may be get episodes early and even bonus content! Thanks!

I LOVE TRASH! ANYTHING FUNNY AND GAMEY AND PODCASTY! OH, I LOVE TRASH...PODCASTS! In episode 291, can you tell me how to get to podcast street? We're playing the 1983 educational title SESAME STREET: OSCAR'S TRASH RACE. Oh, yes. We are. Bad Poetry Corner: GROUCH POTATO - A POEM Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Thanks to Mike Mann for the "Mad Mike Hughes" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info and show notes and episodes for ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links to buy my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com. Thanks!

Pass the Pepto!* I mean joystick!  *This episode sponsored by Pepto-Bismol** **We wish. In episode 290, we're playing the Parker Brothers 1984 title MONTEZUMA'S REVENGE, where you race through gloomy caverns, dodging skulls, snakes, spiders, treacherous drops and lava. All to make your way to the toilet. Sorry! Make your way to the treasure room.  May all your TP be encrusted with rhinestones.  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is your one stop for this podcast ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links to some places you can buy my books, including HELL'S CERAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES. Support the show on the Atari Bytes page on patreon.com here. 

In ATARI BYTES episode 289, the unicorns are chasing the centaurs across the grassy knolls that dot Mt. Olympus; winged gods soar above, inspiring the mortals...and probably impregnating them occasionally. Not really. We're playing MINES OF MINOS, from CommaVid, 1982. It's all maze, no minotaurs. You can put away your ball of thread. Or not. Something's gotta keep you in your seat.  Short Story: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE MERELY HERE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for show notes and more for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info about my books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here.  Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here.   

Play a space game requiring super technical, minor adjustments to thrust vectors and yaw? More like YAWN, amirite? In 288, we're playing Activision's (squee!) 1983 space shuttle simulator SPACE SHUTTLE: A JOURNEY INTO SPACE. Instead of, we suppose, a journey into the local supermarket. The game is a technical marvel. But is it fun? Is it really even a game? Let's discuss. This week's short story: RICH WHITE GUYS CONQUER THE MARTIANS Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. https://www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info and links to this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info and links to a few places you can buy books, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  Support the show by subscribing on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here!

Belgian listeners! Episode 287 is for you! On this episode of ATARI BYTES, we're playing the 1982 Coleco game SMURFS: RESCUE IN GARGAMEL'S CASTLE. The game features those super annoying beloved blue cartoon characters the SMURFS! And we're terribly sorry about that. Can you ever smurf us? Hey! watch the smurfin' language! There are smurfettes present! This week's short story: ROYAL RODENT RIDDER Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for show notes, episodes and more for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links to some of the places you can by books by me! For example, HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  You can support ATARI BYTES at patreon.com. Thanks!

Our Olympic fever shows no sign of breaking. The mercury has shot out the top of the thermometer, splattering all over this week's episode.  In 286 of ATARI BYTES, we're playing VIDEO OLYMPICS, one of Atari's 1977 "original nine" games. There's very little actual Olympic content. But that's okay because I have very little actual Olympic skill. This week's short story: MOUNT OLYMPUS FIVE & DIME Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info, episodes and more for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info about my books! Including links to some places you can order them, should you so decide. Books like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES could be yours! You can support the show on the ATARI BYTES Patreon page here. Thanks!

In ATARI BYTES episode 285, we're playing the David Crane (squee!) 1983 Activision (squee!) title DECATHLON in honor of the increasingly misnamed 2020 Olympics! With ten events, is this game ten times the fun? We've got our tank top and tight shorts and are ready to find out. Bad Poetry Corner: DEAD CAT LON Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime and Jason Sez Stuff themes. Go to www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info, show notes and links for this show ATARI BYTES here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website is also your stop for info and links you can pick up books I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  Support the show at whatever level you're comfortable on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. Thanks!

Episode 284 of ATARI BYTES gets its groove ON with the 1982 Sega port of ZAXXON! (That's a terrible set up. But the episode is good. I promise. Probably. Maybe. Look, just listen, please. ) This week's short story: ZACH'S ON Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you should go for info, show notes and links for ATARI BYTES here and for my other podcast IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links to some places you can order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  You can support the show by donating on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com here. 

Intellivision Month 2021 concludes this month in ATARI BYTES episode 283. We're playing TRON DEADLY DISCS, inspired by the "cult classic" movie. It's a collision of cult classic movie and cult classic podcast! (I might be delusional.) This week's short story: DEADLY DISCS - A STEVE STETSON, 1980s SUPERSPY, ADVENTURE Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creation commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com is where you need to be for info, links, notes, etc. for this show ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website is also the place to find info and links to some places to buy my books! For example, HELL'S CEREAL - VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  Support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com!

INTELLIVISION MONTH 2021 barrels forward on ATARI BYTES 282. Much as we do with the twisty maze that is life, we're winding our way through the twisty maze of Mattel's 1982 Intellivision offering NIGHT STALKER, a/k/a the 2600 game "Dark Cavern". (spoiler!)  But...are you stalking the bats/spiders/robots. Or...are they stalking YOU? More importantly, who keeps dropping all these guns all over? Seems like very poor gun safety. So many questions. BAD POETRY CORNER: NIGHTY NIGHT, STALKER  Thanks to Kevin MacLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Pinball Spring" and "Reformat". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes. The "Jason Sez Stuff" guy gives a tour of his "office".  www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has all the info about this show ATARI BYTES here and my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info and links to some places to order my books, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES.  Support ATARI BYTES on patreon.com. Help keep the lights on! I don't want to fall down...

You're gliding along peacefully, when suddenly your periscope shoots upward. Through the murky depths you are shocked to see rocketing toward you... ATARI BYTES episode 281! Intellivision Month continues this week with Mattel's 1982 nautical adventure SUB HUNT. Is it a thrilling submarine simulator or a soul-crushingly boring, slow-paced game bogged down by an overly dense manual? Gee, I dunno... This week's short story: Bad Poetry Corner - Floaters and Sinkers Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" and "Jason Sez Stuff" themes.  www,carnivalofgleecreations.com is your destination for info and links for this show ATARI BYTES here, and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here.  The website also has info and links for books that I've written, like HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES here. You can also support the show on the ATARI BYTES page on patreon.com and possibly get BONUS stuff.