The Atari 5200 Podcast

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The podcast exploring the games and the history of one of Atari's most ambitious home gaming platforms, The Atari 5200 Supersystem.

Robert Benedetti and David Vucetic


    • Jan 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 36m AVG DURATION
    • 24 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Atari 5200 Podcast is an absolute gem for anyone interested in classic video games. As a fan of the Atari 5200 console, this podcast has quickly become one of my favorites. The hosts, Willie and Ar-Kay, are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about all things Atari 5200. Their passion for the console shines through in every episode and it's infectious.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth in which they discuss each game. Willie and Ar-Kay go beyond just giving a basic overview - they dive into the gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound design, and more. This level of detail allows listeners to truly understand what makes each game special and helps us appreciate the nuances that may have been overlooked at the time.

    I also appreciate that they take the time to talk about controllers. As a newcomer to the console, I found their discussions on different controller options very helpful. They provide insights on how each controller impacts gameplay and offer recommendations for those looking to enhance their gaming experience.

    While there aren't many negatives to mention about this podcast, one aspect that some listeners may find challenging is that it can be quite niche. The Atari 5200 console is not as well-known or popular as some other retro consoles, so some listeners may not have any personal connection or interest in these games. However, for those who are fans of the console or are curious about exploring lesser-known gaming history, this podcast is an absolute goldmine.

    In conclusion, The Atari 5200 Podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in old video games or retro consoles. Willie and Ar-Kay have created a show that is both informative and entertaining. Their passion for the Atari 5200 shines through in every episode and their depth of knowledge keeps listeners coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting your journey into retro gaming, this podcast is sure to delight and inspire you.



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    Latest episodes from The Atari 5200 Podcast

    Episode 18: Mario Bros and Popeye

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 101:27


    Warn the neighbors! The Boys are back together again! Pete gets a new car. Captain Bob foolishly contemplates volunteering again. And Mike is serving up solder for Thanksgiving. Oh yeah, and we review the platformer games of Mario Bros and Popeye. Suspense! Intrigue! Motherboards for Dinner! It's all here in this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 17: The Dreadnaught Factor and River Raid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 94:44


    OMG, Becky! Look at those podcasters! They put out another episode! In this episode the gang gets together again to pick apart and review the Activision scrolling games. The Dreadnaught Factor and Carol Shaw's classic, River Raid. Plus Pete checks in from Pinball at the Zoo in Kalamazoo, MI where his enthusiasm gets the best of him and he almost gets kicked out. Mayhem! Magic! Public Nuisance Charges! Once again its all here in this episode of the Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 16: Super Breakout and Kaboom!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 110:36


    Hello Again to our faithful and intrepid listeners! In this episode of the podcast, we venture into the Land of Meh. Tonight's deep dive we profile two of the most underrated games of the 5200 library. Super Breakout and Kaboom! by Activision. And when you start digging, you always find a bit of a surprise. And these games might have a little magic to them after all. As always, we add the usual bit of mischief and jackassery that you've come to expect from the gang. (Quick Note: Capt. Bob's sound quality is a bit off. The bandwidth at the hotel wasn't the best.) You've played the Best. Now play the Rest! On tonights episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 15: Zaxxon and Buck Rogers-Planet of Zoom

    Play Episode Listen Later May 25, 2023 113:27


    Once more unto the breach, dear friends! The gang gets together again to reminince of the great game company, Sega. We get a brief history of the company and delve into two of their most popular games, Zaxxon and Buck Rogers-Planet of Zoom. Not to mention your recommended daily amount of jackassery and hijinx. Magic, Mayhem, Complaining about prices in Retrogaming! It's all here in this episode of the Atari 5200 Podcast!

    The 2022 Portland Retro Gaming Expo Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 70:26


    Hello, Everyone! Yes, we're still here and still doing the podcast. It's a little late, but that's normal around here. Anyhoo-the gang gets together to talk about one of the biggest events in retrogaming, The Portland Retro Gaming Expo. This was fun because it was a free-form, unscripted episode. This one is for you, the fans of the show. Enjoy!

    Episode 14: Congo Bongo and Quest for Quintana Roo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 128:33


    It's been a couple of months since we recorded this and we all have gone through an adventure or two. But finally, here it is! Episode 14: Dogfight! The gang reviews two of the lowest rated games for the system, Congo Bongo and Quest for Quintana Roo. And just a heads up, Pete owns this episode, and it's great! Of course, we have the usual amount of jackassery that comes standard with each episode. Mystery! Adventure! Horrible Collision Detection! It's all here in the Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 13: Pitfall and Pitfall II Lost Caverns.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 139:16


    You've all waited long enough! We're keeping the witty prose to a minimum and giving you what the fans want to see and hear! In this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast, we cover two of the most influential and popular video games of all time: Pitfall! And Pitfall II Lost Caverns. Not to mention the normal amount of jackassery that the usual suspects deliver. Passion! Intrigue! Artificially inflated prices! It's all here on The Atari 5200 Podcast! The Retro Recipies link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V9X-3CmDjLs

    Episode 12: Choplifter!, Super Cobra, and Scramble.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 97:43


    In this episode of the Atari 5200 Podacst, the gang is back and we drag in Michael from The Atari XEGS Game by Game Podcast as a special cohost. This time, our theme is helicopter games. So we cover the games, Choplifter!, Super Cobra, and our first homebrew review of Scramble. Of course, the usual jackassery that ensues on every episode is included as part of a nutritional podcast diet. And believe it or not, not only did we get feedback we actually respond to it as well! Magic! Mayhem! And Pete almost gets our AARP cards yanked. It's all here in this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 11: Frogger and Gyruss

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 116:51


    In this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast... That's right! Another episode within a year! So stop clutching your pearls and tune in for another two hours with the lunatic fringe of retro gaming. Capt. Bob talks about building a fence and doing his Eric Cartman from “South Park” impersonation. Pete has a water tank go out on him and floods his storage room. Steve continues to do great things while Glen takes a well deserved break. And David gives us the much anticipated update that every 5200 enthusiast has been waiting for. Oh Yeah! We review Parker Brothers Frogger and Gyruss. Along with a quick history of Parker Brothers itself.   Construction! Water Damage! A mediocre impersonation of a copyrighted character! It's all here, on The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Spring 2020 Podcast Update and Contest Giveaway

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 89:33


    In this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast: Steve continues his never ending quest to burn down his house finding new ways to make new controllers work with old systems. Glen takes off his Essential Worker Supersuit and and checks in with his latest stuff. David brings the latest from the Atariverse. Pete has the latest from his home studio. And Capt. Bob checks in from deep in the heart of the Atari Force Strategic Command Facility (His Basement) to contribute almost absolutely nothing. And since we have nothing else to do during a global pandemic lockdown, we finally, after long last, get to our viewer feedback and determine who is the big winner! Also, we prepare for our next review episode Parker Brothers Frogger and Gyruss. Is this “Love in the Time of Cholera?” Nope, it's Love in the Time of COVID-19! And you have nothing else better to do than listen to our Spring Podcast Update and Contest Giveaway, here, on The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 10: Ballblazer and Rescue on Fractalus.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2020 69:49


    On this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast... Fatigue from the holidays and cold and flu season can't stop the crew of this podcast! But it came pretty close.  This episode we cover the two games that were created by Lucasfilm Games, Ballblazer and Rescue on Fractalus. Steve and Capt. Bob compare sniffles, Pete's inner game geek is let loose upon the world, Glen is off doing other amazing stuff, and David tests out his new recording equipment. Which is why about 10 minutes into the episode he mysteriously disappears. Which strangely works out. Because these are two games that we can talk about all day, but they must be played and experienced to be truly appreciated. And for the first time, Show Notes! Follow the links below to learn more about Lucasfilm Games. Fueled on nothing but enthusiasm, holiday burnout, and NyQuil, is this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast! https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/kwpd7v/the-rise-fall-and-rebirth-of-lucasarts-adventure-classics-883 https://www.pcgamer.com/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-history-of-lucasarts/ https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/LucasArts And the article that was the most help: https://www.usgamer.net/articles/i-actually-was-hunting-ewoks-lucasfilm-games-the-early-years And here's the story from someone who was there! http://www.langston.com/LFGames/

    PRGE and Host Update and Contest Giveaway!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2019 87:27


    In this episode of the Atari 5200 Podcast... Glen continues his relentless march to total domination of the Arcade 1UP world with a hardware update, Steve makes progress hotwiring non-native controllers to work on the 5200, David talks about his controller addiction problem, and Capt. Bob and Pete let loose a shameful and forbidden desire! (Intellivision?!?!?!) SCANDAL! SHAME! SECRETS! (And the fact that we wanted to cover the PRGE without taking away from our Ballblazer/Fractalus episode.) All this and MORE, on The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    The Atari 5200 Podcast Interview Special!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2019 58:37


    In this very special episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast... David hones his newly found telekinetic ability. Steve perfects the cybernetic interlink. Glen continues to grow his empire (This is actually not too far from the truth). Pete Hunts down the legendary treasure of Quintana Roo. And Bob saves the entire crew from a sinking battleship! Actually, we have the pleasure of interviewing Ryan Witmer of Average Software of his current and past works of “Ratcatcher” and “RealSports Curling” and a sneak peak of his upcoming project! Danger! Mystery! Intrigue! It's all here, on The Atari 5200 Podcast!!!

    Episode 9: Star Wars The Arcade Game and Star Wars Return of the Jedi Death Star Battle

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2019 111:22


    On this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast... The guys talk about all sorts of stuff! David commits random acts of kindness with his co-hosts. Capt. Bob complains like an old man about winter weather. Glen talks about the insane success of the 1UP Arcade YouTube channel. Steve and Pete hookup in real life for gamer hijinx. Oh yeah, and we talk about and rate Star Wars The Arcade Game and Star Wars Return of the Jedi Death Star Battle. ACTION! ADVENTURE! DANGER!  BROMANCE (?!?!?!?) It's all here, on The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 8: RealSports Tennis and Baseball

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2018 90:33


    After months of grueling schedules and being responsible adults, David, Bob, Pete, Glen, and Steve, finally get together and talk about RealSports Tennis and Baseball. Two sports games that started to push the boundaries of what was possible and use the capabilities of the 5200. Match! Set! Ball! Strike! It finally comes together on The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 7: Host Update #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2018 105:25


    After six months of job responsibilities, family stuff, two colds, other stuff, etc, etc... Your hosts finally get together for a not so quick update of what's been going on in their lives, the 5200 community, and chat about the ongoing mystery that is the Ataribox/Atari VCS. Danger! Excitement! eBay! The Common Cold! It's all here on our update episode!

    Minisode 6.01: Holiday Hijinx and Loving the Haters!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2017 97:52


    Happy Holidays!!! Or as we like to say, “Good Times!” In this our Holiday Minisode. With all of us working and being with family this holiday season, we wanted to reach out and give the fans something before we finish our Sportsapaloza episodes. So, we decided to give an update on what is going on with us and what is going on within the 5200 Community. Also, we let MetalJesusRocks what we think of his latest YouTube episode. Action! Adventure! Justice! REVENGE!!! All here. On The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 5: RealSports Football and Soccer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2017 145:21


    Hello to our Atari 5200 enthusiasts and friends! Today on the Atari 5200 Podcast: Bob, David, and Glen finally get together in the clubhouse to get this episode done. And because the locks on the clubhouse door are a bit sketchy, Steve Averitt wanders back in with his latest contributions to the hobby. And because we needed to give these games the due that they deserve we have our very special guest, Detroit Sports Radio personally, Peter Spivak, on the show!!! Peter fills in the love where we fall short. Fun! Drama! Sports! All in this very special episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast!

    Episode 5 Minisode Feedback and Contest Winner

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2017 42:23


    Hello, Everyone! Episode 5 unexpectedly turned out to be one of our biggest episodes yet. So to make it easier on everyone, we decided to split up the episode into two parts. You can think of this as Episode 5A, Feedback and our Contest Winner announcement!  Thanks for listening and the Sportsapalooza with our amazing special guest host is coming soon! Enjoy!

    Episode 4: Star Raiders

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2017 125:01


    In this episode of the Atari 5200 Podcast... The crew covers the game that changed the computer and gaming world, STAR RAIDERS! David's meticulous notes pay off by giving more detail than you ever needed to know about a single game. Glen keeps the show on track. And Bob waxes poetically about how he wasted his teenage years and how he got lucky only by picking a career that uses video game skills. And since it's always good to get a second set of prints at a crime scene, we drag the ever-amazing Bill Kendrick of Atari Party fame and other retro endeavors into being a guest host to talk about this amazing game. Memories, Allergies, Technical Difficulties, and more! On this episode of The Atari 5200 Podcast!!!

    Episode 3.5: Missile Command Redux and Pac-Man Arcade

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2017 45:10


    Hello Again, Intrepid Listeners! As promised, our Episode 3.5 to make up for lost time. Or the time we ran out of on the first run. In this episode, we have Capt. Bob giving his mea culpa to the listeners and doing what he should have in the first place, describing the golden age classic, Missile Command. David covers the very worthy homebrew, Pac-Man Arcade. And David, Bob, and Glen get left in the eBay bidding dust by three very determined bidders for a new in the box, never touched, Atari 5200 Supersystem.  All this, and a bit more, on The Atari 5200 Podacst!

    Episode 3: Missile Command and Pac-Man

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2017 101:58


    On this episode, we introduce our third host and hardware guru, Glen Planamento. A previous guest and friend of the show, Steve Averitt swings by to talk about trak-ball controllers. We cover the seminal games, Missile Command and Pac-Man. And we debunk the haters that give the 5200 a bad rap. All this and more from your hosts Capt. Bob, David, and Glen.

    Episode 2. Countermeasure and Wizard of Wor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2016 94:05


    Hello to all of our listeners! Today, we give to you Episode 2. On this episode we will be talking about Atari's Countermeasure and CBS Electronics Wizard of Wor. We also fill all of you in on how busy we've been and why it has taken so long to get this episode out and we thank all of you for your patience. Nonetheless, thanks for hanging in there with us. Also, we have a guest host, Glen Planamento, of Glen's Retro Show on YouTube. We did have some audio difficulties that we're working through so hopefully those will be ironed out on the next episode. Enjoy, Everyone!

    Episode 1: Getting Started-And New Beginnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2016 80:19


    Hello, Everyone! Thank you for hanging in there with me. And for your troubles, here is (finally) our first episode! I want to thank Wiile and Ar-Kay for the experience and the trust to do this podcast justice and David Protestari for being my co-host and teaching the finer points on how to be a host. It's going to be a crazy ride and hopefully you the fans will come with David and I as we go down the road. We hope you will be entertained and learn something along the way. And with that... IT BEGINS!

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