The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast - podcast cover

The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast

The 2600 Game By Game Podcast will delve into the history, gameplay, and personal stories of every game made for the Atari 2600.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Episode 48 - Cosmic Ark and No Escape by Imagic

Hi ho! Today's episode is about the Imagic games Cosmic Ark and No Escape. Love both of them, No Escape was a new one on me. I love finding these hidden gems in the 2600 library! Next week it's Missile Command and Dodge 'Em by Atari. Upcoming games include Space Cavern and Racquetball by Games by Apollo; Blueprint and Solar Fox by CBS Electronics; Stampede and Ice Hockey by Activision; Othello and RealSports Baseball by Atari; Fast Eddie and Deadly Duck By Sirius/20th Century Fox; and Surround a...

Feb 05, 201458 min

Episode 47 - Computer Corridor, He-Man, and Loco-Motion by M Network

This week's episode is about the M-Network games Masters of the Universe: The Power of He-Man, Loco-Motion, and Computer Corridor. Computer Corridor was in my list as Computer Revenge, which I didn't find in my initial research, but I happened upon it while I was doing the research for this show. Hence my adding it at the last minute. But it was never finished like Loco-Motion was, so you're not missing much. Extra special thanks to Jeff Ratcliff for answering my questions this week, thank you J...

Jan 29, 201448 min

Episode 46 - Maze Craze and Video Checkers by Atari

I have to apologize for this episode folks. I think my microphone is going bad, there was a hum that was pretty prevalent through the show and it made me very sad. I tried using the noise reduction on it 3 times but it's still there. It sticks out like a sore thumb to me, maybe you won't hear it as much as I do. Hopefully. I'm not very happy with this but there's nothing I can do until I get a new microphone, which is on its way. I am sorry for the inconvenience. Next week I'll be looking at He-...

Jan 22, 201442 min

Episode 45 - Turbo and Venture by Coleco

I have a schedule for the podcast set up, so I am hoping that the whole process will be streamlined and easier for me to do. This week's episode is going out much earlier than normal, but I did have an extra day off so who knows. This is the first time I am doing a review of a game that I wasn't able to play, being Turbo. There may be more numbered protos coming up that haven't been discovered yet, we shall see. Next week is Video Checkers and Maze Craze by Atari, which should be fun. Upcoming g...

Jan 15, 201443 min

Episode 44 - Ghost Manor and Spike's Peak by Xonox

Happy New Year Everyone! Unfortunately I am still on the old year's procrastination schedule. It has been really hard getting back into this, it felt like I had to learn it all over again. Lots of awkward silences to edit out. I hope this episode measures up to my usual standards. Next week I'll be talking about Turbo and Venture by Coleco, which I remember playing a lot in the arcades, but not so much at home. Especially Turbo, since I did not have a Colecovision. Upcoming games include Maze Cr...

Jan 08, 201458 min

2013 Wrap Up

Hi everyone, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year! This has been a great year for me, and one of the reasons is that I finally started this podcast and met so many of you online. I am very grateful for all of your positive comments and feedback, thank you so much. Again, no games today, just a quick wrap-up of the year and what you can expect next year (hint: podcasts about Atari 2600 games). I also inserted something you might be interested in, which is kind of fun and kind of dep...

Dec 31, 201321 min

Episode 43 - Atari 2600 Christmas Memories

As I have been mentioning, this episode features your Christmas memories of the Atari 2600! I didn't get any Hanukkah or Kwanzaa submissions, so we'll just go with Christmas. There's some great stories here, thanks to everyone for contributing and for listening! Thanks especially to Ryan who let me use his Christmas photo from 1978! Next week will be a short episode containing a surprise, I won't be discussing any games. Think of it as a end of year wrap-up show. Merry Christmas everyone!

Dec 23, 201356 min

Episode 42 - Night Driver and Golf by Atari

Still feeling a bit under the weather, but I did manage to get this week's episode featuring Night Driver and Golf out this week. Thanks for your patience! Next week is the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa memories show, you can send me your memories to be read on the show by December 20th. The games will resume on January 8th with Ghost Manor and Spike's Peak by Xonox. You can send any stories and feedback to 2600gamebygame@comcast.net. Whatever Holiday you celebrate, I hope that it is merry and happ...

Dec 18, 201342 min

Episode 41 - Freeway and Kaboom by Activision

No, this is not a rerun. I was just so happy that I finally got the paddles to work with Stella so I could record sounds from paddle games, and I corrected what in my opinion was a horrible oversight in the Circus Atari episode. Anyway. This episode is about one of the greatest paddle games ever, Kaboom!, and Freeway. I can't say enough good things about Kaboom. Next week I'll be looking at Night Driver and Golf by Atari, followed by Ghost Manor and Spike's Peak by Xonox, Turbo and Venture by Co...

Dec 04, 201340 min

Episode 40 - Space Invaders by Atari

Happy Hanukkah and Thanksgiving everyone! Let us celebrate and give thanks for the mighty Space Invaders, savior of the Atari VCS (later the 2600). We'll talk a little about the arcade game, the 2600 programmer Rick Maurer, and a whole lot about the different packaging variations. One thing I didn't mention in the podcast was my assumption that Atari had an iron grip on the US console rights for Space Invaders for many years. It came out on many systems in Japan, but didn't see any kind of US re...

Nov 28, 20131 hr 1 min

Episode 39 - Pooyan Strategy X and Marine Wars by Konami

This episode deals with Konami's entire released output for the Atari 2600, Pooyan, Strategy X, and Marine Wars. I tried not to be too heavy handed with the editing, because it was taking forever. I hope that it's still an enjoyable listen! I heard some mistakes during editing that I couldn't go back and fix: I said NTC where I should have said NTSC; I misused the words "diatonic" and "chromatic;" I forgot to mention the islands in Marine Wars that block you from hitting the ships; and lastly, G...

Nov 20, 201336 min

Episode 38 - King Kong and Jawbreaker by Tigervision

King Kong and Jawbreaker are two games that I was pretty unfamiliar with prior to this episode. I only own 3 out of the 10 Tigervision games, they are pretty rare. I was pleasantly surprised by both of these games for the most part! I hope you'll give them a try. Next week I'll be talking about the 3 Atari 2600 games made by Konami, Pooyan, Strategy X, and Marine Wars. On Thanksgiving Eve (I hope), I'll be looking at the first killer app for the Atari 2600, Space Invaders! I am expecting a lot o...

Nov 14, 201336 min

Epiosde 37 - Circus Atari and Superman by Atari

This week's extra large episode deals with Circus Atari and Superman, another two of my favorite games for the Atari 2600. (I have a lot of favorite games.) Big giant extra special thanks this week to John Dunn, Susan Jaekel, and Mike Lorenzen for graciously sharing their memories of their time with Atari! It was very cool hearing from all of them! Next week I'll be doing King Kong and Jawbreaker by Tigervision. If you have any memories of these games that you'd like to share with the class, ple...

Nov 07, 20131 hr 10 min

Episode 36 - Halloween and Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Wizard Video

This special Halloween episode deals with the very rare games Halloween and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the only games released by Wizard Video, which was previously a video cassette distributor. Big, big thanks to Rob O'Hara for helping me fit into my costume! Thanks to all of you for listening, I hope you enjoy this episode! Pertinent Links Wizard Video web site Activision 10 in 1 Plug and Play unit review Proud member of the Throwback Network! Facebook page Twitter page Blog page Listen to the s...

Oct 31, 201328 min

Episode 35 - Tennis and Laser Blast by Activision

This week's episode is a fond look at 2 early Activision games, Tennis and Laser Blast. Lots of feedback for these two, plus another audio submission from Rob O'Hara! By the way, I know it's Willy Higinbotham, I had already put the mic away when I caught it in editing. Thank you Willy for video games! Next week I'll be looking at Circus Atari and Superman, two more of my childhood favorites. Upcoming games include King Kong and Jawbreaker by Tigervision, Pooyan, Strategy X, and Marine Wars by Ko...

Oct 30, 201349 min

Episode 34 - Bowling & Sky Diver

This week's episode goes into two more of my favorite early Atari games, Bowling and Sky Diver. There's three audio submissions today, I think that's a record! Next week I'll be looking at Tennis and Laser Blast by Activision. Upcoming games include Circus Atari and Superman by Atari. King Kong and Jawbreaker by Tigervision, Pooyan, Strategy X and Marine Wars by Konami, Space Invaders by Atari, and Karate and Spiderdroid by Froggo. If you have any stories about these games that you want me to re...

Oct 23, 201348 min

Episode 33 - Death Star Battle & Ewok Adventure by Parker Brothers

This episode is about two more Parker Brothers Star Wars games, Death Star Battle and Ewok Adventure. I didn't mention this in the episode, but the reason that an unreleased (by the company) prototype (Ewok Adventure) is included in the show is because it was assigned a part number. This will be the same for all companies that have prototypes with part numbers, as long as they have since been discovered. Did that make any sense? Also, please continue to bear with me as I try to break away from u...

Oct 16, 201330 min

Episode 32 - Coconuts & Cosmic Creeps by Telesys

In this week's episode I talk about the 3rd party company Telesys, and two of their games, Coconuts and Cosmic Creeps. Both are enjoyable games, but there's not a whole lot of info available for this company. I certainly make up for that in listener emails! Also, I am trying to get away from having a script for my shows, because it is extremely time-consuming to write and I don't read as well as I would like. This week's show is virtually script free; please bear with me on this, in order to get...

Oct 09, 201338 min

Episode 31 - Miniature Golf & Human Cannonball by Atari

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these two games this week! Not everyone feels the same as I do, and that's okay. To each their own. No audio submissions, but lots and lots of emails! And I even remembered all of them this time! Go me! Join me next week as I discuss Telesys and two of their games, Cosmic Creeps and Coconuts. Upcoming games include Star Wars Death Star Battle and Ewok Adventure by Parker Brothers, Bowling and Sky Diver by Atari, Tennis and Laser Blast by Activision, Circus Atari and Superman by ...

Oct 02, 201339 min

Episode 30 - Gangster Alley & Planet Patrol by Spectravision

In this week's episode I talk about Spectravision (later Spectravideo) and two of their early games, Gangster Alley and Planet Patrol. Guy Hutchinson has sent another great audio submission, and I am once again under coffee's big delicious thumb. Next week, two of my favorite games from kidhood, Miniature Golf and Human Cannonball. Upcoming games include Coconuts and Cosmic Creeps by Telesys, Star Wars Death Star Battle and Ewok Adventure by Parker Brothers, Bowling and Sky Diver by Atari, Tenni...

Sep 25, 201337 min

Episode 29 - Basketball & Football by Atari

This week's episode details two of Atari's sports games that kinda sorta resemble the sport they're based on, Basketball and Football. Lots of stories and comments, Strudders' Score, and another audio submission from Guy Hutchinson! Also, please go to 1 More Podcastle and vote for the A-Team! Details are in the episode. Next week I'll be looking at Gangster Alley and Planet Patrol by Spectravision. Upcoming games include Miniature Golf and Human Cannonball by Atari, Coconuts and Cosmic Creeps by...

Sep 18, 201334 min

Episode 28 - Tac-Scan & Sub Scan by Sega

In this week's episode I profile the first two Sega games for the Atari 2600, Tac-Scan and Sub Scan. This is just as confusing as Data Age's Airlock and Warplock, but those weren't in the same show. In this episode is a new Strudder's Score and an audio submission from Mr. Guy Hutchinson, podcaster extraordinaire. Here's a protip: if you run out of time to write a script for your show, don't think you can just use your notes and improvise, it ain't gonna happen. Next week I'll be looking at Foot...

Sep 11, 201324 min

Episode 27 - Encounter At L-5 & Warplock by Data Age

This week's extremely late episode deals with the early Data Age games Encounter At L-5 and Warplock. I'm sorry you had to wait so long for this lackluster episode. But there is an audio submission from Kevin, so it's not all bad. Next week's also delayed episode will be about Tac-Scan and Sub Scan, by Sega. Yes, it's the same Sega. Upcoming games include Basketball and Football by Atari, Gangster Alley and Planet Patrol by Spectravision, Miniature Golf and Human Cannonball by Atari, Coconuts an...

Sep 05, 201323 min

Episode 26 - Breakout & Home Run by Atari

This week's episode is about the early Atari games Breakout and Home Run. I received another audio submission this week, I love getting those so please keep sending them in! Next week I'll be discussing Warp Lock and Encounter At L-5 by Data Age. It may be a short show, there's not much info out there about Data Age. Upcoming games include Tac-Scan and Sub Scan by Sega, Basketball and Football by Atari, Gangster Alley and Planet Patrol by Spectravision, Miniature Golf and Human Cannonball by Ata...

Aug 25, 201329 min

Episode 25 - Skiing & Bridge by Activision

This week's episode deals with Activision's Skiing and Bridge. Please note that I screwed up the production number of Bridge in the show, it should be AX 006. I totally missed that in the list and just noticed it now when I checked what the numbers were for the blog title. In this episode I got two great audio submissions from Shinto and Rob O'Hara, and I got some constructive criticism from James. Instead of recording at night this time, I recorded after I woke up, so if you're reading this Jam...

Aug 18, 201332 min

Episode 24 - Basic Programming & Video Olympics

This week's torturously long episode deals with Basic Programming and Video Olympics. Not my favorite ever. Be sure to check out Hugues Johnson's Basic Programming site, it's much better than this episode. Next week I'll be talking about Activision's Skiing, which I really love, and Bridge, which I have absolutely no idea about, so that should be another great episode. Upcoming games include Breakout and Home Run by Atari, Encounter at L5 and Warplock by Data Age, Tac-Scan and Sub Scan by Sega, ...

Aug 11, 201341 min

Episode 23 - Space Jockey & Sneak n' Peek by U.S. Games

This episode is the first regarding U.S. Games, featuring the passable Space Jockey and the absolutely horrible Sneak n' Peek. The less said the better. There's some nice emails and an audio submission from Earl Green. Next week I'll be trying to talk about Basic Programming and Pong- er, Video Olympics by Atari. Upcoming games include Skiing and Bridge by Activision, Breakout and Home Run by Atari, Encounter at L5 and Warplock by Data Age, and Tac-Scan and Sub Scan by Sega. If you have any stor...

Aug 04, 201328 min

Episode 22 - Star Voyager & Atlantis by Imagic

This week it's back to some fun games with Imagic's Star Voyager and Atlantis! I also talk a little about the Amiga prototype Power Arcade carts, and the company Xante. Also we have two audio submissions, keep those coming in, they're great! Next week I'll be talking about US Games’ Space Jockey and Sneak and Peek. Upcoming games include Basic Programming and Video Olympics by Atari, Skiing and Bridge by Activision (as of July 28 2013, Skiing is one of the special games in a two week run on the ...

Jul 28, 201330 min

Episode 21 - 3-D Tic-Tac-Toe & Stellar Track by Atari

This week's episode makes me wonder why the heck I took on this project in the first place. It was a rough week, the Stellar Track manual kicked my butt. Like Beavis said, you gotta have stuff that sucks if you wanna have stuff that's cool. Genius. Next week should be better, it will be Atlantis and Star Voyager by Imagic! Upcoming games include Space Jockey and Sneak n Peek by US Games, Basic Programming and Video Olympics by Atari, Skiing and Bridge by Activision, Breakout and Home Run by Atar...

Jul 21, 201333 min

Episode 20 - Worm War 1 & Beany Bopper by 20th Century Fox

It's episode 20 and I'm talking about 20th Century Fox games for the first time. I wish I was smart enough to have planned that. Today's games are Worm War 1 and Beany Bopper, both really fun games, I hope you had a chance to try them out. Next week will be Atari's Stellar Track and 3D Tic Tac Toe. Stellar Track is a text adventure on the 2600, so that should be totally awesome! Upcoming games include Star Voyager and Atlantis by Imagic, Space Jockey and Sneak n Peek by US Games, Basic Programmi...

Jul 14, 201323 min
Hosted on Libsyn
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android