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.
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Episodes

Episode 77 - Swordquest: FireWorld by Atari

This week, the Swordquest saga continues with Swordquest: Fireworld. Two games left in the series, and only one was actually made. It will be coming up soon. Well, soon in the grand scheme of things. Next week I'll be talking about Sssnake and Airlock by Data Age. Upcoming games will include Fire Fighter and Sky Patrol by Imagic; Math Grand Prix and Raiders of the Lost Ark by Atari, Mega Force and Alien by 20th Century Fox; Star Raiders and Fun With Numbers (Basic Math) by Atari; Assault and Gre...

Oct 15, 20141 hr 4 min

Episode 76 - Frogger and Amidar by Parker Brothers

Hiya kids! Today I wax moronic about Frogger and Amidar by Parker Brothers, and also get a little creative all up in here. Very little. Despite that, I hope you enjoy the episode. Next week, the Swordquest saga continues with game 2 in the series, Fireworld. Who will win the Sword of Ultimate Sorcery? Who indeed! In the coming weeks and months and YEARS I'll be covering Sssnake and Airlock by Data Age; Fire Fighter and Sky Patrol by Imagic; Math Grand Prix and Raiders of the Lost Ark by Atari, M...

Oct 08, 20141 hr 7 min

Episode 75 - AD&D Treasure of Tarmin; BurgerTime; In Search of the Golden Skull

Hi! Today I am talking about 3 M Network games, AD&D Treasure of Tarmin, BurgerTime, and In Search of the Golden Skull. The middle one was released, but the other two never were. Next week is Frogger and Amidar by Parker Brothers! Upcoming games include Swordquest: Fireworld by Atari; Sssnake and Airlock by Data Age; Fire Fighter and Sky Patrol by Imagic; Math Grand Prix and Raiders of the Lost Ark by Atari, and Mega Force and Alien by 20th Century Fox. If you have any feedback regarding the...

Oct 01, 201457 min

Episode 74 - SoundX and Edtris 2600 by Ed Federmeyer

This time I talk about the first two homebrew games made for the Atari 2600, SoundX and Edtris 2600, both written by Ed Federmeyer. There are arguments that some other games are the first, but these were first after the 2600 ceased to be. SoundX is a sound utility program, and Edtris 2600 is a version of Tetris. Next week I'm looking at In Search of the Golden Skull, AD&D Treasure of Tarmin, and Burgertime by M Network. Only one of these games was actually released! Coming up I'll be yakking...

Sep 24, 201440 min

Episode 73 - Swordquest: Earthworld by Atari

This week I am looking at Swordquest: Earthworld and the ill fated contest that this game started off for Atari (SPOILERS). Very interesting stuff, please make sure you check out the links for great photos and even more info. Next week I am discussing Edtris 2600 and Sound X, both homebrews by Ed Federmeyer. From what I have read, Edtris 2600 is considered the first Atari 2600 homebrew cart. Upcoming games include In Search of the Golden Skull, AD&D Treasure of Tarmin & Burgertime by M N...

Sep 17, 20141 hr 13 min

Episode 72 - Death Trap and London Blitz by Avalon Hill

Hi there. Thank you for your patience for this show, I had some issues that I talk about in the episode. Today's episode talks a little about Avalon Hill and the first of their games on my show, Death Trap and London Blitz. Coming up next week is Swordquest: Earthworld by Atari. There's a lot of info on that game and the accompanying contest, so I thought each of those should get its own episode (except Airworld, which never came out). Coming up will be Edtris 2600 and SoundX by Ed Federmeyer; I...

Sep 10, 201457 min

Episode 71 - Barnstorming and Grand Prix by Activision

Greetings programs! This week I'm looking at Barnstorming and Grand Prix, both by Activision. Next week I'll be discussing the Avalon Hill company and two of their games, Death Trap and London Blitz. Upcoming games include Swordquest: Earthworld by Atari; Edtris 2600 and Sound X by Ed Federmeyer; AD&D Treasure of Tarmin, Burgertime, and In Search of the Golden Skull by M Network, Frogger and Amidar by Parker Brothers, and Sssnake and Airlock by Data Age. If you have any stories about these g...

Aug 27, 201448 min

Episode 70 - Haunted House and Yars' Revenge by Atari

Today I look at two of my favorites for the 2600, Haunted House and Yars' Revenge. There's a lot to talk about, and now that I've finished recording I forgot to mention the Kids Stuff records. Yars' Revenge had an LP and a book and 45, each having some exclusive content. Like Asteroids, the LP is online but I could not find the 45. Now that's 2 videos I have to make, maybe Willie! will give me some pointers. :) Next week it's Barnstorming and Grand Prix by Activision! Seems like it's been awhile...

Aug 20, 20141 hr 25 min

Episode 69 - Custer's Revenge, Bachelor Party, & Beat 'Em & Eat 'Em by Mystique

This week's episode is about the adult games released by Mystique, Custer's Revenge, Bachelor Party, and Beat 'Em and Eat 'Em. Controversial games all, please be advised that this episode has the explicit tag, so do not listen if you are offended by sex or if there are children anywhere near the mp3 player of choice. Next week will be much safer, it will be about Yar's Revenge and Haunted House, two of the better games that Atari made for their system. If you have any feedback about these two ga...

Aug 13, 201457 min

Episode 68 - Blackjack, Casino and Slot Machine by Atari

This week's episode talks about Blackjack, Casino, and Slot Machine by Atari. I apologize for the delay, I am still trying to get over being sick. Thankfully, my dad should be getting out of the hospital on Friday, and again, I thank you all for your patience and your well wishes. It really does mean a lot to me. Next time, since I am a 12 year old boy at heart (as I mention in this episode and should be readily apparent), episode 69 will be about Custer's Revenge, Beat 'Em and Eat 'Em, and Bach...

Aug 01, 20141 hr 18 min

My Favorite Childhood Toys OTHER Than The Atari 2600

Hi everybody, I feel a little guilty about not having an episode this week. This one is not about the 2600 though; rather, it's about the other toys I had and enjoyed as a kid. I don't necessarily think of the 2600 as a toy, but it was the last toy-like thing that I remember getting. I was 11 when I got it and was 8 months away from Middle School, which changed a lot of things for me. I was also a year from my first job as a paperboy, so I had cash in my pocket for the first time. I would either...

Jul 16, 201432 min

Episode 67 - Mouse Trap by Coleco and Lady Bug by Champ Games

Hello dere. This week I'm profiling a Coleco Game, Mouse Trap, and what was supposed to be a Coleco game, Lady Bug. Lady Bug is actually a home brew done by Champ Games/John Champeau, it was never released by Coleco back in the 80s despite being advertised and given a part number. See, vaporware has been around forever! I am spending a few days next week with my dad who is visiting from Arizona, so the show will resume on July 23rd with Blackjack, Casino, and Slot Machine by Atari. If you have a...

Jul 09, 201454 min

Episode 66 - Asteroids and Berzerk by Atari

This week's episode is about Asteroids and Berzerk, two great early arcade ports for the 2600. Big thanks once again to Willie Culver for sponsoring the contest for this episode, where he gave away an Atari Flashback 4! Willie is a great guy, make sure you watch him on Youtube at Arcade USA or listen to the Colecovisions podcast and the upcoming Channel F Files ! As I say in the show, I should have split these games up to make it a little easier on me, but then the Swordquest games wouldn't have...

Jul 02, 20141 hr 44 min

Episode 65 - Word Zapper and Commando Raid by U.S. Games

Hi there! This week I discuss Word Zapper and Commando Raid by US Games. Next week is a big one, Asteroids and Berzerk, both by Atari. Upcoming games include Mousetrap by Coleco and Ladybug by John Champeau, Blackjack, Casino, Slot Machine, Yar's Revenge and Haunted House by Atari; Grand Prix and Barnstorming by Activision; and Death Trap and London Blitz by Avalon Hill. If you have any feedback for any of these games or any of the games I've already covered, please send it to 2600gamebygame@com...

Jun 25, 201439 min

Episode 64 - Cross Force and Tape Worm by Spectravision

This is the second Spectravision show I've done, this time featuring the games Cross Force and Tape Worm. If you don't know Spectravision, try these games out, I think you will enjoy themNext week on the show I'll be looking at Word Zapper and Commando Raid by US Games. Upcoming games include Asteroids and Berzerk by Atari; Mousetrap by Coleco and Ladybug by John Champeau, Blackjack, Casino, Slot Machine, Yar's Revenge and Haunted House by Atari; and Grand Prix and Barnstorming by Activision. If...

Jun 18, 201441 min

Episode 63 - Submarine Commander and Video Pinball by Atari

This episode is about Submarine Commander (the last Sears exclusive on this show), and one of my childhood favorites, Video Pinball (both by Atari). Be sure to stick around to hear me ramble for quite some time about playing pinball as a kid. Next week I'll be talking about Cross Force and Tapeworm by Spectravision. Upcoming games include Word Zapper and Commando Raid by US Games; Asteroids and Berzerk by Atari; Mousetrap by Coleco and Ladybug by John Champeau, Blackjack, Casino, and Slot Machin...

Jun 11, 20141 hr 19 min

Episode 62 - Magicard and Video Life by CommaVid

This week's episode is about the CommaVid carts Magicard and Video Life. It was a tough one, I really don't possess a basic understanding of programming (Magicard) or elementary science (Video Life), not to mention that I was off for three weeks and was out of the habit of my usual procrastination, which turned it into unusual procrastination. I hope that you will forgive me and enjoy the episode anyway, I did get some good feedback which as always saves the show. Next week I'll be talking about...

Jun 04, 20141 hr 21 min

Episode 61 - Thunderground and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator by Sega

This week I talk about two more of Sega's Atari 2600 games, Thunderground and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator. I found both of them to be fun to play. Next episode will not be out until June 4, I am taking a few weeks off. That will be MagiCard and Video Life by CommaVid. The MagiCard manual is horribly long and complicated, so the extra time will be nice. Upcoming games include Submarine Commander and Video Pinball by Atari; Cross Force and Tape Worm by Spectravision; Word Zapper and ...

May 14, 201439 min

Episode 60 - Pac-Man by Atari

This week is all about Pac-Man by Atari. Got a ton of feedback and audio submissions, so you are in for a treat! Next week I will be looking at Thunderground and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator by Sega. I'll get to CommaVid eventually. Thank you everyone, hope you enjoy the show. Thanks for listening! Pac-Links Pac-Man on KLOV Favorite Atari 2600 Games of Willie: Pac-Man Pac-Man schematic (for fun) 2600 Connection Pac-Man Easter Eggs (check here for bug videos) Nukey Shay's Pac-Man 8K ...

May 07, 20141 hr 25 min

Episode 59 - Title Match Pro Wrestling and Skate Boardin' by Absolute

This week I look at half of the Absolute Entertainment games, Title Match Pro Wrestling and Skateboardin.' Next week on the show I will be covering Pac-Man! A very polarizing game for sure. I already have quite a few emails for that show, I would love to hear what you think (and thought!) about this game. In the coming weeks I'll be doing MagiCard and Video Life by CommaVid; Submarine Commander and Video Pinball by Atari; Thunderground and Star Trek by Sega; Asteroids and Berzerk by Atari; Cross...

Apr 30, 201455 min

Episode 58 - Codebreaker, Flag Capture, and Video Chess by Atari

This week I stupidly cover 3 Atari games, Codebreaker, Flag Capture and Video Chess. Stupidly only because it was Easter and I was more busy than I've ever been. Sometimes 3 in a show is a necessary evil. Next week I'll be delving into Title Match Pro Wrestling and Skateboardin' by Absolute. Upcoming games include Pac-Man by Atari; Magicard and Video Life by CommaVid; Submarine Commander and Video Pinball by Atari; Thunderground and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator by Sega; Asteroids an...

Apr 24, 201459 min

Episode 57 - Gyruss and James Bond 007 by Parker Bros.

This week's episode deals with Gyruss and James Bond 007 by Parker Brothers. Upcoming games include Codebreaker, Flag Capture & Video Chess by Atari; Skateboardin' and Title Match Pro Wrestling by Activision; Pac-Man by Atari; MagiCard and Video Life by CommaVid (tentatively); Submarine Commander and Video Pinball by Atari; and Thunderground and Star Trek: Strategic Operations Simulator by Sega. Send me your memories of these games or any games I've already covered to 2600gamebygame@comcast....

Apr 16, 201441 min

Episode 56 - Suicide Mission and Killer Satellites by Starpath

Back to the wonderful Supercharger for two more of its games, Suicide Mission and Killer Satellites. I forgot to mention in the show that the Prototype version of Suicide Mission, Meteoroids, has a similar descending note scale like the arcade version of Asteroids. You can hear that in the sound clip I played in that section (it speeds up as there are fewer meteoroids onscreen). The released version only has 2 of these notes, and it sounds really weird. Next week on the show I'll be yakking abou...

Apr 09, 201440 min

Episode 55 - Surround and Hunt & Score by Atari

This week's episode is a little dry, it features the Atari games Surround and Hunt 'n' Score (aka A Game Of Concentration). What this episode lacks in gameplay makes up in audio submissions! I wasn't expecting much feedback this week, but I did get some, which included audio from Shinto and Rob O'Hara. I really appreciate everyone that sends feedback, especially those who take the time to actually record it. I am trying to do that more myself for other podcasts, even though I think my voice soun...

Apr 02, 201452 min

Episode 54 - Fast Eddie and Deadly Duck by 20th Century Fox

This week I look at Fast Eddie and Deadly Duck by 20th Century Fox, makers of fine films and video games. Next week it's back to the early days of Atari with Surround and Hunt 'n' Score, aka A Game of Concentration. Upcoming games include Suicide Mission and Killer Satellites by Starpath; James Bond 007 and Gyruss by Parker Brothers; Codebreaker, Flag Capture & Video Chess by Atari; Title Match Pro Wrestling and Skateboardin' by Absolute, and a big one, Pac-Man by Atari. That one should gene...

Mar 26, 201447 min

Episode 53 - Othello and RealSports Baseball by Atari

This week I talk about Othello and RealSports Baseball, the latter being the first silver label game that I'm discussing! Rick from the Intellivisionaries Podcast and I pitted our respective consoles against each other in Reversi/Othello, which you can watch on Youtube via the link below. Special thanks to Rick for suggesting this, and also for recording it and hosting it on the Intellivisionaries Youtube page! Next week I'll be talking about Fast Eddie and Deadly Duck by Sirius/20th Century Fox...

Mar 19, 201457 min

Episode 52 - Stampede and Ice Hockey by Activision

This week's episode is about two more Activision games, Stampede and Ice Hockey. These games are so simple that I think I spent much more time on the packaging then on the actual gameplay! Next week is two more Atari games, Othello and RealSports Baseball (I think it's the first Atari silver label cart in the podcast that wasn't a reissue). Coming up isFast Eddie and Deadly Duck by Sirius/20th Century Fox; Surround and A Game of Concentration (AKA Hunt 'n' Score) by Atari; Suicide Mission and Ki...

Mar 13, 201459 min

Episode 51 - Blueprint and Solar Fox by CBS Electronics

Hi ho everyone! Episode 51 deals with Blueprint and Solar Fox by CBS Electronics, both really great games for the 2600 in my opinion. Next week I'll be looking at Stampede and Ice Hockey by Activision. In the coming weeks you can expect to hear about Othello and RealSports Baseball by Atari; Fast Eddie and Deadly Duck by 20th Century Fox/Sirius; Surround and A Game Of Concentration (aka Hunt 'n' Score) by Atari; and Suicide Mission and Killer Satellites by Starpath. If you have any stories or me...

Mar 05, 201450 min

Episode 50 - Space Cavern and Racquetball by Apollo

This week I cover two more Games by Apollo, Space Cavern and Racquteball! Space Cavern programmer Dan Oliver generously gave his time to answer my questions this week, and that Q & A will be posted to the blog shortly. Next week will be Blueprint and Solar Fox by CBS Electronics. Upcoming games include Stampede and Ice Hockey by Activision; Othello and RealSports Baseball by Atari; Fast Eddie and Deadly Duck By Sirius/20th Century Fox; and Surround and A Game of Concentration (aka Hunt 'n' S...

Feb 26, 201452 min

Episode 49 - Dodge 'Em and Missile Command by Atari

Sorry about the lateness of the episode my friends! This one is about Dodge 'Em and Missile Command by Atari. Missile Command was definitely one of my favorites as a kid, not as much these days but only because my horizon has been broadened. Next week is Racquetball and Space Cavern by Games by Apollo. Upcoming games include 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 Centur...

Feb 13, 20141 hr 12 min
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