The Atari Lynx HandyCast

#PA2038, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode I cover the first of two American-rules football games for the Atari Lynx, Tournament Cyberball 2072, released in 1991. Included are statistics for the game and a run-down on how to play it, along with reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. In the previous episode, Monty and I discussed the differences between soccer and American football (I’m still unclear about that). In today’s episode, we banter about the differences between robots and androids. Such fun! “Exterminate! Exterminate!” -Daleks, 1963 Did Bender (with a Tom Servo torso) from FUTURAMA make a cameo in the Tournament Cyberball 2072 poster manual…eight years before FUTURAMA premiered? The Tournament Cyberball 2072 four-player upright arcade cabinet was released by Atari Games in 1989. TOURNAMENT CYBERBALL 2072 VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1991. Initial Retail Price: $38.99-$39.95 in the US and £27.49 in the UK. Cartridge Information: 256kB mono curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Top-down-view 2-dimensional scrolling futuristic sports game for 1 player, or for up to 4 players (cooperatively or competitively) using the ComLynx cable. Alternate Titles: Tournament Cyberball and Cyberball 2072. The splash screen displays the title as Tournament Cyberball 2072. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: The arcade cabinet Cyberball 2072, released by Atari Games in 1989. The arcade game was released either in two-player cabinets with one screen, or in four-player cabinets with two screens. The latter version was called Tournament Cyberball 2072. Sequel to: The arcade cabinet Cyberball, created by John Salwitz and released by Atari Games in September of 1988, which was based on the American field sport of football. Ports to Other Systems: Cyberball 2072 was also ported to the XBox 360 in 2007. Game Levels: Six 5-minute periods. Number of Players: 1-4 (with ComLynx support). Packaging: A full-color standard flap-tab regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″) with parallel verbiage on the back in both English and French. It was released in both English and French variants. The French variant was identical to the English box, but it also included the ‘DEFI LYNX’ brochures including the Atari Lynx shaped brochure and free DEFI LYNX pins (pin’s gratuit). Instruction Manual: Tournament Cyberball 2072 was packaged with a full color poster, 22” high by 17” wide. The front of the poster includes an exact copy of the box cover art, with a yellow triangular banner added at the upper left with the words See reverse side for instructions in a large black font tilted upwards at a 45 degree angle. The back of the poster includes an illustrated comic book-style list of basic instructions with parallel verbiage in both English and French. The posters were folded several times in order to fit in the small Lynx boxes. TOURNAMENT CYBERBALL 2072 CREDITS Publisher: Atari Corporation Licensee: Tengen, Inc. Developer: Blue Sky Software Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. Release announcement about Tournament Cyberball for the Lynx in the Atari Adventure insert of Issue #21 (April 1991) of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine. The game was finally released six months later in October of 1991. Information About Tournament Cyberball 2072: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Tournament Cyberball 2072 Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Tournament Cyberball 2072 Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Tournament Cyberball 2072 GameFAQs title info about Tournament Cyberball 2072 Moby Games title info about Tournament Cyberball 2072 PriceCharting.com value guide about Tournament Cyberball 2072 RarityGuide.com rarity/value guide about Tournament Cyberball 2072 Atari Adventure announcement about Tournament Cyberball 2072 in EGM #21 (April 1991) Wikipedia article about Cyberball (arcade cabinet) Reviews and Ratings for Tournament Cyberball 2072: Review by Jeff at JVGS.net (undated) Review by Paul at Family Friendly Gaming (undated) Review by Robert A. Jung at Atari Archives (1991) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999; updated in 2018) Review by Matt Paprocki at Digital Press (2005) Review by the Video Game Critic (2006) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) The box cover art of the Atari Lynx port of Tournament Cyberball 2072 graced the front of the April 1991 issue (#21) of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine. YouTube Videos About Tournament Cyberball 2072: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough (GameplayMuseum) Playthrough and Review (Brian Thomas Barnhart/Lynx Lounge) Playthrough (Last True Boss) (ZoneLynx) Retailers Selling Tournament Cyberball 2072: B & C ComputerVisions: US$5.00 (box only),  US$9.95 (cart/manual combo), US$11.95 (NIB w/damaged box), and for US$14.95 (NIB) through eBay under the user name MyAtari…check his online store on eBay for availability. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$9.95 (loose cart), and US$14.95 (CIB). The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$24.95 (CIB). The Goat Store: US$8.94 (CIB). Telegames (UK): £14.99 (including tax; NOS with box and manual). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$24.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (Pre-order; €44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games (bonus cart only; $49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure ($59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (black PCB; $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Fat Bobby ($69.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($59.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx ($49.95) Ponx (black PCB: $59.99) [Out of Stock] Quadromania Redux ($49.95) Raiden ($69.95) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX ($49.95) SFX (Black PCB: $59.99) [Out of Stock] SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) Sky Raider (Pre-order; $59.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($59.95) Wyvern Tales (Pre-order; $69.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Limited Edition; £49.99) CyberVirus (Limited Production; £49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (Limited Edition; £49.99) Lynx Reloaded (Pre-order; with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (Limited Cartridge; £39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (Limited Production; £49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames.   YASTUNA GAMES As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Yastuna Games in France (no VAT is required): The Alchemy of Cubes (Pre-order; cart only; €15,00) Asteroids Chasers (Pre-order; €40,00) Asteroids Chasers Deluxe (Pre-order; €65,00) A Bug’s Trip Redux (Songbird; €45,00) Raid On TriCity – Second Wave (Pre-order; €40,00) The Space Incident (Pre-order; cart only; €15,00) Grand Opening Special Order #1 (Pre-order; with Asteroids Chasers, Raid on TriCity – Second Wave, The Alchemy of Cubes, and The Space Incident; €100,00) Grand Opening Special Order #2 (with Asteroids Chasers Deluxe, Raid on TriCity – Second Wave, The Alchemy of Cubes, and The Space Incident; €125,00) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Yastuna Games. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Amazon Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game box sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game box sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game box shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 2 colors from RoseColoredGaming on Etsy. Resource: Atari Lynx I and II display stands (along with cartridge stands) from TelltaleShop on Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (Pre-Order; solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx I). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (Pre-Order; solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for the Atari Lynx. Resource: RetroHQ’s GameDrive SD storage cartridge for the Atari Lynx. Resource: AtariGamer Online Shop (upgrades, mods, and kits for the Atari Lynx) ***NEW*** “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent web

#PA2037, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode I cover the first of two soccer games for the Lynx, World Class Fussball/Soccer, also known as World Class Soccer, released for the Lynx in 1992. Included are statistics for the game and a run-down on how to play it, along with reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. And Monty and I get into a spirited (and ultimately futile) discussion about the differences between soccer, football, and fussball. “Did you see that ludicrous display last night?! The thing about Arsenal is, they always try and walk it in!” WORLD CLASS FUSSBALL/SOCCER VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: September of 1992. Initial Retail Price: ~$24.99 (US); £19.99 (UK). Cartridge Information: Monaural curved lip-style cartridge of unknown ROM size. Game Genre: Isometric-view 2-dimensional scrolling sports game for 1 player, or for 2 opposing players using the ComLynx cable. Working Title: Super Soccer. Alternate Title: World Class Soccer. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: The field sport of football (or soccer, as it is known in the US, Australia, and other countries). Ports to Other Systems: This game was an Atari Lynx exclusive and was not specifically ported to any other systems. Game Levels: There are no levels in World Class Fussball/Soccer. Number of Players: 1-2 (with ComLynx support). Packaging: A full-color standard flap-tab regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). Instruction Manual: A 52-page (including front and back covers) stapled multi-lingual regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. WORLD CLASS FUSSBALL/SOCCER CREDITS Publisher: Atari Corporation Developer: Brian A. Rice., Inc. Programmers: Ted R. Niemiec, Brian A. Rice, Rob McCool, William B. Norris IV. Graphics: Rick Incrocci, Glenn Leszczak, Joel Seider, Ted R. Niemiec, Thomas L. Fessler. Music/Sound Effects: Clifford Falls, Chuck Batson. Designers: Brian A. Rice, Ted R. Niemiec, William B. Norris IV. Gameplay Consultants: Ihor Kutynsky, Thomas L. Fessler. Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. Information About World Class Fussball/Soccer: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for World Class Fussball/Soccer Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for World Class Fussball/Soccer Digital Press title info/rarity guide for World Class Fussball/Soccer GameFAQs article about World Class Fussball/Soccer Moby Games article about World Class Fussball/Soccer Wikipedia article about World Class Fussball/Soccer Here is the feedback solicitation photo that is referenced in the Listener Feedback segment of this episode. This is perhaps my goofiest feedback pic yet. Reviews and Ratings for World Class Fussball/Soccer: Review by Michael Paul in Video Games (Germany; Issue #10; September 1992; page 135) [in German] Review by Amaya Lopez in Zero (UK; Issue #35; September 1992; page 79) Review in Game Zone (UK; Issue #11; September 1992; page 64) Review (PDF) by Martin Gaksch in Power Play (Germany; Issue #55; October 1992; page 158) [in German] Review (PDF) by Nourdine Nini in Joypad (France; Issue #16; January 1993; page 138) [in French] Review (PDF) by Nourdine Nini in Joystick (France; Issue #34; January 1993; page 227) [in French] Review (PDF) by Olivier Scamps in Player One (France; Issue #27; January-February 1993; page 142) [in French] Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999; updated in 2018) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About World Class Fussball/Soccer: Playthrough/Gameplay (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough/Gameplay (gameOn) Playthrough/Gameplay (AtariLynxChannel) [no sound] Playthrough/Gameplay (GameplayMuseum) Playthrough/Review (MrVenom1974) [in German] Retailers Selling World Class Fussball/Soccer: B & C ComputerVisions: Bruce at B & C is selling World Class Fussball/Soccer for US$19.95 (cart/manual combo) and US$29.95 (NIB w/scuffed box) through eBay under the user name MyAtari…check his online store on eBay for availability. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$45.95 (CIB); US$9.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): Not Available. The Goat Store: US$0.99 (cart only w/damaged label) and US$3.98 (CIB w/damaged box). Telegames (UK): £29.99 (including tax; NOS with box and manual). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$49.95 (cart/manual combo). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (Pre-order; €44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Regular: $59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Black PCB: $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Fat Bobby ($69.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($59.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx (Regular: $49.95) Ponx (Black PCB: $59.99) [Out of Stock] Quadromania Redux ($49.95) Raiden ($69.95) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX (Regular: $49.95) SFX (Black PCB: $59.99) [Out of Stock] SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($59.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (Limited Production; £49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (Pre-order; with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Amazon Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game box sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game box sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game box shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of two colors from RoseColoredGaming on Etsy. Resource: Atari Lynx I and II display stands (along with cartridge stands) from TelltaleShop on Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solder-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx I). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II); Pre-order only. Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. Resource: RetroHQ’s GameDrive SD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Curtis Herod (Cujo)‘s The Bl^ck Book v2  (Check HERE to see the now-expired Indiegogo campaign, where you can find out more about the book. And please consider purchasing Curtis Herod’s The Black Book v2 by emailing him at cujo86@gmail.com.) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episode 10!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) The Retro MacCast Podcast (Thanks to Retro MacCast hosts James Savage and John Leake for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 475!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to Eugenio/TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about World Class Fussball/Soccer (and other games) for this episode: Eugenio Angueira (TrekMD), ebbhead1991, Alan Gleaves, Kieren Hawken (The Laird’s Lair YouTube Channel), Igor (AtariGamer.com), Bill Kendrick (XEGS Game by Game Podcast), Jon McQ (AtariGamer.com), Mongrel Dog God, Erick Perez, Scott Rhoades, SneedyK, and Kevin A. Strade. I really appreciate your feedback! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0

THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE:  Recorded May 19, 2021 Many, many thanks go to Scott Rhoades, the gifted Atari game manual writer who graciously agreed to be interviewed for The HandyCast. Scott’s willingness to share his experiences at Atari during the Lynx’s early days is a testament to his devotion to the craft of writing, to fans of his work, and to the Atari Lynx community. Cheers to you, Scott! Biography of Scott Rhoades: Portfolio website (includes samples of his writing) Other Interviews with Scott Rhoades: Interview with No Swear Gamer on Atari.io (August 20, 2016) Interview with Bill Pepper on the Atari Bytes podcast (April 16, 2017) Interview with Neal Chase on PitchWars.org (October 24, 2017) As usual, I would also like to thank the Free Music Archive for “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus used in this episode under the Creative Commons License as the opening and closing theme music for The HandyCast. Other music included in this episode: “The Lounge,” also by Tagirijus. I really hope you enjoy this special interview episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast. Also, keep an eye (and ear) out for future interview-only episodes coming down the pike in the near future. -Mark The post EPISODE IN02: Interview with Scott Rhoades appeared first on The Atari Lynx HandyCast.

#PA2036, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode Monty and I cover one of the best arcade combat racing games for the Lynx, RoadBlasters, released for the Lynx in 1990. In addition to providing statistics, gameplay, reviews and ratings, fun facts and trivia, and listener feedback about the game, I pose an easy Atari Lynx trivia question to Monty, who refuses to join in the fun and to provide an answer because he is not a fan of pub quizzes… …nor of my singing. “Let’s all go to A & W! Food’s more fun at A & W!…” The RoadBlasters upright arcade cabinet was released by Atari Games in 1987. ROADBLASTERS VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1990. Initial Retail Price: $36.99-$39.99 in the US; £29.99 in the UK. Cartridge Information: 256kb stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Behind-view 3-dimensional arcade combat racing game for 1 player. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: RoadBlasters arcade cabinet released by Atari in 1987. Ports to Other Systems: The Amstrad CPC (1988), the Atari ST (1989), the Commodore Amiga (1988), the Commodore 64 (1988), the Nintendo Entertainment System (1990), the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive (1991), and the ZX Spectrum (1988). Game Levels: There are 50 levels, or rallies, in RoadBlasters. Level 50 includes no hazards or obstacles. Number of Players: 1 (no ComLynx support). Packaging: A full-color standard flap-tab regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There was also a blister-pack released in Europe for RoadBlasters, as well as a Japanese variant. Instruction Manual: A 16-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. The English-language manual released in North America was likely written by Scott Rhoades. There was also in a full-color Japanese-language manual released in Japan. A line of Matchbox toy die-cast vehicles were released between 1987 and 1988 to cash in on the popularity of the RoadBlasters arcade game. ROADBLASTERS CREDITS Publisher: Atari Corporation Licensee: Tengen, Inc. Programmer: D. Scott Williamson. Artwork: Robert Nagel. Music/Sound Effects: David Tumminaro (title music), Matt Scott (additional music; founder of Byte-Size Sound, Inc.) Special Thanks: Atari Games for Their Support and Cooperation. Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. LYNX LYNKS Information About RoadBlasters: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for RoadBlasters Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for RoadBlasters Digital Press title info/rarity guide for RoadBlasters GameFAQs article about RoadBlasters Moby Games article about RoadBlasters Wikipedia article about RoadBlasters “Atari Lynx Hint Book”, published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers. How to find an Easter Egg displaying digitized photos of RoadBlasters programmers D. Scott Williamson and Matt Scott can be found on page 55. A more detailed write-up about the same cheat for RoadBlasters, including screen shots of the programmers, is printed on Page 32 of Issue #21 (April 1991) of Electronic Gaming Monthly, can be found here. Cujo’s podcast Squid Nova: 30 Minutes of Diabolical episode (April 20, 2017), entitled “The War of 1989,” about the handheld gaming console battle of that year, includes snippets about Atari Lynx games, ending with a passionate story about RoadBlasters from an Australian guest on the episode (found at 21:40). A link to the entire episode can be found here. A portion of Kieren Hawken’s interview with RoadBlasters‘ programmer D. Scott Williamson was printed in his article in Issue #129 of the UK publication Retro Gamer Magazine celebrating the Atari Lynx’s 25th Anniversary; readable photos of the entire article can be found here. Reviews and Ratings for RoadBlasters: Review by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US; Issue #16; November 1990; page 22) Review (PDF) by Gideon in GamePro (US; Issue #17; December 1990; page 148) Review by Clayton Walnum in STart (US; Issue #39; December 1990; page 71) Review bu Julian Rignall in Computer and Video Games (UK; Issue #110; January 1991; page 135) Review by Julian Boardman in RAZE (UK; Issue #04; February 1991; page 43) Review at 8-Bit Central (undated) Review by JDeLuna at GameFAQs (1999) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999; updated 2018) Review by Gares at GameFAQs (2001) Review by CC DeVille at GameFAQs (2002) Review by Darran Jones at Retro Gamer (2008) Review by Cyril Lachel at Defunct Games (2012) Review by Brian Thomas Barnhart at Atario.io (2016) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About RoadBlasters: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough and Gameplay (Steve Benway) Playthrough and Review (BrutallyHonestGamer) Playthrough and Review (BTB/Lynx Lounge) Playthrough and Review (CGR Undertow) 80s Commercial for RoadBlasters Matchbox Toys (The Toys Channel) Segment from “Wreck-It Ralph” (2012 movie) about the RoadBlasters arcade cabinet, with voices by Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch. Retailers Selling RoadBlasters: B & C ComputerVisions: Bruce at B & C is selling RoadBlasters for US$8.00 (box only),  US$19.95 (cart/manual combo), US$29.95 (NIB w/damaged box) and for US$34.95 (NIB) through eBay under the user name MyAtari…check his online store on eBay for availability. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$19.95 (CIB); US$14.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$24.95 (CIB). The Goat Store: US$23.97 (CIB w/damaged box). Telegames (UK): £19.99 (including tax; NOS with box and manual). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$49.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (Pre-order; €44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Regular: $59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Black PCB: $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Fat Bobby ($69.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($59.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx (Regular: $49.95) Ponx (Black PCB: $59.99) [Out of Stock] Quadromania Redux ($49.95) Raiden ($69.95) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX (Regular: $49.95) SFX (Black PCB: $59.99) [Out of Stock] SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($59.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (Limited Production; £49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (Pre-order; with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Amazon Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game box sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game box sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game box shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 3 colors from RoseColoredGaming on Etsy. Resource: Atari Lynx I and II display stands (along with cartridge stands) from TelltaleShop on Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx I). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. Resource: RetroHQ’s GameDrive SD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Curtis Herod (Cujo)‘s The Bl^ck Book v2  (Check HERE to see the now-expired Indiegogo campaign, where you can find out more about the book. And please consider purchasing Curtis Herod’s The Black Book v2 by emailing him at cujo86@gmail.com.) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episod

#PA2035, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode Monty and I cover a “Zero-G Futuresport” game for the Lynx, Robo-Squash, set in either the 29th or 31st century and released for the Lynx in 1990. As Monty seems somewhat confused as to what the game of squash really is, I go about setting him straight. In the meantime, he and I provide statistics for Robo-Squash, as well as a run-down on how to play it. We also go over reviews and ratings for the game, some fun facts and trivia, plus some very welcome listener feedback. “Who leaves a country packed with ponies to come to a non-pony country?” ROBO-SQUASH VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1990 (North America and Europe); July 26, 1991 (Japan). Initial Retail Price: $34.00-$39.00 (US); £29.99 (UK); ₣300 (France). Cartridge Information: 128kb stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Front-view 2-dimensional sports action game for 1 player, or for 2 opposing players using the ComLynx cable. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: The racket and ball indoor sport called squash, developed in London during the 19th century, and played by two players in a four-walled court using a small, hollow rubber ball. Ports to Other Systems: Robo-Squash is an Atari Lynx exclusive that was not ported to any other system. Game Levels: There are 16 rounds, or planets, in Robo-Squash. Number of Players: 1-2 (with ComLynx support). Skill Levels: There are 4 skill levels in Robo-Squash: KLUTZ, TERRIFIC, OUTRAGEOUS, and INSANE. Packaging: A full-color standard flap-tab regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There was also a blister-pack released in Europe for Robo-Squash, as well as French, Japanese, and Micro World variants. Instruction Manual: An 8-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. The manual was released in English (North America), in French (France), and in Japanese (Japan). It’s possible that it was written by Scott Rhoades. ROBO-SQUASH CREDITS Working Title: 3D Barrage. Developer: NuFX, Inc. (maybe) Programmer: Ed Schneider Artwork: Robert Nagel Music/Sound Effects: David Tumminaro Producer: Craig Erickson Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. LYNX LYNKS Information About Robo-Squash: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Robo-Squash Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Robo-Squash Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Robo-Squash GameFAQs article about Robo-Squash Moby Games article about Robo-Squash Wikipedia article about Robo-Squash Reviews and Ratings for Robo-Squash: Review by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US; Issue #18; January 1991; page 26) Review in Computer and Video Games (UK; Issue #112; March 1991; page 71) Review in RAZE (UK; Issue #6; April 1991; page 38) Review  in ST Format (US; Issue #41; December 1992; page 102) Review by Jeff at JVGS (undated) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999; updated 2018) Review by The Video Game Critic at The Video Game Critic (2008) Review by Tim at The Retro Review Project (2012) Review by Retro Gamer Team at Retro Gamer (2013) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Robo-Squash: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough (Atari Revival) Playthrough (GameON) Final Stage Playthrough and Commentary (Jon Mc) Retailers Selling Robo-Squash: B & C ComputerVisions: Bruce at B & C is selling Robo-Squash for US$5.00 (box only),  US$9.95 (cart/manual combo), US$12.95 (NIB w/damaged box) and for US$14.95 (NIB) through eBay under the user name MyAtari. Check out his online store on eBay for updated availability and pricing. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$14.95 (CIB); US$9.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$24.95 (CIB). The Goat Store: US$17.97 (CIB). Telegames (UK): £10.00 (including tax; NOS with box and manual). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$24.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (Pre-order; €44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Regular: $59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Black PCB: $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Fat Bobby ($69.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($49.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx (Regular: $39.95) Ponx (Black PCB: Out of Stock) Quadromania Redux ($49.95) Raiden (Out of Stock) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX (Regular: $49.95) SFX (Black PCB: Out of Stock) SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($49.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (Limited Run; £49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (Pre-order; with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom. Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game box sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game box sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game box shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 3 colors from RoseColoredGaming on Etsy. Resource: Atari Lynx I and II display stands (along with cartridge stands) from TelltaleShop on Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solder-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. Resource: RetroHQ’s GameDrive SD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Curtis Herod (Cujo)‘s The Bl^ck Book v2  (Check HERE to see the now-expired Indiegogo campaign, where you can find out more about the book. And please consider purchasing Curtis Herod’s The Black Book v2 by emailing him at cujo86@gmail.com.) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episode 10!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) The Retro MacCast Podcast (Thanks to Retro MacCast hosts James Savage and John Leake for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 475!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to Eugenio/TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about Robo-Squash (and other games) for this episode: Ron Alpert, Eugenio (TrekMD), Kieren Hawken, Michael Hayes, Scott Rhoades, Shinto, Bobby Tribble, and ultramagnus_tcv. I really appreciate your feedback! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), along with “Concentric,” “Digital Savanna,” “Energy,” “Escalator,” “Imaginery Intelligence,” “Intermission,” “Sand Dweller,” and “Transfixion,” all by Metre. Thanks also to Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (Cassandra Peterson) for the “Oooh, let’s party!” and “Leaving so soon?” digitized speech clips captured from the Atari Lynx game Pinball Jam that are used at the beginning and end of each episode of The HandyCast. I would especially like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated.

#PA2034, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode I cover one of several sports titles created for the Lynx, Basketbrawl, released for the Lynx in 1992. Included are statistics for the game and a run-down on how to play it, along with reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. BASKETBRAWL VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: Originally scheduled for release in December of 1991, according to this blurb on page 163 of the January 1991 issue (#30) of GamePro magazine. Basketbrawl was ultimately released to stores in May of 1992. Initial Retail Price: Unknown. Cartridge Information: 256kb mono curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Side-view 2-dimensional sports action game for 1 player, or for 2 players playing co-operatively using the ComLynx cable. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: Basketbrawl, originally released on the Atari 7800 in 1990. Ports to Other Systems: Basketbrawl was also released on the Plex Arcade (2021). Game Levels: There are 15 levels (5 matches, or “gangs,” of three games each), each accessible with a 4-letter code. The complete list of level jump codes can be found here. Number of Players: 1-2 (with ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There was also a blister-pack released for Basketbrawl. Instruction Manual: A 44-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. This manual was written by Scott Rhoades. You can read an interview with Scott and The No Swear Gamer that was posted on the Atario.io forums; it can be found here. A single manual was released worldwide with parallel verbiage in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. BASKETBRAWL CREDITS Developer: Hamilton and Associates. Programmers: David Axt, John Hamilton. Artwork: Jennifer Hamilton, Robb Mariani, Vu Nguyen. Music: Matt Scott. Producer: Craig Erickson. Special Thanks: Steve Ryno. Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. LYNX LYNKS Information About Basketbrawl: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Basketbrawl Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Basketbrawl Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Basketbrawl Wikipedia article about Basketbrawl Moby Games article about Basketbrawl Basketbrawl Level Jump Codes from Atari Age Reviews and Ratings for Basketbrawl: Preview in GamePro (US; Issue #33; May 1992; page 52) Preview in Electronic Games Monthly (US; Issue #34; May 1992; page 129) Review by The Review Crew in Electronic Games Monthly (US; Issue #35; June 1992; page 36) Review in ST Format (US; Issue #40; November 1992; page 127) Review by Robert A. Jung at AtariArchives.org (1992) Review by Keita Iita at AtariHQ (1995) Review by KasketDarkFyre at GameFAQs (2002) Review by Matt Paprocki at Digital Press (2005) Review by John Huxley at DefunctGames (2007) Review by The Video Game Critic at The Video Game Critic (2012) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Basketbrawl: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) 1-Minute Review (Gaming Palooza Empire) Playthrough and Commentary (NecroVMX) Retailers Selling Basketbrawl: B & C ComputerVisions: Bruce at B & C is selling Basketbrawl for US$7.95 (pack-in/bagged cart/manual combo) and for US$12.95 (NIB) through eBay under the user name MyAtari…check his online store on eBay for availability. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$14.95 (CIB); US$12.00 (pack-in/bagged cart/manual combo); US$9.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$24.95 (CIB). The Goat Store: US$14.94 (NIB). Telegames (UK): £30.00 (including tax; listing does not include whether it’s a loose cart, cart/manual combo, or CIB). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$24.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (€44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Regular: $59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Black PCB: $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Fat Bobby ($69.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($49.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx (Regular: $39.95) Ponx (Black PCB: $59.95) Quadromania Redux ($49.95) Raiden ($69.95) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX (Regular: $39.95) SFX (Black PCB: $59.95) SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($49.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Breakout 2000 (£75.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (£49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom. Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game carton sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 3 colors from RoseColoredGaming on Etsy. Resource: Atari Lynx I and II display stands (along with cartridge stands) from TelltaleShop on Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solder-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. Resource: RetroHQ’s GameDrive SD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Curtis Herod (Cujo)‘s The Bl^ck Book v2  (Check HERE to see the now-expired Indiegogo campaign, where you can find out more about the book. And please consider purchasing Curtis Herod’s The Black Book v2 by emailing him at cujo86@gmail.com.) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episode 10!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) The Retro MacCast Podcast (Thanks to Retro MacCast hosts James Savage and John Leake for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 475!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to Eugenio/TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about Basketbrawl (and other games) for this episode: antique_gaming_road_show, Eugenio (TrekMD), James Galioto, killer_knauer, Bill Kendrick, Les Motherby, THE MOTHERSHIP, Scott Rhoades, Shinto, SneedyK, Scott Tirrell, and Bobby Tribble. I really appreciate your feedback! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), along with “Culturez,” “Disrupter,” “Dynasty Dub,” “Shanking It Easy Dub,” “Solstice – Shack-Out,” and “Triumphant Dub,” all by Shaolin Dub. Thanks also to Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (Cassandra Peterson) for the “Oooh, let’s party!” and “Leaving so soon?” digitized speech clips captured from the Atari Lynx game Pinball Jam that are used at the beginning and end of each episode of The HandyCast. I would especially like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s defin

#LX102, Published by Telegames, Inc. In this episode I cover one of my favorite arcade games of the 1980s, QiX (pronounced “kicks”), released for the Lynx in 1991 by Telegames, Inc. I’ve got vital statistics about the game, along with gameplay, reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. The QiX upright arcade cabinet was released by Taito America in 1981. QiX VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1991 by Telegames. Initial Retail Price: Unknown. Cartridge Information: Stereo curved lip-style cartridge of unknown ROM size. Game Genre: Top-down action/strategy puzzle game for 1 player, or for 2 players taking turns on the console. The ComLynx is not used in multi-player games. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: Arcade game by Randy and Sandy Pfeiffer and released by Taito America Corporation in 1981. Ports to Other Systems: QiX was also released on the Apple II (1989), the Apple IIgs (1990), the Atari 5200 (1983), the Atari 8-Bit line (1983), the Commodore Amiga (1989), the Commodore 64 (1989), the Commodore 128 (1989), the FM-7 (1983), the J2ME (2003), MicroSoft DOS (1989), the Nintendo Entertainment System (1991), the Nintendo Game Boy (1990), and the Nintendo 3DS (2011). Sequels: QIX++ for the PSP (2010) and the XBox 360 (2009); QIX Neo for the Nintendo Playstation (2001); QIX Adventure for the Nintendo Game Boy Color (1999); Super QIX for the arcade (1987);  Volfied (a.k.a. Ultimate QIX) for the arcade (1991), the Atari ST (1991), the Commodore Amiga (1991), the Commodore 64 (1991), the FM Towns (1991) the J2ME (2005), MicroSoft DOS (1991), the Nintendo Wii (2008), the Sega Genesis (1991), and the TurboGrafX-16 (1989). Game Levels: There are 256 levels, each accessible with a 6-digit code. The complete list of level jump codes can be found here. Number of Players: 1-2 (no ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). Instruction Manual: A 32-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. QIX CREDITS Developer: Knight Technologies. Licensee: Taito America Corporation. There are no other known credits for QiX. Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. LYNX LYNKS Information About QIX: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for QiX Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for QiX Digital Press title info/rarity guide for QiX Wikipedia article about QiX Moby Games article about QiX QiX Level Jump Codes from Atari Age “Atari Lynx Hint Book”, published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers; all 255 level jump codes for QiX can be found on pages 48 and 49. Reviews and Ratings for QiX: Review by Ed Castle at The Atari Times (1996) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999; updated 2018) Review by Dan Loosen at The Atari Times (2003) Review by Cyril Lachel at DefunctGames (2004) Review by The Video Game Critic at The Video Game Critic (2005) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) Review by Jeff at JVGS Video Game Reviews Review by Keita Iita at Atari Gaming Headquarters YouTube Videos About QiX: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough (Hence Longplays) Playthrough and Commentary (Steve Benway) Playthrough and Review (No Swear Gamer) Playthrough and Review (Brian Thomas Barnhart/Lynx Lounge) Retailers Selling QiX: B & C ComputerVisions: The price lists systems at B &C crashed on August 3, 2018 and they have still not been restored, as of this recording date. Bruce at B & C is selling most of his stock through eBay under the user name MyAtari. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$19.95 (CIB); US$14.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): QiX is not available. The Goat Store: US$19.94 (NIB). Telegames (UK): £19.98 (including tax; listing does not include whether it’s a loose cart, cart/manual combo, or CIB). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$99.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (€44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Regular: $59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Black PCB: $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($49.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx (Regular: $39.95) Ponx (Black PCB: $59.95) Raiden ($69.95) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX (Regular: $39.95) SFX (Black PCB: $59.95) SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($49.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Breakout 2000 (£75.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (£49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom. Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game carton sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 3 colors from Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solder-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Curtis Herod (Cujo)‘s The Bl^ck Book v2  (Check HERE to see the now-expired Indiegogo campaign, where you can find out more about the book. And please consider purchasing Curtis Herod’s The Black Book v2 by emailing him at cujo86@gmail.com.) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episode 10!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) The Retro MacCast Podcast (Thanks to Retro MacCast hosts James Savage and John Leake for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 475!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to Eugenio/TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about QiX for this episode: AtariGamer (Igor), Brazbit@brazbit, Bucky749, cujo@86cujo (Curtis), Dan Ramos, hlo@scribehlo (Howard), Jerome Bourot, Luis Pabón, Peter Inserra, Ralph Tribl, Rocky3163, Shinto, and Susan G. McBride. I really appreciate your feedback! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), along with “Acid Road,” “Barge,” “Dancing by Twilight,” “Face It,” “New One,” “Poppin-Off,” “Psychic,” and “Soundwaves,” all by Ketsa. I would especially like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you’ve never owned a Jaguar. You can find it here. Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, Please Stand By. Finally, my thanks to the Podfathe

#PA2032, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode I cover an excellent (and extremely fun) action/flight simulator for the Atari Lynx, Warbirds, released in April of 1991 by Atari Corporation. I’ve got vital statistics about the game, along with credits, gameplay, reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. WARBIRDS VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: April of 1991 by Atari Corporation. Warbirds was originally scheduled for release in December of 1990. Initial Retail Price: In the US: $34.95; in the UK: £29.99. Cartridge Information: 1-megabyte stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game developer and distributor Telegames also released Warbirds on a PCB in 2008. Game Genre: First-person action/flight simulator for one player, or for two-to-four players using the ComLynx cable. Working Title: Red Baron. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Ports to Other Systems: Warbirds is an Atari Lynx exclusive that was not ported to any other system. Game Levels: There are six levels, or Missions, in Warbirds: Milk Run, Double Teamed, Red Baron, Paths of Glory, Pair of Aces, and The Swarm. Players can also control Ammunition levels, Damage levels, Collision levels, the number of Lives, and the Start Mode. Number of Players: 1-4 (with ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). A French version was also sold. Instructions Manual: A 20-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in full color in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide; in France Warbirds was released in the bi-lingual carton with a sheet of instructions in French. WARBIRDS CREDITS Design and Programming: Rob Zdybel (Part One and Part Two of the ANTIC podcast interview by Randy Kindig) Art and Animation: Susan G. McBride, Melody Rondeau Sound and Music: Robert Vieira Thanks: The Atari Crowd, The Friday Knights Special Thanks: John Skruch, Dave Needle Dedication: For my father Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. The people in the UK behind the new cartridge-based retro handheld console Evercade have released two Atari Lynx compilation carts for their new system. The first cart, called Atari Lynx Collection 1, comprises 17 Atari Lynx titles, including 12 classic titles (Awesome Golf, Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure, Dracula: The Undead, Gordo 106, Ishido: The Way of Stones, Jimmy Connors’ Tennis, Malibu Bikini Volleyball, Power Factor, Scrapyard Dog, Basketbrawl, Super Asteroids/Missile Command®, and Super Sqweek), plus 4 after-market titles from Songbird Productions (CyberVirus, Loopz, MegaPak 1, and Remnant: Planar Wars), and one home brew title (Xump – The Final Run). The second cart, called Atari Lynx Collection 2, includes 8 classic Lynx titles: Blue Lightning, California Games, Chip’s Challenge, Checkered Flag, ElectroCop, Gates of Zendocon, Todd’s Adventures in Slime World, and Zarlor Mercenary. On the Amazon website, the pricing (not including shipping) is $22.99 for the Collection 1 cart and $19.99 for the Collection 2 cart. On the Funstock website in the UK, each cart will set you back £14.99 plus shipping. LYNX LYNKS Information About Warbirds: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Warbirds Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Warbirds Wikipedia article about Warbirds Moby Games article about Warbirds GameFAQs article for Warbirds Warbirds Tips, Cheats & Easter Eggs from Atari Age Warbirds Cheats from GameSpot Reviews and Ratings for Warbirds: Review by Ian Johns in Games-X Magazine (UK; Issue #01; May 3, 1991) Review by Les Ellis and Julian Boardman in RAZE Magazine (UK; Issue #08; June 1991) Review by Rigor Mortis on page 59 of GamePro Magazine (US; Issue #23; June 1991) Review by John Sweeney on page 6 of New Atari User Magazine (UK; Issue #56; June/July 1991) Ratings and Reviews by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine (US; Issue #24; July 1991) Review by David Upchurch in ACE Magazine (UK; Issue #47; August 1991) Review by Paul Glancey in Computer and Video Games Magazine (UK; Issue #117; August 1991) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by JDeLuna at GameFAQs (1999) Review by John Huxley at DefunctGames (2007) Review by The Video Game Critic at The Video Game Critic (2008) Review by Ron Alpert at Gamasutra (2010) Review by The Cubist at NerdBacon (2013) Review by Keita Iita at Atari Gaming Headquarters (2014) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Warbirds: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough and Commentary (Steve Benway) Playthrough and Commentary (UnconBentional) Playthrough and Review (Louis Gorenfeld) Playthrough and Review (HandheldGuru97) Playthrough and Review (No Swear Gamer) Playthrough-Last True Boss (ZoneLynx Atari) YouTube Videos About KLAX and Tengen: Glaggs It! (Atari 8-bit game similar to KLAX; link provided by Bill Kendrick) Tengen: Atari vs. Nintendo (2015; Gaming Historian) Retailers Selling Warbirds: B & C ComputerVisions: The price lists systems at B &C crashed on August 3, 2018 and they have still not been restored, as of this recording date. Best Electronics (last updated September 29, 2019; check website for availability): Warbirds not available. The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$34.95 (NIB). The Goat Store: US39.94 (NIB). Telegames (UK): £24.99 (including tax; listing does not include whether it’s a loose cart, cart/manual combo, or CIB). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$99.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (€44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux ($49.95) Centipede ($49.95) CGE 5th Redux ($39.95) Championship Rally ($59.95/$89.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Regular: $59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (Black PCB: $59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) CyberVirus: Lost Missions ($49.95) Hyperdrome ($69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95) Lexis ($49.95) Loopz ($59.95/$89.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello ($49.95/$79.95) Ponx (Regular: $39.95) Ponx (Black PCB: $59.95) Raiden ($69.95) Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95) SFX (Regular: $39.95) SFX (Black PCB: $59.95) SIMIS ($59.95/$89.95) T-Tris ($49.95/$79.95) unnamed ($49.95) Xump: The Final Run ($49.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include VAT): Alpine Games (£55.00) Breakout 2000 (£75.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (£49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant: Planar Wars (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom. Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon. Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay). Resource: Atari Lynx custom game carton sleeves from RetroProtection. Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer. Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 3 colors from Etsy. Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solder-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD replacement kit (solderless-type; includes screen plus AtariGamer.com’s 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II). Resource: BennVenn’s ElCheapoSD storage cartridge for Atari Lynx. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Curtis Herod (Cujo)‘s The Bl^ck Book v2  (Check HERE to see the now-expired Indiegogo campaign, where you can find out more about the book. And please consider purchasing Curtis Herod’s The Black Book v2 by emailing him at cujo86@gmail.com.) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episode 10!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) The Retro MacCast Podcast (Thanks to Retro MacCas

#PA2031, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode (better late than never) I cover one of the best games ever made for the Atari Lynx, KLAX, released in October of 1990. It’s also the second of three original release titles for the Lynx that is played vertically, not horizontally (Gauntlet: The Third Encounter and NFL Football are the other two). In this episode I’ve got vital statistics about KLAX, along with credits, gameplay, reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. KLAX VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1990 (originally scheduled for June/July 1990). Initial Retail Price: In the US: $34.95-$39.99; In the UK: £27.99-£35.00. Cartridge Information: 256k stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Falling block puzzle game for one player. Screen Playfield Orientation: portrait (vertical). Based On: Coin-op arcade game KLAX, developed by Dave Akers and Mark Stephen Pierce and released by Atari Games Corporation in February of 1990. Ports to Other Systems: Amstrad CPC (1990), Atari VCS (2600) (1990; PAL-version only; NTSC-version never finished), Atari 5200 (2003), Atari 7800 (2002), Atari ST (1990), BBC Micro (1990), Commodore Amiga (1990), Commodore 64 (1990), DOS (1990), MSX (1990), Nintendo Entertainment System (1990), Nintendo Game Boy (1990), Nintendo Game Boy Color (1999), PC-88 (1990), PC-98 (1990), SAM Coupé (1990), Sega Game Gear (1991), Sega Genesis (1990), Sega Master System (1991), Sharp X68000 (1990), TurboGrafx-16 (1990), and ZX Spectrum (1990). KLAX was also released together with Marble Madness for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance (2005). Sequels: There were no sequels to this game. Game Levels: There are 100 levels, or “waves,” in KLAX. There are five different wave objectives for each wave: “KLAX wave,” “Diagonal wave,” “Horizontal wave,” “Points wave,” and “Tile wave.” Number of Players: 1 (no ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). Also sold were a French version, two different Japanese versions, and a blister pack. Incstruction Manual: A 12-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. KLAX CREDITS Developer: Tengen, Inc. (Atari Games Corporation) Programming:  Greg Omi Art and Animation: Susan G. McBride, Greg Omi, Gary Johnson, K.E. Rudis Music and Sound: LX (Alex) Rudis Original Game Developers: Mark Stephen Pierce, David Akers Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Earlier in 2019, James Boulton from RetroHQ, better known as SainT, released the next batch of his highly sought-after Lynx SD multicart to those who pre-ordered it on Atari Age. The firmware in this version includes the new Menu Loader 2, created by Igor Kromin of AtariGamer.com (with help from Alex Thissen of Diary of a Lynx Developer and Karri Kaksonen of White Lynx). The cost of the cased version, which fits into the Lynx II only, or for the uncased version, which fits into either the Lynx I or the Lynx II, is £70, plus £2 shipping inside the UK or £5 shipping outside the UK. To get on the pre-order list for the next batch of multicarts, which will be renamed the Lynx GD (for Lynx Game Drive), simply add a post to the RetroHQ posting in the Atari Age Lynx Forums here. Be sure to indicate Lynx I or Lynx II, cased or uncased. Nintendo Game Boy modder BennVenn is currently producing an LCD screen upgrade for the Atari Lynx II model that undercuts the cost of the McWill LCD upgrade (currently around US$125 sans the shipping from Germany) by at least half. BennVenn’s version does not include the VGA output mod, which McWill includes in his kit. Right now, only the drop-in screen for the Lynx II is available; the screen for the Lynx I model will be available later. As of this episode’s recording date, interested Lynxters are able to purchase the Lynx II screen when it is not sold out; check here for availability. The price is US$50 for the Chinese-manufactured screen or US$60 for the Japanese-manufactured screen. For an additional US$5, Lynxters can also purchase the recommended 3D-printed frame bracket for the screen that was created by Igor at AtariGamer. In August of 2019, Songbird Productions announced the acquisition of multiple classic gaming properties, including: the entire HandMade Software library, except for Kasumi Ninja, including games such as Awesome Golf, Jimmy Connors’ Tennis, Loopz, Malibu Beach Volleyball, Power Factor, and a limited license for Battlezone 2000; Battlemorph by ATD; Gordo 106 by Tenth Planet Software; a limited license for Super Skweek by Loriciel; and Othello by Harry Dodgson. Carl from Songbird Productions says on his AtariAge Lynx forums post: “I don’t have imminent plans for most of these games, but thought it was worthwhile to build my IP library when the opportunities came.” Congrats to Karl, and many thanks to him for nearly 30 years of his company’s commitment to the Atari Lynx! LYNX LYNKS Information About KLAX: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for KLAX Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for KLAX Digital Press title info/rarity guide for KLAX Wikipedia article about KLAX Moby Games article about KLAX GameFAQs article for KLAX KLAX Tips, Cheats & Easter Eggs from Atari Age KLAX Cheat Codes from GameSpot Reviews and Ratings for KLAX: Review by Clayton Walnum in STart Magazine (US; Issue #39; December 1990) Ratings and Reviews by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine (US; Issue #14; September 1990) Review by Julian Rignall in Computer and Video Games Magazine (UK; Issue #110; January 1991) Review by Richard Monteiro in RAZE Magazine (UK; Issue #5; March 1991) Review by Keita Iita at AtariHQ (1995) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by JDeLuna at GameFAQs (1999) Review by Gares at DefunctGames (2001) Review by Patrick O’Connor at DefunctGames (2006) Review by Damon Plus at GameFAQs (2007) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About KLAX: Title Music (Laird’s Lair) Playthrough (That Orangy Bread) Playthrough and Commentary (Steve Benway) Playthrough and Review (BTB/Lynx Lounge) Playthrough and Review (RetroGamerDaz) Playthrough-Last True Boss (Zonelynx Atari) Bill Kendrick’s Lost KLAX Clone for Linux YouTube Video About Tengen: Tengen: Atari vs. Nintendo (2015; Gaming Historian) Retailers Selling KLAX: B & C ComputerVisions: The price lists systems at B &C crashed on August 3, 2018 and they have still not been restored, as of this recording date. Best Electronics (last updated September 29, 2019; check website for availability): US$14.95 (CIB); US9.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$24.95 (NIB). The Goat Store: US14.94 (loose cart). Telegames (UK): £19.98 (including tax; listing does not include whether it’s a loose cart, cart/manual combo, or CIB). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$49.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices do not include shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Hanoi (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (€44,02) Space Battle (€55,92 [single], €74,96 [double]) Unseen (€49,97) Weltenschlächter (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices include tax/shipping costs): Bubble Trouble (backordered; $69.95) Championship Rally ($59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure ($59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) Fat Bobby (backordered; $69.95) Hyperdrome (backordered; $69.95) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (backordered; $69.95) Lexis ($59.95) Loopz ($59.95) Lynx Reloaded Multicart (backordered; $49.95) MegaPak 1  ($59.95) Othello (very limited; $59.95) PokerMania (backordered; $42.95) Ponx ($49.95) Raiden (very limited; $69.95) Remnant: PW3D ($59.95) SFX ($49.95) SIMIS (very limited; $59.95) Sokomania (backordered; $39.95) T-Tris (backordered; $59.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include tax): Alpine Games (£49.99) Breakout 2000 (£75.00) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£49.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (£49.99) CyberVirus (£49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Lynx Reloaded (with Othello and MultoPong; £44.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay) Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand from Etsy Resource: BennVenn’s drop-in LCD screen and/or 3D-printed screen bracket frame for the Atari Lynx II. “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!)

#PA2030, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode I cover the very last game originally developed at Epyx, Inc., Zarlor Mercenary, released in October of 1990. Alphabetically, it’s also the very last original-release game for the Lynx. Plus, as far as I know, it’s the only Lynx game that has “Mendicants”…or “Medicants”…or “Merdicants.” I’ve included vital statistics, credits, gameplay, reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. ZARLOR MERCENARY VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1990. Initial Retail Price: In the US: $34.99; in the UK: £29.99. Cartridge Information: 128k (likely) stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Top-down vertically scrolling shooter for one player, or two-to-four players using the ComLynx cable. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Game Levels: There are six levels, or “Missions,” in both the single and multi-player versions of the game: Level 1-Cadmar Desert; Level 2-Mesort Swamp; Level 3-Docrit Sea; Level 4-Sedimor Domes; Level 5-Mardic Ice; and Level 6-Cedmite City. Number of Players: 1-4 (with ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There were also French and Japanese versions of the carton sold, as well as a blister pack. Instruction Manual: A 20-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. ZARLOR MERCENARY CREDITS Developer: Epyx, Inc. Programming: Chuck Sommerville  (audio and video of Chuck’s joint interview with LX Rudis in 2018 on The Atari Lynx Handycast). Graphics: Matthew Crysdale. Levels, Music, SFX: Christopher Grigg. Additional Programming: Stephen Landrum. LYNXED IN Ninjabba’s At It Again! Jasper van Turnhout, also known as Ninjabba on Atari Age, and who released his critically acclaimed home brew game Wyvern Tales back in May of 2018, has now released a new teaser demo that he has developed for what could potentially become another home brew title for the Lynx. The demo is called Nomad Rally 2018, and anyone interested in viewing the demo in emulation or in downloading it to a multicart can find it here. Luchs Soft Taking Pre-Orders for Space Battle and QuadroMania! Luchs Soft in Germany is now taking pre-orders for two after-market titles, both to be available on April 1, 2019. Space Battle is a Harry Dodgson prototype (from 2000). It will be available as a single cartridge or two cartridges (for 2-player gaming); both versions will come complete with curved lip-style cartridge(s) inside a full-color carton, along with a manual, poster, and collectible lapel pin. The game can be played by up to eight players using the ComLynx cable. The other game, QuadroMania, was discovered in 2013 by Alex Thissen, a.k.a. LX.net (who provided high-res scans of his hand-drawn Slime World maps here) and who released a very limited run of 20 copies of the game in 2017 through Beta Phase Games. Now, Alex has secured permission from RPM Software (Robert Maidorn) to market a new run of the game through Luchs Soft; it will also come complete with a curved lip-style cartridge inside a full-color carton, along with a manual, poster, and collectible lapel pin. Who Doesn’t Want a Funky Xmas? In other home brew news, Martin Wendt, Xamil Wolnikowsky, and Bruno Moraes, known collectively as PriorArt, have also released a new home brew demo for the Atari Lynx; this one is entitled Funky Xmas 2018. Rabid Lynxters may recognize Wendt and Wolnikowsky as two of the developers of the eagerly anticipated upcoming home brew game Lacim’s Legacy. A zip file of this new demo can be downloaded here. LYNX LYNKS Information About Zarlor Mercenary: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Zarlor Mercenary Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Zarlor Mercenary Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Zarlor Mercenary Wikipedia article about Zarlor Mercenary Moby Games article about Zarlor Mercenary GameFAQs article for Zarlor Mercenary Zarlor Mercenary Fact File in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine (US; Issue #19; February of 1991) Zarlor Mercenary Tips, Cheats & Easter Eggs from Atari Age Zarlor Mercenary Cheat Codes from GameSpot “Atari Lynx Hint Book”, published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers; tips and hints for Zarlor Mercenary can be found on pages 68 and 69; how to access a port of John Horton Conway’s 1970 classic “The Game of Life” Easter Egg can be found beginning on page 70. Reviews and Ratings for Zarlor Mercenary: Review by Clayton Walnum in STart Magazine (US; Issue #39; December of 1990) Ratings and Reviews by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine (US; Issue #19; February of 1991) Review by Paul Glancey in Computer and Video Games Magazine (UK; Issue #111; February of 1991) Review by Les Ellis in RAZE Magazine (UK; Issue #5; March of 1991) Review by Hawanja at Ultimate Console Database Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by JDeLuna at GameFAQs (1999) Review by Govvy at GameSpot (2006) Review by Guuthluhu at GameSpot (2007) Review by 8BitJeff (Jeff D. Fulton) at 8-BitRocket (2012) Review by Kyle Knight at AllGame.com (2013) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Zarlor Mercenary: Music (pieness) Playthrough (StaxX28) Playthrough (World of Longplays) Playthrough and Review (CGRUndertow) Playthrough and Review (rampboraph4life) Retailers Selling Zarlor Mercenary: B & C ComputerVisions: The price lists systems at B &C crashed on 8/3/18 and they have still not been restored, as of this recording date. Best Electronics (last updated May 31, 2018; check website for availability): US$28.50 (CIB); US$19.95 (loose cart) The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$28.50 (NIB) The Goat Store: None Available. Telegames (UK): £12.49 (listing does not include whether it’s a loose cart, cart/manual combo, or CIB) Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$49.95 (NIB) After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices do not include shipping costs): Alpine Games (€46,99) Ejagfest Slideshow (€41,99) Hanoi (€41,99) Quadromania (pre-order) (€46,99; ship date: 4/1/19) Retro X-MASsacre (pre-order) (€36,99; ship date 2/1/19) Space Battle (pre-order) (€46,99 [single], €62,99 [double]; ship date: 4/1/19) Unseen (€41,99) Weltenschlächter (€41,99) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€41,99) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices include tax/shipping costs): Alpine Games w/Bonus Multicart (very limited; $69.95) Bubble Trouble (very limited; $69.95) Championship Rally ($59.95) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure ($59.95) CyberVirus ($59.95) Hyperdrome (very limited; $69.95) Lexis ($59.95) Loopz ($59.95) Lynx Reloaded Multicart (backordered; $49.95) MegaPak 1 (backordered; $59.95) Othello (backordered; $39.95) Ponx ($59.95) PokerMania (backordered; $42.95) Raiden (very limited; $69.95) Remnant: PW3D ($59.95) SFX ($59.95) SIMIS (backordered; $39.95) Sokomania (backordered; $39.95) Songbird 20th Anniversary 3-Pack (Lexis, Ponx, SFX) ($129.95, a savings of $50!) Super Off Road (very limited; $69.95) T-Tris (backordered; $39.95) Zaku (limited; $59.95) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Telegames in the UK (all prices include tax): Alpine Games (pre-order) (£49.99) Bubble Trouble (£49.98) Championship Rally (£44.99) Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure (pre-order) (£49.99) CyberVirus (pre-order) (£49.99) Fat Bobby (£49.99) Hyperdrome (£52.98) Krazy Ace Miniature Golf (£49.99) Lexis (£49.99) Ponx (£39.98) Raiden (£52.98) Remnant (pre-order) (£49.98) SFX (£39.86) SIMIS 5 w/Space Invaders (£49.98) Sokomania (pre-order) (£52.98) T-Tris (£49.98) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Telegames. Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus (eBay) Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand from Etsy “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episodes 22 and 26!) Into the Vertical Blank Podcast (Thanks to hosts Jeff and Steve Fulton for “singing” about The HandyCast in Season 1, Episode 10!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) The Retro MacCast Podcast (Thanks to Retro MacCast hosts James Savage and John Leake for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 475!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) PDF of Historical Atari Lynx UK Magazine Advert/Reviews Collection (Thanks to AmigaJay for compiling this compilation, and also to Bobbi I

#PA2029, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode, the longest (and the latest) episode of The HandyCast so far,  I cover one of the last games originally developed at Epyx, Inc., Todd’s Adventures in Slime World, released in October of 1990. I’ve included vital statistics, credits, gameplay, reviews and ratings, some fun facts and trivia, and some listener feedback about the game. And with the ComLynx cable it’s an eight-player game, so grab seven more of your friends for a gooey, messy Slime-O-Rama! TODD’S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1990 (originally scheduled for July of 1990). Initial Retail Price: $34.95. Cartridge: 128kb stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Multi-level platformer for one player, or two-to-eight players using the ComLynx cable. Working Title: Slime World. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Ports to Other Systems: The Sega Genesis (1992) and The TurboGrafx 16/PC Engine (1992). Game Levels: Twelve single-player or multi-player levels, or “adventures:” #1: Easy, #2: Exploration, #3: Action, #4: Suspense, #5: Logic, and, for #6, either Arcade for single-player games, or Combat for multi-player games. Number of Players: 1-8 (with ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There were also French and Japanese versions of the carton sold, as well as a blister pack. Instruction Manual: A 24-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. TODD’S ADVENTURES IN SLIME WORLD CREDITS Developer: Epyx, Inc. Game and Code: Peter Engelbrite. Art: Matthew Crysdale, Phillip Vaughan, and Peter Engelbrite. Sound Design: Christopher Grigg. Music: Eric Van Rhee. Testing: Secret Underground Labs. LYNXED IN “Consolizing” the Lynx (Project 1) There are not one but TWO projects that “consolize” the Atari Lynx. The first one comes from StarForcePilot on the Atari Age Lynx forums, also known as Marcel J. de Haan on Facebook. He installed the McWill screen and the VGA output jack into his Lynx I, then he decided not to stop there. So he created a handy (see what I did there) stand for the Lynx I, and he also installed a DB9 connector on the Lynx to allow an external controller to be used to play games on the static console. More recently, he also replaced the battery compartment with a generic rechargeable lithium-ion battery along with a generic variable step-down converter. It’s really a clever design, and StarForcePilot documented his progress in completing the project beautifully with a pictorial essay on his blogpage. I highly recommend that my listeners check out the blog here. “Consolizing” the Lynx (Project 2) The second Lynx consolization (yes, Monty, that IS a word) is a joint project from YouTube channel Retro Revolutions, Historic Nerd, Extreme Consoles, and Neon Vision, in response to a challenge from the Press Play On Tape podcast. This project involved taking an old 4-switch woody Atari VCS (2600) console, gutting it, and rebuilding it to accept Lynx cartridges, with an HDMI output display. The console has also been trimmed in bright yellow paint, and the result is quite breathtaking. There are three parts to the video of the project, all of which can be found here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Songbird is Restarting Production of After-Market Titles Songbird Productions, a 20-year provider of original and re-release after-market Lynx game cartridges, is re-starting production and distribution of several home brew and after-market game cartridges, many of which have been out of production for years. Among the titles planned for an re-release, beginning as early as October of 2018, are Championship Rally, Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure, CyberVirus, Lexis, Loopz, Ponx, Remnant: PW3D, and SFX. Carl at Songbird confirms that the cartridges will be curved lip-style, and they’ll be packaged in CD jewel cases, but with better quality labels and inserts this time around. Also, as of this recording, Songbird still has a limited number of copies available of the SuperFighterTeam classic home brew title Zaku, considered one of the best games for the Atari Lynx ever. It goes without saying that Carl Forhan at Songbird is definitely helping out a whole new crop of Lynx collectors to add to their game collections, so kudos to him for ramping up production again on titles that would otherwise be unobtainium (yes, Monty, that IS a word, too). Interested Lynxters should check out Songbird Productions website to place their orders; a link to the website can be found here. New Title Space Wars Coming from Luchs Soft AtariGamer.com is reporting that Germany company Luchs Soft, publisher of such classic home brew titles as Hanoi, Ejagfest Slideshow, Alpine Games, Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes, 2017’s Reiko’s Robot Run/Always Winter, Never Christmas cartridge, and the just-released unseen cartridge, is planning to release a new title, Space Wars, sometime soon. In addition, Luchs apparently plans to move ahead with previously announced plans to re-release the Beta Phase Games title Quadromania. You can check the status of the Luchs Soft releases here. Six More Lynx Home Brews On the Way! The interest in the Atari Lynx continues to climb as the console is being recognized more and more by retro game collectors. Evidence of this growing interest is the continued development and production of new home brew titles. Several sources (AtariGamer.com, Atari Age and Kieren Hawken) have recently published news about no less than five new homeb rew game projects for the Lynx. The first one is a new isometric RPG game called Lacim’s Legacy, in development by Martin Wendt, Kamil Wolnikowski and Dan Thoreson. The second one is a new Joust-Donkey Kong-style platformer called Bentley Bear’s Honey Hunt, currently in development by Benjamin Mewes. The third one is a port of the classic SNES action title Bomberman called BomberCats, now being developed by Alex “LordKraken” Genoud and Turbo Laser Lynx. The fourth one is a horizontal scrolling space action shooter called Captain Harlynx being developed by Albine Marlier. The fifth one is a version of Italian checkers called Dama by Atari Ager MVirtuale that, after a year and a half, is near completion. And the sixth one is an action/shooter called Grime 6502, currently in development by Chibi Akuma. With these six new home brew games, along with the previously mentioned 8 new and re-released titles from Luchs Soft, and with the distribution of no less than 10 previous after-market and home brew titles by Songbird Productions, there will have been at least 24 Atari Lynx games planned or in production during the course of 2018. There can be no doubt now that the 29-year-old Atari Lynx console, along with its still-expanding game library, is experiencing a renaissance of popularity. And this Lynxter for one is very happy about that indeed. LYNX LYNKS Information About Todd’s Adventures in Slime World: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Wikipedia article about Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Moby Games article about Todd’s Adventures in Slime World GameFAQs article for Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Hints from Atari Age Todd’s Adventures in Slime World Low-Res Maps from Diary of an Atari Lynx Developer (Alex Thissen) “Atari Lynx Hint Book”, published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (the cheat codes for the first five levels, or adventures, of Todd’s Adventures in Slime World can be found on pages 63 and 64). Reviews and Ratings for Todd’s Adventures in Slime World: Ratings and Reviews by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly Magazine (Issue #12; July of 1990) Review by Marshall Rosenthal in RAZE Magazine (November of 1990) Review by Clayton Walnum in STart Magazine (December of 1990) Review by Keita Iida at AtariHQ Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by DanielThomas at GameFAQ (2003) Review by John Harris in his Pixel Journeys column at GameSetWatch (2009) Review by The Video Game Critic (2013) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Todd’s Adventures in Slime World: Playthrough and Review (CGRundertow) Playthrough and Commentary (NecroVMX) Playthrough and Commentary (VideoWulff) Playthrough (Wasabim) Playthrough/Final Boss (ZoneLynx Atari) Retailers Selling Todd’s Adventures in Slime World: B & C ComputerVisions: The price lists systems at B &C crashed on 8/3/18 and they have still not been restored, as of this recording date. Best Electronics (last updated May 31, 2018; check website for availability): US$14.95 (CIB); US$9.95 (loose cart) The Gamesmen (Australia): Not Available The Goat Store: US$19.94 (loose cart) Telegames (UK): £14.99 or US$19.89 (listing does not include whether it’s a loose cart, cart/manual combo, or CIB) Video 61 & Atari Sales: Not Available (website is down pending owner’s recovery from an accident) Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from BuzzandBingosMoonCircus Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand from Etsy “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutou

#PA2028, Published by Atari Corp. Here I cover one of the best-known games of all time, Chip’s Challenge, released in September of 1989; it is one of the five launch titles for the original Atari Lynx. In this episode I’ve included a complete survey of the credits, gameplay, music, and sound effects for Chip’s Challenge. Plus, as usual, I have reviews, listener feedback, current prices, some trivia, and some fun facts about the game. So grab a bag of chips and munch down while you listen; this game is a real puzzler! CHIP’S CHALLENGE VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: September of 1989 Initial Retail Price: $34.95 Cartridge Information: 128kb stereo cartridge available in all three styles (flat, ridged, and curved lip) Game Genre: Puzzle/maze game for one player. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Ports to Other Systems: The Amstrad CPC (1990), Atari ST (1990), The Commodore Amiga (1990), The Commodore 64 (1990), DOS (1990), The ZX Spectrum (1990), Windows 3.x (1991) and Windows (2015). Sequels: Chip’s Challenge 2 for Windows (2015), Chuck’s Challenge 3D for Linux (2014), Macintosh (2014), Windows (2014), Android (2016), iPad (2016), and iPhone (2016) Game Levels: 144, plus 4 undocumented special levels. Number of Players: 1 (no ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There were two styles: one with the gray vertical band of Lynx font faux embossed broken x’s along the right side of the carton, and one without the band. Instruction Manual: A 24-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. CHIP’S CHALLENGE  CREDITS Developer: Epyx, Inc. Original Design: Chuck Sommerville. Art: Paul Vernon. Sound and Music: Alex (LX) Rudis. Level Design: Bill Darrah, James Donald, Peter Engelbrite, Victoria Hanson, R.G. Gowdy, Stephen Jungels, Scott Nelson, Chuck Sommerville, Pete Wierzbicki. Testing: Dung Dang, Bob Friesen, John McGowan, Tom Schumacher, Cynthia Sommerville, Glen Yamakawa, Robert Zalot. Additional Art: Arthur Koch. Special Thanks: Steve Landrum, Robert J. (RJ) Mical, Dave Needle. LYNXED IN New Podcast for the Atari 8-Bit Computers! There’s another Atari podcast in town, and that town is actually in New Zealand. The XLXE Podcast covers Atari 8-bit computers and other shenanigans. It is hosted by Adam and Bob, and they’re very informative and a lot of fun to listen to, especially with those funny accents. It really is great to hear a podcast about Atari from someplace other than the USA. Plus they’ve already got two episodes up on the feeds already. But be warned: it’s not NSFW. So plug in your earbuds and give this wonderful podcast a try. You can find the podcast at their Twitter page here. Let’s All Give the Retro Video Gamer Forums Some Love! The administrators of The Retro Video Gamer forums has sent out a call to arms to all of the retro video gaming community: I would like to appeal to those who are real retro supporters. Surely a retro forum is now a rare breed. Unless we continue to use the site [and] strike up convos, then sadly the RVG forums will continue to decline and I want to stop that. Once its gone that will be too late. So please take a moment, as I can’t simply allow constant promo threads of your YouTube channels or podcast feeds (but you’re more than welcome to bump them). Please put your expertise into the site; there are a million and one topics for you all to participate in so please come and keep a retro forum about your retro gaming hobby alive. P.S.: Along with the above we will be performing a zero poster cull, so any new members who have yet to do an intro thread please pop on and post one now to avoid the cull. Cheers all. So to all of my listeners, please consider supporting Eugenio, Jamie, and others at the Retro Video Gamer website at www.retrovideogamer.co.uk. Thank you! LYNX LYNKS Information About Chip’s Challenge: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Chip’s Challenge Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Chip’s Challenge Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Chip’s Challenge Wikipedia article about Chip’s Challenge Moby Games article about Chip’s Challenge GameFAQs article for Chip’s Challenge Blogpage/map of the Final Level of Chip’s Challenge at Diary of an Atari Lynx Developer Chip’s Challenge Notes, published in 1990 by Jaime Villacorte on Atari Age “Atari Lynx Hint Book”, published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (the fractal generator program cheat for Chip’s Challenge can be found on pages 18-19; the codes each of the 148 levels can be found on pages 20-23) Reviews and Ratings for Chip’s Challenge: Review by Keita Iida at AtariHQ Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by Dorsola at JoseQ’sEmuViews (2000) Review by The Video Game Critic (2004) Review by Avery Score at GameSpot (2004) Review by Josh Dollins at DefunctGames (2007) Review by Dusty Old Games (2013) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Chip’s Challenge: Lynx Lounge Review (Brian Thomas Barnhart) Playthrough (Atari7800com) Playthrough and Review (Fred Rojas) Playthrough/Easter Egg (Laird’s Lair) Playthrough/Final Level (ZoneLynx Atari) Retailers Selling Chip’s Challenge: B & C ComputerVisions: The price lists systems at B &C crashed on 8/3/18; I will update the info here once they’ve been restored. Best Electronics (last updated May 31, 2018; check website for availability): US$14.95 (CIB); US$9.95 (loose cart) The Gamesmen (Australia): Not Available The Goat Store: US$14.94 (NIB) Telegames (UK): £8.33 or US$10.72 Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$24.95 (NIB) Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from RetroGameFreak Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand from Etsy “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episode 22!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The HandyCast in Episode 167!) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about Xenophobe for this episode; I really appreciate it! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), along with “Climbing the Mountain,” “Am-Trans,” “Toboggan (Smooth Run),” “Molasses,” “Sunspots (Tight),” and “Worm War,” by Podington Bear. I would especially like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you’ve never owned a Jaguar. You can find it here. Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, Please Stand By. Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his don’t-miss podcast, even if you’re not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast. And please don’t forget to visit the official Atari Lynx HandyCast website by clicking here! -Mark Next Episode: “EPISODE 10: Todd’s Adventures in Slime World” The post EPISODE 09: Chip’s Challenge appeared first on The Atari Lynx HandyCast.

THE ENTIRE INTERVIEW IS NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE: Recorded August 9, 2018 Many, many thanks go to Chuck Sommerville and Alex (LX) Rudis, who both graciously agreed to be interviewed for The HandyCast. The willingness of two such Atari Lynx legends to help flesh out some of their personal and professional experiences with the Lynx console and its games (especially Chip’s Challenge) is a testament to their strong devotion to their craft, to their fans, and to the Atari Lynx community. Cheers to you, Chuck and LX! As usual, I would also like to thank the Free Music Archive for “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus used in this episode under the Creative Commons License as the opening and closing theme music for The HandyCast. I really hope you enjoy this special interview episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast. Also, keep an eye (and ear) out for future interview-only episodes coming down the pike in the near future. -Mark The post EPISODE IN01: Interview with Chuck Sommerville and LX Rudis appeared first on The Atari Lynx HandyCast.

#PA2026, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode , I cover one of the most popular games for the Atari Lynx, Xenophobe, released by Atari in August of 1990. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects for Xenophobe. I also highlight a few reviews of the game, some information about the prices that collectors can expect to pay for a Xenophobe cartridge on eBay and other retailers, some trivia and fun facts about the game, and some very welcome feedback about the game from some of my loyal listeners. So charge up your fists and phazers and lets kick some Xeno butt! The Xenophobe upright arcade cabinet was released by Bally Midway in 1987. XENOPHOBE VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: August of 1990. Initial Retail Price: $34.95. Cartridge Information: Stereo curved lip-style cartridge. I think it is 128k, but I cannot find confirmation of that. Game Genre: Side-scrolling/platform multi-level action shooter for 1 to 4 players using the ComLynx cable. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: Xenophobe arcade cabinet (1987) by Bally Midway. Ports to Other Systems: The Commodore Amiga, the Amstrad CPC, the Atari VCS (2600), the Atari 7800, the Atari ST, the Commodore 64, the Nintendo Entertainment System, and the ZX Spectrum. Game Levels: 23 single or multi-floor space stations. Number of Players: 1-4 (with ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″) Instruction Manual: A 24-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. XENOPHOBE  CREDITS Developer: Epyx, Inc. Licensee: Midway Manufacturing Co. Programming: Gil Colgate. Art: Phillip Vaughan. Sound: Christopher Grigg. Testing: Thomas MacDevitt, Tom Schumacher. LYNXED IN Collection Tracker Now Available! Igor at Atari Gamer has done a fantastic job at creating and implementing a new tool for us collectors: The Collection Tracker will record, track and complete your Atari Lynx collection. All of the game database entries are available for tracking your carts, boxes, manuals, and posters, or whether you have a given game new in the box (NIB). You can also track the health/condition of the boxes, manuals, and posters. It’s a really cool tool for knowing what you have (or still need to get) in your collection. And it provides a handy (see what I did there?) stats-at-a-glance box. Best of all, it doesn’t require any logins or passwords to use it. Please be sure to check it out here. LYNX LYNKS Information About Xenophobe: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Xenophobe Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Xenophobe Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Xenophobe Wikipedia article about Xenophobe Moby Games article and hint guide about Xenophobe Giant Bomb article about Xenophobe GameFAQs article for Xenophobe Preview by Electronic Gaming Monthly Issue #10/Atari Adventure insert (March 1990) Preview by Electronic Gaming Monthly Issue #12/Atari Adventure insert (May 1990) Preview by Electronic Gaming Monthly Issue #14/Atari Adventure insert (July 1990) “Atari Lynx Hint Book”, published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (game strategies for Xenophobe can be found on page 67) Reviews and Ratings for Xenophobe: Review by Electronic Gaming Monthly (Issue #14, July 1990) Review by Computer and Video Games Magazine (January 1991) Review by Les Ellis at Raze Magazine (February 1991) Review by Keita Iida at AtariHQ Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by Trixter at MobyGames (2003) Review by Patrick O’Connor at DefunctGames (2005) Review by DANIEL Thomas at Vol. 4 (2006) Review by Darran Jones at RetroGamer (2008) Review by Pluvius at GameFAQs (2008) Review by Brian Thomas Barnhart at Atari.io (2016) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Xenophobe: Lynx Lounge Review (Brian Thomas Barnhart) Playthrough (187 Productions) Playthrough (StaxX28) Playthrough (TotallyRadicalRetroGames) Playthrough (World of Longplays) Playthrough and Review (Louis Gorenfeld) Playthrough/Final Boss (Zonelynx Atari) Retailers Selling Xenophobe: None Available Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from RetroGameFreak Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand from Etsy “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episode 22!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The Atari Lynx HandyCast in Episode 167!) Interview with LX (Alex) Rudis at The Atari Times (2002) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about Xenophobe for this episode; I really appreciate it! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), along with “Catching Rays,” “Starlight,” “The Dead of Night,” “Sleep Tight, Sweet Dreams (Don’t Have Nightmares),” and “Into the Ether,” all by Psychadelik Pedestrian. I would especially like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you’ve never owned a Jaguar. You can find it here. Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, Please Stand By. Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his don’t-miss podcast, even if you’re not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast. And please don’t forget to visit the official Atari Lynx HandyCast website by clicking here! -Mark Next Episode: “EPISODE IN01: Interview with Chuck Sommerville & LX Rudis” The post EPISODE 08: Xenophobe appeared first on The Atari Lynx HandyCast.

#LX101 (L402), Published by Telegames, Inc. In this episode, I cover the first of nine third-party games in this podcast, The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge, released by publisher Telegames, Inc. in 1991. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music (what little there is), and sound effects for The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge. I also highlight a few reviews of the game, some information about the prices that collectors can expect to pay for a The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge cartridge on eBay and other retailers, some trivia and fun facts about the game, and some very welcome feedback about the game from some of my loyal listeners. THE FIDELITY ULTIMATE CHESS CHALLENGE VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: By March of 1991. Initial Retail Price: $39.99. Cartridge Information: The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge is a stereo curved lip-style cartridge. I think the ROM size is 128k, but I cannot confirm it. Game Genre: Isometric or top-down strategy/tactics game for one or two players; the ComLynx cable is not used in this game. Based On: The classic board game of Chess, utilizing the experience of Fidelity Electronics, makers of various stand-alone chess computers of the day. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Ports to Other Systems: The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge is an Atari Lynx exclusive that was not ported to any other system. Game Levels: There are 17 levels of play: Levels 1 through 8 are time-based in which the response time can be set from 5 seconds at Level 1 to 4 minutes at Level 8; Levels 9 through 16 restrict the use of lookahead abilities; and Level 17 is an infinite level. Number of Players: 1-2 (no ComLynx support). Packaging:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). Instruction Manual: A 40-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome in English, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. THE FIDELITY ULTIMATE CHESS CHALLENGE  CREDITS Developer/Licensee: Telegames, Inc. No other individuals credited or known LYNXED IN The Atari Lynx HandyCast is Now Part of The Throwback Network Thanks to the hosts of The Throwback Review Podcast, (Sean Johnson, also of The Average Runner Podcast, and Rob “Flack” O’Hara, also of the You Don’t Know Flack Podcast), The Atari Lynx HandyCast has been added to The Throwback Network. Many retro-themed podcasts are included on the network (both gaming- and non-gaming-related). I myself subscribe and listen to most of them, and I would highly recommend that you check out all of the great podcasts listed there. You can find the network here. New Podcast: Into the Vertical Blank There is a new Atari podcast in town; it’s called Into the Vertical Blank, and it is hosted by twin brothers, Steve Fulton and Jeff “8BitRocket” Fulton, who grew up “Atari,” or as they call it, in The Vertical Blank. The Vertical Blank is space between the lines; it’s the where work occurs that you never see on screen. In their podcast they discuss Atari computers and systems, new and old, review new games that they collect, talk about all the systems, and the significance they had in their lives and in the lives of others, and they even talk about them in a historical context, and how they are being used now. They do all this in an effort to finally understand the answer to this existential question: what does it mean to have grown up Atari in the generation of the Vertical Blank? I’ve been listening to this podcast lately, and it’s a lot of fun to hear two brothers relate their own experiences “growing up Atari.” Check it out here. LYNX LYNKS Information About The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for The Fidelity  Ultimate Chess Challenge Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge Wikipedia article about The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge Moby Games article about The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge Giant Bomb article about The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge GameFAQs article for The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge Reviews and Ratings for The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge: Review by Keita Iida at AtariHQ Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge: Playthrough (janatri73) Playthrough (VGBDbr) Playthrough (last true boss) (ZoneLynx Atari) 1979 TV commercial for Fidelity Electronics Chess Game (Bionic Disco) Retailers Selling The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge: The Gamesmen (Australia): US$18.31 (new in box) The Goat Store: US$59.94 (new) or US$29.99 (used) Telegames (UK): £14.99 or US$19.59 Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$99.99 (new in box) Resources for Atari Lynx Console/Game-Related Collecting Materials/Tools: Resource: Game Boy Color cases for Atari Lynx cartridges from Joom Resource: 2 1/2″ coin storage sheets from Amazon Resource: Atari Lynx regular-size game carton sleeves from RetroGameFreak Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect Resource: Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer Resource: Atari Lynx II display stand from Etsy “Thank You’s” and Other Lynks: AtariGamer.com (Thanks to Igor for incorporating The HandyCast into his excellent website!) Retro Video Gamer Forums (Thanks to TrekMD for helping to promote The HandyCast on his wonderful forums!) Antic: The Atari 8-Bit Podcast (Thanks to Brad Arnold, Randy Kindig, and Kevin Zavitz for the shoutout about The HandyCast in Episode 50!) The Atari 2600 Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to The Podfather himself, Ferg, for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in both Episode 151 and Episode 154!) The Atari Jaguar Game By Game Podcast (Thanks to Shinto for encouraging his listeners to check out The HandyCast in Episode 22!) Please Stand By (Thanks to Zerbe and Ferg for helping to promote The  HandyCast on several episodes of this fun-to-listen-to show, starting with Episode 60!) The RCR Podcast (Thanks to the Retro Computing Roundtable: Paul Hagstrom, Quinn Dunki, Jack Nutting, and Carrington Vance, for highlighting The Atari Lynx HandyCast in Episode 167!) Interview with LX (Alex) Rudis at The Atari Times (2002) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge for this episode; I really appreciate it! Also, I would like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “8-Bit Core” by Tagirijus (opening and closing theme music), “To Eris-Social Blast” by To Eris, “The True Entity of Life” by Daniel Birch and Ben Pegley, “Fields and Strings” by Ian Sutherland, “Oui” by Simon Mathewson, and “Elements (Psychadelik Pedestrian-Chillout Edit)” by Marc Burt. I would especially like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of various Atari Lynx games he’s owned in the past to The Atari Lynx HandyCast…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s wonderful Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you don’t own or have never even seen a Jaguar console. You can find it here. Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, Please Stand By. Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his don’t-miss podcast, even if you’re not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here. I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast. And please don’t forget to visit the official Atari Lynx HandyCast website by clicking here! -Mark Next Episode: “EPISODE 08: Xenophobe” The post EPISODE 07: The Fidelity Ultimate Chess Challenge appeared first on The Atari Lynx HandyCast.