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Atari Gaming Gazette_Issue 03
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Atari Gaming Gazette Online Magazine
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
"The Lynx Specialists"
Published and Copyright ½ 1993 by
S \|/ L
T -*- I
A /|\ N
R BBS X
(602)/464-4817
___________________________________________________________________________
February 20, 1993 Atari Gaming Gazette Issue #3
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"
This Month's Issue - Operation ACT Now, Lynx Catalog, Gazette Newsfile,
"""""""""""""""""" Batman Returns Strategy Guide - Conclusion, Could
it Be?, Trade Publication Round-Up, Easter Egg Gallery, Lynx'n On The
Line Adds GEnie Coverage, and Pit Fighter Reviewed.
Editor/Publisher - Jeff Kovach
Assistant Editor - Chris Baker
GEnie Coverage - Tom McComb
Special Contributor - Len Stys
From the Editor's Joypad - First off, my apologies for the late issue.
"""""""""""""""""""""""" One delay led to another, etc. Hopefully we
can get back on track after this! (Keep your ComLynx cable crossed!)
No new Lynx titles have been released since our last issue, but we are
fortunate enough to have a review of Pit Fighter, and guarantee that next
month we will have reviews of Dinolympics and Power Factor.
Also, there have been no significant developments to our knowledge
regarding the distribution 'problems' the Lynx has been having, in
Toys 'R' Us in particular. It does appear as though Toys 'R' Us has
dropped the Lynx from its inventory. Although it cannot be confirmed,
there is rumor and speculation that they did so under pressure from
Nintendo.
In this issue you will find an article by Len Stys, asking you to
participate in a letter writing campaign whose goal is to get the Lynx
back in Toys 'R' Us and other retailers. I urge you to participate.
Let me emphasize that Lynx products are readily available either from
Atari at 1-800-327-5151, or from STeve's Software (see ad below). Next
month we will be announcing a special offer from STeve's Software for
readers of AGG. Call now and ask to join the Lynx Club!
Finally, I'd like to welcome Tom McComb to our staff. Tom has been
both a Lynx enthusiast and an Atari user for many years. He will be
representing Atari Gaming Gazette on GEnie, and compiling a monthly
article featuring messages from the Atari Lynx section of GEnie's Atari
ST RoundTable.
Jeff @ AGG
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We Carry the 'COMPLETE' Atari Lynx line including Lynx Software/Hardware
Accessories, carrying cases and much more.
Coming soon to STeve's, the 'LYNX CLUB', Call for details.
THANK YOU (IN ADVANCE) FOR YOUR BUSINESS...
STeve's Software/Hardware Sales
ORDERLINE (800) 487-7753 -- FAX LINE (916) 661-1234
INFO LINE (916) 661-3328 -- 24hr BBS (916) 661-1538
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| .@@. .@@. .@@. @@@, | STeve's Online Atari Resource |
| @, @ @ @ @ @ @ @ | |
| @, @ @ @ @ @@@' | Your one-stop SOARce of all things Atari: |
| @, @ @ @@@@ @@, | ask questions, buy hardware & software |
| @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @, | download programs, play on-line games. |
| '@@' '@@' @ @ @ @ | Funded by STeve's Software Sales. |
o===========================o============================================o
| ////// /////////////////////// ////// S O F T W A R E S A L E S |
| // // ' // |
| ////// // ///// // // ///// ////// Specializing in Atari ST,|
| // // /// // // /// // TT, Lynx, Portfolio, Falcon,|
|////// // ///// //// ///// ////// 8-bits and Game Systems... |
o========================================================================o
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Lynx Catalog - After seeing a Lynx for the first time, the most
"'"'"'"'"'"' commonly asked question is "What games are out for
it?", and the most frequent question asked by Lynx
veterans is probably "What games are coming out?". While we don't have
the space to run a feature with complete game descriptions every month,
it does seem to be a good time to provide a complete list of currently
available and upcoming Lynx games. Prices given are MSRP (Manufacturer's
Suggested Retail Prices), and will vary from store to store.
Available Now -------------------------------------------------------
PA2042 A.P.B. 39.99 PA2039 NINJA GAIDEN 39.99
PA2049 AWESOME GOLF 39.99 PA2059 PACLAND 29.99
PA2050 BASEBALL HEROES 39.99 PA2041 PAPERBOY 29.99
PA2034 BASKETBRAWL 39.99 PA2055 PINBALL JAM 39.99
PA2101 BATMAN RETURNS 49.99 PT5004 QIX 34.99
PA2068 BILL & TED'S ADV. 39.99 PA2022 RAMPAGE 34.99
PA2056 BLOCKOUT 19.99 PA2102 RAMPART 34.99
PA2020 BLUE LIGHTNING 39.99 PA2036 ROADBLASTERS 39.99
PA2025 CALIFORNIA GAMES 39.99 PA2035 ROBO-SQUASH 19.99
PA2053 CHECKERED FLAG 39.99 PA2082 ROBOTRON 2084 19.99
PT5001 CHESS CHALLENGE 39.99 PA2043 RYGAR 34.99
PA2028 CHIP'S CHALLENGE 29.99 PA2048 SCRAPYARD DOG 39.99
PA2105 CRYSTAL MINES II 39.99 PA2081 SHADOW OF THE BEAST 39.99
PA2077 DIRTY LARRY 39.99 PA2063 SHANGHAI 29.99
PA2087 DRACULA THE UNDEAD 39.99 PA2029 SLIME WORLD 29.99
PA2021 ELECTROCOP 19.99 PA2104 STEEL TALONS 39.99
PA2023 GATES OF ZENDOCON 19.99 PA2060 S.T.U.N. RUNNER 39.99
PA2024 GAUNTLET 19.99 PA2100 SUPERSKWEEK 39.99
PA2044 HARD DRIVIN' 39.99 PA2094 SWITCHBLADE II 39.99
PA2052 HOCKEY 39.99 PA2066 TOKI 39.99
PA2073 HYDRA 39.99 PA2038 TOUR. CYBERBALL 39.99
PA2065 ISHIDO 29.99 PA2047 TURBO SUB 39.99
PT5005 JOUST 39.99 PA2064 VIKING CHILD 39.99
PA2031 KLAX 19.99 PA2032 WARBIRDS 39.99
PA2076 KUNG FOOD 39.99 PA2037 WORLD CLASS SOCCER 29.99
PA2061 LYNX CASINO 39.99 PA2026 XENOPHOBE 29.99
PA2057 MS. PAC-MAN 29.99 PA2062 XYBOTS 39.99
PA2045 N.F.L. FOOTBALL 39.99 PA2030 ZARLOR MERCENARY 19.99
Available Soon ------------------------------------------------------
PA2093 ASTEROID/MISS COM. 39.99 PA2085 J. CONNORS TENNIS 39.99
PT5006 BATTLE WHEELS 39.99 PA2080 LEMMINGS 39.99
PA2088 BATTLEZONE 2000 39.99 PA2086 MALIBU VOLLEYBALL 39.99
PA2090 DAEMONSGATE 39.99 PA2092 NINJA GAIDEN III 49.99
PA2089 DINOLYMPICS 39.99 PA2091 NINJA NERD 39.99
PT5007 EUROPEAN SOCCER 49.99 PA2070 PIT FIGHTER 49.99
PA2095 EYE OF BEHOLDER 49.99 PA2109 POWER FACTOR 39.99
PA2098 FULL COURT PRESS 39.99 PA2078 RAI-DEN 39.99
PA2106 GORDO 106 39.99 PA2103 ROAD RIOT 4WD 39.99
PA2097 HVYWT. CONTENDED 39.99
Hardware and Accesories ---------------------------------------------
PA-4101 LYNX COMP. SYSTEM 129.99 PA-3201 LYNX BASE UNIT 79.99
PAG-1200 AC ADAPTOR 17.99 PAG-3325 BATTERY PACK 17.99
PAG-3200 COMLYNX CABLE 9.99 PAG-3350 CARRYING CASE 23.99
PAG-3375 CARRYING POUCH 19.99 PAG-3425 SUN VISOR (II) 7.99
PAG-3300 AUTO ADAPTOR 20.99
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GAZETTE NEWSFILE - Howdy, Lynx fans...time for the latest from Atari and
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"' its developers. CES wasn't all we hoped it would be
by Chris Baker with Gary Tramiel tucked away in his hotel suite doing
business deals, it was a quiet show for the Lynx.
Telegames was there and they were showing their five titles currently
in development, including a demo of Desert Strike. Sadly though, I must
tell you that the much awaited The Guardians: Storm Over Doria has been
cancelled. They felt that the cost of the game to the consumers (on the
scale of 70 or 80 bucks per game) for a 4meg/EEPROM card was just too much
and it died a sad death.
Speaking of cancellations, Atari has jumped on the 'Dead Game Office'
bandwagon. 720 degrees, Cabal, Rolling Thunder and the Lynx vaporware
king - Vindicators is finally laid to rest.
The flow of game cards has been slowed down by those higher up in Atari
and only 2 games per month will be sent into production. As we speak,
Pit-Fighter, Dinolympics, and Power Factor are in production. Pit-Fighter
is due in February. Dinolympics and Power Factor are due in March. Be
sure to check out the review of Pit-Fighter, Atari's first 4meg game later
in this issue.
Telegames has European Soccer Challenge due out in March while upstart
Lynx developer Beyond Games' first release BattleWheels is a March/April
release.
Until next time, keep lots of batteries handy and Happy Lynx'n.
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COULD IT BE?
"'"'"'"'"'"'
by Chris Baker
In the rumour mill this month I have but one item to bring to you:
Atari will be on the floor at the Summer CES in Chicago and will unveil
their long awaited, highly speculated, and heavily debated top secret new
system - Jaguar. So stay tuned to Atari Gaming Gazette for all the latest
on the unleashing of Atari's latest cat.
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TRADE PUBLICATION ROUND-UP Here's the round-up of what's in all the
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"' major video game magazines with a cover date
by Chris Baker of February 1993 (with one exception), as
pertaining to the Lynx, Jaguar, and Atari.
Atari Explorer, Volume 7 Issue 6 - November/December 1992
Well...we waited a while for it and it arrived sometime in January.
Inside were 2 reviews (Pinball Jam and Shadow of the Beast). Also, there
are some tips on how to play Electrocop and easter eggs for Slime World
and Awesome Golf. And for those who couldn't get a hold of the Lynx
Christmas insert, there's one of those inside too.
DIE HARD Game Fan, Volume 1 Issue 4 - February 1993
All Lame Gear once again. While their editorial was right that Atari
had no presence on the floor at CES, Telegames was there and they could
have shown us some screen shots of Eurpoean Soccer Challenge and Desert
Strike!
Electronic Games, Volume 1 Number 5 - February 1993
Merely a brief description of Hockey for the Lynx in an article on
video Hockey games.
Electronic Gaming Monthly, Volume 6 Number 2 - February 1993
February's issue contains a review of Joust, and a preview of Power
Factor. Atari sues Epyx? Gimme a break Q-mann, I think you dreamed it.
Gamepro, Volume 5 - February 1993
Just a review of the primo game Dracula, The Undead.
Video Games & Computer Entertainment, Volume 5 Issue 2 - February 1993
Andy Eddy and company have come up with some goodies this month. Preview
screens of Malibu Bikini Volleyball, and a review of Dracula, The Undead.
There's a bunch of easter eggs for Lynx games too! Batman Returns, Toki
and Crystal Mines II.
That's it for this month, be sure to check out Video Games & Video
Entertainment, the Easter Eggs are pretty good!
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OPERATION: A.C.T. NOW
---------------------
Atari Community Together Now
<<< TOYS'R'US AND THE ATARI LYNX LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN! >>>
The Atari Lynx is probably the best portable video game system on
the market. The system has fantastic graphics, fantastic sound, and
fantastic comLynxing capabilities. The Lynx also has some very good
games available for it due to programmers that worked hard to make
the Lynx more than just another video game system.
The Lynx also has its problems. In November, 1991 at Chicago, Atari's
National Sales Director for the Lynx said, "There is no distribution
problem with the Lynx. Everyone wants the Lynx!" He continued to say
how K-Mart called him and how they wanted to carry the Lynx, but Atari
did not produce enough that year.
The big question: What happened?
If you are like most other Lynx owners, you have noticed that there
is indeed a distribution problem. The following is the Lynx dealership
situation in my area:
Kay-Bee Toy Stores...................No Lynx or game cards.
Children's Place (Child World).......No Lynx or game cards.
Sears................................No Lynx or game cards.
Best.................................No Lynx or game cards.
Hills................................No Lynx or game cards.
K-Mart...............................No Lynx or game cards.
Walmart..............................No Lynx or game cards.
Kiddie City..........................Two Lynx systems per store,
Four game cards.
WaldenSoftware.......................Two Lynx systems per store,
Six game cards.
Software Etc.........................Four Lynx systems per store,
Eight game cards.
Electronic Boutique..................Four Lynx systems per store,
Twelve game cards.
Video Game Exchange..................Four Lynx systems per store,
Twenty game cards.
The number of game cards was determined by how many games were visible
at the time I visited the store. The number of systems was determined
by how many the store usually carries in stock on the average.
I would also like to comment that the Lynx games found at Kiddie City
were buried beneath hundreds of Nintendo and Sega cartridges. The Lynx
games found in WaldenSoftware were hidden behind the counter where they
could not be seen. The Lynx games found at Software Etc. were towards
the front of the store but hidden behind a shelf. When I first went to
Software Etc. for Lynx games, I looked for them for 10 minutes before I
had to ask a salesperson to show me where they were. The Lynx games at
Electronic Boutique were at the back of the store next to TurboGraphix
games.
The only retailer that seemed to have a large selection of Lynx games
was Toys'R'Us. Recently, this has all changed. There have been an
increasing number of reports all over computer networks and bulletin
board systems about how Toys'R'Us is dropping the Lynx. People are
reporting that Toys'R'Us does not have the Lynx in stock nor half of
the games. Toys'R'Us is supposely marking the price down on Lynx games
to "clear house" of Atari.
What does Atari's management think? The 1-800 number created to
order the Lynx for the Holiday Season seems to say it all. And the
losing of Atari's largest distributor (if this is true) reflects some
problems that Atari needs correcting.
Here are a few of the several messages being posted on major computer
networks:
Article #660 (660 is last):
From: an913@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Tom P. Jarvela)
Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.video
Subject: My Adventure At Toys R Us
Date: Wed Dec 30 16:39:55 1992
I decided to do a little shopping today and ran into Toys R Us to see if
they got anything in stock. Well, they didn't, but there are some other
things that happened.
As I made my way to the video game section I took a glance at the LYNX
system in the display case. There were no available cards to take to buy
the thing and the game running was Ms. Pac Man. The brightness was turned
down so low it couldn't hardly be seen. The game display itself isn't
anything that would sell a system anyway. It's a plain black screen with
Ms. Pac Man on it and there apparently was no demo for it.
Anyway, I go over to where the games are waaaaaay in the back by the SNES
stuff. I didn't see any new games or restocked old games for that matter.
I was quite frustrated because I wanted to buy Checkered Flag or another
game for $19 (they price on the sign). They were sold out except for the
floor models. Normally I don't like floor models, but I decided that the
instruction would be in good shape, the card itself would hardly be used,
probably just a few hours running in the display case, so I bought
Checkered Flag and California Games. They also had Awesome Golf and LYNX
Casino for $19 (floor models). So I take the floor sample cards up, pay
for them, go to the booth, and this kid comes over to wait on me. I
stared him down and tossed him my receipt. He went to get the games.
When he came back I we had a conversation that went something like this:
Me: "You know, you really should give more support for the LYNX. You know,
get some newer games in and restock the old ones that have sold out. And
do something about that display, it makes the LYNX look bad. It's a
helluva machine and youre lack of support is a disgrace."
Droid: "I know, I like the LYNX. Nice machine. Nice. It's really nice,
good graphics, yeah... BUT... we're dropping it."
Me: "You're dropping it? What kind of idiotic move is that? There's quite
a nice sized user base in this area. It's a fairly popular machine."
Droid: "Yeah, well, uh, I don't know much about it, we're just going to
get rid of it."
Just like that. No real excuse given as to why they are dropping it. It's
obviously selling. I had to restrain myself from swearing because of the
presence of some little kids nearby. I think I'll be taking my business
elsewhere from now on... for good.
Greg
--
Article #1448 (1499 is last):
Newsgroups: alt.games.lynx
From: areid@mary.fordham.edu (Darin Reid)
Subject: Lynx - bad sign!
Date: Sun Dec 27 13:04:00 1992
I just got the Sunday edition of the New York (City) Daily News...
in it there is a sale paper for Toys "R" Us, it has a huge section for
game systems and their games, and guess what..., the Lynx is nowhere
to be found!
They advertise: Super Nintendo, Gameboy, Game Gear, Nintendo, Genesis,
TurboExpress, and Turbografx-16, all of the Game Genies and hand held
games from Tiger. NO LYNX... I bought a system that has no following!!!
I should have gotten a Game Gear! Sorry Robert but I've lost faith in
Atari's ability to market and support their product. I can't even find
games for it; Not in T"R"U, The Wiz, Kiddie City, Electronic Boutique
(mail order catalog dropped the Lynx too!), Kaybee can a Lynx game be
found. The machine isn't even mentioned. When the TG-16 is displayed
more prominently than the Lynx quittin' time has come...
Just my view o' things...
- Darin
_________________________________________________________________________
Areid@Mary.Fordham.Edu || Dreid@Nyx.Cs.Du.Edu || reid@dsm.fordham.edu
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bitnet:areid@fordmulc
-------------------------------
Article #1450 (1499 is last):
Newsgroups: alt.games.lynx
From: positron@engin.umich.edu (Jonathan Scott Haas)
Subject: Re: Lynx - bad sign!
Date: Sun Dec 27 16:13:07 1992
In article <27DEC199214041812@mary.fordham.edu> areid@mary.fordham.edu
(Darin Reid) writes:
>
> ["the Lynx is dying!"]
>
I agree, which is why I think I'm going to sell mine. I was
in TRU yesterday, and was startled to see the Lynx gone from
its display case. They still had some games, but not many.
It seems likely that they're just going to sell off their
inventory, then drop support.
--
__/\__ Jonathan S. Haas | Jake liked his women the way he liked
\ / University of Michigan | his kiwi fruit: sweet yet tart, firm-
/_ _\ positron@engin.umich.edu | fleshed yet yielding to the touch, and
\/ | covered with short brown fuzzy hair.
-------------------------------
This news should make every Lynx owner concerned.
I called Toys'R'Us and I was informed that if customers of Toys'R'Us
has any problems regarding the Lynx, we should write: Mr. Michael
Goldstein, Vice Chairman of Toys'R'Us. He is also the Chief Financial
Officer.
The woman I spoke to on the phone said that he has the power to bring
back the Lynx if it was dropped. She continued to say that if the
customers of Toys'R'Us are unhappy, the only way that they will know
about it is if you let Toys'R'Us know.
I say, let them know.
If you are disappointed by the recent rumors of Toys'R'Us dropping
the Lynx, please write Mr. Goldstein a letter at the following address:
Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
Toys'R'Us
461 From Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
If you are disappointed by the distribution of Lynx systems and Lynx
game cards by Atari, please write Mr. Sam Tramiel a letter at the
following address:
Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
There is no doubt that writing your OWN letters to these people will
help MORE than just sending in form letters. These company officials
will be more convinced that you are serious about this matter if you
take the time to write your own letter. If you do not know exactly what
to say, read the form letters to get some ideas. Also, remember to be
nice!
If you absolutely do not have enough time to write your own letters,
you are welcome to choose the following form letters that can best
express your feelings.
The most important thing you can do besides writing is to spread the
news about this letter writing campaign. Toys'R'Us will NOT consider
bringing back the Lynx unless they receive THOUSANDS of letters. This
means that you and every Lynx owner that you know will need to write a
letter. There is no other way.
The same thing goes for Atari. Sam Tramiel will not attempt to get
Toys'R'Us as a Lynx dealer again unless you make him aware that he needs
to do it.
Thank you for caring about the Lynx!
Sincerely,
Len Stys (aa399@cleveland.freenet.edu)
SAM TRAMIEL, ATARI FORM LETTERS
-------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Dear Mr. Tramiel,
I am writing you this letter to inform you that
the Toys'R'Us retail stores in my area have a very small
supply of Lynx systems and Lynx game cards. This
concerns me because Toys'R'Us is one of the few retailers
remaining that I can purchase Lynx game cards at.
I have also written Toys'R'Us about this problem
with hope that you will both find a way to increase the
supply of Lynx systems and Lynx game cards at Toys'R'Us.
The Lynx is too good of a product for its success to be
limited by lack of distribution.
Thank you for caring enough about your customers
to correct this problem.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
(your name)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Dear Mr. Tramiel,
I am writing you this letter to inform you of
the lack of Lynx dealers in my area. I have a very
hard time obtaining game cards because retailers either
do not carry them or only keep a small supply in stock.
I also do not care to use Atari's 1-800 number to
order game cards for a system that I should be able to
purchase at any toy store.
I have recently noticed that the Toys'R'Us stores
in my area have reduced the amount of Lynx systems and
game cards that they carry. I would appreciate it if
your company would contact Toys'R'Us and make
arrangements for the store to carry more of Atari's
products instead of less. I have also contacted
Toys'R'Us to inform them of the demand for the Lynx and
Lynx game cards.
I would like to let you know that the Lynx is a
very good video game system because of the quality games
available for it. Please make sure that only quality
games are realesed for the Lynx in the future.
Thank you for caring enough to read my letter and
for correcting the problems I mentioned.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
(your name)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Dear Mr. Tramiel,
There seems to be a distribution problem with one
the best video game systems on the market--the Lynx.
The Lynx is an incredible product that cannot be
purchased because very few retailers are carrying it!
I am having a difficult time finding retailers to
purchase Lynx games at. I also do not care to order
games through a 1-800 number when I should be able to
buy them at toy stores.
I have noticed that Toys'R'Us seems to be carrying
less and less of the Lynx and game cards each time
I visit. I have written Toys'R'Us about the demand for
Atari's products with hope that you will both work to
increase Toys'R'Us' supplies.
The main reason the Lynx is the best portable video
game system is because of the quality games available
for it. Atari must only release high quality games for
the Lynx or it will become just another video game
system. Please keep track of the companies that make the
best Lynx games and have them make more.
I would also appreciate it if your company
increases the number of third-party companies that make
games for the Lynx. This will allow games to be produced
for the Lynx that are in demand, but your company is
unable to produce.
Thank you for caring enough to read my letter
and for considering what I have written.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
(your name)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Sam Tramiel, President
Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Dear Mr. Tramiel,
I have heard rumors that Toys'R'Us is dropping the
Lynx! Is this true? Toys'R'Us is one of the few toy
stores left that support the Lynx.
I was shocked that Atari let their largest distributor
slip away, but I have written a letter to Toys'R'Us urging
them to continue carrying the Lynx. I also urge you to
contact Toys'R'Us and arrange for them to continue carrying
the Lynx.
I am confident that any problems between Atari and
Toys'R'Us can be resolved.
Thank you,
(your signature)
(your name)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN, TOYS'R'US FORM LETTERS
-----------------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
Toys'R'Us
461 From Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
Dear Mr. Goldstein,
I have been recommending the Atari Lynx to all of
my friends. I tell them to buy it at Toys'R'Us but
the stores in my area do not have any and your sales
people do not expect any new shipments! There are also
very few Lynx game titles in stock. Why doesn't the
largest toy store in the world carry a healthy supply
of a quality product such as the Atari Lynx?
The Atari Lynx is the best portable video game
system on the market. In the past, I have purchased my
Lynx games from Toys'R'Us. I am concerned that I will
not be able to buy them from Toys'R'Us in the future.
I hope you understand that Toys'R'Us will be losing
sales by not carrying the Lynx. My friends and I will not
stop buying Lynx games because Toys'R'Us does not carry
them, we will only go to another store that does.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
(your name)
------------------------------------------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
Toys'R'Us
461 From Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
Dear Mr. Goldstein,
I purchased my Atari Lynx from Toys'R'Us with the
belief that your company would be there when I wanted
to buy games for it. I have visited Toys'R'Us in my area
and I am told that the Lynx is being dropped!
When I purchased my Lynx from Toys'R'Us, the
salesperson told me that I was making the right decision
by purchasing it from Toys'R'Us. There are other
stores that I could have purchased it from that are
continuing to support the Lynx strongly.
I would like very much to continue buying my Lynx
video games from Toys'R'Us. Please continue supporting
the Atari Lynx by increasing, not decreasing, the amount
of stock that Toys'R'Us stores carry.
Thank you for taking the time to care about your
customers.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
(your name)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
(date)
(your address)
Mr. Michael Goldstein, Vice Chairman
Toys'R'Us
461 From Road
Paramus, NJ 07652
Dear Mr. Goldstein,
I have heard rumors that Toys'R'Us is dropping the
Lynx! Is this true? Toys'R'Us has carried Atari
products since the store first started! This is very
disappointing news.
The Atari Lynx is not only a very good product, but
it is also manufactured by the only American video game
company!
I urge you to contact Atari and resolve your
problems with them. The Atari Lynx is just too good of
a product for Toys'R'Us not to carry.
Thank you for caring about your customers.
Sincerely,
(your signature)
(your name)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
THANK YOU FOR WRITING!
This is what makes the Atari Community so great!
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**** ***** * * ***** ***** * *
P I T F I G H T E R * * * * * * * * *
**** **** * * * **** * * *
-= Available Soon =- * * * * * * * ** **
* * ***** * ***** ***** * *
Pit-Fighter
Developed by Al Baker, Brad Delaney,
Nathan Baker, Craig Erickson and Matt Scott
Original art by Atari Games
Published by Atari Corporation
Review by Chris Baker
Pit-Fighter is the first 4meg Lynx game for the handheld system.
Al Baker and company really had their work cut out for them, especially
since translations of this game on to other formats have not been very
well received.
The graphics are a bit crunched down but for the most part look good.
I think that the bulk of the 4megs are indeed taken up by the scaled-down
digitized graphics. You can tell that a lot of work went into making this
look as close to the original as possible including people coming out of
the crowd to atack you. The animation works well and flows smoothly,
including a nice scaling effect of you and your opponent(s) moving about
the arena.
The sound is nothing to write home about. There's the usual pings
and beeps, and a skeletal music soundtrack. Since this is more or less
standard fare in Lynx games, most Lynx owners will feel right at home.
About the only thing that really puts a dent in this otherwise
decent title is the control and gameplay. Pit-Fighter is not nearly
as responsive to offensive and defensive moves as one would like it to
be. Movement with the joypad works just fine but the attacks are
frustrating. Both A & B are used along with both OPTION buttons and
the joypad to perform all of the moves, but the response time for the
Lynx to execute these moves once you hit the buttons needs to be faster.
In general, you really don't need to master all of the moves to get far
in the game.
Overall, Pit-Fighter is a decent fighting game but needs to be a little
faster. It looks very much like the original, but doesn't really play
like it. If you like fighting games, this one is worth a look.
Graphics: 8
Animation/Scaling: 8
Sound/Speech: 5
Music: 5
Gameplay: 6
Playability: 6
Overall: 6.5
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B A T M A N
R E T U R N S
Strategy Guide
Conclusion
Level 3
1) Kill the big penguins before they can shoot at you or you are in
big trouble. Fire batarangs so you hit them just as they move
onto the screen.
2) There are plenty of powerups in this level. Go for all of them.
3) Make sure you don't get knocked down into a toxic puddle.
This is very damaging.
4) About 50 penguins must be killed at the end of the level.
5) Try hanging out by the left pipe and throwing batarangs to the
right. You can also throw batarangs into the pipes. Another
good method is to stand on the pipe ledge and throw acid where
the penguins are dropping.
6) If a bunch of penguins get close together, hit them with acid to
kill all of them at the same time.
Level 4
1) The wood ledges drop while you are standing on them. They won't
drop if you are in the air or if you have been knocked down.
2) You can walk on or jump from a ledge even if it's a little underwater.
3) When you get to the ice, go far enough to the right so you can't
scroll to the left any more. That will stop the enemies from
appearing.
4) To finish this level, you have to destroy the generator and the
Penguin. If you hurt the Penguin enough, he will go get a new
weapon. You can't kill him until he is using his third weapon.
The final blow must knock him toward the generator.
As many people have discovered, the best way to just get through the
levels is to run as fast as possible and avoid most of the enemies. It
is possible to fight lots of enemies and finish the game. The highest
score I know of is around 700,000.
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Easter Egg Gallery Welcome to the Gallery, where we will display the
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"' latest Easter Eggs for Atari video games! This
month's Easter Eggs are for the games Batman Returns, Toki, and Crystal
Mines II. These Eggs are reprinted from the February issue of Video
Games & Computer Entertainment, by permission of the magazine's Executive
Editor, Andy Eddy. Thanks a bunch!
Batman Returns - Having a tough time with this outrageously difficult
"'"'"'"'"'"'"' Lynx game? Try our superpowerful Easter egg, and your
troubles will be over!
At the title screen (the one with the Batman logo in the background),
enter this secret code: Press Up eight times, Down twelve times, Left 15
times, Right 19 times, and OPTION 1 27 times. (No, we're not kidding!)
Then press A or B to start the game. Once the action starts, hit the
PAUSE button and you can press OPTION 1 to skip to the next level.
Pressing OPTION 2 while the game is paused will make the Caped Crusader
invincible! Be careful, because you can still be killed by falling off
buildings and such.
Toki - In our October issue, we told you how you could enter Toki's
"'"' "freak-out mode" by pressing Up and OPTION 1 before the title
screen appears and holding them down through the entire demo sequence.
VG&CE reader Michale E. Ahrens wrote to tell us about a similar Toki
Easter Egg: If you hold Up and OPTION 1 during the entire "Continue"
countdown at the end of the game, you'll see a small white speck in the
middle of a black screen. If you alternate pressing the control pad and
A or B buttons rapidly, the spot will slowly inflate like a balloon,
revealing itself to be a digitized photo of the game's programmers!
Crystal Mines II - Hey, who needs to take up a whole page with Crystal
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"' Mines II passwords? We've got a single code that
will allow you to access all of the game's levels, including the bonus
stages! The only one of the game's areas that this code doesn't give
away is the ZERO level ("Secret Vault"), which we told you about way back
in our July 1992 issue.
Here's how it works: Enter the password KIMI, but don't press the A
button to start the game. Instead, hold down the OPTION 1 and OPTION 2
buttons and press B. You'll hear a sound like a machine gun and you'll
see the first level ("Down in the Dirt") appear on the screen. Press A
to skip ahead to the next level or press B to move back through the list.
When you see the level you want to play, press any direction on the
control pad to start the game!
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Lynx'n On the Line Welcome back to Lynx'n On the Line. This is
"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"' where we cover the more interesting messages
Compiled by Jeff Kovach found on CompuServe, GEnie, and the STAR*LINX
BBS, in the Lynx message areas of each service.
For information on joining CompuServe or GEnie, see the ads provided
before the messages from each service. STAR*LINX BBS may be reached at
(602)/464-4817.
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The Atari ST Roundtable on GEnie is a hotbed of LYNX Activity!
**--GENIE SIGN-UP IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!--**
==========================================================
1- Set your communications software to Half Duplex (local
echo) at 300, 1200 or 2400 baud.
2-Dial toll free (with modem) 1-800-638-8369 (or in Canada
dial 1-800-387-8330). Upon connection type HHH
3-At the U#= prompt enter XJM11887,GENIE then press RETURN
Have a major credit card ready. In the USA you may also
use your checking account number.
Need more help? Call (voice) 1-800-638-9636
========================================================================
Reprints from the GEnie ST Roundtable are Copyright (c)1993, Atari
Corp. and the GEnie ST RT. Used with permission. Compiled by T.MCCOMB
========================================================================
The GEnie information was compiled by Tom McComb [T.MCCOMB on GEnie],
your Atari Gaming Gazette liaison to GEnie. Watch CAT 36 for an AGG
TOPic where you can correspond with AGG.
/////////////
Batman
Category 36, Topic 24
/////////////
Message 148 Thu Jan 07, 1993
J.BUDIL [Jonathan] at 01:45 EDT
Tae Kim,
Eric Ginner has said that he will eventually reveal a cheat in Batman Returns
to access any level or become invincible, so don't feel burned yet.
--Jonathan in Normal
----------
Message 13 Mon Jan 25, 1993
E.GINNER at 02:13 EST
OK, if the Batman Returns cheat is in a magazine, I will spill the beans. I
need to see it in the magazine myself, though. I wish I knew how it got in
there.
----------
Message 125 Tue Jan 26, 1993
T.CALHOUN at 18:18 EST
Batman Secrets revealed!
At the title screen do the following: Press up eight times Down twelve times
left 15 times right 19 times option 1 27 times Then press A to start the game
When the game begins, hit the pause button and then press option 1 to skip a
level. When the game is in pause mode pressing option two makes Batman almost
invincible. He still bites it if you fall off a building. This clue came
from an Atari insider and is starting to make the rounds. No way you would
have figured this one out.
----------
Message 126 Wed Jan 27, 1993
T.CALHOUN at 21:06 EST
For those of you that have tried Batman in the invincible mode. You can see
how hard this game really is. Even with Batman invulnerable it is tough to
finish this game.
----------
Message 127 Thu Jan 28, 1993
E.GINNER at 02:51 EST
Well, I saw the cheat in Video Games and Computer Entertainment. Who is this
Atari insider anyway? Once cheat mode is activated, it gets cancelled if you
press the joypad or option 1 on the title screen. That includes pressing
restart during a game, so let the game return to the title screen on its own
when a game ends. By the way, I did not want or expect people to figure it
out, that's why I made it so hard.
----------
Message 129 Mon Feb 01, 1993
E.GINNER at 01:40 EST
There is no indication that cheat mode is on. If it doesn't work, turn off
the power, then try it again. You are probably hitting a diagonal on the
joypad, which would count as a press for each direction.
----------
Message 130 Mon Feb 01, 1993
GRMEYER [Gordon/Sysop] at 20:01 EST
Geez Eric, I think you should have added a "then stand on your head"
requirement. <GRIN>
----------
Message 132 Sat Feb 06, 1993
P.LOUIE1 at 18:28 EST
Thanks Eric. For some reason, for the cheat mode to work, Batman must be
moved first (ie once the game starts, you can't press pause and press the
option buttons. I had to move Batman first THEN press pause) Weird...
----------
Message 133 Tue Feb 09, 1993
E.GINNER at 02:45 EST
That's strange, moving Batman shouldn't affect the cheat mode like that. I'll
have to check into that.
----------
//////////////////////
Awesome Golf
Category 36, Topic 5
//////////////////////
Message 153 Sat Jan 09, 1993
T.KILBRIDE at 23:51 EST
I recommend the Lynx golf game and wish they'd do a Golf II with 3 more
courses.
----------
Message 154 Sun Jan 10, 1993
H.WOOTAN [Harry] at 14:39 EST
Speaking of the golf game (Awesome Golf), is there some kind of guidance on
putting? Such as a power/distance guide? In other words, how do I know how
hard to putt based on the distance?
-- Harry
----------
Message 157 Tue Jan 12, 1993
S.RAMIREZ [Sam] at 01:52 EST
Harry, the manual (poster) I think says that the maximum putting distance is
32 feet. Take the total gauge and visually break it into 4 parts.
----------
//////////////////////
Shadow of the Beast
&
Tech Stuff!
Category 36, Topic 5
Category 18, Topic 5
//////////////////////
Message 160 Fri Jan 15, 1993
S.JOHNSON10 [Steve] at 01:22 EST
I just got SHADOW OF THE BEAST for the Lynx today and am just absolutely
amazed by the quality of it. I seriously think that this may be the top
contender for replacement of CALIFORNIA GAMES in the Lynx deluxe package.
Atari NEEDS to replace C.G. in the deluxe package with SOMETHING, though, and
SOON!!! That's the biggest complaint I hear about the deluxe package -- that
C.G. isn't all that great and doesn't do much of a job of showing off what the
Lynx can do.
----------
Message 161 Fri Jan 15, 1993
K.DRAKE [Sir Fransis] at 05:13 EST
Hi Eric!
I'm back from a long modemless period but I did see Aladdin so I at least
had THAT genie exposure!! Riddle me this, when someone says Shadow of the
Beast has 30+ colors on the screen, they are counting the "colors"
created by dithering as well aren't they? Because we all know that the
Lynx is a 16-trick (color) pony, right?
Also, did you ever get any info on that Hockey color thing?
To All:
Since Toys R Us has several different floor plans now for several
different store sizes and areas, this may mean nothing but all of
the Lynx games in MY area have been discontinued by Toys R Us, and
the new games are no longer even on the list! But like I said, my store
is very small.
Still Sailing,
Sir Fransis
----------
Message 162 Mon Jan 25, 1993
E.GINNER at 02:06 EST
It's possible to get more than 16 colors on the screen, but it takes a bit of
trickery to do it. Take a look at Roadblasters to see an example of it. I
didn't find anything out about Hockey. The Toys R Us stores in this area
(Northern California bay area) have Lynx games, but they only seem to have
about half of the games available.
----------
Message 166 Wed Jan 27, 1993
D.ENGEL [Thunderbird] at 21:54 EST
Sir Francis:
You mean the lynx has the equivalent of "Horizontal Blanking Interrupts"?
Or, do you have to stick to a tight timing loop synched to the screen (like
Spectrum512)?
Also, why do the areas have to be non-moving or slow moving? In my 8-bit
game (ROCKS! Analog Computing, May 1986), I used interrupts to change the
color of just about everything, change character sets, change the positions of
objects, and all sorts of neato tricks. Everything was fast moving in that
game.
_________________________
\hunderbird
----------
Message 144 Thu Jan 28, 1993
K.DRAKE [Sir Fransis] at 22:46 EST
Atari's got Motorola doing their 64-bit chip. Waitaminit! Jag-Motorola,
PowerPC-Motorola, Falcon030-Motorola. If I worked for Intel...
Any hints on if a game will be packed in? I'd like to see a mascot
quality caracter (simply because the vast majority of players like the
hop-n-bop game) but I'd settle for one of those great Tengen conversions.
Or BattleWheels - The Next Garage!
Still Sailing,
Sir Fransis
Because Beyond Games should have a Jag developers kit.
- --Jonathan in Normal
-------
Message 170 Fri Jan 29, 1993
S.JOHNSON10 [Steve] at 01:09 EST
If the Lynx ever gets revamped again, I'd suggest going with a better LCD
screen (like active matrix or somesuch). On some games, I get annoyed by the
way the black areas of the screen are actually grey when I turn the brightness
up to it's optimal level.
/////////////////////////
Crystal Mines II
Category 36, Topic 13
/////////////////////////
Message 7 Sat Jan 16, 1993
P.POKORSKI [Hoser] at 08:56 EST
Hi, all:
I agree! CM II is the best puzzle game I have played on the Lynx and possibly
on the ST line also. Chip's Challenge became very boring after I had
completed 50 levels or so.
Regards, Paul
----------
Message 8 Thu Jan 21, 1993
R.STRAUSS3 [Robert] at 23:56 EST
Also, the closing animation in CM II is awesome. I still love it!
Robert
----------
///////////////////////////
Battle Wheels
Category 36, Topic 36
///////////////////////////
Message 32 Fri Jan 01, 1993
W.RUPP [Bill (N0MKJ)] at 11:42 EST
Oh No T.J., We have to give them back??! Not until AFTER the 100 kill
tournement! I'm having WAY too much fun with this. When is this cart
scheduled to be on the shelves?? We need more carts! This thing will link up
to 6 players you know.
On Foot battles can be fun... If your the only one in a car! Select custom
mode and runner. Then build a car! You will be the only one with a car!
(Hey, they had the cash to build too..) This is a good time to practice the
rear view splatter....
I think I have perfected the rear view splatter. Aiming in reverse is a
little tricky, but can be mastered with practice.
This game really shines when using the custom features. Building your own
car and making it last through a tourney is a real challenge. The action mode
is challenging but you miss out on quite a bit.
I normally don't normally pay alot for carts. This cart is what I would call
a $35 cart.
Bills quick 24hr review... Scored 1-10
Graphics 7
Sound 7
Playability 9
Addictivness 9
Overall Fun 9
Multi-player 10
Overall Score 9
This one is right up there with the best of them. Can't wait to pick it up!
(Can we order direct? I hate waits!) What other greats can we expect from
Beyond Games too? Keep us posted. Bill
----------
Message 33 Fri Jan 08, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 01:48 EST
Well I got my pre-release version of BattleWheels today.
After only playng with it for about 20 minutes today (I won't be able to
really run it ragged till this weekend), _I_AM_HOOKED_.
Great game!! Can't wait to try it ComLYNXed!
This baby is hot!
-Tom
----------
Message 34 Sat Jan 09, 1993
J.BUDIL [Jonathan] at 00:08 EDT
Sounds like it will do quite nicely if MIDI Maze never comes out -- heck,
it'll do quite nicely regardless!
--Jonathan in Normal
----------
Message 35 Sat Jan 09, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 00:47 EST
Well I just completed another hours worth of BattleWheels.
Wow.
This is a _great_ game.
Definately up around the top 2-3 LYNX games. ComLYNXed, it's probably number
1.
-Tom
----------
Message 36 Sun Jan 10, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 16:08 EST
Hey! Where's the rest of the BattleWheels beta testers out there?!
This game sets a new plateau for the LYNX. A _must_ have. I can't wait to
get another and LYNK up.
Kill a Ahppy Face? MidiMaze? FaceBall 2000?
Blech. Phooey.
This is the real thing, folks.
I cant' believe they got it all stuffed into a 128k game too!
Options up the gazoo. Not to mention, 50 different ways to blow off the other
guys gazoo.
I can see whay they are marketing this one themselves, it may be a bit too
bloddy/graphic for 'mainstream' Atari.
Full speed ahead! Damn the missiles!
-Tom
----------
Message 37 Sun Jan 10, 1993
T.GIRSCH [TJ@EuroGames] at 23:48 EST
Tom -
I was just about ready to write my review when my new LYNX curled up and died
on me. It's still under warranty, but this will delay me a week or so.
BTW, you haven't played BattleWheels yet. I've played two player, and it's
fantastic! I want Kris to send me four more carts so I can do six player at
the local User group meeting! (This Saturday hint hint!!!)
Can't wait to see commercial release!
- T.J. @ Atari Advantage
----------
Message 38 Tue Jan 12, 1993
J.BUDIL [Jonathan] at 00:27 EDT
I can't _wait_ to see this either! Sounds like they can put me down for two,
probably.
----------
Message 39 Tue Jan 12, 1993
B.AEIN [B Man] at 00:42 EST
Need any more Beta testers? Sounds like a great game. What else do ya got
comming?
When is the tenative release date?
WIll you guys also be developing for the Jaguar?
Bman
----------
Message 40 Fri Jan 15, 1993
GRMEYER [Gordon/Sysop] at 17:58 EST
Sounds like BattleWheels would be a great choice to offer as as a "two pack".
That is, bundle two carts together, one instruction book, for about $10. less
than the cost of two carts bought separately. I've often wished Lynx games
would come packaged that way...but of course only if they are multi-player. ;)
Gordon
----------
Message 41 Sat Jan 16, 1993
T.GIRSCH [TJ@EuroGames] at 22:03 EST
Gordon -
Six pack!! Six pack!!
Seriously, though, I agree that more games should be "bundled" for multi-play.
Since you're a sysop, I assume we won't get yelled at for "topic drift..."
- TJ @ AA
--------
Message 42 Thu Jan 28, 1993
K.DRAKE [Sir Fransis] at 22:39 EST
All,
Here's a fun set-up. In custom mode set yourself to runner and the arena to
the bank. Now it's up to you to get to the bank as soon as possible to
avoid being hit. You limit yourself to building a car only with what
you pick up. Start by playing with Rookies first to get the hang of
sliding between the building and the tires.
Can't wait to see the dustbowl!
--They're shoonat ya, but they're on foot. Then, when you rammem and
watchem fly...that's a magic moment--
Keldon Erzatz--B.wheeler
--I rilly hate they outlawed guided weapons. Now you actually have to
AIM!--
Miss Dem Aggen--B.wheeler
No one who has seen it can put it down!
Still Sailing,
Sir Fransis
----------
Message 44 Sat Jan 30, 1993
K.JOHNSON24 [Beyond Games] at 23:07 EST
Jonathan-
BattleWheels is complete and will be released in April. Our second release is
not far behind! Although I can't talk about it yet. Look for a PREview of
BattleWheels in VG&CE in March issue and a REview in the April issue. I'm not
sure on the dates of other magazines.
We will be taking advanced orders on BattleWheels soon. I will keep you
posted.
-Kris @ Beyond Games
----------
Message 45 Mon Feb 01, 1993
GRMEYER [Gordon/Sysop] at 20:04 EST
Kris - Will you be selling this direct, in addition to the normal
distribution channels? If so, any multi-cart packs available? (As in two
cartridges in one package, or something similar.)
Gordon
----------
Message 46 Tue Feb 02, 1993
K.JOHNSON24 [Beyond Games] at 00:54 EST
Beyond Games will be selling BattleWheels via a 1-800 number, I will be
posting this number soon. Also, BattleWheels will be available in most stores
that carry the Lynx. We can't package two carts in one box, but we are
considering a multi pack discount.
Kris @ Beyond Games
----------
Message 48 Wed Feb 03, 1993
D.ASHTON1 [Stargazer ] at 21:06 EST
BattleWheels in April!!! Thats great!! Will there be a preview/review in
EGM, Electronic Gaming Monthly? Thats the game mag I get.
Will you at least tell the concept behind your (Beyond Games) next
release....please.
Thanks.
//////////////////
JOUST
Category 36, Topic 37
//////////////////
Message 6 Fri Jan 01, 1993
S.PREVITY1 [DeadBeat] at 18:04 EST
It's uncanny how much this cart resembles the arcade machine, and of course,
it's absolutely fabulous. One annoying part though -- faithful to the
original, after you've been "dismounted", the game randomly chooses a pad to
generate your new mount, but it waits until there's relative safety in the
surrounding area so you don't get killed immediately.
Problem is, when there's a number of riders flying around, you may end up
waiting for that safety zone quite a while. And during all that waiting, more
and more pterodactyls <sp> appear...you're either very lucky or very well
skilled if you finish the level.
That being said, GIMME MORE!
-DeadBeat-
----------
Message 7 Mon Jan 04, 1993
GRMEYER [Gordon/Sysop] at 18:23 EST
DeadBeat - Yeah, don't you love it how it sticks you in the high traffic area
when it brings you back? I hate that. Such is life I suppose. One thing I
haven't been able to figure out yet is how to reliably get your mount to keep
its feet up. In the arcade game it was easy to make a 'bounce' landing on the
second tier of rocks...bouncing along until you slid thru the crack between
the two rock platforms on the right side of the screen. Makes for a nice
maniac attack on the bouncers below. But I'm having trouble perfecting the
technique on the Lynx version.
Gordon
----------
Message 8 Wed Jan 06, 1993
R.COBBLE1 [ROD] at 18:15 EST
I just picked up Joust for the LYNX, This is a great game!! The sound effects
are iden
tical to the arcade version and sound good on the stereo headphones.
Here are the controls for any who is interested.
A or B is Flap (A is the Stork, B is the Ostrich) Joypad right and left is
Right & Left (Duhhhh) (the longer you hold the pad the faster the bird goes)
Pause and Joypad direction goes to the 4 different intros. (one of which is an
explanation of the game and your opponents)
Option 1 is choose skill level ( 0-9 ) Option 2 is Gladiator Mode setup screen
(Choose island config.) Pause is Pause (Wow) Joypad and A or B also enters top
5 high scores names.
In a 2 player game Ostrich messages are printed in Yellow and Stork messages
are printed in Blue.
The inhabitants of Joust include:
Bounder Hunter Shadowlord Pterodactyl Lava Troll Ostrich Stork
----------
////////////////////////
Dracula the Undead
Category 36, Topic 38
////////////////////////
Message 16 Fri Jan 01, 1993
R.MUNOZ at 17:31 EST
Hi there Tom! Well, I finally did it! I have finished Dracula! I was able
to escape using the well and this time I had documented all the events needed.
At the end I got a CONGRATULATIONS from Braum with some further verbage
regarding the convincing of the authorities to find Dracula's hiding place and
then driving a stake through his heart (what one sees on the screen is two
hands, one grabbing a stake and the other holding a hammer, then you see the
words: THE END. If there are other endings, weel, oops, that should have been
well, someone else may find it, but escaping from the castle will all the
necessary information was good enough to ffinish it, and in "this finish", you
do not actually "adventure" in England, you just find Dracula with the
authorities and you kill him - that is it! BTW, I do not want to disappoint
anyone, but it took me 1 hour 15 minutes to get to this finish (again, there
may be other finishes such as actually driving a stake through Dracula's heart
in the castle). However, the game is still worth it; this (small size game)
may also be the reason why there was no need for a Save Game feature or the
Password feature. Again, the game is very well made and the original usage of
the color scheme is very nice. I hope someone else can find another finish so
I can get back into it, until then, happy vampire hunting...
Rafael.
----------
Message 17 Fri Jan 01, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 18:29 EST
Congrats!
I got to that point again and it said I still missed some things. Arrgh.
How about the door to the left of the stairs, can you get in there?
The Draculas wives room, anything of use in there?
Any use for the money?
What am I missing?!
Windows: only three you can climb into right?
Arrrgh!
-Tom McComb
{6:27 pm} Friday, January 1, 1993
----------
Message 18 Sat Jan 02, 1993
R.MUNOZ at 00:54 EST
Tom, I believe the most important thing needed to finish the game is the notes
you (Jonathan - the guy one plays in the game) keep in the notebook. Did you
"use the notebook" any? And if you did, did you get more info than the usual
"... wrote down some notes...", or something like that? Remember, anytime
"something important" happens you should always "use the notebook".
Let's see, nope, the door to the left has nothing to do with the finish I had.
Also, "Dracula's brides room" had nothing after the initial visit. No, the
money doesn't do anything, except that you may have to have it in your
position to win. And yes, I only found three windows where you can climb
in/climb out - your rooms, and Dracula's study. Again, I hope there is
another finish, I would like to get back into it and try some more things...
Anyone else have any other info? Try again Tom...
Rafael.
----------
Message 19 Sat Jan 02, 1993
SAM-RAPP [<<Sam>>] at 21:13 EST
So, how do I get the rope out of the bottom of the well?
?????????????????????
-------------> Sam
----------
Message 20 Sat Jan 02, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 23:36 EST
"Fish" it out.
;-)
I uploaded my 'walk through' to the file sig.
-Tom McComb
{11:34 pm} Saturday, January 2, 1993
----------
Message 21 Sun Jan 03, 1993
S.JOHNSON10 [Steve] at 03:18 EST
I thought it was interesting when I first started reading the Dracula manual
and read that the Lynx's auto-shutoff feature was disabled for the game as I
didn't know that that feature was controllable via software (i.e. by the game
card).
----------
Message 22 Fri Jan 08, 1993
J.KOCHER1 [POPPY] at 01:22 EST
OK - I read all the messages and someone said they couldn't get by the horse -
I have the same problem - can anyone help?
----------
Message 23 Fri Jan 08, 1993
T.MCCOMB [=Tom=] at 01:48 EST
Feed him.
-Tom
----------
//////////////////
Xenophobe
Category 36, Topic 39
//////////////////
Message 5 Sat Jan 16, 1993
ZRATH-SMILEY [Zenobot] at 23:05 EST
How do you kill the Mother Festor in Xenophobe?
No hints, just tell me straight.
I can take it! <G>
Z-S
----------
Message 10 Tue Jan 19, 1993
C128.JBEE at 05:56 EST
re:Xenophobe
Lose your weapon on the next to the last level so can make sure you
have the laser gun. On the last level go left all the way to the end
and kill the stuff hanging from the ceiling and then fire near the
top of the screen straight across. The shots will hit her in the head
and you can tell because the % points go down and once you kill her
they drop fast.
You don't really need the jack pack during the game or at the end, it
just makes it easier. At the last level you can keep jumping and firing
off shots to kill her. Kind of tough to do with the electro gun since
its range is limited.
Which is why you want the laser, not as strong but goes much farther.
You can reach the mother festor going to the right but I have never been
able to kill her that way even in a two player game with one of us shooting
her after crawling behind her.
I think one of the cutest features is how the snotterpillars hide
behind tentacles when you are trying to shoot them.
----------
////////////////
Checkered Flag
Category 36, Topic 40
////////////////
Message 1 Sun Jan 24, 1993
T.MAGEE1 [Todd] at 01:21 EST
I am new to the Lynx (mine is in the mail), so I have not actually played
this game YET, but it looks good. I heard it has a track editor(?) Too bad
you probably can't save them(?)
Anyone who has it, go ahead and post!
----------
Message 2 Sun Jan 24, 1993
C.CASSADAY [Chris C.] at 02:23 EST
Todd Magee
No, Checkered Flag does not have a track editor. It does have about ten
tracks that you can race on, though.
IMHO, it is always better to play a game that can be linked up, linked up.
Checkered Flag can link up to 6 players, and is quite a bit of fun. It can
also destroy your fingers if you are the type of person who thinks pushing on
the controls harder will make you go faster (grin).
I am always the blue and yellow car, driving with a 7 speed transmission, and
I usually win (another grin).
Chris Cassaday
----------
Message 3 Sun Jan 24, 1993
T.MAGEE1 [Todd] at 04:05 EST
Chris,
No edit? I believe you, but I have an advertisment here for CF that says: An
original racing game from Atari that lets you challenge your driving skills on
a variety of premade tracks, or build your ownm using the course EDIT mode.
So, what does that mean in the advertisement?
Ten soudns good enough to me though! Can't wait to try it out... l8r...
Oh, also, how is Hard Drivin' for the Lynx? Put it in the Hard Drivin' topic
though please.
----------
Message 4 Mon Jan 25, 1993
E.GINNER at 02:18 EST
The ad you saw was done before programming on the game was started. A track
editor was in the original design, but was soon removed for several reasons.
You should play Hard Drivin before you buy it. Some people like it, but many
people really hate that game. If you're looking for another driving game,
check out Battlewheels.
----------
Message 5 Tue Jan 26, 1993
REALM [Joey] at 01:38 EST
I like Battlewheels a lot better then Checkered Flag. Both are pretty
good but I'd rather drive around crashing into people then race toward the
end. I also like Stun Runner better then Checkered Flag. It's sort of a 3D
driving game through tunnels and such.
----------
Message 7 Tue Jan 26, 1993
J.BUDIL [Jonathan] at 21:35 EST
I wish I _could_ check out BattleWheels! But since it's only in beta-test...
Still, when it comes out, I'll probably be able to more than satisfy my
craving for a MIDI-Mazeish Lynx game with it.
----------
/////////////////
Marketing?
Category 36, Topic 5
/////////////////
Message 140 Fri Jan 01, 1993
J.LEBLANC3 [Jeff] at 23:59 EST
Steve,
The Lynx was doing pretty well up here in Massachusetts. Let's see, I bought
one for my son, my sister-in-law and her friend bought a setup, and my sister
went out and bought a Lynx for her 2 sons. I bought one at Waace, one at the
CT show, one at Walden Software, and my sister got her two a Electronics
Boutique. We also picked up some Lynx Accessories at Babbages. We are lucky,
we have a huge mall up here with a Babbages, and Electronics Boutique, Toy's R
Us is across the street, and there is a local Atari dealer just down the road.
As far as display area/support:
The Eletronics Boutique had a fairly good size Lynx display area, prices were
ok, and the rep told me that they were selling the Lynx as fast as they could
get them in.
Babbages also had a sized area, and the Lynx was also selling well there. The
sales people there seemed generally more enthusiatic about the Lynx than most
of the places I have been to.
Toy's R US out of Lynx's a few weeks ago, I went back a few days ago, they had
not restocked the it. Also a nasty rumour going around about Toy's r Us
dropping Lynx support. (heard from my local dealer). Funny thing is, I
probably met the biggest Lynx geek I ever met (the biggest Atari geek I ever
met, excluding me!) at the checkout line of Toy's R US. He kept me in line
for 20 mins telling me what a nice system it was etc (with the wife giving me
the "This guy is nut's" look).
Local dealer, general Atari disallusionment. Scaling back Lynx and Atari
support in general <sigh>
My favorite Lynx game, Shadow of the Beast. I am absolutely addicted to this
game.
Well have a Happy New Year!
----------
Message 165 Tue Jan 26, 1993
ROB-G [Rob] at 23:41 EST
I was in a local Electronic Boutique today... all the Lynx stuff was gone.
Completely. Not a trace.
<sigh>
Rob
----------
Message 176 Mon Feb 01, 1993
SAM-RAPP [<<Sam>>] at 22:05 EST
Rob-G----> If your local EB is still my local EB, then I think you are in
error. They rearranged the store, and now the Lynx is up by the register.
Just ask if you don't see it.
As to EB dropping the lynx, I asked the manager of one and he said that the
systems that each store carried was up to the manager of the store. Here in
Chattanooga, TN the lynx did rather well for Christmas, but Atari should have
done a MUCH better job of getting a few titles out before Christmas. Dirty
Larry, Dracula, and Joust arrived on Christmas Eve here!
Sir Fransis--------> Atari IS supporting the lynx. You mentioned the MTV ads
yourself. They ran (are running) several free cartrige offers. The $79.00
special was seen by huge amounts of people. The Lynx is in just about every
Electronic Boutique and Software etc... flyer that I see. IMHO, Atari is
doing the best it can with it's resources. Atari ain't no billion dollar
company like it used to be.
-------------> Sam
Message 189 Fri Feb 05, 1993
S.RAMIREZ [Sam] at 02:33 EST
I stopped by the Electronics Boutique here in San Francisco a couple of weeks
ago and when I noticed that their Lynx section was nearly non-existent(sp?) I
asked why. Here's what the salesman said. "As soon as we get any games or
systems we sell them. We can't keep them in stock very long."
This doesn't sound like a system in trouble to me!
Sam
----------
Message 193 Wed Feb 10, 1993
S.RAMIREZ [Sam] at 02:48 EST
Steve-J,
What the guy at EB told me was that they were pretty happy with the Lynx
sales. They seem happy and willing to carry the Lynx. Now lets buy more games
to ensure that the Lynx thrives!
----------
Message 194 Wed Feb 10, 1993
FAIRWEATHER [David] at 09:47 EST
Toys R Us in Ventura, CA which usually has a pretty decent Lynx selection, has
NO LYNXES for sale. The manager told me that he has been unable to get new
shipments from Atari. He even sold his last display model, so any customer
looking at handhelds will only see the competition. They do still have about
a dozen different games in stock, but no Dracula, Pinball Jam or other more
recent games. If Atari can't market the Lynx better than this, what will they
do with the Falcon and Jaguar??
----------
Message 195 Wed Feb 10, 1993
G.LABREC [Greg @ Atari] at 11:22 EST
FAIRWEATHER -- What does the Toys R Us in Ventura not ordering product to meet
the demand have to do with Atari marketing? Store managers and salespeople
love to say anything that will make it seem like anyone's fault but their own.
If anyone on the planet can call the 800 number and have a LYNX game and any
games sent to them in about a week, why do you suppose the warehouse is being
so nasty to the Toys R Us in Ventura by not sending them LYNXs or any of the
newer games?
----------
////////////////////////////
Direct from Atari!
Category 36, Topic 5
////////////////////////////
Message 155 Sun Jan 10, 1993
G.LABREC [Greg @ Atari] at 15:39 EST
I know this is a LYNX topic, but since the subject of 7800 games came
up I figured I'd post this list of 7800 games available direct from
Atari in case anyone is interested.
7800 CARTRIDGES ----------------------------------------------------
ACE OF ACES CX7846 29.99 JOUST CX7806 14.99
ALIEN BRIGADE CX7855 29.99 KARATEKA CX7822 19.99
BALLBLAZER CX7815 19.99 MARIO BROS CX7850 19.99
BARNYARD BLASTER * CX7859 29.99 MAT MANIA CHAL. CX7863 29.99
BASKET BRAWL CX7880 29.99 MEAN 18 GOLF CX7847 29.99
CENTIPEDE CX7801 14.99 MELTDOWN * CX7875 29.99
CHOPLIFTER CX7821 14.99 MIDNIGHT MUTANTS CX7889 29.99
COMMANDO CX7838 29.99 MOTOR PSYCHO CX7852 29.99
CRACK'ED CX7836 29.99 MS. PAC MAN CX7807 14.99
CROSSBOW CX7844 29.99 NINJA GOLF CX7870 29.99
DARK CHAMBERS CX7837 29.99 1ON1 BASKETBALL CX7824 19.99
DELUXE ASTEROIDS CX7802 14.99 PLANET SMASHERS CX7868 29.99
DESERT FALCON CX7811 19.99 POLE POSITION II CX7808 14.99
DIG DUG CX7803 14.99 R.S. BASEBALL CX7834 19.99
DONKEY KONG CX7848 19.99 ROBOTRON:2084 CX7809 14.99
DONKEY KONG JR CX7849 19.99 SCRAPYARD DOG CX7879 29.99
FATAL RUN CX7854 29.99 SUMMER GAMES CX7826 29.99
FIGHT NIGHT CX7851 29.99 SUPER HUEY CX7828 19.99
FOOD FIGHT CX7804 14.99 TOUCHDOWN FOOTBALL CX7823 19.99
GALAGA CX7805 14.99 TOWER TOPPLER CX7856 29.99
HAT TRICK CX7829 19.99 WINTER GAMES CX7831 29.99
IKARI WARRIORS CX7862 29.99 XENOPHOBE CX7858 29.99
JINKS CX7857 29.99 XEVIOUS CX7810 14.99
* Light Gun required
7800 ACCESSORIES ----------------------------------------------------
7800 POWER SUPPLY CX7800PS 9.95
7800 COMPLETE UNIT CX7800 69.95
PROLINE JOYSTICKS CX24 9.95
SWITCH BOX CX262 6.95
PADDLE CONTROLLERS CX30 9.95 **
JOYSTICK CONTROLLER CX40 6.95 **
TRAKBALL CONTROLLER CX80 14.95 **
LIGHT GUN CA200132 19.95
** To use with 2600 Video Computer cartridges.
If you would like to order anything you can leave me E-mail with the
usual -- Name, address, phone, MC/VISA#, exp.date
Add $5.00 shipping and handling -- Add tax where applicable
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
That's it! See you next month! -Tom McComb
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
|"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"|
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| to the Readers of |
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| NEW USERS SIGN UP TODAY! |
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| |
| In addition, the Lynx section enjoys occassional visits |
| from Lynx game developers from the US and the UK. |
| |
'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'"'
From the ATARI8/LYNX Forum on Compuserve:
\\\Juan Peguero asks Rob @ Hand Made Software about 'frames per second',
and a few other things...
You wouldn't happen to know if any games run at 60fps?
Is it your company that is coming ou with two sports titles?
(Soccer and something else?)
If so, when?!?!!
Four players, right?!
\\\To which Rob responds...
I doubt any of the games run in 60fps, 30fps is more likely. It takes Suzy (the
graphics chip) around a frame just to render a backdrop. The number of bits per
pixels (colours) effects this figure but you'd be pushing it. Add any decent
level of object logic, sound/music and comlink and you're pushed in to more
like 20fps.
Yep, we're working on two sports games - Volleyball and Tennis. Both are in
final test (i.e. bugs and tweaks). It's take a lot of time to test four player
games (right Juli?). From past experience, it'll take a few months from
approval to shipping - it takes time to manufacture the carts.
You lot (!) shouldn't be complaining too much - software is rolling out of
Sunnyvale. More titles are being released (probably) than the Game Gear :-)
\\\On multiplayer gaming, I asked what everyone thought...
I think that the optimum number of players for comLynx games is 4-6. Anything
beyond that is a waste of development effort, as it would be a RARELY used
feature. What does everyone else here think?
\\\Chris Baker responds...
I've not had the opportunity to hook up more that 2 lynxes at one time, more
than 6 players probably is a bit much.
\\\Rob @ Hand Made Softare adds...
> Anything beyond that is a waste of development effort, as it would be a >
RARELY used feature. What does everyone else here think?
True, we spend a lot disproportionate amount of time getting the multiuser side
right [hallo Juli :-)] and most users *never* hook up.
\\\Scott Everts, a guy lucky enought to have a local Lynx group, disagreed...
I have to disagree. I'm part of a nine group Lynx club that meets weekly after
work. Most of the time 6-8 people show up and our favorite games are Checkered
Flag and Slime World. Besides the fun factor of these titles, the main reason
we play them is that everyone can join in. We are now all excited about Battle
Wheels since it can play 6 players. Tommorrow, we will have four people that
have the beta copy to try out. We have a fifth order coming soon. I know that
B.W. will be one of the regular titles we play both becuase its great and most
people can play together. Two player games rarely get played and we will break
up into groups to play the 4 player games. Our personal opinions is that 4
player games are the minimum number we like to play.
Of course, Lynx clubs like ours are probably pretty rare.
We are located in Irvine, CA. Currently, we meet every Thursday night at about
8pm. If you're nearby, leave me EMail and I'll give you the address.
\\\Marty Mankins comments on some Telegames titles he saw at CES...
Yeah, I saw Telegames booth and it was pretty good to see Super Off Road, one
game I'm waiting for. Also, Double Dragon was really good.
\\\Michael Eddinger offers his opinion of NFL Football...
Dont waste your money on NFL football. Like all real bad video
football games, the Lynx is totally inept at playing (I shut it out
every time) and it is impossible to run the ball, as you are tackled
every time one opposition player gets near you. Also your player with the
ball is slower then the defenders, so you
can never break a big on on a pass reception, or a punt or kickoff.
This is really a totally garbage game and Atari should be ashamed to
have allowed its release. I could have been done so much better.
\\\To which Natahn Wong responds...
I agree that the game should have been done better, but I have had big runs
off running plays and I have had big returns and I've also had big receptions
(over 70 yards!).
\\\Michael Eddinger then asks...
Ya, but does the Lynx ever get the ball over the 50 yard line when
you play against it ?? Which runs are you using, and how do you get
thru the line ?? I have picked up 5+ yards on some sweeps, but never
more then 1-2 yards up the middle..... How do you outrun the coverage on the
kickoffs ??? The defenders just plain run alot faster then my player....
Do you have to pump the joypad or something ??
Mike
\\\And Nathan Wong offers Michael some tips...
What people normally do when they choose running plays in the Lynx NFL football
is that they get the ball, throw it to the running back then proceed to run
straight into the blockers. I found that if you get the ball, throw it to the
running back, then run a sweep BACK TOWARDS YOUR GOAL then run upfield that you
can get about 10-15 yyards out of that play. It's pretty good. Another useful
tip to gaining 1st downs and touchdowns is to use the PUNT selection. Instead
of kicking the ball run to the left with it. Try to get to run towards the goal
and to the sideline and you'll almost certainly get that 1st down. By the way,
don't try this with a real human opponent because they catch on too easily,
thus dropping you for a loss.
\\\Alex Sabo gets his Batman Returns thanks to Juli @ Atari...
Hello!
We haven't corresponded before, but I too had purchased a Lynx before September
15th and didn't receive the Batman Returns cartridge. (Actually this was my
second Lynx, and I mainly bought it at that time, instead of later, to take
advantage of the free cart offer.)
I read your message to another user in the same position, and sent a letter
with copies of my proof of purchase, etc. I just got a call Friday saying that
my cartridge is on its way.
I just wanted to thank you and say that I appreciate the Atari prescence on
CompuServe.
Thanks!
\\\To which Juli responds...
You're welcome, Alex! It's nice to be appreciated...!
\\\Lots of people reporting that the Lynx is getting hard to find in the
stores. Here'a a few of them, first is Scott Everts...
We're having places drop Lynx stuff too. Toys 'R Us has dropped lynx and so
has Software Etc. in our area (Orange Co., CA).
If any of you Atari people are reading this, what's happening? I'm beginning
to feel abandoned. And I know what that feels like since I have been an Apple
II user for about 12 years. It's a terrible cycle. As soon as the stores stop
selling Lynxes and software, the sales drop, so the software makers sell less
so they stop making titles. It happened on the Apple II and that trend is
starting on the Lynx. You guys at Atari, get your butts in gear. Lets see
some advertising! Otherwise the Lynx is going to die along with your jobs.
\\\Atari responds...
Ahhh, I _KNOW_ it's going to be a good week when my job gets threatened first
thing on a Monday morning....!
I'm not in the marketing or sales department, Scott, but let's see if I can
explain what _I_ think about this situation, OK?
If stores are dropping Lynx, perhaps it's because they can't mark up the Atari
products 30 or 40 or 50 (whatever...) percent like they do everybody else's
products. This means that they don't make a big profit on Lynx, right? This
means they think they're just wasting shelf space on our stuff, when they could
be putting over-priced junk in it's place. If they choose to put over-priced
junk in their store instead, who are we to argue?
Now, what exactly is the problem with picking up the phone and ordering Lynxes
and any game cartridge you could possibly want _directly_ from Atari? You
don't even have to spend money on gas to get to the store...! Seems to me that
this is the best thing to happen to consumers since the Home Shopping
Network...!!! I could be wrong, but free delivery to your front door is pretty
darn convenient, I'd say.
Anyway, I'd better go "get my butt in gear"....after all, my job is on the
line...
\\\And Michael Robillard suggests a Lynx catalog...
Not everybody has a credit card.If ATARI plans on becoming a mail order only
company maybe it should consider printing a catalog for each of its
systems.When you have ATARI games available in different stores you have a
chance to comparison shop under the plan you seem to endorse its one price take
it or leave it
\\\Atari tells us what's available...
Mike, our customer relations people have price lists (catalogs, essentially)
for 2600 stuff, 7800 stuff, Lynx stuff, Portfolio stuff, ST stuff...you name
it. They will take checks, money orders, or credit card charges.
Their number, again, is (408) 745-2098. If you can't get something you want
through them, they can tell you where to find it.
\\\Michael Robillard asks for an address, and a few more questions and valued
comments...
How much do these catalogs cost and is there an address I can write to instead
of calling long distance.If I can buy an item cheaper somewhere else will ATARI
match or beat that price if I send them proof.Before leaving I would like to
point out that I am a big ATARI fan I have owned the following in the following
order 1)2600 2)5200 3)800XL 4)MEGA2 5)7800 6)LYNX.Does ATARI keep a low profile
(such as in advertising) to save money in order to pass on to the consumer.This
thinking may work to a certain extreme but after awhile it could backfire.I
remember a couple of years ago when I was talking to a coworker and it came up
that I owned an ATARI MEGA2 and the first thing he said was ATARI's dead.I know
and you know ATARI's alive and kicking but if he and I assume others think the
same way don't you feel ATARI should consider a different approach (like maybe
a postage free warranty registration card on which you can list some friends so
that ATARI can send them info).Before I end my griping I would like to mention
that I sent in my warranty cards to receive the latest news from ATARI but I
never hear anything from them thanks for listening
\\\And Atari comes thru for him...
Mike, why don't you EMail me your address, and I'll have the price lists sent
to you....they're free.
No, Atari doesn't "match or beat prices" you find somewhere else.
Regarding us keeping "a low profile", we're just attempting to not waste money.
I know you think we would rather die than advertise, but I should mention that
we just did that newspaper-insert about the Lynx 800#, and stuck it in 8
million [that's _8,000,000_!!!] newspapers.... That sort of brochure ain't
cheap. And, it IS considered "advertising".
P.S. You will probably not get a response from sending in your warranty card.
_THIS FORUM_ is the best place to get the latest news on Atari, if ya ask me!!
:-)
\\\David Via brings up the subject of classic Atari games...
This has absolutely NOTHING to do with the Lynx, but since this is where all
the action seems to be I thought I'd post it here...
Maybe Juli or another friendly Atari person can answer this. Thanks to Jeff
Kovach another helpful folks in the forum :) I'll soon be getting that used
5200 system I've been looking for - my question is; Did Atari ever produce
"Asteroids" for the 5200?
Through Best Electronics and others I've found everything I'm looking for
except Asteroids. It doesn't appear on any of the lists I've seen, but I can't
believe Atari would have overlooked this classic...
Thanks!
Dave Via
P.S. While I have the Atari people's attention. Another question - Has anyone
at Atari given any thought to "re-releasing" the classics for today's hardware
like the Lynx and the upcoming Jaguar? I know a lot of people my age (and I
won't say what age that is...) that would love to play those great old Atari
games we all grew up with on the same machine thier kids play the newer stuff
on. Something to think about...
\\\Juli @ Atari replies...
Hi, Dave. Sorry to say that Asteroids was never done on the 5200....
However, we are re-doing some of the old classics, tho. Super Asteroids and
Missile Command are coming to a Lynx near you soon (give us 5 months or so).
This'll be both games on one cart.
We're also toying with the idea of bringing back other "oldies" on whatever new
machines we might be conjuring up..... :-)
\\\This prompts Ron Luks to inquire about Star Raiders...
While you are considering bringing back some "super oldies" is ther any
consideration being given to a "Star Raiders" for the Lynx? Or the Jaguar?
\\\This reply ought to make a lot of people happy!
Hi, Ron! I took this question _right_ to "Mr. Software" himself, John Skruch.
The answer: "Yes."
(a man of few words, and, thankfully, he doesn't have time to type them
himself.... because it _WOULD_ take all day...!) :-)
\\\All of this talk about classic games prompts David Via to ask about
Centipede for the Lynx...
Glad to hear that the classics are not dead. Games like Asteroids and Missle
Command will have me seriously considering picking up a Lynx!
Of course if you did a version of Centipede for the Lynx you could take my
order right now...:)
\\\Atari responded, but this time the news isn't so great...
David, I took this question _right_ to "Mr. Software" himself, John Skruch.
With regard to Centipede for the Lynx, the answer is: "No."
(after all, there isn't even a Centipede on the ST...)
(Yes, he's _still_ a man of few words....!) :-)
P.S. Whaddya mean you're considering picking up a Lynx? How come you don't
HAVE one yet????? :-o
\\\A shocked David Via replies...
"No?!" You're kidding?! Want's Centipede like, "No."?! You're kidding?! Wasn't
Centipede like, the most popular (read "profitable"..." game of all time for
Atari?
I'm sooooo disappointed! :-(
P.S. The reason I don't HAVE a Lynx yet is that IMHO most of the software out
there is still based on Saturday morning cartoon themes which I am admitedly
out-of-touch with. However the other day I did discover that Robotron, Joust,
Ms Pac-Man, and Qbert were available for the Lynx, so I am warming up to the
idea. A couple more titles like Asteroids and Missle Command and I'll get out
my Visa... In fact I'd be glad to test those titles out for you. (Hint.) :)
P.P.S. Are you sure you can't change John's mind about Centipede?
P.P.P.S. (Last one, I promise...) Is there a complete list of Lynx software
posted anywher here? I'd like to see if I've overlooked any titles.
\\\Atari's response leads us to believe that there may be hope after all...
David: First off, Q-bert isn't available on the Lynx. (just getting the bad
news out of the way....) :-)
Next, there are several 3rd party developers out there who aren't loaded down
with a list of Lynx games that need to be finished up, like we at Atari are.
If they decide that these classics would be a good bet on the Lynx, I'm sure
they'd go for it. (Yoo hoo!!! Guys!! Where are you???)
Lastly, regarding a complete list of Lynx games available, perhaps Jeff Kovach
has something he can post here. He's usually got that kind of info lying
around, I'm sure. (Jeff -- you can fax me the list if necessary, and I'll make
sure it's complete...whaddya say? Let's stick PA#s in too for ordering
purposes.)
P.S. We're not "overhauling" Asteroids or Missile Command -- they'll be the
classics you remember. (I can just _hear_ those heavy sighs of relief!)
\\\So will we see Centipede on the Lynx? Could be, if Shadowsoft's Dave
Dies gets his way!
Ok, straight from the top guy, ME ! at Shadowsoft Inc. If you want Centipede
for the Lynx that bad, I will look into it. Give me a few days. How about
Milipede on the same cart ?
\\\Chris Yaryan offers some more ideas for classic games, as well as an
opinion on Centipede/Millipede...
I'd love to have a copy of these classics for my lynx. (I'd also like Tempest,
Gravitar, Space Duel, Black Widow, Star Wars, Defender, Stargate, Blaster,
Marble Madness, Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Reactor, Quantum, Sinistar, Moon
Patrol, Donkey Kong 1, 2 & 3, etc. but that's beside the point.) Anyway, I'd
love it if you did as nice a job on Centipede/Millipede as you've done on
Robotron & Joust. If it's possible, can you keep the vertical orientation of
the original game? I don't mind turning my lynx sideways, and it really would
make a difference. I saw a prototype of a Super Centipede/Super Missile Command
game at Atari games, and it had a horizontal monitor and updated graphics and
it just didn't hold a candle to the original.
\\\Dave @ Shadowsoft replies...
If Centipede does get done, there is no doubt that it has to be written
vertically. There is no other way it could possible be written. If it were
written for a horizontal screen it would have mushrooms three (3) pixels high !
I don't think so !
Keep the messages coming ! The more messages seen the more likely it will be
written !
\\\Paul Harris, looking to become a video game programmer, asks how to
go about it...
I was wondering what type of code or programing lingo do you use to produce a
video game. I am getting ready to attend college and would like to program
video games. Is there anything I should look for in the way of classes??
\\\Dan McNamee @ Atari replies...
I'm not a game programmer, but I can give you a hint. ;-) Learn every
language you can get your hands on, that way you will be ready no matter what.
<G> For programming on game systems, like the Lynx, memory is like gold, so
you have to be very efficient. Therefore, most game systems are programmed in
assembly. If you want to program games on computers, you can get by with
almost any language available as long as the compiler generates fairly decent
code.
\\\James Thornhill asks about release dates...
What is the scheduled release date for Raiden?
\\\Atari responds...
Well, ya know, that's a tough question. Atari has adopted a "2 game per month"
release strategy, which means from the pile of finished games, Sam T. picks 2
per month to send to manufacturing. Until he does, I don't have a clue as to
when any particular game will hit the shelves.
With Raiden, though, it's not finished yet, so it's a ways off.
\\\Andres Palomares, formerly with Atari Spain, now joins us! Nice to see
you again
Hi to everyone! I'm an Spanish Atari user since the legendary VCS. Now, I'm
mainly an Lynx user. I'm new in CompuServe although I already "know" someone in
this forum. Do you remember, Juli and Jeff? I suppose you both know Atari Spain
has, ehh, well, been "closed". It's nice to meet you again. I hope the Falcon
helps Atari to find the light again.
In the meanwhile, let's enjoy the Lynx! (and Atari, PLEASE, release the Jaguar
and have ready a lot of games and marketing for it!) I hate to see those Sega
and Nintendo ads in TV and everywhere all the time. Here in Spain we also
suffer from this!
Hi again and sorry for my English!
Andres
\\\Phil Payzant asks for some Dracula help...
Help - I went down the well and ended the game without killing Dracula. I think
I used the notebook everywhere - what am I missing?
\\\Our resident Dracula expert, Tom McComb replied...
You already have your answer- you _didn't_ use the NoteBook everywhere. Now
that you know what you have to do and in what order, do it again and use that
NoteBook EVERYWHERE! Look/Examine everything! and then use the NoteBook Too!
\\\Last but not least, some messages from STAR*LINX BBS:
From: Animator
To: All
Date: January 14, 1993 at 4:32pm
Hey everyone! I finally beat Shadow of the Beast!. The only reason I didn't
finsh it earlier was, I never knew that you could punch the cannon back and
have it shoot the guy and kill that big green monster I could never kill. I
usally just ran past him. You also pick up that gun, and that's what you use
to kill the 3 headed dragon. This version of Shadow of the Beast was a little
easier than the Amiga Version, which is next to impossible to beat. I've
played Shadow of the Beast I & II for the Amiga, finishing them both. From
what I remember, in the Amiga version of Beast I, as you go in the castle,
there's a part where you get a Jet-Pack and armor with a canon, and there's a
monster that you have to kill at the end of the corrador. Also the last
monster you kill is a Hugh Giant, and you end up killing him just by puching
his big toe. (Which was Stupid), didn't have an ending to it either. The
monster in the Lynx version is better.In Shadow of the Beast II, your Human,
you look like a caveman, I like being the Beast, you look cooler. There's more
puzzles to figure out in the second game, less punch and kill, you were also
able to talk to people. It had even better sound than the first one, with a
very awesome opening sequence!, and cool Death sequence. But, it also didn't
have an Ending. That's why I think the new Beast III which is avalible for the
Amiga at this time, does finially have an Ending to it. Where you kill the guy
who turned you into the Beast, in the first game. But I haven't had the chance
to play Beast III yet. Well have fun Lynxers! *Animator*
From: Chris Baker
To: Commodore
Date: January 18, 1993 at 1:15pm
Commodore previously wrote...
> In recent video game magazines, there is an ad by Gametek for a game
> called " Humans ". Below the ad in small print it says " Atari Corp.
> licensed to IMagtic ". Does this game bear any resemblance to
> Dinolympics?
To which Chris Baker replies...
from what i understand, Humans and Dinolympics are essentially the same
game...the difference between the two is while they look the same, the
"Humans" do different things, and have different goals.
chris
From: Star*Master
To: Chemist
Date: January 30, 1993 at 9:36am
Chemist previously wrote...
> Does anyone know if the Help line for lynx is still operating, I have
> called several times and no one answers. I heard that the office in IL
> closed. Need help with Bill and Teds excellent adventure. Thanks for
> your help.
To which Star*Master replies...
The Lynx line has been shut down for quite some time, and you heard right
about the IL office.
Where are you stuck in Bill and Ted's? We can help ya!
From: Chemist
To: Star*Master
Date: February 12, 1993 at 5:19pm
I am having trouble finding the Harp in the temple. I got past the water
maze and into the temple , i found both keys the red and blue. I managed
to survive the tigers but when I went in the room there was no harp to
be found. Where is the harp?
Thanks for the help.
Also on scrapyard dog, how do you defeat the tank at the end of level 4?
From: Bobby Tribble
To: All
Date: February 14, 1993 at 12:47pm
Hey, I got it!
Yup, if anyone wants to know something specific about it, ask... Anyway,
I played it 3-player comlynxed a few days ago and it's pretty fun, but
I'd like to play a 6 player game. You drive around different arenas in
your car armed with forward missles, machine guns, side flamethrowers,
mines, and paint to mess up your opponent's windshield (like Robo-Squash
:)
Controls, up is to speed up and down is to slow down or drive in reverse,
and you choose your weapons with the OPTION 1 button + the direction of
the weapon... the B button is to look around or use the radar (kinda like
Warbirds)... Hm, I may be being a little redundant if there is a review
in the Jan issue Gaming Gazette... Anyway, I would reccomend it; too bad
my friends are kinda stingy about buying games to comlynx (I have
Checkered Flag, Slime World, and Warbirds, but they won't buy them :(
Also, does Beyond Games have the Atari "seal of approval"? Just
wondering, it wasn't really mentioned in the instructions or anywhere
I've seen...
From: Chris Baker
To: Lord Chuck
Date: February 19, 1993 at 11:23am
Lord Chuck previously wrote...
> Ok so what's the word on availability of BattleWheels? I WANT ONE BADLY.
> it out now? if so how do I get one? Please Help...
>
> Also does anyone have a telephone number for Beyond Games?
>
> Lord CHuck
To which Chris Baker replies...
I don't have their address handy, but Battlewheels is due in March/April.
chris
=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=+=-=
Wrappin' It Up That's it for now... Hopefully next month we will get
'"'"'"'"'"'"'" this thing out on time! The next issue should be
by Jeff Kovach available the weekend of March 13th, and we promise it
will contain reviews of Dinolympics and Power Factor,
plus all of our regular columns and features.
We welcome your comments, questions, and submissions. If you would like
to write for us, drop us a line on CompuServe or the STAR*LINX BBS, as
mentioned at the top of the issue.
Happy Lynx'n, and see you next month!
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| Material published in this publication may be reprinted under the |
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| include the issue date and author at the top of each article. |
| Opinions present herein are those of the individual authors and |
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