Friday, March 12, 2021

EPISODE 15: Basketbrawl

 PLAY EPISODE 15 HERE


#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: 256kb mono curved lip-style cartridge.
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.
Other Ports: Basketbrawl was also released on the Plex Arcade (2021).
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.
Carton:  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.
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.
Languages: A single manual was released worldwide with parallel verbiage in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

BASKETBRAWL CREDITS
Developer: 
Hamilton and Associates.
Programmers: David AxtJohn Hamilton.
Artwork: Jennifer HamiltonRobb MarianiVu Nguyen.
Music: Matt Scott.
Producer: Craig Erickson.
Special Thanks: Steve Ryno.

LYNXED IN
Be sure to check out AtariGamer.com for all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console!

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 StoreUS$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 SalesUS$24.95 (NIB).

After-Market and Homebrew Lynx Titles Now Available:

As of the recording date, here are the after-market and homebrew 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 homebrew 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 (Out of Stock)
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 homebrew 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.
ResourceAtari Lynx II display stand in a choice of 3 colors from RoseColoredGaming on Etsy.
ResourceAtari 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.

“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 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 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 Podfather himself, 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; you should also 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 16: Robo-Squash” 

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

EPISODE 14: QiX

 PLAY EPISODE 14 HERE


#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. 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.

QiX VITAL STATISTICS
Release Date: October of 1991 by Telegames.
Initial retail price: Unknown.
Cartridge: Stereo curved lip-style cartridge of unknown ROM size.
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.
Based On: Arcade game by Taito America Corporation, released in 1981.
Screen/playfield orientation: landscape (horizontal).
Other Ports: 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).
Levels: There are 256 levels, each accessible with a 6-digit code. The complete list of level jump codes can be found here.
Carton:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8" by 4 3/8" by 7/8").
Manual: A 32-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide.
Languages: As far as I can determine, the manual was available in the U.S. in an English version only.

QIX CREDITS
Developer:
Knight Technologies
Licensee: Taito America Corporation.
There are no other known credits for QiX.

LYNXED IN
Be sure to check out AtariGamer.com for all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console!

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.
Best Electronics (last updated August 9, 2020; check website for availability): US$19.95 (CIB); US$14.95 (loose cart).
The Gamesmen (Australia): QiX is not available.
The Goat StoreUS$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 SalesUS$99.95 (NIB).

After-Market and Homebrew Lynx Titles Now Available:

As of the recording date, here are the after-market and homebrew 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 homebrew 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)
Xump: The Final Run ($49.95)
Unnamed ($49.95)
Click here if you're interested in ordering from Songbird Productions.


As of the recording date, here are the after-market and homebrew 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
ResourceAtari 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!)
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!)
PDF of Historical Atari Lynx UK Magazine Advert/Reviews Collection (Thanks to AmigaJay for compiling this compilation, and also to Bobbi Iddod Moore for alerting me about it on Facebook!)

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 Podfather himself, 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 15: Basketbrawl" 

Thursday, January 21, 2021

EPISODE 13: Warbirds

PLAY EPISODE 13 HERE


#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 1991 by Atari Corporation. Warbirds was originally scheduled for release in December of 1990 under the title Red Baron.
Initial retail price: In the US: $34.95; in the UK: £29.99.
Cartridge: 1-megabyte stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game developer and distributor Telegames also released Warbirds on a PCB in 2008.
Genre: First-person action/flight simulator for one player, or for two-to-four players using the ComLynx cable.
Screen/playfield orientation: landscape (horizontal).
Other Ports: There were no other ports of this game.
Sequels: There were no sequels to this 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.
Carton:  Full-color standard-tab regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). A French version was also sold.
Manual: A 20-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in full color, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide.
Languages: As far as I can determine, the manual was available in the U.S. in an English version only. 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. McBrideMelody Rondeau
Sound and Music: Robert Vieira
Thanks: The Atari Crowd, The Friday Knights
Special Thanks: John SkruchDave Needle
Dedication: For my father

LYNXED IN
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 homebrew 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 StoreUS39.94 (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 SalesUS$99.95 (NIB).

After-Market and Homebrew Lynx Titles Now Available:

As of the recording date, here are the after-market and homebrew 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 homebrew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices include tax/shipping costs):
Championship Rally ($59.95-$99.95)
Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure ($59.95)
CyberVirus ($59.95)
Krazy Ace Miniature Golf ($69.95)
Lexis ($59.95)
Loopz ($59.95-$99.95)
MegaPak 1  ($59.95)
Othello ($44.95-$74.95)
Ponx ($49.95)
Raiden ($69.95)
Remnant: Planar Wars ($59.95)
SFX ($49.95)
SIMIS ($49.95-$79.95)
T-Tris ($44.95-$74.95)
Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Songbird Productions.


As of the recording date, here are the after-market and homebrew 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: 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 regular-size game carton sleeves from RetroProtection
Resource: Atari Lynx large-size game carton sleeves from CollectnProtect
Resource: 
Building a custom Atari Lynx game carton shelving unit from AtariGamer
ResourceAtari 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!)
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’s The Bl^ck Book v2 Indiegogo Campaign (Please consider helping to fund Curtis Herod’s Indiegogo campaign for The Black Book v2!)
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!)
PDF of Historical Atari Lynx UK Magazine Advert/Reviews Collection (Thanks to AmigaJay for compiling this compilation, and also to Bobbi Iddod Moore for alerting me about it on Facebook!)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks go to everyone who contributed feedback about Warbirds for this episode: Luke Altman, Aurethius, Ben Brady, Al Campbell, Eric Christopherson, Gary Da Ponte, Norman Davie, James Davis, Dan DeVriend, Hugo Dufort, Michael M. Eilers, Eugenio (TrekMD), Jim Goebel, Louis Gorenfeld, Curtus Herod (Cujo), Timmi Ho, Bill Kendrick, Seth Kovel, Igor Kromin, Mario Librizzi, Matesamo, Greig Mcgregor, Hugh Meikle, Jason Minton, Mark Newton-John, Howard O’Berg, Bradley Quiring, RD Reynolds, James Shackel, Shinto, sramirez2008, Matthew Szewczyk, Bobby Tribble, and Mike Wendel. 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 “Ascending Souls,” “Centre (Quasar II),” “Chasing Rainbows,” “Discharge,” “Propaganda Machine,” “Sweet  Passage,” and “The World Around You,” all by Frau Holle.

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 Podfather himself, 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 14: Qix”

EPISODE 22: Paperboy

PLAY EPISODE 22 HERE #PA2041, Published by Atari Corp.   In this episode I cover yet another arcade port for the Lynx, Paperboy , released ...