Don't worry about that penguin riding a sea otter reciting the works of Robert Frost (the penguin is doing the reciting. Not the otter. That would be stupid. Everyone knows otters are haiku creatures.) They're here to tell you that ATARI BYTES episode 259 has arrived. We're playing ACID DROP, produced by Salu Ltd. in 1992. This was the last commercially released 2600 game, which leaves us wondering: why bother? This week's short story: ACID TRIPPED Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Take a Chance". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme www.carnivalofgleecreations.com has info, social media and episodes for this show, ATARI BYTES, here and for my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN here. The website also has info about books I've written, including HELL'S CEREAL: VERY SHORT STORIES FORTIFIED WITH ESSENTIAL SYLLABLES, and links to just some of the places you can order them. Supporters of ATARI BYTES on patreon.com here can get access to episodes EARLY and possibly BONUS content. Thanks for helping keep the lights on in the podcast studio.

EPISODE 259: ACID DROP

Remember those classic Atari 2600 games? They were sure fun to play, but didn't you ever wonder why they sent a plumber to take out Donkey Kong? What Yar was seeking revenge against? What made those robots go berserk? Me too? ATARI BYTES is more than a game review podcast. It's an exploration of the games to divine what exactly the story within the game is. And if we can't find those answers, we'll make 'em up.

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Happy holidays! ATARI BYTES returns from hiatus with episode 331, the annual holiday special. We take a break from games and story writing to catch up on some movies. And we've made it all the way to 1985! So that movie-catching is coming along great! Earlier this year, we played the Sesame Street inspired game "Cookie Monster Munch", so it seemed like we should do a Sesame Street inspired movie. So, from 1985, we've got FOLLOW THAT BIRD. Big Bird has moved away! Oh no! What is the gang going to do?!?! Take a break from the relatives and give a listen!  Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Hidden Agenda", "Reformat" and "Pinball Spring". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com carnivalofgleecreations.com

331: FOLLOW THAT POD

We're getting down to the last few days of tax time in America as this episode goes out. Why not relieve some of that mathematical stress with a podcast! In 330, we're playing the 1982 game TAX AVOIDERS, the intense adventure of tax sheltered investments.  Then once you've listened to this episode...go back and listen to some of the other 329 - for the first time! Or again! - because ATARI BYTES is taking a little hiatus. But keep is in your feed and hearts. We'll be back! Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs Reformat, Pinball Spring, Take a Chance of Hidden Agenda.  Support the show at patreon.com Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. www.carnivalofgleecreations.com for info about the podcast, about IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN, and books by me that can belong to you. D20 or Die!

330: 'CAUSE I'M THE TAX AVOIDER, MAN (Tax Avoiders for the 2600)

Peanut butter and jelly. Laverne and Shirley. And now Atari and Muppets. All great things that belong together. In episode 329, we're playing COOKIE MONSTER MUNCH for the 2600. This 1983 joint effort by Atari and The Children's Computer Workshop is a showcase for Cookie Monster. (I was more of a Grover man, myself. But Cookie is pretty cool.) But is it a tasty confection or a stale day old paper weight? Bad Poetry Corner: Don't Let the Cookie Crumble Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. Support the show at patreon.com here. Go to carnivalofgleecreations.com for all your podcast and book reading needs. The Jim Beard and Becky Books Facebook page

329: ME WANT COOKIE! ER...EPISODE. NO, DEFINITELY COOKIE! (Cookie Monster Munch for the 2600)

In 328, we build on the massive tower of gaming experiences we've had on this show with MASTER BUILDER from Spectravision, 1983. Does it stand tall and proud or all come tumbling down? Listen and find out! ORIGINAL SHORT STORY: Building Up Expectations Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Reformat", "Hidden Agenda", "Take a Chance" and "Pinball Spring".  Thanks to Sean Courtney for the "Storytime" theme. carnivalofgleecreations.com  Support the show at patreon.com here. Jim Beard and Becky Books

328: MASTER OF NONE (Master Builder for the 2600)

327 features the 1983 prototype KICKMAN from CBS Electronics, based on the arcade game, which also wasn't that popular. Why didn't it work out? One guess.... No, not that. It's balloons! This game is full of 'em.  And even in 1983, they knew to stay away from balloons. Why didn't we listen? Thanks to Kevin McLeod at Incompetech.com for creative commons use of his songs "Take a Chance", "Reformat", "Pinball Spring" and "Hidden Agenda". Thanks to Sean Courtney for the Storytime theme Support the show at patreon.com here.  carnivalofgleecreations has all the info you need about this show, my other show IT'S A PODCAST, CHARLIE BROWN and books written by me that can be owned by you.

EPISODE 259: ACID DROP

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