EPISODE 04: The Gates of Zendocon

#PA2023, Published by Atari Corp.

In this episode, I cover The Gates of Zendocon, one of five launch titles released for the original Atari Lynx console in 1989. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects. I also highlight reviews of the game, and I have some feedback about Gates of Zendocon from some of my loyal listeners. Plus, I also provide information about the prices that collectors can expect to pay for an Atari Lynx The Gates of Zendocon cartridge on eBay.

THE GATES OF ZENDOCON VITAL STATISTICS

Release Date: October of 1989.

Initial Retail Price: $34.99.

Cartridge Information: 128kb stereo cartridge available in all three styles (flat, ridged, and curved lip).

Game Genre: Horizontal-scrolling space action shoot-em-up for one player.

Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal).

Ports to Other Systems: The Gates of Zendocon was never ported to any other system.

Number of Players: 1 (no ComLynx support).

Packaging:  standard-tab carton in full color; available initially in a large carton (7 5/8″ by 5 1/2″ by 7/8″), then later in a regular-size carton (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″) with a vertical gray band with faux-embossed X’s on the right of the carton; a regular-sized carton was released even later with larger cover art and no vertical gray band; and as far as is known, The Gates of Zendocon was never released in a blister-pack.

Instruction Manual: folded 6-page manual in monochrome; available in large booklet (6 5/8″ by 4 3/4″); available later in regular-size booklet (4 7/8″ by 3 3/4″); English (US) and Japanese (Japan).

Compare the spaceship in the 1977 Atari VCS (2600) Asteroids carton cover art by Chris Kenyon pictured on the left with the spaceship in the 1989 Atari Lynx The Gates of Zendocon carton cover art pictured on the right. Notice any similarities?

THE GATES OF ZENDOCON CREDITS

Developer/Licensee: Epyx, Inc.

Programmer: M. Peter Engelbrite.

Other credits:  Included in a review written by Mike Kosher and posted in the June 1990 issue (Issue 11) of Electronic Gaming Monthly magazine is an allusion that R.J. Mical and Dave Needle from Epyx were involved in the production of the game, along with R.G. (unknown), Tom (probably Tom Schumacher), and LX (undoubtedly LX, or Alex, Rudis).

LYNX LYNKS

How to Win a McWill-modded Lynx I Console:

Rules and details about how to enter the Retro Man Cave Giveaway Competition can be found here. First Prize is a working Lynx I console, recapped and upgraded with the McWill LCD screen!

Information About The Gates of Zendocon:

Atari Age title info/rarity guide for The Gates of Zendocon

Wikipedia article about The Gates of Zendocon

Giant Bomb article about The Gates of Zendocon

PDF of “Atari Lynx Hint Book,” published by Atari in 1993 for Lynx game developers (hints, level codes/select cheat and Easter Egg for The Gates of Zendocon can be found on pages 37-46)

Reviews and Ratings for The Gates of Zendocon:

Review by Marshall Rosenthal in The Games Machine (UK) magazine (issue 27; February, 1990)

Review in Zero Magazine (Is...