BBC Micro
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for BBC Micro.
Bounce 2 is a sequel to an Atari "PONG killer" that I'm pretty sure never existedBounce 2, a PC game available on Steam, is presented as a sequel to the obscure 1983 Atari 2600 game Bounce, which was intended to be a 'PONG killer' but released during the video game crash. The article suggests the backstory of the original Bounce may be a marketing tactic, as evidence for its existence and impact is scarce. Bounce 2 itself is a multiplayer game inspired by PONG, featuring characters that can jump, kick, and dash, with mechanics for attacking opponents and swinging arms to hit the ball harder.
The lost online world that came before the Internet and the World Wide WebPrestel, a British online service launched in 1979, offered early versions of email, chat rooms, and online games using teletext graphics and dial-up modems. Despite failing as a mass-market platform due to cost and accessibility issues, it served as a significant cultural preview of the internet, demonstrating the potential for online communities and social interaction.
Barbarian - HOT NEWS as Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior" arrives on the Atari XL/XETeam Vega has released a new port of the 1980s fighting game Barbarian: The Ultimate Warrior specifically for the Atari XL and XE line of computers. This version features updated graphics from the Amstrad CPC, digitized voice samples from the Amiga, and optimized code inspired by the BBC Micro port. The game requires 64KB of RAM and tasks players with defeating eight opponents before facing a final boss.
Games Inbox: Are live service games becoming less popular?Readers discuss the declining popularity of live service games, with some hoping for a return to 'proper' games. The discussion touches on the financial model of free-to-play games, the impact of upcoming titles like Grand Theft Auto 6, and the potential for AI upscaling in future consoles. Other topics include the viability of dedicated handhelds, the emotional impact of certain game narratives, and the pricing of game DLC.