FB3...

[Gregory DG]

Curt, we really need to revisit our concept of combining Flashback 3 with a George Forman grill. 

938461[/snapback]

Just so long as it has that bun warmer included.

[Retro Rogue]

Marty,

 

   I told you... the FDA is just not going to allow meat items in the electronics department...

 

Curt

938171[/snapback]

 

Curt, we really need to revisit our concept of combining Flashback 3 with a George Forman grill.

938461[/snapback]

 

Either that or that Egg McMuffin machine thats in the new Wired. Toasts bread, poaches up an egg and warms meat all at the same time.

[82atari5200]

Hell I'd vote Green Party for a 5200 flashback 3. AS long as it came with more durable 5200 style controllers...IMHO it has the best mix of graphics and games of any classic system.

[Flojomojo]

August 26th...    Work begins :-)

 

 

Yes.... there WILL be a cartridge slot... sorta

 

 

 

 

Curt

913548[/snapback]

 

 

okay, we're all getting waaaaay ahead of ourselves here.    That kind of info will start to become more available in Spring/Summer 06'  So lets just take a step back here for a bit.

 

 

 

Curt

 

So? What are the games?

937728[/snapback]

 

Well, any official announcement needs to come from Curt. I would imagine he won't be making a list available for a while.

937769[/snapback]

938024[/snapback]

Curt, you can't bring up a provocative topic like the FB3 and not expect people to talk about it! You should be pleased that just the thought of a new system generates 8 pages of drooling, yes?

[Curt Vendel]

I know, I know... just can't give out too much right now, heck the hardware wont even exist in proto form till about Jan-Feb, so we're getting a little ahead of things, but I think everyone is on the right track and I think you'll be pleased with some of the solutions to some age old previous console shortcomings that will be put into the new design on the next console, and this will be a console and not a TV plug and play, this unit will actually come with its games off-board on a card, which means that "More Games, More Fun" certainly will be the slogan to go with on the next Flashback.

 

 

 

Curt

 

August 26th...    Work begins :-)

 

 

Yes.... there WILL be a cartridge slot... sorta

 

 

 

 

Curt

913548[/snapback]

 

 

okay, we're all getting waaaaay ahead of ourselves here.    That kind of info will start to become more available in Spring/Summer 06'  So lets just take a step back here for a bit.

 

 

 

Curt

 

So? What are the games?

937728[/snapback]

 

Well, any official announcement needs to come from Curt. I would imagine he won't be making a list available for a while.

937769[/snapback]

938024[/snapback]

Curt, you can't bring up a provocative topic like the FB3 and not expect people to talk about it! You should be pleased that just the thought of a new system generates 8 pages of drooling, yes?

938967[/snapback]

[deathtrappomegranate]

I think you'll be pleased with some of the solutions to some age old previous console shortcomings that will be put into the new design on the next console

 

Hmmm...sounds like a 5200 with decent controllers

 

Although the 5200 is nearly an Atari computer...

[82atari5200]

Toss in Tempest or Cloak & Dagger as the pack in cart and I'd sell my soul to satan...

[Zonie]

A new 5200 with updated controllers and the games on a PC compatible Compact flash card (anything smaller would get lost). Put me on the list!

[jaybird3rd]

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... they'd be CRAZY to limit themselves to a 5200 clone when a few changes to the architecture would give them access to the increased power (and MUCH larger game library) of the Atari 8-bit computer line. The 5200 games that people might still want to play can be "fixed" to run on the A8 machines without too much trouble, and they could recycle their outstanding FB2 controllers with the FB3 with an A8, which would save them lots of money. In light of all of this, I'm not sure why some of you are still pushing for a 5200 clone.

 

But since we don't know for sure what it's going to be (although I have a feeling that my guesses will prove to be pretty close), it's all academic anyway.

[Zonie]

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... they'd be CRAZY to limit themselves to a 5200 clone when a few changes to the architecture would give them access to the increased power (and MUCH larger game library) of the Atari 8-bit computer line.  The 5200 games that people might still want to play can be "fixed" to run on the A8 machines without too much trouble, and they could recycle their outstanding FB2 controllers with the FB3 with an A8, which would save them lots of money.  In light of all of this, I'm not sure why some of you are still pushing for a 5200 clone.

 

But since we don't know for sure what it's going to be (although I have a feeling that my guesses will prove to be pretty close), it's all academic anyway.

939155[/snapback]

Well, I have an atari 400, but not a 5200.

 

Seriously, the 5200 had an aura about it...until it actually came out. My point is it would be nice to see a 5200 with the "known shortcomings", as I believe Curt stated... fixed...a "Do-over" so to speak. That's all. Just think, a 5200 done right.

[82atari5200]

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... they'd be CRAZY to limit themselves to a 5200 clone when a few changes to the architecture would give them access to the increased power (and MUCH larger game library) of the Atari 8-bit computer line.  The 5200 games that people might still want to play can be "fixed" to run on the A8 machines without too much trouble, and they could recycle their outstanding FB2 controllers with the FB3 with an A8, which would save them lots of money.  In light of all of this, I'm not sure why some of you are still pushing for a 5200 clone.

 

But since we don't know for sure what it's going to be (although I have a feeling that my guesses will prove to be pretty close), it's all academic anyway.

939155[/snapback]

I think it wouldn't be too difficult to make one machine totally compatible across the board. But as far as the 5200 games go Centipede and Qix beat their A8 counterparts anyday. Plus a lot of games required input from a keyboard. The 5200 just looked a hell of a lot cooler anyway.Once again, have someone complete Tempest and/or Cloak and Dagger at time of release...AWESOME!!!

Edited September 28, 2005 by 82atari5200

[King_Salamon]

I'm still pumped about getting my FB2.... this talk of the 3 is making it worse! LOL!

[Shannon]

The only thing I dont like about going the 5200 route is alot of the 5200 library consisted of arcade remakes which does not leave a whole lot for atari to work with due to copyright issues.

 

Something that could handle XEG titles would be far more flexible.

[+remowilliams]

I've said it before and I'll say it again ... they'd be CRAZY to limit themselves to a 5200 clone when a few changes to the architecture would give them access to the increased power (and MUCH larger game library) of the Atari 8-bit computer line.  The 5200 games that people might still want to play can be "fixed" to run on the A8 machines without too much trouble, and they could recycle their outstanding FB2 controllers with the FB3 with an A8, which would save them lots of money.  In light of all of this, I'm not sure why some of you are still pushing for a 5200 clone.

 

But since we don't know for sure what it's going to be (although I have a feeling that my guesses will prove to be pretty close), it's all academic anyway.

939155[/snapback]

Exactly how I feel. If you're going to bother with a great A8 core, for the love of god don't make it limited to just a 5200. I would have no modding interest in something limited to being a 5200. A teeny tiny little A8 on the other hand!

[Michael_Rose]

Hello everyone,

 

Curt, thank you so much for developing the Flashback 2 and making it hacker friendly! If the Flashback 3 is indeed going to be an expandable console and not a dedicated TV system, I was wonder if it would be possible to do a few more things that might help the platform last a bit longer and continue to be a hackers delight.

 

Could the work form the Micro USB project be incorporated into the design? This would enable the new console to be able to use USB storage devices and controllers. There has been already a lot of successful work done in this area and seems like a natural feature to be included.

 

How about having the mainboard inside the console be some sort of industry standard size and layout? Now, I am not talking about sticking an Atari on some giant ATX sized board to shove in some hideous computer tower, but more like the Mini-ITX or better yet, the Nano-ITX form factor.

 

If everything you have in mind will fit, the Nano-ITX form factor is only a diminutive 12cm by 12cm in size. There are already Nano-ITX cases on the market. Certainly, an Atari 8 bit chip set could fit on such a sized board.

 

Mini-ITX boards are only slight larger at a modest 17cm by 17cm in size and can even be mounted in an ATX computer case. The Mini-itx back plane matches up to the ATX standard backplane in most computer cases. Dedicated Mini-ITX cases are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are some that look like small appliances, highend AV components, and even carpc cases like Ampie pictured here:

 

Fancy an Atari 8 bit computer in a brushed aluminum tower with lots of room for storage devices or how about a tiny Atari based Car PC...no problem!

 

Choosing either of these formfactors and pinout layouts would enable Atari 8-bit computer fans and hackers (if this is indeed an 8-bit based system) to expand their Atari 'PC' and use industry standard cases, add ons, and perhaps peripherials in the future.

 

Regards,

 

Michael R. Rose

[spikey911]

?

[jaybird3rd]

Something like that would almost certainly push the FB3 way outside the price bracket that would make it competitive with other TV games. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see such a system, but there's no way to make it happen cost-effectively. Probably the closest you'll ever get is the Commodore C-One computer running an Atari 800 core, which would probably even fit inside the case you mentioned.

 

EDIT: I'm still inclined to believe this will be an A8-based system, but now that I've had a chance to listen to Curt's Bobby Blackwolf podcast interview, I'm starting to imagine what would happen if they simply dusted off Curt's original plan for a genuine 7800 clone. It would certainly mean that the 7800 would finally get the respect and attention it deserves (something I'd like as a wannabe 7800 homebrewer), but on the other hand, they wouldn't have nearly as many ready-to-go games to choose from without resorting to stinkers like 7800 Karateka.

 

Regardless of how it turns out, I'm still itching to get my hands on it!

Edited October 16, 2005 by jaybird3rd

[ijor]

But they need to at least get EA to license out M.U.L.E.

 

Assuming the FB3 will be A8 based, I doubt you will see many of these type of games (like MULE) if at all.

 

Tracking the true copyright holder is sometimes very difficult, and in some cases there is no actual copyright holder (which doesn't legally make it in the public domain).

 

For example, EA is NOT the copyright holder for MULE anymore (but they still hold rights on the name).

[TheWriteDude]

It's a shame regarding the status about M.U.L.E..

 

If the FB3 is based on A8 tech, then it would be cool to see it reused for an all-in-one edition of M.U.L.E.... it could be packaged as four paddle controllers and marketed as a 4-player party game. Heck, such a unit could also include other paddle games: Castle Crisis, Super Breakout, maybe Super Sprint (did this ever exist for the A8 or 5200?). What other A8 games are there that used paddles?

 

If the FB3 is indeed an A8, then we'll probably be able to hack it to add a standard PC keyboard to it. Star Raiders may be a "hidden easter egg" within the unit's ROM.

[TheWriteDude]

More ideas regarding my A8 all-in-one paddle unit:

 

1. It would have four paddles.

2. Rename Castle Crisis to Warlords.

3. Maybe M.U.L.E. could be renamed to something like "Irata Colony",

if EA still holds the rights to the name but not to the game itself.

4. Include a new playing card game, like casino style blackjack.

5. Of course, maybe a new variant of Pong should be included. But I would

recommend doing something new: Perhaps a version of Pong with multiple on-screen paddles and graphics

that look like an overhead view of a foosball table ("FoosPong"?)

6. Title the unit "Atari Party".

7. Sell it for $20.

 

The main unit would be a small box with a long A/V cable running out the back. Along the front would be two controller ports. The paddles would be the repros of the original Atari paddles, but with improved technology, of course, and perhaps different colors. Bonus: That means these paddle controllers could then be used on the FB2 and original 2600.

 

Hmmm, maybe I should be getting paid for my ideas?

Edited October 23, 2005 by TheWriteDude

[Pipercub]

How about a Vector special? It could feature all the Atari Vector classics and have a trackball, just an idea for a Flashback 4.

[ijor]

3. Maybe M.U.L.E. could be renamed to something like "Irata Colony",

if EA still holds the rights to the name but not to the game itself.

 

It seems I didn't express myself correctly. ECA doesn’t have the rights for the software anymore … but somebody else does. In the best (or might be the worst) case, it is sure that is NOT in the public domain.

 

Years ago the rights reverted back to the author, Dan Bunten/Danielle Bunten Berry. Sadly Danielle died a few years ago. So the copyright holder is whoever inherited Danielle. In the best case is some Danielle’s relative. In the worst case it might be in dispute or something like that (in which case nobody can give permission, disregarding how much money you are ready to pay).

[Gamemaster_ca_2003]

If FB3 is using Atari 400/800/XL/XE/5200 hardware it need to have

 

-slots for both Atari 8-bit and 5200 carts

-built in tape and disk drives or have the conectors to plug them in

-an enternal hard drive with a built in OS with everything you need for a computer

-Keyboard

AND OF Course

-many many games built into the system.

[Zonie]

If FB3 is using Atari 400/800/XL/XE/5200 hardware it need to have

 

-slots for both Atari 8-bit and 5200 carts

-built in tape and disk drives or have the conectors to plug them in

-an enternal hard drive with a built in OS with everything you need for a computer

-Keyboard

AND OF Course

-many many games built into the system.

961281[/snapback]

 

I have an A8/5200 emulator for my Dreamcast. It appears fairly straightforward to me that a peiceof hardware could support all the variations too.

 

I sense that this is what would be the case if the FB3 were to be A8 or 5200 based. As for dual cart slots, I think that a flash card socket would be more likely. Atari could release roms in this form factor, yet the console could also read a ram flash card if the right Data were on it...such as homebrews and hacks copied on them from a PC.

 

I think this would serve the public best. It would allow all of us that have old disks and such to use them again on a more modern peice of hardware.

 

I would hope the thing has SIO capability and maybe IBM PC keyboard compatible too.

 

If FB3 were 7800 based, I simply don't see the market. The FB1 already did this, and succeeded with regards to the general public who doesn't currently have a 7800 like most of us do (where the sound differences didn't matter). Ditto for the FB2. The FB2 is nice, and will be great for the same market, plus it serves us atari agers too with the extra games and the hackability.

 

 

I think a 5200/A8 machine is the most promising. If it has the ability to play all the related formats and use currently existing flash card technology, then the market for it is huge, even as a stand alone regular production machine to sell alongside the PSX , Xbox, etc. Add developers, and the sky is the limit.

 

my 2 cents.

[sidcrowe]

After reading all of this, I'm still not entirely clear as to what the unit will be. Of course, this is by design, as we can't expect to know, because then the competition would know.

 

I'd really like an Atari 400...MAN did I want one! As for a console, I'd still want a new 2600 with a cart slot or a MONSTER SHITLOAD of games inside.

 

If the FB2 does well, and cost more than the FB1, we may expect a little pricier and better FB3

 

I'm still blown away by the FB2. AWESOME JOB, CURT