Into The Vertical Blank

Jeff Fulton & Steve Fulton

A Podcast about growing with a twin brother up In the 70s and 80s, at the dawn of video games, navigating family strife, punk rock, Star Wars obsessions, and trying to understand the world while developing an inexplicable love for everything “Atari”. -- In this podcast we discuss Atari computers and systems, new and old, review new games we collect, talk about all the systems, and the significance they had in our lives and the lives of others, and even talk about them in an historical context with the backdrop the times they were released, and how they are being used now. We do all this in an effort to finally understand the answer to this existential question: what does it mean to have grown up in the generation of "the Vertical blank." Credits: Written, Engineered and Produced by Jeff Fulton @8bitrocket With help from Steve Fulton @fultonbot Branding by Daryl Litts @daryllitts read less
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Episodes

#103 : A Visit To The 2024 Vintage computer Festival So. Cal.
Feb 22 2024
#103 : A Visit To The 2024 Vintage computer Festival So. Cal.
A visit to VCF So Cal. 2024. Groups, Podcasts, Publication Highlighted: - VCF So. Cal: https://www.vcfsocal.com/ -Atari Video Music Garage: https://www.youtube.com/@AtariVideoMusic -Intellivision Blue Sky Rangers: https://www.ebay.com/str/blueskyrangers -Intellivisionaries: http://intellivisionaries.com/ -Old School Gamer Magazine: https://www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com/ -Atari Projects: https://atariprojects.org/ -Antic: https://ataripodcast.libsyn.com/ -Floppy Days: https://floppydays.libsyn.com/ -10 minute Amiga Retrocast : https://www.youtube.com/c/10MinuteAmigaRetroCast -Sarah Jany Avory: https://sarahjaneavory.wordpress.com/ -Joe Decuir: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_C._Decuir Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank All music, audio / video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton and or #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios # Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation Atari Into The Vertical Theme by Brian Travis Title: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Out of the Vertical Blank Theme By Tony Longworth Find the full song on band camp https://t.co/qxbudlAFCK Research: Atarimania.com Atariage.com Atarilegend.com AtariCrypt MobyGames.com LemonAmiga.com Find us here: http://intotheverticalblank.com Into the Vertical Blank: Generation Atari | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblank Into The Vertical Blank Pod Cast – Twitter https://twitter.com/Atari_VB_Pod Jeff on Threads @jeffdfulton Jeff on Twitter @8bitrocket Steve on Threads @steveafulton Steve on Twitter @fultonbot
#100:  Atari ST LOG Magazine #2 May 1986: An Action RPG Point and Click and More
Jan 14 2024
#100: Atari ST LOG Magazine #2 May 1986: An Action RPG Point and Click and More
The history of the Atari ST in the USA #1.   Video Version https://youtu.be/xxe4cV1eydY?si=0b6_K1s-Y7sLDf0s We continue taking a look at Atari after the Warner Sale specifically focusing on ST Log magazine which is still an insert into American Atari 8bit Computer Magazine, Analog at this point in history. Our focus is the ST and as entertainment machine, but it was such a great general purpose computer that we will stop along the way to look at some of the more interesting applications especially if they have an entertainment focus or if we used the applications when we had an ST in the 80’s and early 90’s while stopping briefly to look at some of the more interesting magazine articles.  Let’s get started. Notes: ST LOg#2 is Available at Atari Maniia http://www.atarimania.com/atari-magazine-st-log_83.html   All music, audio/ video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton and or #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios # Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation AtariTheme by Brian Travis T2k by Tony Longworth: https://www.patreon.com/tonylongworth Title: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Research: Atarimaina.com Atariage.com Atarilegend.com AtariCrypt MobyGames.com LemonAmiga.com Find us here:http://intotheverticalblank.comInto the Vertical Blank: Generation Atari | Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblankInto The Vertical Blank Pod Cast – Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Atari_VB_PodJeff on Threads @jeffdfultonJeff on Twitter @8bitrocketSteve on Threads @steveafultonSteve on Twitter @fultonbot
#98: Atari 8bit  and more With Author and Extreme Tech Editor Jamie Lendino
Dec 10 2023
#98: Atari 8bit and more With Author and Extreme Tech Editor Jamie Lendino
#JamieLendino, #ExtremeTech 's  Editor, is the Author of books on the #Atari8bit Computers, #Atari2600, #AtariST, Classic Arcade machines and games in the DOSs era.  We sit  down to discuss his books, focusing on the second edition of Breakout: How Atari 8-Bit Computers Defined a Generation, but end up discussing all of them.    The Full Video Version S6:E12 of the Into The Vertical Blank Podcast is available here:  https://youtu.be/2yf8a3kCGdE S6:E12 Atari 8bit  and more With Author and Extreme Tech Editor Jamie Lendino   Breakout: How Atari 8-Bit Computers Defined a Generation, Second Edition https://www.amazon.com/Breakout-Atari-Computers-Defined-Generation/dp/1957932023/ Adventure: The Atari 2600 at the Dawn of Console Gaming https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Atari-2600-Console-Gaming/dp/1732355207/ Faster Than Light: The Atari ST and the 16-Bit Revolution https://www.amazon.com/Faster-Than-Light-16-Bit-Revolution/dp/1732355215 Attract Mode: The Rise and Fall of Coin-Op Arcade Games https://www.amazon.com/Attract-Mode-Coin-Op-Arcade-Games/dp/1732355223/ Starflight: How the PC and DOS Exploded Computer Gaming 1987-1994 https://www.amazon.com/Starflight-Exploded-Computer-Gaming-1987-1994/dp/1732355290/   My website: https://www.jamielendino.com   ET free excerpt of Breakout: https://www.extremetech.com/gaming/celebrating-the-atari-800-and-its-games   PCMag Atari 2600 article: https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/atari-2600-console-brought-arcade-games-home   PCMag Atari at 50 article: https://www.pcmag.com/news/atari-turns-50-a-look-back-on-the-original-name-in-video-games   All music, video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton and or #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios # Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation AtariTheme by Brian Travis Tk2 by Tony Longworth: https://www.patreon.com/tonylongworth Title: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Research: Atarimaina.com Atariage.com At
#94: Lost Credit Full Version
Oct 21 2023
#94: Lost Credit Full Version
New, full version, remastered, new content, new edits, full HD presentation.GCC were masters of video game design in the early 1980's. They created Ms. Pac-Man and went on to become a "secret" development house for Atari. They are responsible for many golden age Atari games, but so far, the credits for their games have been incomplete and hard to locate. After working for 5 years, Into The Vertical Blank may have finally "cracked the code" on the credits for GCC Atari games by pestering and annoying ex-GCCers Doug Macrae, Michael Feinstein, Steve Golson and Jonathan Hurd until they finally put pen to paper, researched, reached out to fellow ex-employees, and put together a definitive list of credits. This is full story. It combines part 1 and part 2 with some new information. It also Features brand-new interview with Doug Macrae, co-founder of GCC Find Current GCC Credits list here: https://intotheverticalblank.com/gcc-credits/ Music in the episode is "I Want To Feel (instrumental)" ,"Zork" and "Enchanter" By Tony Longworth.Find his music here: https://tonylongworth.bandcamp.com/album/free-music-for-everyone All music, video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton and or #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios #Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation AtariTheme by Brian TravisTitle: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Find us here:http://intotheverticalblank.comInto the Vertical Blank: Generation Atari | Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblankInto The Vertical Blank Pod Cast – Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Atari_VB_PodJeff on Threads @jeffdfultonJeff on Twitter @8bitrocketSteve on Threads @steveafultonSteve on Twitter @fultonbot All music, video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton and or #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios #Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation AtariTheme by Brian TravisTitle: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Find us here:http://intotheverticalblank.comInto the Vertical Blank: Generation Atari | Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblankInto The Vertical Blank Pod Cast – Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Atari_VB_PodJeff on Threads @jeffdfultonJeff on Twitter @8bitrocketSteve on Threads @steveafultonSteve on Twitter @fultonbot
S6:E9 Lost Credit (part 2): The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC
Oct 1 2023
S6:E9 Lost Credit (part 2): The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC
Lost Credit: The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC (part1) Part 2 of the story: GCC were masters of video game design in the early 1980's. They created Ms. Pac-Man and went on to become a "secret" development house for Atari. They are responsible for many golden age Atari games, but so far, the credits for their games have been incomplete and hard to locate. After working for 5 years, Into The Vertical Blank may have finally "cracked the code" on the credits for GCC Atari games by pestering and annoying ex-GCCers Doug Macrae, Michael Feinstein, Steve Golson and Jonathan Hurd until they finally put pen to paper, researched, reached out to fellow ex-employees, and put together a definitive list of credits. This is part 1 of that story. Features brand-new interview Doug Macrae, co-founder of GCC.   Video Version: (1) Lost Credit: The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC (part 1) - YouTube Music in the episode is "I Want To Feel (instrumental)" By Tony Longworth Written, Edited and Produced byInto The Vertical BlankBranding by Daryl LittsTheme Song by Brian TravisAdditional Music by Tony LongworthCoffee Provided by Atari Legend Special Thanks to: Jonanthan HurdSteve GolsonMichael FeinsteinDoug MacraeandAll The rest of our boyhoodHeroes at GCC and Atari Full GCC Creditss willBe available at intotheverticalblank.comwhen they are completedand provided to any other site tharequests them. Into The Vertical Blank Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank All music, video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton with help from  #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios #Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation AtariTheme by Brian TravisTitle: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Find us here:http://intotheverticalblank.comInto the Vertical Blank: Generation Atari | Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblankInto The Vertical Blank Pod Cast – Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Atari_VB_PodJeff on Threads @jeffdfultonJeff on Twitter @8bitrocketSteve on Threads @steveafultonSteve on Twitter @fultonbot
S6:E8:Goth and Leong Atari ST Bedroom Coding Heroes
Sep 27 2023
S6:E8:Goth and Leong Atari ST Bedroom Coding Heroes
S6:E8:Goth and Leong Atari ST Bedroom Coding Heroes Gary “Goth” Wheaton and Robert Leong are two of the more unsung heroes of the Atari SY Bedroom Game coding Underground. In this episode we take a well deserved if all too brief look at some of their combined and separate efforts.  I started down a rabbit hole a few weeks ago when I wanted to find a Galaga style game to play on my Atari ST.  I knew that most of the best Arcade style translations for the ST were made by bedroom coders for shareware, freeware and license ware, but I had only even dipped my toes into investigating that Atari scene. I knew of Dave Munsie and his legendary status because of his Kid Kong and Asteroida games as well as of course Jeff Minter and his beastie zarjaz filled ST extravaganza, but that was about it. What I found was a wide open treasure trove of arcade games and translations of yesterday year hits that needed a deep dive. I started with Robert Leong’s Annihilator, examined the credits on Atarimania, dove in and am now hooked on the ST Bedroom game dev scene.  What follows is an audio  edited version of the first three videos of the Bedroom Coded classics series, focusing on Robert Leong and Gary Goth Wheaton. It’s hardly exhaustive, and there is much more to explore, especially from Gary, but I think it’s a great introduction to a scene that has not been explored much previously. That’s it for this time. There is so so so much more to explore game, interview and story-wise with the Atari ST bedroom coded game series. Much more to come in the future. Don’t forget, you can watch the video versions at https://www.youtube.com/intotheverticalblank.    Episode 1: https://youtu.be/k0LLL7D30CU?si=5PtX_v83U7oPfbre Episode 2:https://youtu.be/grGqqk3xUCY?si=d15ERNrP9rh8mPax Episode 3: https://youtu.be/BPnlh9ulPfk?si=cwinZmjzXVcR9P3VWe have another exceptional tune by Tony Longworth as the outro today, called Death Meditation. Tony’s Music can be heard in the upcoming Heart of Neon Documentary on Jeff Minter. Recorded, Mixed, Edited and Produced by Jeff Fulton Music : Death By Design - Tony Longworth : support Tony’s Patreon music https://www.patreon.com/tonylongworth Theme by Brian TravisTitle: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/  Branding by Daryl Litts Find us here: http://intotheverticalblank.com Itch.io:  https://intotheverticalblank.itch.io/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblank Twitter: https://twitter.com/Atari_VB_Pod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@intotheverticalblank
S6:E7: Lost Credit: The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC (part 1)
Sep 17 2023
S6:E7: Lost Credit: The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC (part 1)
Lost Credit: The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC (part1) GCC were masters of video game design in the early 1980's. They created Ms. Pac-Man and went on to become a "secret" development house for Atari. They are responsible for many golden age Atari games, but so far, the credits for their games have been incomplete and hard to locate. After working for 5 years, Into The Vertical Blank may have finally "cracked the code" on the credits for GCC Atari games by pestering and annoying ex-GCCers Doug Macrae, Michael Feinstein, Steve Golson and Jonathan Hurd until they finally put pen to paper, researched, reached out to fellow ex-employees, and put together a definitive list of credits. This is part 1 of that story. Features brand-new interview Doug Macrae, co-founder of GCC Video Version: (1) Lost Credit: The Secret Atari Heroes of GCC (part 1) - YouTube Music in the episode is "I Want To Feel (instrumental)" By Tony Longworth Written, Edited and Produced byInto The Vertical Blank is: Steve Fulton and Jeff FultonBranding by Daryl LittsTheme Song by Brian TravisAdditional Music by Tony LongworthCoffee Provided by Atari Legend Special Thanks to: Jonanthan HurdSteve GolsonMichael FeinsteinDoug MacraeandAll The rest of our boyhoodHeroes at GCC and Atari Full GCC Creditss willBe available at intotheverticalblank.comwhen they are completedand provided to any other site tharequests them. Into The Vertical Blank Late night fuel support appreciated but not demanded : https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank All music, video production. writing and game play by #JeffFulton and or #SteveFulton unless otherwise noted. (c)8bitrocket Studios #Atari #IntoTheVerticalBlank #Generation AtariTheme by Brian TravisTitle: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/ Find us here:http://intotheverticalblank.comInto the Vertical Blank: Generation Atari | Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblankInto The Vertical Blank Pod Cast – Twitterhttps://twitter.com/Atari_VB_PodJeff on Threads @jeffdfultonJeff on Twitter @8bitrocketSteve on Threads @steveafultonSteve on Twitter @fultonbot
S6:E5 The Vindication of Desert Falcon. Interview with GCC's Michael Feinstein
Aug 8 2023
S6:E5 The Vindication of Desert Falcon. Interview with GCC's Michael Feinstein
S6:E5 The Vindication of Desert Falcon. Interview with GCC's Michael Feinstein This new full video podcast explores the legacy of the first original title for the Atari 7800 and the last title by GCC for the system they created, Desert Falcon. Join us in conversation with GCC's Michael Feinstein (Credits: Atari 2600: Phoenix, Battlezone, Jungle Hunt, Joust, 7800: Desert Falcon) in our new Full Video Podcast Format. Youtube link: https://youtu.be/I8Hsfun0QTc Topics Games Discussed: Atari 7800: Desert FalconAtari 2600: PhoenixAtari 2600: Jungle HuntAtari 2600: JoustAtari 2600: Batt;ezoneAtari ST STOS Michael’s Game Credit  List: Atari 7800: Desert FalconAtari 2600: PhoenixAtari 2600: Jungle HuntAtari 2600: JoustAtari 2600: Battlezone All music, video production. writing and game play by Jeff Fulton with help from  Steve Fulton unless otherwise noted. Music :Eyes Like the Sun - Tony Longworth : support Tony’s Patreon music https://www.patreon.com/tonylongworth Theme by Brian TravisTitle: Into The Vertical Blank theme Words & music by Brian Travis (c)(p)2021 Taste This Moment Music ASCAP http://www.briantravisband.com/  Branding by Daryl Litts Find us here: http://intotheverticalblank.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/intotheverticalblank Itch.io:  https://intotheverticalblank.itch.io/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/intotheverticalblank Twitter: https://twitter.com/Atari_VB_Pod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@intotheverticalblank Jeff on Threads @jeffdfulton Jeff on Twitter @8bitrocket Steve on Threads @steveafulton  Steve on Twitter @fultonbot