EPISODE 01: Blue Lightning

#PA2020, Published by Atari Corp.
In this episode, I cover Blue Lightning, the first game (in part number order) and one of the five launch titles released for the Atari Lynx in September of 1989. Included is a complete rundown of the gameplay, music, and sound effects. I also provide how much collectors can expect to pay for an Atari Lynx Blue Lightning cartridge on eBay, as well as a few tips and hints. Plus, I have some feedback about Blue Lightning from some of my loyal listeners.

GAME STATISTICS
Release Date: September of 1989.
Cartridge Information: 128kb stereo cartridge, available in flat, ridged, and curved lip styles; demo cartridge PCB (printed circuit board) with gold label also available.
Game Genre: First-person flight simulation/aerial shooter for one player.
Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal).
Based On: Loosely based on After Burner, an arcade game released by Sega in 1987.
Ports to Other Systems: Ported to the Atari Jaguar in 1995 (pack-in game for the new Atari Jaguar CD).
Number of Players: 1 (no ComLynx support).
Packaging: Standard-tab carton in full color; available in large box (7 5/8″ by 5 1/2″ by 7/8″); available later in regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″).
Instruction Manual: Stapled 12-page manual in monochrome in English; available in large booklet (6 5/8″ by 4 3/4″); available later in regular-size booklet (4 7/8″ by 3 3/4″).

**The After Burner upright arcade cabinet, released in 1987 by Sega. *Blue Lightning* was loosely based on this game.**

GAME CREDITS
Developer: Epyx Games, lead by Programmer Brian Bowhay.
Producers: John Skruch and Sean Patten.
Designers: RJ Mical, and Stephen H. Landrum.
Programmer: Stephen H. Landrum.
Artwork: Arthur “Ace” Koch.
Music: Alex (LX) Rudis & Bob Vieira.

LYNX LYNKS
Information About Blue Lightning:
Atari Age rarity guide for Blue Lightning
Wikipedia article about Blue Lightning
Retro Gamer Magazine article: “The Making of Blue Lightning” by Kieren Hawken (thanks, Kieren!)

Reviews and Ratings for Blue Lightning:
AGH review by Kieta Iida
The Atari Times review by Gregory D. George (2002)
IGN review by Robert A. Jung (1999)
Atari.io review by Brian Thomas Barnhart

YouTube Videos About Blue Lightning:
Review of Blue Lightning (Lynx Lounge/Brian Thomas Barnhart)
Review of Blue Lightning (Classic Game Room Undertow)
Review of Blue Lightning (VideoWulff)
Blue Lightning playthrough (World of Longplays)
Blue Lightning playthrough (StaxX28)
Blue Lightning playthrough and commentary (TechZonk)
Blue Lightning playthrough (NintendoComplete)
Blue Lightning playthrough (RetroGamerVX)
Blue Lightning playthrough (Atari7800.com)
Music of Blue Lightning (Laird’s Lair)
Atari Lynx Adverts and Commercials (Laird’s Lair)

Other Links:
Interview with LX (Alex) Rudis by The Atari Times
Retro Video Gamer Forums

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to thank Gamechops for graciously allowing me to use “Spider Dance” by Holder as the opening and closing theme music for The Atari Lynx HandyCast.

I would also like to thank the Free Music Archive for the following musical artists and songs that were used in this episode under the Creative Commons License: “MT Fox Shop” by Boxcat Games, “Falcon Hood (Tight)” by Podington Bear, “Hans in Luck” by Dee Yan-Key, and “Comedie” by Jahzz ar.

I especially would like to thank Shinto for submitting his memories of the Atari Lynx to this episode…they are greatly appreciated. And you should all check out Shinto’s excellent Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast; it’s definitely worth listening to, even if you don’t own or have never even seen a Jaguar console. You can find it here.

Many, many thanks also go to Zerbinator for his continued support. His encouragement and expertise are very much appreciated by me. You can find all of his fun-to-listen-to podcasts here, including my favorite, “Please Stand By.”

Finally, my thanks to Ferg of The Atari 2600 Game by Game Podcast. His inspiration and dedication to covering every game cartridge ever made for the Atari 2600 (I think over 1000 of them!) is what gave me the courage to begin this podcast. Please, check out his podcast, even if you’re not an Atari 2600 collector; or at least visit his website here.

I hope you enjoy this episode of The Atari Lynx HandyCast. And please don’t forget to visit the official Atari Lynx HandyCast website by clicking here!

-Mark

Next Episode: “EPISODE 02: Electrocop”