EPISODE 16: Robo-Squash

#PA2035, Published by Atari Corp. In this episode Monty and I cover a “Zero-G Futuresport” game for the Lynx, Robo-Squash, set in either the 29th or 31st century and released for the Lynx in 1990. As Monty seems somewhat confused as to what the game of squash really is, I go about setting him straight. In the meantime, he and I provide statistics for Robo-Squash, as well as a run-down on how to play it. We also go over reviews and ratings for the game, some fun facts and trivia, plus some very welcome listener feedback. “Who leaves a country packed with ponies to come to a non-pony country?” ROBO-SQUASH VITAL STATISTICS Release Date: October of 1990 (North America and Europe); July 26, 1991 (Japan). Initial Retail Price: $34.00-$39.00 (US); £29.99 (UK); ₣300 (France). Cartridge Information: 128kb stereo curved lip-style cartridge. Game Genre: Front-view 2-dimensional sports action game for 1 player, or for 2 opposing players using the ComLynx cable. Screen Playfield Orientation: Landscape (horizontal). Based On: The racket and ball indoor sport called squash, developed in London during the 19th century, and played by two players in a four-walled court using a small, hollow rubber ball. Ports to Other Systems: Robo-Squash is an Atari Lynx exclusive that was not ported to any other system. Game Levels: There are 16 rounds, or planets, in Robo-Squash. Number of Players: 1-2 (with ComLynx support). Skill Levels: There are 4 skill levels in Robo-Squash: KLUTZ, TERRIFIC, OUTRAGEOUS, and INSANE. Packaging: A full-color standard flap-tab regular-size box (5 3/8″ by 4 3/8″ by 7/8″). There was also a blister-pack released in Europe for Robo-Squash, as well as French, Japanese, and Micro World variants. Instruction Manual: An 8-page (including front and back covers) stapled regular-sized booklet manual in monochrome, measuring the usual 4 7/8” high by 3 ¾” wide. The manual was released in English (North America), in French (France), and in Japanese (Japan). It’s possible that it was written by Scott Rhoades. ROBO-SQUASH CREDITS Working Title: 3D Barrage. Developer: NuFX, Inc. (maybe) Programmer: Ed Schneider Artwork: Robert Nagel Music/Sound Effects: David Tumminaro Producer: Craig Erickson Be sure to check out our partner AtariGamer.com to stay “Lynxed In” to all of the latest news about our favorite handheld gaming console! LYNX LYNKS Kieren Hawken’s 2019 book “The A-Z of Atari Lynx Games Volume 1”. LYNX LYNKS Information About Robo-Squash: Atari Age title info/rarity guide for Robo-Squash Atari Gamer title info/rarity guide for Robo-Squash Digital Press title info/rarity guide for Robo-Squash GameFAQs article about Robo-Squash Moby Games article about Robo-Squash Wikipedia article about Robo-Squash Reviews and Ratings for Robo-Squash: Review by The Review Crew in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US; Issue #18; January 1991; page 26) Review in Computer and Video Games (UK; Issue #112; March 1991; page 71) Review in RAZE (UK; Issue #6; April 1991; page 38) Review in ST Format (US; Issue #41; December 1992; page 102) Review by Jeff at JVGS (undated) Review by Robert A. Jung at IGN (1999; updated 2018) Review by The Video Game Critic at The Video Game Critic (2008) Review by Tim at The Retro Review Project (2012) Review by Retro Gamer Team at Retro Gamer (2013) Review by Jon Mc at Atari Gamer (2018) YouTube Videos About Robo-Squash: Playthrough (World-of-Longplays) Playthrough (Atari Revival) Playthrough (GameON) Final Stage Playthrough and Commentary (Jon Mc) Retailers Selling Robo-Squash: B & C ComputerVisions: Bruce at B & C is selling Robo-Squash for US$5.00 (box only), US$9.95 (cart/manual combo), US$12.95 (NIB w/damaged box) and for US$14.95 (NIB) through eBay under the user name MyAtari. Check out his online store on eBay for updated availability and pricing. Best Electronics (last updated January 7, 2021; check website for availability): US$14.95 (CIB); US$9.95 (loose cart). The Gamesmen (Australia): AU$24.95 (CIB). The Goat Store: US$17.97 (CIB). Telegames (UK): £10.00 (including tax; NOS with box and manual). Video 61 & Atari Sales: US$24.95 (NIB). After-Market and Home Brew Lynx Titles Now Available: As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Luchs Soft in Germany (prices include VAT but not shipping costs): Alpine Games (€55,92) Ejagfest Slideshow (€49,97) Quadromania (€55,92) Retro X-MASsacre (Pre-order; €44,02) Space Battle (Single: €55,92) Space Battle (Double: €74,96) Unseen (€49,97) Yastuna-The Alchemy of Cubes (€49,97) Click here if you’re interested in ordering from Luchs Soft. As of the recording date, here are the after-market and home brew Atari Lynx titles available from Songbird Productions in the US (prices do not include tax or shipping costs): Alpine Games ($59.95) Alpine Games Bonus Card ($49.95) Biniax 2 ($49.95/$79.95) Bubble Trouble ($69.95) A Bug’s Trip Redux (...