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THE JAGUAR CONNEXION 2002 REPORT
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By Marss
Well, it seems that the time has come to report our activities of the Jaguar
connexion 2002 that took place the last week-end of August. But before entering
it, let me tell you how it all began. As you may know this kind of event is
usuelly hold in the USA and lately in Germany. One of my desire was to go to
Germany ( coz those people move their ass). Furthermore, i intended to come
back to Paris for seminars at some place (it's a secret). As usual, i called
Kiwi on the phone (one of the journalist at Le Virus Infornatique) to buy some
stuff. I boared him to let me Skyhammer for 150 euros. He's still refusing (i'm
patient, anyway). While talking, he announced that a bunch of French good
fellows were having a regular chat on Yaroo.net and they all decided to
organize a meeting at somebody's place 60 kilometers from Eurodisneyland.
Good move, i was about to make acquaintance and to swap things all about Atari.
Then i said a list of attendees and materials. Not that bad. I was to contact
the man where we were supposed to sleep. After many phone calls, i gave up. I
called back Kiwi thinking that the meeting had been cancelled. I made a mistake
and to console my poor mind i contacted Florian to buy things for Nuon (games
and a pad). I searched in a map where the place was supposed to be - La ferte
Gaucher and Montdauphin- Where on Earth was it. Then, late at night, the phone
rang. It was the man. Nice chap. We talked about Atari as he edits a fanzine
(Becanes Atari).
Then, Martial, let me tell that bla bla, bla bla bla. 10 o'clock sharp at Euro
disneyland. Early in the morning i kissed my baby boy and my lovely Russian
wife to head there. A hour and a half later, welcome to Mickeyland. God, it was
to early. So i visited the attraction park for video games. Sega rules. Games
are new but not interesting. Hi, are you Martial asked a youngster. Yes i'm.
First contact with Fabrice (a representative of the best handheld video game
system, the GP 32 of Game park). He got his shitty Neo Geo pocket and we played
till the coming of Morgane with his beautiful red Atari T-shirt thanx to
Sunnyvale in St-Etienne). Approaching us with a big smile on the face, entered
the dragon, i mean Guillaume. Follow me, he said. Hi to his friend, Laurent,
the video boy. So, imagine us speeding on the highway, when all of the sudden
the video boy didn't see the car outrunning him and crashed the other driver
spinned and touched the barrier. Well, what a good start.
After one hour to fill out forms, the journey continued. At last, we bought
food and towards home to install packs, so many, in fact. What was unpacked
(Jaguars, Sts, a Nuon, GP 32, Dreamcast, VCS, 2600, 7800...). A big projector
lighted the wall to show games (Battlesphere gold, Caves of fear, Protector
SE...). Morgane made a lot of numeric shots and videos. Two days of non stop
gaming. We talked a lot about friendship. Nice guys like Carl Forhan, Randy
Fermite, Doug Engel. Kiwi told many funny stories about video game
companies'policy. You know, how the world spins... and this kind of philosophy.
I just couldn't imagine how those Frenchies are fanatics (in a good way). They
have Jaguar review books and rare items... unbelievable. I played every Jaguar
and Lynx games and GP 32, too. The Nuon is an excellent DVD/video game mchine.
The functions to play around are innovative like Blade Runner and the zooming
thing, VLM2, sharpness of the picture ans so on. Games are very good but noone
had a pad and palying Merlin Cart with a remote control is hard. I need one
for sure.
I don't want to be harsh but this game Protector SE is boring and don't give
the sweat. On the other hand, it has a CD bypass. Battlesphere gold rocks
steady and the Cd demo is nice (Native for sure and other demos are nice
(technical stuff and Slam racer). My fave is Caves of fear. I would like to
thank the Dutch man who sent it for free. Well, well, well, its time to close
off and to admit that the atmosphere was good and friendly and we have plenty
of ideas. See you at the Jaguar connexion 2002 or 2003.
Well, let me introduce you to my friends :
Enter Fabrice (the GP 32 maniac)
Hi ! How do you feel today ?
Fine thanks
How did you choose your nickname (what is the story about it) ?
Icebraf is an anagram from my first name : Fabrice. There was some
others like ecirbaf or fribace, but that one sounded well.
How long have you been in the computer world ? tell us about
your first experience with a computer/video game system ...
My very first experience in video games, was when I was a were 7 years
old, I made a trip to UK and there was a NES in the family
who received me and I just fell in love with Super Mario Bros. Later by
friends I discovered the Videopac, and really enjoyed Wizard & Warrior.
And a bit more later I discover Joust on 2600 wich really was a funny
game. When I was 9, I received a NES for Christmas, probably the most
beautiful
christmas present I ever received.
What is your current Atari set-up ?
Hehe, currently I have no Atari system (I know shame on me !), but I
intend to buy a Lynx II, because it looks to be a very interesting
system.
How do you use your machine (are you a programer, a graphist,
a musician ?) What are your tools ?
Lol none of it. My new project is to create a kind of magazine on
alternative handheld system : Alternative Pocket, but it's only in french.
I'm a big GP32 fan and I'm newser for www.gp32news.com We launched in
association with Gamepark an amateur development contest with great
prizes to win such as a professionnal develpment kit, GP32, games,...
All information are available on : www.adic2002.com Check it to be aware
of all the last changes. I you have knows anything about programming,
you should try to make a project because there are only a few
participants till
now, so you've great chances to get something.
What is your fave insult when you have a problem with a computer ?
Well, nothing really original like : "shit !" "fuck !" or " it piss me
of !" But in french ;)
Does your work have to do with the video game industry ?
I recently was invited by Gamepark at the London's ECTS. It really was
interesting to meet all professionnals of the video games industry.
Most of them didn't know anything about the GP32 so I presented it to
them.
Do you have any funny stories about it ?
One of the gamepark's responsible had a distorsion of ankle a few days
before coming to London, his foot was getting very big.
Medical student is my real job, so I make him a better bandage. That
was quite unusual in the middle of a video games show !
Let's say you're plenty of money, which system would
you choose and why ?
I already have a GP32. But with plenty of money I would try to get some
licences like Metal Slug, Radiant Silvergun, or Alien VS Pred to port
them on it !
Now you are a fairy, your dream machine consists of ...
It would be an handheld system you can as well connect on TV like the
Nomad. Ireally think that home systems are bound to disapear. And it
would be as powerfull
as the home system. When the Nec pc engine GT pointed out it was an
handheld system exactly as much powerful as the home system. Now handheld
system are very late : 32bits
while we've 128 bits for home system. It's a shame !
You could play with many friends, on the same system, but in link
(without any cable of ocurse) or through the net as well.
Your fave/worst games on our systems ?
Joust is a great game, I really have very good souvenir about it. I
really enjoyed playing Pitfall on Jaguar.
You assisted the jaguar connexion in late august, what
are your thoughts about it ? What is possible to improve ?
It was a great idea and I really was happy to take part of this
adventure. But it was to short : arrivals on saturday and departure on sunday,
not enough to enjoy
all the things we brought. (namely the 7 players bomberman game on
saturn was far too short !)
Infogrames bought ATARI, is it a good move ? Can they do better
than JTS or HASBRO ? Do you have any favor to ask them ?
Well Infogrames bought many diffrent companies, now they'll have to
produce good games to make money come back. I think that real intention of
Infogrames is to use atari name as his, in a
first time with old atari licences, and later for all their games. But
I don't think they really intend to preserve Atari's spirit.
Do you have any hobbies ?
Roller, skiing, waterpolo,...
Is there any place where one can chat about ATARI ?
http://www.yaronet.com/forum.php?s=9 only in french till now, but if
you achieve to register in french you'll be welcome to chat with us in
english.
Do you want to shout out anything to people saying that you are an
ATARI lamer ?
Nothing. Don't need to have a last generation system to enjoy a game.
Do you have any message to deliver to our readers ?
Search more information about GP32 (on www.gp32news.com to begin),
you'll see, it's a bit the same spirit of videogames than atari's.
Are you able to sum up your life in a word ?
No ;)
Thanx for having answered and keep on the good work.
Thanx.
Now, Florian (the happy Nuon owner)
Hi ! How do you feel today ?
Very well ! Thanx :)
How did you choose your nickname (what is the story about it) ?
Sorry i have none, this is my usual surname.
How long have you been in the computer world ? tell us about
your first experience with a computer/video game system ...
I got my first computer (a Atari 1040STF) when i was 10. Since then,
I feel very well with this brand. I played a lot with it and when i
discovered the Jaguar i immediately was interested by its design
and technical breakthroughs.
What is your current Atari set-up ?
I still have a 1040STF and recently a 520STE(upgraded to 1Mo)
and two Jaguars with a CD-ROM. I have a lot of games and add-ons
for these supports.
How do you use your machine (are you a programer, a graphist,
a musician ?) What are your tools ?
I only play. Furthermore, i use joysticks for that ;) lol
What is your fave insult when you have a problem with a
computer ?
*CENSORED*
Does your work have to do with the video game industry ?
No at all, i'm a simple computer boy (system administrator
to be precise).
Do you have any funny stories about it ?
Don't have much time, sorry ^_^
Let's say you're plenty of money, which system would you
choose and why ?
I think that i would try to buy everything Jaguar (commercial
Stuff too). I want a Falcon, too ^_^
Now you are a fairy, your dream machine consists of ...
The JAGUAR 2 ! ! ! with a lot of games pushing the machine
To its limits. Ahhh, sweet dream :) ^_^
Your fave/worst games on our systems ?
Fave : AVP,
Worst : Aircars.
You assisted the jaguar connexion in late august, what
are your thoughts about it ? What is possible to improve ?
The Jaguar Connexion 2002 was a total success ! The place
and people's motivation permitted to make it a great "event".
This experience is to be repeated at all cost. The organisation
can be improved, even though the result was correct.
Infogrames bought ATARI, is it a good move ? Can they do better
than JTS or HASBRO ? Do you have any favor to ask them ?
I think that in the actual situation, one can't expect much
better... Infogrames can do much better than HASBRO (not to
mention JTS...), without a doubt. I wonder when this firm decided
to change its name in the USA. Is it still in consideration ?
Do you have any hobbies ?
Yes, of course ! :) computers, biking, table tennis and movies.
Is there any place where one can chat about ATARI ?
http://www.yaronet.com/forum.php?s=9 of course ! ;)
Do you want to shout out anything to people saying that you
are an ATARI lamer ?
I don't understand this question...
Do you have any message to deliver to our readers ?
The future is full of surprises ;) Thanx to all who makes the
Atari scene live !
Are you able to sum up your life in a word ?
Passion.
Thanx for having answered and keep on the good work.
It was a pleasure :)
But, who is it ? This is Guillaume (the almighty)
Hi ! How do you feel today ?
Not bad, thanks
How did you choose your nickname (what is the story
about it) ?
You know the metal group "Rhapsody" ? Arezius is the
troll who is telling the story of the Emerauld saga. I
found the name cool but, I couldn't take the same, so I've
modified the "zius" in "thius".
your first experience with a computer/video game system...
I was 6 or 7, I've been invited to a birthday. The young
boy had a NES , than, I've got a friend with a NES and
then begun the story.
What is your current Atari set-up ?
1 Jaguar+CD, 41 games
1 Lynx II, 8 games
1 VCS 2600 junior, 3 games
1 520 STf, with plenty of disks, but I don't use it.
How do you use your machine (are you a programer, a graphist,
a musician ? What are your tools ?
My tools ? PC Windows Xperience Problem, and word :(. I
must try to get a Falcon, or a Hadès.
What is your fave insult when you have a problem with a
computer ?
Saloperie de putain de ******* de******* de******** PC de
mes 4 ********. lol
Does your work have to do with the video game industry ?
No, I'm a receptionnist in a hotel, but I do write a
fanzine about the games in Atari. And I'm working on an
english version, and a german one.
Do you have any funny stories about it ?
Funny stories in the hospitality sector ? There're a lot
and I don't think they'll interest you.
Let's say you're plenty of money, which system would
you choose and why ?
All of them, because they all have something special,
they all have good games.
Now you are a fairy, your dream machine consists of ...
The atari Jaguar but recognize as it had to be.
Your fave/worst games on our systems ?
Aircars (Jaguar), Club drive (Jaguar), Primal Rage (Jag-CD),
there are others like Centipede for the PSX, ... I think that
all ... Ah yes the King Of Fighter series but that's only 'cause
i don't feel it.
You assisted the jaguar connexion in late august, what
are your thoughts about it ? What is possible to improve ?
That was great, too short, but great. The next time we'll
better organize the meeting, with arrival one day before, and
departure one day after if possible. And we'll try to get more
people, like Fredifredo and Cts, those two ones are programmers,
they can show what they've done.
Infogrames bought ATARI, is it a good move ? Can they do
Better than JTS or HASBRO ? Do you have any favor to ask them ?
If they are ready to speak with, us I think they can help, but
I'm doubting about that.
Do you have any hobbies ?
I love dancing, movies, mangas, but first of all video games.
Is there any place where one can chat about ATARI ?
www.yaronet.com, www.atarihq.com, the jaguar front page chat, ...
there are plenty of places were we can chat, we only need to find
them.
Do you want to shout out anything to people saying that you are an
ATARI lamer ?
yes just two words "So what ?"
Do you have any message to deliver to our readers ?
Yes, don't care about the other saying, if they tell you
this game is shit, just tell "so what ? I like it, it's
enough for me!" And just live your life, but don't forget the
other, be nice with them, maybe just one will do something in
return, but isn't enough ?
Are you able to sum up your life in a word ?
A lot of debts.
Thanx for having answered and keep on the good work.
You're welcome!
From a complete darkside, appeared Odie-one
Hi ! How do you feel today ?
I feel good. Today is Monday. A new life has started :0)
How did you choose your nickname (what is the story about it) ?
My pseudo, Odie one, gets its origin from odie (the dog in
Gardfield. I love it a lot). I had Odie as a pseudo but when
i wanted to register ICQ, somebody else already had it.
Then i simply add " _one " to validate. To put it in a nutshell,
it fits me well (it sounds like Obie one in Star Wars).
How long have you been in the computer world ? tell us
About your first experience with a computer/video game
system ...
My brother got his first computer (a Atari Stf) in Christmas
1986. I was 6, now i'am 22. Do the math. Since then I have
been using Atari at home. And still using it. I first played
Mercenary World Games. Some that i can forget (Arkanoid,
Black Cauldron, King Quest III).
What is your current Atari set-up ?
I have many Ataris. I mainly use a Atari STe1040. I want to
upgrade to 4Mo to continue my animations.
How do you use your machine (are you a programer, a
graphist, a musician ?) What are your tools ?
I'am a graphist. All started with Degas Elite, then Deluxe Paint
in 1994 with a friend.Ther latter permits to play animations.
I have been working on the sequel of an episode. I imagined a
character and my new project is episode 7 of Star Wars (a parody).
What is your fave insult when you have a problem with a
computer ?
I sometimes say "Putain" "Fais chier" :0)
Does your work have to do with the video game industry ?
No but i would wish to.
Do you have any funny stories about it ?
Once my Atari die... i was in despair. My bother came to help
me out. It was just a fuse. I have never felt such an undepictable
emotion for a machine.
Let's say you're plenty of money, which system would you choose
and why ?
I would choose a Falcon030. It's an excellente machine and having
one is a dream !
Now you are a fairy, your dream machine consists of ...
A all in one that can run any games on any systems(Atari, Amiga,
Amstrad, Jaguar, Lynx, NeoGeo...). Maybe that dream is unreachable :0)
Your fave/worst games on our systems ?
I like Dungeon Master, Rick Dangerous, Captive, Wings of Death.
You assisted the jaguar connexion in late august, what are your
thoughts about it ? What is possible to improve ?
It was a premiere for us. We were only 7, but it was a good
Experience for our next meetings.
We are planning another one in late December (more means, more
Room and a better organisation. I think it's good to see that
people playing different systems got together coz we have so many
things to say. New stuff to show (GP32 by game park, this one rocks),
rare games (Battlesphere Gold, Protector SE, Towers II...).
We know that meetings are organised in Germany and in the USA.
So what about us and we made it.
Infogrames bought ATARI, is it a good move ? Can they do
Better than JTS or HASBRO ? Do you have any favor to ask them ?
In a kind of way, it's cool, coz Atari can't be forgotten
(it was about to be done). Infogrames can do something good
(give or sell licenses to developpers like Carl Fohran. Some good
titles were to be released on the Jaguar and the Lynx. Infogrames
has got money... seems to have. I wish the firm could grant Atari
(no one did it before. Maybe a video game museum).
Do you have any hobbies ?
I draw a lot. Otherwise i hack system and i practice roller.
Is there any place where one can chat about ATARI ?
Our group got together on www.carmail.com, first and
www.yaronet.com, now.
Do you want to shout out anything to people saying that you
are an ATARI lamer ?
Don't people loving old cars have a good taste ? Each of
Us has a goal. Maybe we are pionneers for video games.
We touched 4-8-16 bits machines. Today, it's only money
and marketing. There's no more creativity...
We have stories to tell, next to a fireplace :0)
Do you have any message to deliver to our readers ?
Atari is not dead. Games are still released. It's easy
to play a game after some seconds of adaptation. Try them
and you will like them.
Are you able to sum up your life in a word ?
I'am only 22 but as far as i'am concerned we are "pionniers".
Thanx for having answered and keep on the good work.
Olivier catches virus every month and he's still alive.
Hi! How do you feel today ?
Hi, very well, thanx.
How did you choose your nickname (what is the story about it) ?
Blackbird, due to my first fanzine, coz i'am pretty moody ;)
Now, it's Kiwi. Kiwis are tasty... :-D
How long have you been in the computer world ? tell us about
your first experience with a computer/video game system ...
i started on a 1040 STE i offered myself when i was 12... Some many
many good memorier. Since then i'am a faithful kid to atari. But
I keep on being aware of everything. I'am not one track minded ;)
What is your current Atari set-up ?
A Atari 1040 STE, 520 STF, 3 Jaguars, a Jaguar CD, 2 Lynx et un lecteur DVD
Nuon N504 (if one can consider it a Atari machine)
How do you use your machine (are you a programer, a graphist,
a musician ?) What are your tools ?
I paly Atari for games. For more powerful applications, i enter the darkside of
the force (PC and so on).
What is your fave insult when you have a problem with a computer ?
Putain de merde ! Craaaac (The keyboard broken by a raging fist ;)
Does your work have to do with the video game industry ?
I've been working for 3 years for a lot of video game papers. At
ACBM's, i write stuff for le Virus Informatique et Pirates Magazine,
And for late Pocket Magazine, Les Puces Informatiques (sniff !)
http://www.acbm.com and a year at Bauer's (Screenfun).
I made, some years ago, a fanzine about Atari (5 issues of Jagnet). Now, i
dedicate my time to handheld machines (Lynx, GP32, NGPC, WSC, etc.)
http://alternativepocket.free.fr
Do you have any funny stories about it ?
Tons of, some funny ones and some unbelievable ones. There's a magazine that
paid 4 to 5 times a normal payroll to its collaborators bankrupting the firm
(!)
Let's say you're plenty of money, which system would you choose and why ?
Only one, this is harsh...
In a living room, a Saturn with its catalogue of hits.
A Lynx, as a handheld, my fave, with a lot of unknown hits...
Now you are a fairy, your dream machine consists of ...
A totally open system with a free downloading of commercial and amateur games.
This one already exists (GP32). The GP32 offers a big quantity of free
softwares but commercial ones are not that good.
Your fave/worst games on our systems ?
The best : Tempest 2000 on the Jaguar, without hesitating. It's original in all
the domains : an appealing principe, the gameplay is simple and does the work,
graphix are top notch and the music is deviously excellent.
The worst : Double Dragon 5. Average graphix but the playability is horrible
for a combat game. A very poor choice of blows and impossible to activate.
Animation is a pity...
You assisted the jaguar connexion in late august, what are your thoughts about
it ? What is possible to improve ?
A excellent meeting... Nice people with a passion and a motivation.
It was a pleasure. Some of them i penpal for years. The next edition (in
December 2002) will attract more people. It will be nice to see developpers to
show their productions :)
Infogrames bought ATARI, is it a good move ? Can they do better
than JTS or HASBRO ? Do you have any favor to ask them ?
Infogrames will do much more than the others. The firm acted this way to give
back Atari its image. But i don't like this company due to its products and
policy... I expect nothing from it.
Bruno Bonnel has in mind to get the image of Atari and to print this label on
sales. That's all. Neither new machines nor videosystems, nor computers.
Infogrames has financial problems and won't do a single move (a share costs 1
dollar).
Do you have any hobbies ?
Yes, of course. I practice a sport (basketball and fitness). It allows me to
calm down and to forget this mad world :)
Is there any place where one can chat about ATARI ?
http://www.yaronet.com/forum.php?s=9
Do you want to shout out anything to people saying that you are an
ATARI lamer ?
No matter, i even don't listen to them. People that spit on others' passion are
detestable becoz they don't understand it.
Do you have any message to deliver to our readers ?
Continue to make the Atari world live !
Personnel message to developpers : why French ones ignore the Jaguar ? I remind
them that tools, developping docs are available ont the Net. The plateform is
free. Thanx to the JagFree CD, anyone can release its product by burning it on
a CD. The encryption key is no more a matter and production cos are low... The
Jaguar needs you !:)
Are you able to sum up your life in a word ?
wake up :)
Thanx for having answered and keep on the good work.
Let me finish by Serge, the programist
Hi ! How do you feel today ?
Tired ! Red eyes ...
How did you choose your nickname (what is the story about it) ?
CTS was the name of my first crew. When moving to NLC, i kept CTS
as a nickname. It stand for "Con tres superieur" now...NLC is
"Norton le Cachalot" or "Nicole La Connasse".
How long have you been in the computer world ? tell us about
your first experience with a computer/video game system ...
I started to play video games at 9 (Yeah ! Pong !)...but too poor to
buy myself a computer before i can put my hand on a "To7-70" at school !
Since that, i can't stop ;)
What is your current Atari set-up ?
Falcon CT2b/tower/VGA
MSTE tower
STE tower
STE
STF
VCS2600
Jaguar
How do you use your machine (are you a programer, a graphist,
a musician ?) What are your tools ?
Coding/publishing
What is your fave insult when you have a problem with a computer ?
too much to tell ! but the worsts are kept for windows...
Does your work have to do with the video game industry ?
No ! But i code anyway...
Do you have any funny stories about it ?
Work ?
Yes ! : We still have customers in Maroco using STs !
and a MegaST2 at the factory !
Let's say you're plenty of money, which system would you choose
and why ?
Not ONE system ! but a few video games systems and old computers...
Now you are a fairy, your dream machine consists of ...
heard of jaguar II ?
Your fave/worst games on our systems ?
Jaguar have too much bad games...Checkered Flag is probably the worst.
You assisted the jaguar connexion in late august, what
Are your thoughts about it ? What is possible to improve ?
Making something like the Jagfest, say...more coding !
Infogrames bought ATARI, is it a good move ? Can they do better
than JTS or HASBRO ? Do you have any favor to ask them ?
Just wait a few months and Atari will be bought by another company !
maybe they could release docs or code ?
Do you have any hobbies ?
pot@home ;)
football
beer/Rock/[girls|coding] ;)
Is there any place where one can chat about ATARI ?
Yaronet, JII, Atariage...
Do you want to shout out anything to people saying that you are an
ATARI lamer ?
Hum...nothing to say to them !
Do you have any message to deliver to our readers ?
buggy code is fun !
Are you able to sum up your life in a word ?
Too early for a sum ! it's the begining.
Thanx for having answered and keep on the good work.
Thanx.
I hoped that you enjoyed this long introduction to our little party.
Feel free to visit us coz there's something appearing to play with.
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Marss
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