1. Not old. Vintage. :)

Atari User - software reviews by...Phil, I mean, Pete, nooooo! Paul Irvine!

Discussion in 'SIG: Atari 8-Bit Software' started by Andy Barr, Nov 14, 2025.

  1. by Andy Barr
    Andy Barr

    Andy Barr Captain

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    OK, so some of you thought I was pished when I said I remember Paul mentioning he had reviewed for Atari User mag way back in the 80s. I kinda still recalled 1-2 of the games that he'd reviewed - there was a boxing one which may/may not have been King of the Ring? I know he's always been very honest and forthright and calls a spade a spade - what you see is what you get - and this sincere style also comes through in his written reviews.

    Anyhow, we got discussing this on here and of course Paul reminded us that he had appeared in several issues BUT the ruddy mag had got his name wrong and called him Phil, I mean Pete and in the end had to print a correction to say that this new games reviewer they had with a flair for words and a passion for all things Atari was actually called... PAUL IRVINE!

    Still don't believe me and Phil? I mean me and Pete?!

    Skeg on - these are just a FEW A.U. review examples I've found so far - maybe you have others - if so, or you have something to say to Pete, I mean, Paul, then get it orf your chest and comment away, Atarians!

    upload_2025-11-14_23-31-36.png
    ABOVE: Just lurve me mags, me - you can't beat a bit of physical reading quality in yer mitts :)

    upload_2025-11-14_23-32-14.png
    ABOVE: Pete Irvin reviews the one and only... M.U.L.E.


    upload_2025-11-14_23-34-55.png
    ABOVE: We're sorry we only managed to send Pete, I mean Paul, 60% of his fees... ?! :) I've always enjoyed Archon - it's like Chess as in played on a chess board but brought to life through combat when the squares seem to zoom out and the light and dark "strengths" very much come into play as you fight for control of squares and seek to destroy the other side's pieces. Paul's review does a very good job on highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

    upload_2025-11-14_23-40-43.png
    ABOVE: Aha, King of the Ring is the boxing game Paul reviewed back in May 86. Bloody hell.. almost 40 years ago... Pete!


    upload_2025-11-14_23-42-7.png
    ABOVE: Can Paul manage a footy team as well as train his boxer? You bet he can...

    upload_2025-11-14_23-44-24.png

    ABOVE: If you remember, Paul pointed out that he had reviewed SIDEWINDER back in another recent thread - probably some "new" Atari software I'd acquired - here's the proof lads, that our main man is a published guy!

    and finally, before we put this all to bed for now... Betty had to stick her nose in, didn't she?!?

    upload_2025-11-14_23-41-33.png

    So, comments please - have you reviewed or written anything / been published / interviewed in retro / Atari / 8bit media?
     

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  2. by Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine
    Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine

    Paul "Mclaneinc" Irvine Captain

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    As I've always said, in those days I just had a knack at being in the right place at the right time. I'd love to say it was down to my journalistic abilities, But that would be a fib. They wanted an Atari Technical manual and had tried everywhere for one. I took the call, put it to one side and when they collected it I had a small chat and said "if you ever want a reviewer, then keep me in mind"....And they did..

    And then Pete was born :)

    That's 2 threads I've had about me on a forum, this one and one on a C64 forum re the work I'd done data basing and keeping FTP lists up to date for software sites.

    Always nice to get a thumbs up...
     
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