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Centipede, Asteroids
- This four-year period -- from 1977 to 1981 -- contains some of the most exciting developments the company ever saw in its history: the rise of the 2600, the development of some of the company's most enduringly popular games (Centipede, Asteroids) and the development and release of its first home computing platforms.
www.gamedeveloper.com/business/atari-the-golden-years----a-history-1978-1981Atari: The Golden Years -- A History, 1978-1981 - Game Developer
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- Space Invaders. One of the first shooting games ever, Space Invaders' lines of lurking aliens appeared in arcades before it became the first arcade game officially licensed for a console.
- Kaboom! Activision's Kaboom! (1981) became another million seller. The game starred a mad bomber who dropped bombs, which the player caught with three buckets at the bottom of the screen.
- Combat. Combat (1976) was one of the first Atari games. It contained 27 games in one, each representing different forms of combat, but all using tanks, jets, or biplanes as vehicles with weapons capability.
- Demon Attack. Imagic—a company that started with an "I" before starting with an "I" was cool—released Demon Attack (1982) for several consoles and computers, including Commodores, TRS-80, and of course, Atari 2600.
- Adventure. Released in 1979, Adventure is widely recognized as one of the first action-adventure games ever created. In this game, you play as a courageous warrior navigating through a maze-like kingdom in search of a hidden chalice.
- Pitfall! is a beloved side-scrolling platform game that captured the hearts of gamers in 1982. As the adventurer Harry, you embark on a thrilling journey through the jungle, avoiding treacherous obstacles like quicksand, rolling logs, and deadly scorpions.
- Missile Command. In 1980, Missile Command took the gaming world by storm as a thrilling arcade shooter. Your mission is to defend cities from a relentless barrage of incoming missiles.
- Yars' Revenge. Yars' Revenge, released in 1981, offers a unique blend of shooter and maze game elements. You assume the role of a Yar, a cosmic insect-like creature seeking revenge against the evil Qotile.
- Pitfall! The original king of rage quitting, Pitfall! is the rare 2600 title that remains on the lips and minds of gamers around the world even more than 30 years after its release.
- Battlezone. People scoff at the 2600’s admittedly limited capabilities, but in the right hands, the system could produce remarkable things. Battlezone stands as the systems finest graphical achievement, one of the earliest examples of a first-person shooter, complete with 3d graphics.
- Berzerk. Berzerk’s multi-directional shooting action has helped cement its legacy as one of the Atari’s finest action titles. Maze games were common in the system, but Berzerk added a shooting component that took its simple mazes to another level.
- Secret Quest. Atari’s answer to Legend of Zelda wasn’t a fantasy game, but instead a science fiction title. You are an unnamed hero tasked with blowing up eight space stations using a blend of simple sword-based combat and brain-bending puzzle solving.
- Atari 2600 Best Games
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- Atari Jaguar
Asteroids
Kids today would probably look the other way if they saw this game. Asteroids was a successful multidirectional shooter based in space. You’d blast asteroids, evade flying saucers, and dodge space rocks. A simple game that became popular to the point where it sold over 70,000 units during its lifetime.
Dig Dug
This digging puzzle focuses on strategically digging through soil and beating enemies. The only way you can beat enemies is by digging and allowing rocks to fall on their head, or, you could pump them with air until they pop. It’s a fun, retro game with simplistic gameplay that has bright colors and interesting character designs.
Frogger
Frogger is an absolute classic when it comes to arcade games. You play as a frog trying to get to the other side of the screen. In order to do this, you need to hop in various positions to avoid getting run over by a truck. It’s hard, makes you anxious, and is surprisingly addictive. You have a certain number of lives you have. Once you run out the game is over and there’s no coming back. Unless you just replay the game.
International Karate +
Fighting games it’s your turn to shine! You play as a karate master going up against, well, another karate master. There can only be one karate master so it’s up to you to become victorious. Unlike popular gaming titles such as Tekken or Street Fighter, this game has no special abilities, or fatalities. It’s just two dudes kicking each other.
Hunter
Do you play GTA? If you do this game is for you. It’s a game that feels like GTA minus the killer graphics. It’s simple, as were most older games. This game features a male lead who goes around wielding weapons, talking to NPCs, and evading authority. Sounds familiar? Play this title if you’re looking for a classic GTA game.
The Secret of Monkey Island
We love point-and-click games. It’s nostalgic and to this day we still have games where we can choose how the story will end. In this game, your character is exploring a world where he can’t die. Chat with NPCs, talk to pirates, and look for buried treasure.
Space Ace
This cartoonish game introduces Dexter as he tries to save Earth from an evil space commander. The evil commander, Borf wants to turn adults into kids and as Dexter crosses paths with him, he is turned into a teenager! This game features pretty cool graphics, and different gadgets to utilize, and each stage allows character progression. It’s a classic, beautiful story about love and triumphing over evil.
Primal Rage
Fighting games were popular with Street Fighter, however, the difference between those games and Primal Rage, is that you’re using monsters. Play as giant gorillas or crazy-looking dinosaurs as you compete to see who is the king of all animals. It’s a giant monster battle that has some interesting animations.
NBA Jam: Tournament Edition
They don’t make sports games like they used to. There was a time where you could play a sports game without being bombarded by loot boxes and microtransactions. It was simple. You picked your team, you kick back with friends, and compete. No gimmicks or online modes where you could play with others around the world. All you had was the game and whoever wanted to come over to chill with you. Great times. Atari has been in our lives for quite some time and has won the hearts of many gamers. Alt...
- Combat (1977) Developed & published by Atari. Combat was one of the many titles that Atari developed for its own console system, making it an exclusive to the Atari 2600.
- Space Invaders (1980) Developed by Taito & published by Atari. Space Invaders is, of course, not an Atari 2600 exclusive, nor did it debut on the platform.
- Adventure (1980) Developed & published by Atari. Adventure went through a complex development process which was partially impacted by the limitations of the Atari 2600 console.
- Asteroids (1981) Developed & published by Atari. Asteroids was one of the early great hits of the arcade era and it was a natural jump for Atari, who had developed the arcade game, to bring the experience to its own home console.
Feb 17, 2023 · Created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972, it played a big part in the huge popularity of arcade games and created a home console boom in the 70s and 80s - with some of the best Atari games still remembered fondly by gamers of a certain age.
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Jan 25, 2013 · The 10 best Atari games. These are the games we're most nostalgic for from the legendary company. By Aaron Morales. Updated on February 23, 2024 01:24PM EST. Ms. Pac-Man. Photo: ATARI. Atari's...
