Atari 2600 Games for Atari 2600 Haters

[louisg]

I recall with fond memories of poning up ten bucks in quarters to buy MS brand new back in '83. Best forty quarters ever spent that day.

I'll have to try Moonsweeper. Imagic's games were always pretty good. Yeah, I've got a few intensely nostalgic 2600 memories. I think the one that sticks out for me is when my brother and dad brought home Frogger, and it was the first home videogame I ever saw play music. We were amazed-- the fact that it was only mostly on key didn't bother us.

[BryanM]

Montezuma's Revenge was a big one...

Is it me or do most of these people in photos from the 70's look like they feel like this:

"I didn't want to wear this... they put me in these clothes."

Does anyone know wth is going on in Superman? All I know is it uses some source from Adventure and that it frightens me.

[LSU]

It's been mentioned already in the very first post, but H.E.R.O. continually amazes me with just how playable and enjoyable it still is today. The system, controls, level design (there are a surprising number of levels), difficulty curve - everything about it feels like a game that should be running on a (slightly) more modern gaming system. A true classic.

[BrianC]

Dragonstomper is pretty boss too, and has the best name ever. Pretty sure it's the first console RPG too.

The closest I can think of aside from Dragonstomper are the AD&D games for Intellivision, but they still lack some RPG elements. There's a version of Gateway to Asphai for the Colecovision, but Dragonstomper predates it.

Dragonstomper is good stuff. Other Supercharger games like Frogger (different from the Parker Bros version, but still official due to a loophole that only gave Parker Bros the cartridge rights to the game. Unlike the PB version, has more of the music, the seals, and diving turtles), Fireball (a nice take on the breakout formula), Phasor Patrol (argubly the best first person Star Raiders style game on the 2600), and Escape from the Mindmaster are very sweet too. A couple of the Supercharger programmers later made games like Impossible Mission for Epyx. I love how the Harmony Cart plays Supercharger games. Surprisingly, they work on my 7800 too.

The late SEGA published games really took me by surprise. Spy Hunter, Up 'n Down, and Tapper keep most of the elements from the arcade and play extremely well. Especially strange since some of their simplier games like Sub Scan were missing elements from the arcade. The prototype Ixion is also an interesting case, an unreleased port of an arcade game that never made it to arcades.

[louisg]

It's been mentioned already in the very first post, but H.E.R.O. continually amazes me with just how playable and enjoyable it still is today. The system, controls, level design (there are a surprising number of levels), difficulty curve - everything about it feels like a game that should be running on a (slightly) more modern gaming system. A true classic.

Yeah, H.E.R.O. is an amazing game. I also think the 2600 one is the better version (it's also on Coleco, C64, and probably some others) just due to the smoothness of the animations and colors. But, going back to the gameplay, I've played the hell out of that cartridge, and I still come back to it again and again. The controls are not going to be what modern players expect (there isn't a lot of inertia-- you just sort of start going up once your heli pack spins up), but they do work well once you get used to them.

The late SEGA published games really took me by surprise. Spy Hunter, Up 'n Down, and Tapper keep most of the elements from the arcade and play extremely well.

That's true. It's pretty amazing that Spy Hunter came out as well as it did. It is from an era though where you'd be happy if you could play even a vaguely similar game at home. That disastrous Pac-Man port? I remember staying up late with my family playing the hell out of it! The mere fact that we were playing a maze game meant that we were playing Pac-Man, dammit!

So, yeah, Spy Hunter is missing a couple things, but it isn't bad. I think it even fixes some problems when compared with the dubious US Gold version for the C64, and I'd rather play it than River Raid (though obviously I'm biased in favor of SH since it's one of my all-time favorite arcade games). But, the Coleco edition is probably the best SH port (...maybe?).

2600 Tapper, though, nailed the arcade's gameplay (probably because it's simpler). I'm not sure any elements are missing in that one, graphics aside.

Even more alarmingly, only about half of respondents correctly identified the following photo of the nation's founders:

Nice

[BryanM]

That disastrous Pac-Man port? I remember staying up late with my family playing the hell out of it! The mere fact that we were playing a maze game meant that we were playing Pac-Man, dammit!

You guys are oooooooooold.

[brentsg]

Jr. Pac-man was great and has aged well.

[Sonic R]

no mention of Kaboom!?
I absolutely love that game! even has strategies such as suiciding and rank control!

I have never played the 2600 version of HERO, but I do enjoy playing it on the 5200…

another 5200 version I enjoy alot is Beamrider!

(I am probably one of two people in the whole universe who enjoy and favor the 5200 over other Atari hardware )

[antron]

(I am probably one of two people in the whole universe who enjoy and favor the 5200 over other Atari hardware )

Is that what you first remember, perhaps? Or have the fondest memories associated with, as a child?

I never will forget the entire family laying on my parents bed watching my father play Vanguard. It even had the music from my favorite movie, Flash Gordon. God I love you Freddie Mercury...,man.

[louisg]

(I am probably one of two people in the whole universe who enjoy and favor the 5200 over other Atari hardware )

Is that what you first remember, perhaps? Or have the fondest memories associated with, as a child?

I never will forget the entire family laying on my parents bed watching my father play Vanguard. It even had the music from my favorite movie, Flash Gordon. God I love you Freddie Mercury...,man.

As far as I can tell, the 5200 had extremely close arcade ports but was hampered by its analog controller. I've used their 8-bit home computers a little, which are essentially the same thing, and they're excellent. Even though I grew up with the C64, I think Atari may have had a better game system on their hands than Commodore did! If you haven't yet, try emulating the Atari 800-- it had more software than the 5200 did.

[Mortificator]

The 800 River Raid might be that game's best version.

[geotrig]

Centipede was a great game to play simple and easy to play with the controller
kangaroo was a good game also

snoopy and the red baron

[BrianC]

So, yeah, Spy Hunter is missing a couple things, but it isn't bad. I think it even fixes some problems when compared with the dubious US Gold version for the C64, and I'd rather play it than River Raid (though obviously I'm biased in favor of SH since it's one of my all-time favorite arcade games). But, the Coleco edition is probably the best SH port (...maybe?).

2600 Tapper, though, nailed the arcade's gameplay (probably because it's simpler). I'm not sure any elements are missing in that one, graphics aside.

Spy Hunter 2600 has most of the elements in place and even has the puddles that the CV version is missing. I think the only thing missing is the snow stages. I love the CV one, as well, though. I also like the controls in the 2600 and CV versions better than the NES version (though 2600 version uses the button on the second controller for some weapons). Tapper has two beers at one time served in a row, instead of three. It also lacks the tips that you have to collect in the arcade version. For 2600, both still keep an impressive amout of stuff intact. I was especially surprised to see Tapper's bonus rounds on the 2600. Unlike the CV version, Tapper contains all of the stages. Spy Hunter retains the speedboat stages, the power ups, and all of the enemy types (even the helicopter).

[brentsg]

(I am probably one of two people in the whole universe who enjoy and favor the 5200 over other Atari hardware )

Is that what you first remember, perhaps? Or have the fondest memories associated with, as a child?

I never will forget the entire family laying on my parents bed watching my father play Vanguard. It even had the music from my favorite movie, Flash Gordon. God I love you Freddie Mercury...,man.

As far as I can tell, the 5200 had extremely close arcade ports but was hampered by its analog controller. I've used their 8-bit home computers a little, which are essentially the same thing, and they're excellent. Even though I grew up with the C64, I think Atari may have had a better game system on their hands than Commodore did! If you haven't yet, try emulating the Atari 800-- it had more software than the 5200 did.

The Atari computers were excellent for sure. I learned to program on one, and it was a staple of my gaming as well. There is a huge software library of great stuff.

[Sonic R]

(I am probably one of two people in the whole universe who enjoy and favor the 5200 over other Atari hardware )

Is that what you first remember, perhaps? Or have the fondest memories associated with, as a child?

I never will forget the entire family laying on my parents bed watching my father play Vanguard. It even had the music from my favorite movie, Flash Gordon. God I love you Freddie Mercury...,man.

well, what makes my praise and enjoyment of the 5200 is even far more peculiar… I have only recently 'discovered' it… purchasing my own console just 15 months ago!

I grew up on NES, though my sister had a 7800 (with many 2600 games) and a family on the block had a 2600 during my childhood… I just prefer the 5200 versions of games over their 2600 counterparts (except Kaboom!) and I find it a wonderful console (when the controllers are working )

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For 3rd-party 5200 joysticks, there was the 5200 Wico Command Stick with it's self centering joystick mechanism. Atari's R&D department did make a prototype 5200 joystick with a self centering mechanism but it was never released to the general public.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Sonic R]

For 3rd-party 5200 joysticks, there was the 5200 Wico Command Stick with it's self centering joystick mechanism. Atari's R&D department did make a prototype 5200 joystick with a self centering mechanism but it was never released to the general public.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

ah yes, I do have the Wico Command Control stick (with necessary y-cable) as well as the very nice Wico Command Control keypad... though I actually like the oem stock Atari 5200 joystick!

another controller alternative for the 5200 is Electra Concepts 5200 Masterplay Interface… I have this as well and have used it with a Sega Genesis controller, though the auxiliary fire button can be a bit cumbersome…

[Shatterhand]

Beamrider and Demon Attack are both games that I find enjoyable even today. Beamrider even more. I find the MSX/Coleco version to be better, but the 2600 version is pretty good on its own too.

Glad to know more people know Moonsweeper. It also had an MSX version (Which I believe it was a direct port from a Coleco version), but the 2600 version is a lot superior. It's a pretty cool game, though I haven't played it in ages.

And I'll recommend one no one has mentioned which I used to like a lot: Subterrania. It takes a bit to speed up, but when it does, it gets pretty intense. If I recall correctly, it's also from Imagic, it plays a bit like defender, but with a few twists.

And what about Laser Gates? It was pretty good for the time, and I think it can still handle a candle today.

[EinhanderZwei]

Yeah, H.E.R.O. is an amazing game. I also think the 2600 one is the better version (it's also on Coleco, C64, and probably some others)

I've played the ZX Spectrum version to death back in the day! Truly one of the best action-adventure games out there.

[louisg]

Beamrider and Demon Attack are both games that I find enjoyable even today. Beamrider even more. I find the MSX/Coleco version to be better, but the 2600 version is pretty good on its own too.

Glad to know more people know Moonsweeper. It also had an MSX version (Which I believe it was a direct port from a Coleco version), but the 2600 version is a lot superior. It's a pretty cool game, though I haven't played it in ages.

And I'll recommend one no one has mentioned which I used to like a lot: Subterrania. It takes a bit to speed up, but when it does, it gets pretty intense. If I recall correctly, it's also from Imagic, it plays a bit like defender, but with a few twists.

And what about Laser Gates? It was pretty good for the time, and I think it can still handle a candle today.

I'll have to check out Subterrania and Moonsweeper. Imagic generally put out good stuff.

Yeah, I'd agree with Beamrider holding up better than Demon Attack. Demon Attack is good, but it's a little easy once you get the hang of it. Games like Beamrider and Millipede though put up a real fight, and I think that's what makes them so addictive.

I still think my favorite Space Invaders style game on that system is Space Invaders- it's hard to beat the 2 player mode.

BTW does anyone like those time-trial/memorization games like Skiing, Grand Prix, Barnstorming or Dragster? I was never able to get into them much myself, but they seem like they have a lot of replay/competition potential.

[Matsunaga]

Moonsweeper was cool, I played that a lot. Anyone play Vanguard? I don't remember much about it other than that it's a vertical shooter, and I liked it a lot back then.

[BrianC]

Moonsweeper was cool, I played that a lot. Anyone play Vanguard? I don't remember much about it other than that it's a vertical shooter, and I liked it a lot back then.

I played Vanguard. I like it quite a bit. It has both vertical and horizontal sections, though some sections from the arcade were changed to vertical do to the 2600's limitations.

[null1024]

Battlezone has to be my favorite 2600 game of all time. It looks fantastic, and plays extremely well. Also, better than the arcade. Multiple enemies, no more obstacles, and full color.

I want to like the Asteroids port more than the arcade version, but the lack of UFOs is extremely disappointing.

[BrianC]

Battlezone has to be my favorite 2600 game of all time. It looks fantastic, and plays extremely well. Also, better than the arcade. Multiple enemies, no more obstacles, and full color.

I want to like the Asteroids port more than the arcade version, but the lack of UFOs is extremely disappointing.

2600 Asteroids doesn't lack UFOs. For 1P games, the left difficulty switch needs to be set to A/Expert for the UFOs to appear. I recommend looking up the manuals for games if you don't have them (I know of a site, but it has roms. It does have Atari and Age in the title, though). Some of them have quite a bit of modes with no in game indication of what they do.

[null1024]

Battlezone has to be my favorite 2600 game of all time. It looks fantastic, and plays extremely well. Also, better than the arcade. Multiple enemies, no more obstacles, and full color.

I want to like the Asteroids port more than the arcade version, but the lack of UFOs is extremely disappointing.

2600 Asteroids doesn't lack UFOs. For 1P games, the left difficulty switch needs to be set to A/Expert for the UFOs to appear. I recommend looking up the manuals for games if you don't have them (I know of a site, but it has roms. It does have Atari and Age in the title, though). Some of them have quite a bit of modes with no in game indication of what they do.

:O
Thanks!

Ok, I do like Asteroids 2600 more than arcade Asteroids. Namely because of the asteroid movement.
Although, Asteroids in the arcade with a real vector monitor is amazing [when I was younger, I only had those Windows 3.1/95 ports, and when I saw a real Asteroids cab at my local pizza place, I was really impressed with how bright the bullets were, and how slick the vector display was]. Running it in MAME, meh.

[louisg]

2600 Asteroids doesn't lack UFOs. For 1P games, the left difficulty switch needs to be set to A/Expert for the UFOs to appear. I recommend looking up the manuals for games if you don't have them

Yeah, I can't overstate how important looking at the settings options are for enjoying 2600 games. Most of them default to an insanely easy level. Berzerk is a good example: on defaults, it's not just easy but lacks Evil Otto, which makes sure the player is under pressure.

I do really like the way 2600 Asteroids plays a lot, too. I know the asteroid movement is due to the 2600's limitations, but it makes the pace really fast. It's kind of like 2600 Space Invaders: fewer invaders means the levels don't drag.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Yeah, I recall buying the 2600 Activision of Grand Prix...quite a memorizer to try to race to the finish line in under 24 seconds flat on Track #1! I only managed to do so only once & took a picture as proof back in the early '80s.

Another cool 2600 shmup game was Spectravision's Planet Patrol with it's opposite scrolling scheme. Fail to wipe all the missle silos in time before crossing the line & it's truly game over. Impressive heat distortion effects of the player's fightercraft are shown during any given stage -- game action takes place in the desert senario. Plus, you had keep an eye on your fuel gauge & top-off if necessary, otherwise it'd be "crash 'n' burn" big time.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[renardqueenston]

i really got big into the 2600 over the past couple years. Warlords, Turmoil, Fast Food, Yars Revenge, Fantastic Voyage, Dragonfire, Vanguard, and more recent stuff like Medieval Mayhem and Juno First... it's really fun hardware, i just think for the longest time i wasn't appreciative of anything pre-NES, since that's what i grew up on. i'm glad i gave it a chance, though, because it drew me in in a great way. really fun hardware with undeniable charm.

[BryanM]

Since we're probably bored of laughing at MS and CliffyB all month, figured I'd add to this "BryanM's worthless Atari mockups that can never be" thread.

So I made this thing:



The bottom half is of course just space were I doodled some more heroes and monsters. (Lookit my attention to Color Identity in mah character design~) In any theoretical actual game, that would be the place where the battle input/output text would go.

It seems like it could be a fun little thing, and would be a little better than 7th Saga when completed. Except. There are things. Things man.

To represent multiple monsters, the bit flag that doubles or triples a sprite is necessary. But, you can not use it along with the double or quad-size settings on the same sprite. This made me hyped - it was a great idea to use a 2600 feature to make a 2600 style game. Facing down 6 monsters at max. Letting it be used on the hero to show the ninja's under his Shadow Clone skill - it was cool : (

Then there's the image size. To get close to this ratio, everything would have to be increased in size by about 3x. ... The hardware, she uh, doesn't support 3.

Googling around to see the off-chance there's some kind of way to have the beam draw the same color longer, thus reducing the total screen resolution and solving both of these problems got me no where, so it's a non-starter.

* (You know how in old Wizardry/Megaten games they'd have one enemy sprite and a number represent a group? I hate that with the fire of a dozen suns.)

* Srsly zombies shouldn't wear pants. What good are they? Just throw them away.

* "I want to reduce the Atari 2600's screen resolution!" <- Sometimes I often feel like I'm the only person to think the things I think, ever.

-------------------

In Actually Exists news, the guy who was making a Mario clone for the beast in Batari Basic finally got published by Atari Age.

It looks pretty heinous, but playing the demo it's not as bad as it looks. It still misses button presses time to time (and thus killing you) and Mario less inertia than a Metal Slug character or Megaman, but still. (Also I like the "turtle stuck in blocks" bug - I've seen the same thing happen in the arcade version, too.)

Honestly I've not been a fan of attempts of horizontal screen scrolling with the 2600: don't try to change him, he is what he is.

Catherine 2600 - now there's a scroller made for the system.

[Bloodreign]

The 2600 version of Phoenix was pretty nice as well, very very playable and just as enjoyable as the arcade version is.