NOSTALGIA: 100+ Atari 2600 games that are still good today

Hello retro gamers! The time has come to remember those days when people were glued to the tube TV, with the image a little blurry, but full of charm! Check out this list of games from Atari 2600 that are still fun today and play online, without need blow the cartridge!!

River Raid

River Raid, created by Carol shaw, one of the pioneers in gaming, is an icon of the 80s and opens our list in an aerial and explosive way! Published by Activision By 1982, the game had sold over a million copies for the Atari 2600 and has been ported to several other platforms.

In this cartridge you control a plane that must travel across a river shooting enemies and collecting fuel tanks to continue flying. Its procedural generation algorithm and use of color gradients were revolutionary.

It is considered one of the best games Atari and pioneer in the genre “shoot 'em up“. Its sequence, River Raid II, its success continued in 1988, in addition to the hundreds of clones and mods that still appear today!

Play it River Raid online!

Enduro

In February 1983, the gaming world gained Enduro, one of the most popular racing games of the era Atari. Developed by Larry miller and published by Activision, is a success to this day.

Enduro pioneered by introducing a day and night cycle, requiring players to race for 24 hours. To level up, you have to pass a certain number of cars before the day is over. But things get complicated because during the race, the player faces changes in the weather, such as fog, snow, strong sun and, to make matters worse, night also arrives...

Play it Enduro online!

Demon Attack

In 1982, Rob Fulop finished Demon Attack, an epic shooter from Atari, published by Imagic. It was so successful that the game was ported to several other platforms, from Intellivision until the Commodore 64. With more than 2 million copies sold, Demon Attack took third place in the ranking of best-selling games for the Atari 2600, just behind pitfall! e NA.

In the game, you face a variety of enemies, including demons, phoenixes, and UFOs, in intense and challenging battles. The fast gameplay and fiendish difficulty please many players, so much so that the announcement of a remake protocols for Intellivision Friend it just solidifies its status as a timeless classic against attacks from flying demons.

Play it Demon Attack online!

Zaxxon

Launched by Sega in 1982, Zaxxon marked history as the first isometric shooter, taking the gaming industry to a new level. In this game you pilot a ship through dense and heavily defended space fortresses. The game was so successful that it was one of the five most profitable arcade games of 1982 in the United States. United States. Give it Sega!

Zaxxon inspired arcade sequences such as Great Zaxxon e future spy, as well as isometric platform games like Congo Bongo. Sega also released sequels for consoles, keeping the legend of Zaxxon.

Play it Zaxxon online!

Seaquest

Seaquest, launched by Activision in 1983, it's an underwater classic! Controlling a submarine, your mission is to rescue divers and face enemies such as sharks and other submarines.

The game has a great difficulty curve. One of the highlights is the mechanic of surfacing to supply oxygen and free the divers, which wouldn't be so difficult if waves of enemies weren't coming and your submarine was a considerable size! Glub Glub!

Play it Seaquest online!

Haunted House

In 1982 the Atari launched Haunted House, a true survival and horror classic. Set in a haunted mansion, the player must explore 24 rooms interconnected by sinister corridors and staircases in search of three parts of a magical urn.

The cartridge programmed by James Andreasen it was praised for its innovation but also noted for its difficulty. The graphics and effects create an immersive gaming experience (I recommend turning up the volume when playing). Haunted House was one of precursors of the genre survival horror, and even today, it is very good to play.

Play it Haunted House online!

Montezuma's Revenge

Released in 1984 for several platforms, including Atari 2600 and the Commodore 64, Montezuma's Revenge It's a real find for those who don't know it yet. Developed by Robert Jaeger and published by Parker Brothers, the game puts you in the role of Panama Joe, a treasure hunter who explores catacombs in search of ancient treasure hidden by Aztec warriors.

Montezuma's Revenge is a classic of the platform genre. Its popularity led to several sequels, remakes and even a 40th anniversary edition in development, with the participation of Robert Jaeger. The journey of Panama Joe remains alive, like Indiana Jones, but from Panama.

Play it Montezuma's Revenge online!

Adventure

Premiered by Atari in 1980, Adventure It's a legendary game on the console. Developed by Warren Robinett, is considered one of, if not, the first action-adventure game, establishing common conventions in video games such as open world e non-linear gameplay.

In this world you control a square avatar (called “Hero”) in search of a magical chalice in a golden castle. It's a treacherous place populated by enemies, including three menacing dragons and a bat that steals and hides items.

Adventure also innovated by introducing elements such as enemies that continue to move even when they are off-screen. Robinett It took about a year to create the game, overcoming the console's technical limitations and challenges with managing the game. Atari.

Thank you Tap, worth it!

Play it Adventure online!

Asteroids

This is cool! Released in November 1979 by Atari, Asteroids It's one of those games that defined an era. Developed by Lyle Rains e Ed Logg, became a smash hit with 70.000 arcade cabinets sold, influencing both gamers and developers. In it, you control a single spaceship in an asteroid field, facing dangerous alien ships and trying to destroy the asteroids without colliding with anything.

As the asteroids multiply, the challenge grows. Asteroids was one of the first big hits of the golden age of arcades and was widely imitated, until it got a version for the Atari 2600 which sold more than three million copies. Furthermore, it was the first game of Atari 2600 using the technique of bank-switching, which doubles the cartridge space from 4kb to 8kb.

Play it Asteroids online!

space invaders

Arriving in 1978, space invaders is an unforgettable milestone in the history of video games. Developed by Tomohiro Nishikado and published by Taito, the game quickly became a sensation, inspiring the golden age of arcades. In it, your mission is to defeat waves of aliens that descend relentlessly, using a laser that moves horizontally, while seeking to score as many points as possible.

space invaders not only was it first "shooter" fixed, but it also set the standard for the genre. With innovative graphics and sound effects for the time, it created an immersion that captivated players. It was so influential that it quadrupled sales of the Atari VCS when it was released for the console in 1980, becoming one of the first “killer apps” from the history of video games.

Play it space invaders online!

Boxing

A activision, in July 1980, he launched Boxing, which has already arrived by placing a right hook on the pixelated nose of the consoles. Programmed by Bob Whitehead, one of the first developers of Activision, the game is a creative and simplified interpretation of boxing.

In this cartridge for one or two players, your mission is to knock out your opponent or score more points before time runs out. Boxing is praised to this day for its simple approach, and top-down view of the fighters, keeping the game accessible, fun and without overcomplicating things. Just punch!

Play it Boxing online!

Pac-Man

Pac-Man, the iconic dot eater, arrived in arcades in 1980 by Namco as a cultural phenomenon. But when the game was adapted for the Atari 2600 in 1982 by Todd Frye, not everything went as expected.

Despite selling millions of copies, the version of Atari was criticized for its differences from the original and its poor visuals and sounds. In fact, many consider it one of the worst conversions of an arcade game for a home console. They even say that Pac-Man, along with the disastrous game NA, contributed to the collapse of the video game industry in 1983! What an exaggeration!

However, the character Pac-Man became an icon, with licensed products and even a strategy book that sold more than a million copies. Despite the setbacks, Pac-Man remains a legend and often cited as one of the best games of all time, and I bet you've played it at some point...

Play it Pac-Man online!

pitfall!

Created by David Crane and published by Activision in 1982, pitfall! became one of the best-selling games for the console, with more than four million of copies worldwide!

In it, you take on the role of pitfall Harry, a treasure hunter who has to face a jungle full of obstacles, such as pits, snakes and scorpions, to collect treasures and reach the end of the level.

What really made pitfall! What was special about it was not just jumping on crocodile heads, but its non-linear gameplay, allowing players to freely explore the game world and choose their own path. This innovative approach and the well-balanced difficulty meant that pitfall! become the legend that he is.

Play it pitfall! online!

HERO

In March 1984, players from Atari 2600 were introduced to a thrilling rescue mission with HEROsystem. (Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation), or Emergency Rescue Operation with Helicopter, in free translation.

Created by John Van Ryzin and published by Activision, this wonderful game has not only won the hearts of players, but has also been ported to many other platforms. In it, you take on the role of a hero equipped with a jet pack and other tools to rescue victims trapped deep in a mine. A game to this day!

Play it HERO online!

Chopper Command

Chopper Command is a horizontally scrolling shooter released by Activision protocols for Atari 2600 in June 1982. Developed by Bob Whitehead, known for his work on other games in the Atarias the pitfall! e Spider-Fighter. In the game, you control a combat helicopter and must protect a convoy of trucks against enemy attacks, facing tanks, jets and other helicopters.

With really cool graphics and sound effects for the time, Chopper Command was well received by the public, remaining popular among retro gamers and a classic of the shooter genre, a must-play for fans of Atari.

Play it Chopper Command online!

Crackpots

Crackpots was launched by Activision in 1983, designed by Dan Kitchen protocols for 2600, and also for people who don't like insects very much. In the game, you take control of Potsy, a gardener, whose building in Brooklyn is being invaded by insects trying to climb through six windows.

The goal is to move Potsy back and forth on the roof, dropping vases on the bugs before they get close enough to get in through the windows. Crackpots is a shooting game that can be played by one or two players alternately. Despite not being as well-known as other games, it is considered a classic of the genre, with very cool graphics for the time.

Play it Crackpots online!

Fantastic Voyage

oh Fantastic Voyage is a game released by 20th Century Fox in 1982, based on the 1966 science fiction film of the same name. In the game, you control a miniaturized submarine and must navigate the circulatory system and organs of a human body to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the game is remembered as a classic of the shooter genre. Additionally, its connection to the film and unique idea of ​​exploring the inside of a human body make it a memorable addition to the film's library. Atari.

Play it Fantastic Voyage online!

Defender

Defender is a horizontal shooter released by Williams Electronics in 1980 for arcades, created by Eugene Jarvis, which was inspired by titles like space invaders e Asteroids. The game challenges players to protect astronauts while defeating waves of invading aliens on a mysterious planet.

One of the innovative aspects was the introduction of a radar which allowed players to view the entire game world, increasing their strategy. Despite its steep learning curve and unrelenting difficulty, Defender It quickly won the hearts of gamers and became a classic of the shooter genre.

It was released in 1982 for the Atari 2600, however, the version faced criticism due to inferior graphics and sound quality compared to the arcade. The controls were also challenging, and the game's difficulty was considered high, in other words, a game!

Play it Defender online!

Frogs and Flies

Released in 1982, it is one of those games that makes us travel through time. Developed by Aph Technology Consultants to Mattel Electronics, the game is actually an adaptation of the title “Frog Bog” do Intellivision, released in the same year.

In it, each player controls a frog in a challenge to see who can devour the most flies. Yuck! It's a competitive game for two players, but if there is no second player, the system automatically takes control of the red frog within a few seconds. Each frog jump is a chance to “catcher flies” with your tongue out.

Play it Frogs and Flies online!

Jawbreaker

Jawbreaker is a journey through time for lovers of classic video games. A kind of clone of Pac-Man, programmed by John Harris to the family Atari 8 bit and published by Online Systems in 1981, it was later adapted for the Atari 2600 in 1982.

It is a maze game where the player must eat all the dots while avoiding enemies. Opinions about the game are varied, with praise for its proximity to Pac-Man and criticism for lack of originality, but definitely challenging and addictive.

Play it Jawbreaker online!

Flash Gordon

In 1983 the 20th Century Fox launched Flash Gordon protocols for Atari 2600, a space pearl from the era of retro games. Based on the iconic comic series and films, the cartridge puts players in control of the space hero's spaceship Flash Gordon. The mission? Navigate through space, shoot enemy ships and avoid obstacles. A good game, but the film's soundtrack made by Queen...

Play it Flash Gordon online!

Krull

Launched in 1983 by Atari, Inc., the game Krull is based on the 1983 science fantasy film. Written by Dave Staugas, the same one behind the adaptation of Millipede protocols for 2600, the game puts players in the role of the Prince Colwyn, which must rescue the Princess Lyssa from the claws of the monster and his army of hunters. A film and a game that deserve to be remembered!

Play it Krull online!

Maze Craze

Let's remember the classic Maze Craze! Developed by Rick Maurer and published by Atari, the game released in 1980 for the Atari 2600 is a competition between two players to escape a randomly generated maze.

Maze Craze was one of the first games to feature randomized mazes, and its success helped to consolidate the Atari as a major influence on the video game industry. The game is still popular among retro gaming fans and is considered one of the best maze games on the console.

Play it Maze Craze online!

Plaque Attack

Get ready for a hilarious, dental adventure with Plaque Attack! Developed by Activision and released in 1983 for the Atari 2600, this game is an epic battle between a super-powered toothbrush and the fearsome attacking food particles and bacteria.

You'll have fun defending a set of teeth like you're a true oral hygiene hero! It is creative games like this that remain in the framework of the history of video games… am I exaggerating?

Play it Plaque Attack online!

Smurf: Rescue in Gargamel's Castle

Immerse yourself in the blue insanity of Smurfs! Developed by Infogrames and released in 1983, this game is based on the famous animated series with the same name. Here, you take control of a Smurf and you need to go through several levels, dodging enemies and collecting crazy items.

Criticisms regarding Smurfs were as mixed as the magic potions of the Gargamel, but the game's theme song... ah... that has remained in many people's unconscious to this day!

Play it Smurf online!

Snoopy and the Red Baron

In 1983 the Atari launched Snoopy and the Red Baron, first game based on strips of Peanuts de Charles M. Schulz. In it, you control Snoopy and face the Red Baron in aerial battles.

With four difficulty levels, your objective is to take down the Barão with the stick to move Snoopy and the fire button. You start with four lives, but be careful, the Barão can take down Snoopy in eight shots! A retro classic for fans of Peanuts and old games in general.

Play it Snoopy and the Red Baron online!

Freeway

PIU Piu Piu! Freeway 1981 was created by David Crane and published by Activision. In it, one or two players control chickens trying to cross a busy ten-lane highway. Each chicken that crosses earns points, but if it is hit by a car, it is pushed back.

The winner is whoever accumulates the most points in a limited time. The inspiration came from a scene that the developer witnessed of a man crossing a street in Chicago. Without a doubt, one of the most hilarious and competitive games on the console, not to mention the disconcerting “piu pei piu” of roadkill!

Play it Freeway online!

Q * Bert

Q * bert, launched by Gottlieb in 1982, is an arcade game that also took consoles by storm, including the Atari. Here, you command Q * bert, a friendly and slightly bizarre character who needs to jump on cubes to change their colors, while escaping from very clever enemies. It's a puzzle that tests your jumping and strategy skills. A timeless classic that always entertains.

Play it Q * Bert online!

Pinball videos

Pinball videos, programmed by bob smith and released by Atari Inc. in 1980 for the Atari VCS is a laid-back simulation of an arcade pinball machine. It brings all the elements like ball launcher, pinball machines, bumpers e spinners.

You can play alone or with a friend in alternating modes. Correct the logo Atari on the playing field four times guarantees an extra ball. Controlling the game is simple: pull the joystick back to throw the ball and press the button to fire it. Move the joystick left or right to control the flippers. If you want to “push” the ball, hold down the joystick button and move the control in the desired direction. But be careful not to overdo it and cause a tilt eh!

Play it Pinball videos online!

Space Jockey

Space Jockey came out in 1982 by US Games, was the first game written by Gary Kitchen and marked the company's beginning in the world of video games.

In this side-scrolling shooter, you take control of a spaceship and battle enemy ships while dodging obstacles. One curiosity is that Space Jockey was released on a 2K cartridge, when most games on the Atari VCS it had 4K. A Atari had stopped internal development of 2K games for the console in 1980.

The game received recognition by being one of the three finalists in the “Best Science Fiction/Fantasy GameUs Arcade Awards 1983. However, according to a 2014 interview with Gary Kitchen, despite having sold over a million copies, it is believed that most of them were returned due to the game's poor quality. Space Jockey It was a space journey with ups and downs, both for some players and its creator, and it deserves to be on the list because it's a lot of fun!

Play it Space Jockey online!

tower oil

Launched in 1982 by 20th Century Fox, tower oil is a well-resolved vertical shooter. In it, you control a spaceship and face enemy ships while avoiding obstacles. The game is part of a set of titles released by 20th Century Fox protocols for Atari 2600, including games like Alien e Porky's.

Play it tower oil online!

Spider-Fighter

In 1982 the Activision launched Spider-Fighter, a fixed shooter designed by Arachnid Larry miller. In the cartridge, you take on the role of a “bug blasters“, a spaceship that resembles a typical ship Atari. Your mission? Protect an orchard full of fruit, including grapes, strawberries, oranges and bananas, from an invasion of four types of insects: spiders, beetles, bees and ants. Use your shooting skills to eliminate these pests while swiping across the bottom of the screen.

Spider-Fighter is a unique title, inspired by the arcade game Stratovox, but without the voices, and its unique premise of protecting an orchard from insects and the variety of enemies make it a standout among console shooters.

Play it Spider Fighter online!

Sneak'n Peek

18…19…20… here I come!! Launched in 1982 by US Games, Sneak'n Peek is a game developed by James Wickstead Design Associates which is a computerized version of the classic game hide and seek. In case you've never played, one player hides while the other tries to find him.

The cartridge offers four variations of the base game and two difficulty levels to increase the player's fun and test their skills. It's a digitally fun way to relive the excitement of hide and seek, providing a captivating experience for players from 1982 and beyond.

Play it Sneak'n Peek online!

megamania

In 1982 the Activision launched megamania protocols for Atari 2600, a bizarre vertical shooter designed by Steve Cartwright, similar to arcade game Astro blasters da Sega, launched in 1981.

Em megamania, you face waves of enemies that resemble hamburgers, cookies, bugs, tires, diamonds, irons, bow ties, and rolling dice. Your objective is to shoot these unusual threats while dodging their attacks and collecting power ups.

megamania It's not only fun but also funny, mixing food and trinkets in a unique and completely lysergic space battle!

Play it megamania online!

Laser Gates

The year? 1983. Imagic lance Laser Gates, a vertical shooter designed by Steve baker. In this space game, you take control of a spaceship and face enemy ships, while having to avoid obstacles along the way. Okay, it's not a very popular title, but it's super fun and deserves its place on this list!

Play it Laser Gates online!

Frogger

Launched in 1981 by Konami and brought to the world by Sega, Frogger It's an arcade classic. Your mission is to guide crazy frogs home, crossing a busy road and a dangerous river.

The game was a success, considered one of the best of all time, generating sequels and clones. The version for Atari 2600, launched in 1982 by Parker Brothers, was also successful with its fidelity to the original. The mechanics are still copied today in titles such as the award-winning multiplatform game Crossy Road.

Play it Frogger online!

Star Voyager

Designed by bob smith and released in 1982 by Imagic, Star Voyager is a really fun first-person space combat game. Your mission is to save the Capital Starport, using missiles or a laser beam to stop the enemy fleet as it navigates through stargates. The game offers modes for one or two players and is reminiscent of the classic Star Raiders do Atari 8 bit.

Play it Star Voyager online!

Phoenix

This game was released in 1980 by Taito. Phoenix is a highly acclaimed fixed shooter game that won a version for Atari 2600 in 1982, and an official sequel called Pleiads. It has also been ported to several modern platforms as part of Taito Legends. Interestingly, it was the target of a lawsuit from the Atari for similarities with Demon Attack but the courts considered them to be different enough.

Play it Phoenix online!

dragon fire

Launched in 1982 by Imagic, dragon fire is a platform game, where your objective is to collect treasures while avoiding obstacles and enemies, including dragons and fireballs.

dragon fire challenges players with 12 levels of increasing difficulty, requiring them to complete each stage within a time limit. As the game progresses, the speed increases, making fast control of the hero an exciting challenge, and the reward is in the treasure room, where the “bug catches”.

Play it dragon fire online!

Mario Bros

It was in 1983 when the version of Mario Bros protocols for Atari 2600 has arrived, an original arcade adaptation developed by Nintendo. The game maintains gameplay similar to the arcade version, where Mario e Luigi They face several enemies by jumping on them to knock them down. However, in Atary, the limitation means that characters can only jump vertically, making the game much more challenging.

This version of Atari It is also considered rare and is highly sought after by collectors, making it a valuable relic for fans of classic games.

Play it Mario Bros online!

Kung Fu Master

Kung Fu Master, known as spartan x No. Japan, is a side-scrolling fighting game developed by irem in 1984 and distributed by Data east.

A notable version was adapted for the Atari 2600 by the programmer Dan Kitchen. The technical feat of bringing Kung Fu Master to the console It's impressive to say the least, considering the hardware's limitations. It's a testament to the developers' ability to create an exciting experience, even within the technical constraints of the time.

Play it Kung Fu Master online!

Tron: Deadly Discs

Tron: Deadly Discs is a title developed for the console Intellivision, launched by Mattel in 1982. It was designed by Don Daglow, with additional design and programming by Steven Sents. The version for Atari 2600 was released under the label M Network from Mattel.

In the cartridge, you take on the role of Tron, facing successive waves of enemies throwing Discs and Recognizers, in search of the highest score. The player controls a red character with a yellow Disc, in a square arena with black walls. Enemies appear through doors and launch Discs at the player, who must eliminate all enemies with their own Disc and survive bonus stages against the Recognizer.

Tron: Deadly Discs is an immersive game based on the incredible film by Disney, TRON. An electrifying challenge for fans of the franchise!

Play it Tron: Deadly Discs online!

Popeye

Launched in 1982, Popeye is a platform game developed and released by Nintendo in arcades. The game is based on the famous comic strip with the same name, created by EC Segar and licensed by King Features Syndicate.

Popeye was designed by Genyo Takeda e Shigeru Miyamoto, two video game legends. Interestingly, the characters in Popeye were originally planned for the game that became donkey kong starring Mario, Donkey Kong e Pauline. However, at the time, the Nintendo couldn't get the license for the characters... oops...

The game has been ported to several platforms, including Atari 2600, where it was released in September 1983 by Parker Brothers. In it, the player controls Popeye, collecting hearts thrown by Olivia stick from the top of the screen while being chased by Brutus. It's a classic and fun adventure for fans of the spinach-eating sailor.

Play it Popeye online!

Spider Man

Spider-Man is a historic milestone, being the first video game to feature a character from the comics of Marvel Comics. Congratulations to Parker Brothers who in 1982 started what has now become an empire!

The game puts players in the costume of the Spider-Man, where the mission is to climb a building, avoid obstacles and defuse bombs while facing enemies like the Duende Verde and the Doctor Octopus.

Despite its technical limitations, the cartridge has developed a dedicated fan base, with some considering it, amazingly, the best game on the market. Spider-Man already done! (laughs) Either way, it's an unforgettable milestone for arachnid hero enthusiasts and a really fun game!

Play it Spider-Man online!

Superman

Launched by Atari Inc. in 1979, Superman protocols for 2600 was one of the first superhero games and the first based on DC Comics characters.

Developed by John Dunn, the game allows players to control the Superman, flying around the city to capture Lex Luthor and his henchmen, avoiding obstacles like kryptonite and missiles. The game starts with Clark Kent in a phone booth and features cut scenes while exploring the city.

Despite technical limitations, Superman is remembered as the pioneer of hero games and paved the way for future superhero-based titles. The next game of Superman, Superman: The Game, was only released in 1985 for the Commodore 64 from First Star Software.

Play it Superman online!

Trick shot

For snooker lovers, Trick shot is a billiards game developed by Imagic and released to the Atari 2600 in 1982. The game offers options for 1 or 2 players, allowing you to choose between snooker or billiards. In snooker, the objective is to be the first to reach 25 points, while in billiards, the player must reach 50 points to win.

Trick shot features “winning traps” that allow players to score points by sinking specific balls. This game is part of the first three titles released by Imagic, along with Star Voyager e Demon Attack, offering pool fun in the world of video games.

Play it Trick shot online!

Starmaster

Arriving from space in June 1982 by Activision, Starmaster is a super cool first-person space combat game for the Atari.

The game was designed by Alan Miller, who also programmed other titles for the console by Activision, it is similar to the game Star Raiders of the family Atari 8 bit and is often compared to other space combat games such as Star Voyager e Laser Gates.

Players can choose between four difficulty levels, and the mission involves destroying enemy ships, avoiding obstacles and collecting power ups. Familiar?

Play it Starmaster online!

Bobby Is Going Home

Bobby Is Going Home is a 2D platformer for Atari 2600 launched in 1983. Developed by BitCorporation (USA/Europe) to CCE (Brazil), the player controls Bobby in seven stages full of challenges, reminiscent of the game pitfall!, but with very peculiar background music. With 32 levels, it gained a fan base and is still fondly remembered today, after all, the poor guy Bobby He just wants to be able to get back home!

Play it Bobby is coming home online!

Mr Postman

Mr Postman is a 2D action platformer released in 1983. It was developed by the Taiwanese company BitCorporation and is modeled on the postal system of Taiwan. In the game, the player takes control of a postman tasked with delivering a secret letter to the city ​​of silence, while avoiding obstacles such as dogs, birds and other dangers.

Play it Mr Postman online!

Keystone Kapers

Keystone Kapers is a super classic platform game developed by Gary Kitchen to Activision and released to the Atari 2600 in April 1983. It was also ported to the Atari 5200, Atari 8 bit, ColecoVision e MSX.

In the game, you take on the role of Keystone Kelly, a police officer tasked with pursuing Harry Hooligan in a department store and capture him before he escapes through the roof. During the chase, you must avoid obstacles such as radios, shopping carts and toy planes, which can cause loss of time or lives. The game features screen scrolling flip screen, where the screen switches to the next one when the player reaches the edge of the current screen. Knowing how to use elevators is crucial in the game, huh!

Play it Keystone Kapers online!

Tennis

Ah… this game… Tennis was developed and published by Atari Inc. protocols for 2600 in 1972. Yes, 1972! It's a simple 2D tennis simulation, where two players use rackets to hit a square ball from one side to the other, along a horizontal line in the center of the screen.

The game was one of nine original titles released with the console. Furthermore, Tennis was one of the first video games to offer a two-player mode, allowing players to compete against each other.

Play it Tennis online!

Frostbite

How cold! Frostbite 1983 was designed by Steve Cartwright and published by Activision to chill anyone's gamer heart. The game combines elements of Frogger e Q * bert in an arctic setting. You take control of Frostbite Bailey, who must build igloos by jumping on ice blocks, while avoiding obstacles such as clams, snow geese, king crabs and Alaska, polar bears and the rapid drop in temperature. A brilliant game with a good dose of difficulty that still entertains today!

Play it Frostbite online!

Berzerk

Berzerk is a classic of classics released in 1980 for arcade, developed by Alan McNeil and published by Stern Electronics de Chicago. He pioneered the inclusion of voice synthesis in games, featuring a synthesized male voice that challenged players and announced the name of the game.

The gameplay of Berzerk puts players in labyrinthine rooms seen from above, full of armed robots. The objective is to shoot the robots while dodging obstacles, such as walls and the iconic villain Evil Otto.

This gem was ported to home consoles, such as Atari 2600, Atari 5200 e Vectrex. An interesting feature of the Atari 2600 allow that Evil Otto stay invisible, making the game even tougher!

Play it Berzerk online!

Outlaw

Hello you who like to duel with very pixelated firearms! Outlaw, developed by David Crane and published by Atari in 1978, it offers several modes, including a single-player mode where the target moves and a two-player mode where both players can shoot each other. The cartridge was a response to the game Gunfight, launched by Midway in North America the previous year. This was one of the first games created by Crane, which was later immortalized with the famous pitfall!.

Play it Outlaw online!

Centipede

Centipede is a shooting game released by Atari in 1980. It was one of the first games popular among women. The objective is to shoot segments of a centipede while avoiding obstacles. It has been ported to several platforms and is one of the best-selling games in the world. Atari. Initially, the game would have a layout of five buttons, but was changed to a trackball (control ball, in literal translation).

Play it Centipede online!

Warlords

Don't be fooled by the graphics, this game is very addictive! Warlords is a multiplayer action game developed by Carla Meninsky and published by Atari Inc. in 1980. The game was designed for up to four players, each controlling a castle and trying to defend it while attacking other players' castles.

Warlords was one of the first games to feature a “shield” mechanism, where players could use a shield to protect their castle from enemy fire.

Play it Warlords online!

super breakout

super breakout is the sequel to success Breakout 1976, released in arcades in September 1978 by Atari, Inc. It was written by Ed Rotberg and maintains the same mechanics as the Breakout, but allows multiple balls in Game.

The game has three different modes and was a commercial success in Japan it is us United States, being published for most consoles and computers in the Atari, including as a game included in the Atari 5200 1982. The fundamental gameplay of the game is the same as Breakout, where the player uses a platform to bounce a ball against a destructible brick wall. This classic has so many clones to this day that it deserves academic research!

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Pole Positions

Pole Positions is a racing simulation game released by Namco in 1982 and licensed to Atari, Inc which was one of the most important titles of the golden age of arcade video games. The game features racing cars on a track based on Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. It was an instant success and helped establish racing games as a popular genre in the gaming industry. It was also released for home consoles and had a sequel and even a cartoon!

Play it Pole Positions online!

Galaxian

remember Galaxian? A shooting game developed and published by Namco in 1979. It was ported to the Atari 2600 in 1983 and was one of the first games to feature full color graphics on the console.

No Galaxian, the player controls a spaceship that must destroy waves of enemy aliens while avoiding their attacks. The game features a unique “kamikaze dive” attack, where the aliens descend towards the player's ship in an attempt to crash into it. Galaxian was a commercial success and helped establish the Namco as a major company in the video game industry.

Play it Galaxian online!

Donkey Kong

The gorilla arcade Donkey Kong was launched by Nintendo in 1981 and designed by master Shigeru Miyamoto. It was the first big success of Nintendo na North America. The game features four different levels, in which the player controls Mario to rescue your girlfriend Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. The game was ported to Atari 2600 in 1982, being one of the first games to have full color graphics on the console. The version of Atari was programmed by Gary Kitchen and published by Coleco.

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Moon patrol

Eternal classic! Moon patrol is a side-scrolling shooter developed and released by irem in 1982. The game was licensed to Williams for distribution in North America and was later ported to several platforms, including Atari 2600.

Em Moon patrol, the player controls a six-wheeled lunar rover that can jump and shoot obstacles in a horizontal scrolling scenario, as well as shoot aerial attackers. Moon patrol was the first arcade game to use the parallax shift, a technique in which the background moves at a different speed than the foreground to create a sense of depth.

The game was designed by Takashi Nishiyama, also known for creating the series Street Fighter. Moon patrol it was one of the top five grossing arcade games of 1982 and received praise from both critics and players.

Play it Moon patrol online!

Elevator Action

Another game! Elevator Action is a platform shooter released in arcades by Taito in 1983. The player takes on the role of the Agent 17, a spy infiltrated a 30-story building full of elevators and enemy agents emerging from closed doors. The objective is to collect secret documents in marked rooms and then escape the building. This game has so many versions and was released for so many consoles that the list would be a little long for this simple post!

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Yar's Revenge

Another especially classic title, Yars' Revenge released to the Atari 2600 in 1982, it was created by Howard Scott Warshaw and is the most successful original game in Atari to the console. The jgame is a shooter single-screen space where the player controls a Yar, a fly-like creature, and must destroy an enemy base protected by shields while avoiding enemy fire.

Yars' Revenge was included in the book “1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die” (1001 video games you need to play before you die, in free translation). The game has been re-released several times, including a version for Game Boy Advance in 2005 and a remake for Xbox Live Arcade e PC in 2011. Another remake, titled Yars: Recharged, was released on multiple platforms in 2022.

The game's original box art was created by famous artist Hiro Kimura, who also created the box art for other games from Atarias the Adventure e Swordquest.

Play it Yar's Revenge online!

ET the Extra-Terrestrial

ET the Extra-Terrestrial is an adventure game released in 1982, developed and published by Atari Inc. protocols for Atari 2600, and based on the film of the same name. The objective is to guide the character NA through several screens to collect three pieces of an interplanetary phone, allowing him to contact his home planet.

The game was designed by Howard Scott Warshaw em just five weeks, being a commercial failure and considered one of the worst games ever made. It is often blamed for contributing to the downfall of the video game industry in 1983. Despite its negative reception, the game has gained a cult following over the years, who have made several unofficial fixes and modifications.

Howard remains proud of the cartridge despite its poor reception. ET the Extra-Terrestrial serves as an example of caution versus exhaustive development and is often cited as a case of the dangers of overproduction and poor game design.

Without a doubt, a cult game that deserves to be “reset” at least once in the life of an erudite retrogamer.

Play it ET the Extra-Terrestrial online!

fishing derby

If you like fishing you must have already seen fishing derby, a fishing game written by David Crane protocols for Atari Video Computer Systems and thrown by the hands with the smell of fish Activision in 1980.

It's one of the first games developed by the company: two fishermen are positioned on opposite platforms over a lake full of fish (and an occasional shark that passes by). Using the joystick, the fisherman can move the fishing line left, right, up and down in the water.

When a fish is hooked, the line slowly rises to the surface of the water. Pressing the fire button on the joystick collects the fish faster. However, if both fishermen catch a fish, only one person can collect it (the one who caught it first).

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Cosmik Ark

Be a kind of “intergalactic Noah” in Cosmic Ark, a space-themed shooter released exclusively for the Atari 2600 in 1982 by Imagic. The game is a sequel to the company's previous game, Atlantis, and features improved graphics, more levels, and a two-player mode.

Em Cosmic Ark, you control a spaceship that must collect specimens from different planets while avoiding obstacles such as asteroids and enemy attacks. The objective of the game is to gather specimens from different planets into a spaceship that contains the survivors of the destroyed planet. Atlantis. The game was designed by Rob Fulop, who also designed other games for the Imagicas the Demon Attack e Fathom and requires attention and reflection on the part of the player who has earned his place on our epic list!

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Burger Time

Do you think working in a burger restaurant is easy? Burger Time is an arcade game developed by Data east and released in 1982, and has been ported to many home gaming systems, including the Atari 2600, NES e Intellivision, spawning several sequels and spin-offs over the years.

Em Burger Time, the player controls a chef called Peter Pepper, who must assemble giant burgers while avoiding enemies such as sausages, eggs and pickles. The game was a commercial success, becoming one of the most popular arcade games of the early 1980s.

The version of Burger Time protocols for Atari 2600 was developed by Mattel Electronics and received positive reviews, with some praising its faithful recreation of the arcade game and others praising its graphics and sound effects. This burger talk made me hungry…

Play it BurgerTime online!

You Dug

You Dug is an arcade maze monster developed by Namco in 1981 and released in 1982. The game was ported to many home gaming systems, and the version for 2600 was launched in 1983, developed and published by Atari.

The objective of the game is to eliminate monsters living underground by inflating them with an air pump until they explode, or by dropping rocks on them. The game was a critical and commercial success upon release, being praised for its gameplay and complex strategy.

In Japan, it was the second highest-grossing arcade game of 1982, behind only Pole Positions, also from Namco. In North America, the Atari sold 22.228 arcade cabinets You Dug until the end of 1982!

Play it You Dug online!

Atlantis

Defend the underwater city from Atlantis in this magnificent fixed shooter game released by Imagic in July 1982. It was written by Dennis Koble, and inspired by the arcade game Colony 7, released by Taito in 1981.

In the game, you control up to three gun turrets to destroy the invading alien fleet Gorgon before they destroy the city of Atlantis. The game was well received by both critics and players, and is often cited as a classic example of early video game design.

Play it Atlantis online!

Bowling

Like one strike? Bowling is a 1979 game from Atari Inc. protocols for Atari VCS. It was programmed by Larry Kaplan, who left the Atari to co-found, guess what… Activision in the same year!

Bowling can be played by one or two players. The cartridge features six different variations, with matches consisting of 10 frames. In variations 1 and 2, the bowling ball can be moved left or right after being thrown. In variations 3 and 4, the bowling ball can be moved up and down after being thrown. Finally, in variations 5 and 6, the ball moves in a straight line and can no longer be controlled once thrown. Guaranteed fun, but be careful with the “channel”!

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Wizard of Wor

Wizard of Wor is an arcade game released in 1980 by Midway, and was later ported to several gaming systems, including the Atari 2600. The game is a shooter of a maze seen from above, where one or two players control the Worriors, which must defeat the Worlings and other creatures in a series of dungeon mazes.

The game was designed by Dave Nutting and programmed by Tom McHugh, and was one of the first arcade games to feature synthesized speech, with 71 sentences for the Wizard taunt players, and was also one of the first to have a computer-controlled ally for solo players.

The version of Wizard of Wor protocols for Atari 2600 was developed by Roklan Corporation and received mixed reviews, with some praising its fidelity to the arcade version and others criticizing its graphics and sound effects, either way, it's a mystical game!

Play it Wizard of Wor online!

Fighting

Created for the Atari VCS by itself Atari, Fighting was released in September 1977 and ended up as one of the nine initial titles of the Atari 2600. This retro classic is based on two previous arcade video games from Atari: tank e jet fighter.

programmed by Joe Decuir e Larry Wagner, the game is a shooter multidirectional game where two players control armed vehicles and face each other in different combat variations, including tank battles, biplane dogfights and guided missile duels.

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Congo Bongo

Congo Bongo (I love that name!) is an exciting platform game released as an arcade by Sega in 1983. It has been ported to several domestic platforms, including Atari 2600, ColecoVision e Commodore 64. In the game, you take on the role of a fearless explorer who chases a giant gorilla through action-packed, jungle-themed levels. The version of Atari brings two of the four levels from the original arcade, while the ColecoVision does not have the level “Snake Lake". Congo Bongo!

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Missile Command

You thought this title would be left out, right? Missile Command is an exciting arcade shooter developed and published by Atari Inc. in 1980. It was designed by Dave Theurer, also known for creating the game Tempest.

Em Missile Command, the player must defend six cities from waves of nuclear missiles by launching their own anti-bullet missiles from one of three missile batteries. The game was a commercial success and critically acclaimed. The version of Atari 2600 was launched in 1981 and developed by Atari.

Missile Command has been re-released several times over the years, including in a remastered version called Missile command: recharged, initially released for mobile devices and later for PC and consoles. This game is a cultural heritage of humanity and deserves to be praised for that!

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Battlezone

Battlezone is an acclaimed first-person shooter developed by Atari in 1980. Created by Ed Rotberg, renowned designer of Atari responsible for other successes such as Blasteroids e STUN Runner, the game puts the player in control of a tank in a wireframe landscape, where the objective is to destroy enemy tanks and flying saucers while avoiding their attacks.

Commercially successful and critically praised, Battlezone is considered a mega classic from the golden age of arcade games. The version for Atari 2600, developed by Atarisoft, presents graphics raster and a third-person view, allowing you to see the tank in action.

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The Activision Decathlon

Responsible for destroying joysticks due to its frantic gameplay, Decathlon is a sports game developed by David Crane and published by Activision in 1983 for the Atari 2600. In it, up to four athletes can compete in ten different events of a real decathlon, both individually and in sequence.

The events include the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter run, 110-meter hurdles, discus throw, pole vault, javelin throw and 1500-meter run. Decathlon received critical praise, being described as a “masterpiece” and a “triumph of imaginative programming”. The game is considered a classic of the sports genre, with similarities to the games Summer games e Summer Games 2.

Play it The Activision Decathlon online!

Jungle Hunt

This game ate a lot of people's money in arcades! Jungle Hunt, originally released as Jungle King, is a side-scrolling game produced and released by Taito in 1982. In the game, you control a jungle explorer who needs to rescue his girl from a tribe of cannibals.

Jungle Hunt has been ported to several home gaming systems, and the version of Atari was released in 1983 and developed in-house, featuring four different levels, each with its own unique challenges.

Play it Jungle Hunt online!

beamrider

beamrider is a shooter written by David Rolfe protocols for Intellivision and published by Activision in 1983. The game was later ported to many other gaming systems, the version of Atari 2600 was released in 1984 and has a slightly reduced feature set compared to the Intellivision.

In this game, you control a spaceship that glides through the beam and must destroy enemy ships while avoiding obstacles. The game features 99 sectors, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. A highly addictive game!

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Polaris

Developed by Tigervision and released to the Atari 2600 in 1983, Polaris puts the player in control of a yellow submarine (coincidence?). The mission is to destroy enemy vehicles before they reach the player's base. The cartridge features four different levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies.

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Air Raiders

Air Raiders is a first-person aerial combat game developed by Mattel and available for Atari in 1982. In this shooter, you take control of a fighter plane and must destroy enemy planes and ground targets. Air Raiders is considered a true hidden gem among the games of Atari 2600.

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pressure cooker

pressure cooker is a cooking game written by Garry Kitchen (seriously, Kitchen!) and released in 1983 by Activision. In this game, you take on the role of a diner cook who must assemble and package burgers to order without letting the ingredients or burgers fall to the floor.

While the game is more of an action experience than a typical cooking game, the need to position ingredients correctly is built into the ordering system. The game features a conveyor belt that moves ingredients and cooked burgers around the screen, and you must pick them up and place them in the correct order. A points system is present in the game and subtracts points for mistakes, such as dropping the burger in the wrong spot or allowing it to fall off the conveyor belt. It's a lot of pressure!

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mouse trap

Ah the classic mouse-cat-dog chase! mouse trap is a maze game developed by Exidy and released in arcades in 1981. The game has similarities to Pac-Man, with the main character being replaced by a mouse, the points by cheese, the ghosts by cats and the energizers by bones. After collecting a bone, pressing a button turns the mouse into a dog for a short period of time. Colored doors in the maze can be switched by pressing a button of the same color.

A Coleco released a version of the game for the ColecoVision as a launch title in 1982, and the game was later ported to the Intellivision and the Atari 2600 by the same company.

Play it mouse trap online!

International Soccer

International Soccer a kind of “great-great-grandfather” of Fifa, version for Atari do NASL Soccer do Intellivision, offers graphical improvements and attractive features. It is played by two players, each team with 10 players, but the goalkeeper is controlled by the computer. Although it has some limitations, such as a lack of ball physics, it is still a brilliant game. It was produced by Kevin Miller and distributed by M-Network.

Play it International Soccer online!

Planet patrol

Go planet!!! Planet patrol is a side-scrolling shooter developed by Spectravision and released in 1982. The cartridge is similar to other shooting games, such as Defender e Chopper Command, where you must pilot a ship and shoot down enemy ships while avoiding obstacles. The game is notable for scrolling from right to left, which is unusual for side-scrolling games, and features day and night cycles, and you must destroy enemy fuel depots while avoiding running out of fuel.

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donkey kong junior

donkey kong junior, launched by Nintendo in 1982, and for Atari from Coleco in 1983, it is a platform game that brought a twist to the story. In this game, the roles were reversed in relation to the popular Donkey Kong: Now, you take control of donkey kong junior and sets out on a mission to rescue his father from the clutches of Mario.

Play it donkey kong junior online!

Air-Sea Battle

Air-Sea Battle, a classic of Atari is a shooter with deep roots, being part of the nine original launch games for the 2600 in September 1977. This legendary game offers a diverse collection of shooting mini-games, with 27 variations. Players aim and shoot at various targets, with unique challenges. It can be played alone or with other players in multiplayer mode.

Play it Air-Sea Battle online!

Vanguard

A SNK released the classic to the arcades in 1981 Vanguard, a delightful shooter that has been adapted for multiple gaming platforms, including Atari 2600 in 1982. It was developed and published by Atari. In the game, you take control of a spaceship and face the task of shooting down enemy ships while avoiding obstacles. Vanguard offers four distinct levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies, providing a diverse shooting experience.

Play it Vanguard online!

Tank Robot

The epic Tank Robot is a first-person shooter released by Activision in 1983. In it, you control a tank and must destroy other enemy tanks while avoiding obstacles. The game offers an incredible amount of 99 levels, each with different challenges and enemies.

Play it Tank Robot online!

Gyrus

The shooting game Konami, Gyrus, hit the arcades in 1983. The success was adapted for several platforms, including Atari, in 1984 by Parker Brothers. In the game, you control a spaceship and need to shoot down enemy ships while avoiding obstacles. A standout feature is its gameplay mechanics, in which the player must move in a circular motion around the screen, shooting enemies as they appear.

Play it Gyrus online!

Xevious

The retro classic Xevious, Namco 1982, was adapted for several platforms, including the Atari. In it, you pilot a spaceship, shooting at enemy ships and avoiding obstacles. A particularity is the ability to attack targets both in the air and on the ground. The version of 2600 is notable for its technical achievements, considering the console's limitations.

Play it Xevious online!

Private Eye

Private Eye, game of Activision 1983 for the Atari 2600, puts players in the shoes of Pierre Touché, a private detective tasked with capturing the master criminal Henri LeFiend. The objective is to find clues and stolen items to finally arrest Le Fiend, who is involved in several crimes in the city. The game features five cases with increasing difficulty and an increasing number of gameplay screens, ranging from 32 to 248. It was designed by Bob Whitehead, who also worked on Chopper Command.

Play it Private Eye online!

He-Man

the game of He-Man, or also known as Masters of the Universe: The Power of He-Man, was developed and published by Mattel Electronics protocols for Atari in 1983. In this legendary cartridge, you take on the role of He-Man and face various levels, fighting enemies and collecting power-ups. A classic game here and there grayskull!

Play it He-Man online!

infiltrate

infiltrate it's a game of Apollo released in 1982. In it, you control a spy and need to enter a building to steal a secret document. The game has several different stages for you to infiltrate! Although somewhat obscure, it is a “must-play” for retrogamers.

Play it infiltrate online!

Laser blast

Launched by Activision in March 1981, Laser blast is a single player shooter designed by David Crane, one of the co-founders of Activision. Due to its unique mechanics, the cartridge became famous for being a kind of “Space Invaders in reverse“. In this game, you command a fleet of flying saucers that attack ground targets! The objective is to destroy a series of enemies on land, protected by an invisible shield that prevents the player's ship from getting too close to the surface.

Both the player and enemy bases are equipped with laser blasters that fire one continuous beam at a time, and ends when the player runs out of ships or when their score exceeds 999.990 points.

Play it Laser blast online!

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Use the force in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! Launched by Parker Brothers in 1982 and written by Rex Bradford, is a shooter that was the first licensed game in the franchise! In this game, you take on the role of Luke Skywalker and pilot a snowspeeder to destroy the Imperial walkers AT-AT in Planet hoth. A classic and emotional scene from the film!

Play it Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back online!

Shark Attack

Beware of sharks in Shark Attack, Also known as Lochjaw, the single-player cartridge released by Apollo in 1982 for the Atari. In the game, you control a diver who needs to navigate an underwater maze, avoiding sharks and collecting treasures.

Play it Shark Attack online!

GI Joe: Cobra Strike

The game of “Commands in action“, as it was known at the time, GI Joe: Cobra Strike it was written by John Emerson in 1983, developed and published by Parker Brothers. The game features three different types of gameplay and is loosely based on the franchise G.I. Joe. It includes game modes like helicopter, tank and jetpack. The objective is to defend the base of G.I. Joe against the attacks of “Cobra“. This was the first licensed game from G.I. Joe!

Play it GI Joe: Cobra Strike online!

Commando Raid

Commando Raid, developed by US Games in 1982, is a shooter for a player in which you control a gun in the bottom center of the screen that shoots upwards at “enemy invaders commanded by androids”. The objective of the game is to shoot down as many enemy invaders as possible while dodging their bombs.

Play it Commando Raid online!

Amidar

In 1981 the Konami and Star launched Amidar, an arcade game, which was later adapted for several platforms, including the Atari. In Amidar, you navigate through a maze, trying to visit every point in the level while avoiding enemies. An interesting feature is that you must fill the entire grid with your trail without getting caught by enemies. This innovative game, which combines mazes and strategy, was widely replicated in arcades and home systems, establishing a new subgenre of maze games.

Play it Amidar online!

Fast food

the hilarious Fast food, an action game for Atari written by Don Ruffcorn and published by Telesys in 1982, is a unique and good gourmet food. In this game, you control a mouth called Mighty Mouth, which looks like a toothy tooth.

Different menu items fast food They fly across the screen, and your mouth earns points for catching them. However, you need to avoid eating purple pickles. If you eat six of them, the screen says “BURP!” followed by “CLOSED.” As you earn more points, the game gets faster, and changes in speed are indicated by the text “YOU'RE GETTING FATTER.”

Play it Fast food online!

Joust

Joust is a fabulous action game released in arcades in 1982, developed by Williams Electronics. In this cooperative game, players control knights riding flying ostriches and face enemy knights riding vultures. The game's unique mechanics involve flapping the ostriches' wings to fly and defeat enemies through collisions. Joust is popular and has been adapted for several platforms, including Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Atari 8-bit family, Apple II, Macintosh e IBM PC!

Play it Joust online!

Indy 500

The classic Indy 500, is a racing game Atari released in 1977 for the Video Computer System. It was one of the launch titles of the Atari 2600 and has a race theme indianapolis 500, based on the famous arcade game Indy 800 da Atari.

Play it Indy 500 online!

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Launched in 1982, Raiders of the Lost Ark (Raiders of the Lost Ark) is an action-adventure game based on the 1981 film of the same name. Was created by Howard Scott Warshaw, also known for the infamous game ET the Extra-Terrestrial.

In this adventure you take on the role of Indiana Jones in search of Ark of the Covenant. Featuring a variety of gameplay mechanics including puzzle solving, exploration, and combat, it was one of the first games to offer a non-linear narrative, allowing players to explore the game world in their own order.

Play it Raiders of the Lost Ark online!

Commando

The arcade-hit Commando is an action game developed by Capcom and published by Activision (what a duo!) in 1988 for the Atari 2600. It is an adaptation of the 1985 arcade version.

In this war, you take on the role of a soldier who must fight in enemy territory to rescue hostages. The game offers a variety of weapons, power-ups and a unique mechanic where you can hide behind objects to avoid enemy gunfire.

Play it Commando online!

We have reached the end of this list worthy of none retro gamer defect, but some very good titles were left out and deserve to be listed, such as: Super Cobra, Mines of Minos, Aliens, Bank Heist, Crystal Castle, Dodge'em, Front Line, Gravitate, Kaboom, Ms. Pac-Man, Pitfall II, Radar Lock, The Saboteur, Mr Do's Castle, Riddle of the Sphinx, Sea Hawk, xenophobic, Winter games, Thunderground, Spy Hunter, Skate Boardin': A Radical Adventure, Skiing, Sky Jinks, River Raid II, Porkys, James Bond 007, JR. Pac Man, Ghostbusters, Fall Down, Fast Eddie, Fathom, Earth Dies Screaming, entombed, Double Dragon, Double Dunk, Chuck Norris Superkicks, Pelé's Soccer, Bump n Jump, Bermuda Triangle, barnstorming.

Some game was missing Atari online? Comment on the post and leave your opinion!

The origin of the Atari 2600

O Atari 2600, Also known as Atari Video Computer Systems ou Atari VCS until November 1982, it was a video game designed by Jay Miner and released on September 11, 1977 in the United States.

The history of Atari 2600 begins in 1972, when Nolan Bushnell e Ted Dabney founded the Atari, Inc. In 1975, the company purchased the Cyan Engineering to develop a new generation video game system, which became known as “Stella".

Unlike machines from previous generations, which used their own fixed programming logic to run a small number of games, the Stella had a complete CPU: the MOS Technology 6502 in a reduced version. Combined with chips RAM e IS, MOS Technology 6532, and a proprietary display and sound chip known as TIA.

Initially, the system was not going to use cartridges, but engineers decided to change their minds when they saw a fake cartridge system in another machine. They figured they could put the games on cartridges for the price of the connector and packaging.

In August 1976, the fairchild semiconductor launched its own CPU-based system, the Channel F. as the Stella was not yet ready for production, the Atari sought the Warner Communications looking for investment and ended up selling the company to them in 1976 for 28 million dollars. The promise was that the Stella it would be produced as quickly as possible to compete with other similar products that were coming to market.

Hiring Jay Miner was the key to the success of Atari 2600. He was a chip developer who concentrated multiple circuits on a single chip, making the TIA an exclusive component.

THE TIA (Television Interface Adapter) is an essential chip in Atari 2600. It controls pixel colors based on information about objects like players and missiles. Due to the lack of RAM, TIA uses a unique approach to creating the screen. Additionally, it provides sound and supports controllers. The programmer controls the scan lines, but the Atari builds the final signal for the display.

Once complete and tested, the system was ready for sale. At its launch date in 1977, development cost approximately $100 million.

How the Atari 2600 changed the lives of Brazilians in the 80s

The 80s was a magical period for many, full of icons that became part of global and Brazilian pop culture. Among these icons, video games occupied a special place in the lives of many Brazilians, with the Atari 2600 It was one of the most popular consoles at the time.

However, the situation in Brazil was different. At that time, a market reserve law was in force in the country, which forbade the import of electronic and computer components and equipment. This meant that all new developments in this area were unable to enter Brazil legally without being produced here.

Given this, Brazilian companies began to copy foreign video game hardware, especially the Atari, and so consoles compatible with the Atari 2600, such as the Dynavision and the Dactari.

It was only in 1983 that the Atari 2600 officially arrived in Brazil, at the hands of Polyvox, a subsidiary of Gradient. And so, the console began to boom once and for all in the country, by joining the wide range of consoles and games already launched by Brazilian “clone” companies, with the official console and games sold with the seal of the Atari.

The success of the console was so great that other companies, realizing its potential in the Brazilian market, launched two competing consoles: the Mattel Intellivision and the Magnavox Odyssey. Both were relatively successful here, but without taking away the video game's shine. Atari.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the video game market went through a major crisis in the 80s, due to several wrong decisions made by companies. A Atari, for example, had astronomical losses due to the hasty release of the film game NA., which was developed in just five and a half weeks and had many bugs.

A Atari produced a quantity of cartridges much higher than the number of consoles sold, resulting in millions of stranded units and a loss of around 100 million dollars.

In Brazil, the limitations brought by the legislation of the time to imports did not affect the local video game industry, which continued as quickly as possible until the emergence of the first clones of the console. Nintendo, NESIn 1989.

It is estimated that around 30 million units of the Atari 2600 worldwide, and the figure must be even higher, considering the existence of an excess of clones of the console on the global market.

Atari 2600 Versions: Discover the Clones and Accessories that Made History

• Foreign Clones

Some foreign clones of Atari 2600 were launched on the market, such as the Coleco Gemini Video Game System, the Funvision Video Computer Game and the Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade. These consoles were very similar to the Atari 2600 original, with some adjustments to the design and nomenclature of buttons and controls.

• National Clones

In Brazil, among the most famous clones, the following stand out: Apple Vision, Atari2600S, Dactar Video Game, o Dismac VJ 8900 Activision, Dynavision and the Supergame VG 2800 e VG 3000. These consoles were produced with hardware similar to that of the Atari 2600, but with some modifications to the design and controls.

• Accessories Capable of Running Atari 2600 Games on Other Consoles

In addition to clones, there were also accessories that allowed games from Atari 2600 were run on other consoles. O Intellivision System Changer, for example, was an accessory that allowed games from Atari were played on the console Intellivision, Mattel. The VCS Cartridge Adapter allowed games to be played on the console Atari 5200.

Atari 2600 Specifications:

Details of the product	Specifications
Bits	8 bits
CPU	Processor variant 6502 (Actual: 6507)
operating frequency	1,19 MHz
RAM memory	128 Bytes
Memory ROM	Maximum capacity of 4 kB
Resolution	160×192 (NTSC) / 160×228 (PAL)
Colors	128 colors in the NTSC system, slightly less in the PAL system
Audio	2 channels (each with its own chip)

The end of the Atari 2600?

O Atari 2600, which had a significant impact on the history of video games, was officially retired on January 1, 1992, becoming the video game of more lifespan in U.S. history, with a lifespan of 14 years and 2 months, approximately three times longer than the 'normal' life of a console.

Despite being discontinued, many programmers still develop new games for the Atari 2600, using modern programming tools such as Visual Batari Basic and exploring your Machine Language skills.”Assembly 6502” using the hardware of the Atari 2600 as reference.

This is due to the challenge of programming something significant on a limited, BIOS-less platform, with all program routines, including inputs, outputs, sound and video control, not being pre-programmed into a ROM like other platforms.

The console and its old and new games are very popular among collectors due to their important impact on the history of video games and electronics, in addition to the nostalgic value they have for many people.

For this reason, many modern clones of Atari 2600 continue to be available on the market, such as Atari Classics 10-in-1 TV Game produced by Jakks Pacific, which simulates the 2600 console and includes converted versions of 10 games on a joystick similar to the game's joystick. Atari, with cables for connection to modern televisions.

Furthermore, modern special cartridges such as Krocodile Cart and the Harmony, allow multiple games to be archived in them so that they can be selected via a menu.

the symbol of Atari It became an iconic logo in pop culture, being recognized to this day as a reference in the world of video games.

In summary, the Atari 2600 It's a console that has left an indelible mark on the history of video games and continues to be a source of nostalgia and admiration for many. And despite being released over 40 years ago, its legacy is still felt in many aspects of today's video game industry.

Atari VCS 800, the old Ataribox: the new 'retro' 4K console from Atari

A Atari launched two video game consoles in recent years aiming to pay homage to the iconic Atari 2600: Ataribox and then the Atari VCS.

O Ataribox, released in 2020, featured a sleek, retro design, with wood paneling on the front and back, and customizable LED lighting. Running the operating system Linux, the console offered a wide variety of games, including classic games from Atari 2600, modern and indie games, plus support for video streaming. O Ataribox came with a classic joystick Atari and a modern control with touchpad and wireless capabilities.

However, the Ataribox It was not a huge success and was eventually discontinued in 2021, possibly due to low sales and increased competition in the video game console market. Even so, the console is remembered as a nostalgic tribute to the Atari 2600, and its wooden casing and retro design are appreciated by many collectors.

A Atari announced that Ataribox now has a new name: Atari VCS. The new name reflects the company's vision that the console is more than just a gaming device, it is a complete entertainment center for the entire family.

O Atari VCS maintains the retro chic design of the Ataribox, but presents significant improvements in terms of hardware and software. Powered by the processor AMD Ryzen and graphics Radeon vega, the console can run modern games in 4K and HDR resolution.

Furthermore, the Atari VCS features an operating system based on Linux and supports video streaming, four USB ports, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The classic joystick of Atari remains included, but the company also released a new modern controller with a touchpad and wireless capabilities for a more modern gaming experience. O Atari VCS is available in two versions, both with the classic company logo Atari and available in black or white.

O Atari VCS is promoted as a console “for the future”, and is available for purchase through official website da Atari and at select retailers worldwide.

See more:

Exploring 80s Atari Art

Atari Hotel in Las Vegas is a futuristic dream

Source: Atari, Computer History, Atari 2600, Atari Portal, Atari Classics, Atari Online ORG

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim (29 / 09 / 23)