Atari Classic Arcade Review

Atari Classic Arcade is a game that brings the arcade to your computer. Six different Atari classics are included in this download. Asteroids and Pong are just two of the games you will get to play. Simulated arcade machines will add to the nostalgic feel for you older gamers. The programmers did a great job recreating the old games right down to the smallest details.

6 Classic Games - No More, No Less

Six games are included: Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Pong, Super Breakout and Tempest. Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command and Tempest are all shooter games. In Asteroids you must pilot your ship around the screen destroying asteroids and the occasional alien craft while also dodging the asteroids. Missile command puts you in charge of defending the cities from missile attacks by shooting them out of the air. Pong and Super Breakout are paddle games where you must keep a ball in the game area. Super Breakout requires you to knock out all the bricks before you can proceed to the next level, but you must also keep the ball from falling through the bottom of the screen.

Basic Controls

Each game uses a different set of keyboard keys since each game requires different controls. Centipede uses only the mouse to navigate and shoot while Asteroids requires you to use the arrow keys for navigation. Some games like Pong include a secondary set of keys to allow for multiplayer action. All the games have two player capability, but most are just trading turns at the game to see who can get the highest score. Tempest is the only game that offers difficulty settings, the rest just start easy and increase in difficulty as you progress.

Faithful Graphical Reproduction (Meaning They're Old!)

The graphics are exactly what they were when these games were brand new. That being said, the graphics are excellently done. They captured the original games perfectly and even added in the look of the arcade machines that featured these titles. The sounds are also that of the original games, nothing was changed or updated in the attempt to make this the ultimate “classic arcade” experience.

Basic Games Compared to Modern Titles

There are a few drawbacks for those who aren't familiar with these games. The games are very limited in what you can do and they don't offer much variety. Levels are all identical except for color changes and increased difficulty. If you are not familiar with these games don't expect a large amount of variety. Also Tempest can be difficult to control with both the arrow keys and the mouse. It was originally designed to work with a rolling ball so navigating the circumference of the playing field can be difficult.

Conclusion - Good For Those Looking To Replay These Classics

Atari Classic Arcade is a great way to experience some of the games from the beginning of the arcade and gaming world. These games may not offer a lot of variety but they were enough to get the entire world addicted to gaming. If your an older gamer looking for a bit of the old days, or a younger gamer wanting to know how it all started, then this game is definitely worth the download.