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| Oh, the Nostalgia! |
I'll admit it; as far as retro gaming goes, I like to play games that last me a while. So, I mainly play retro games on my Dreamcast, Saturn, Nintendo 64, Xbox, PS2....You name it; I'm playing it.
That being said, I have a great love for Atari's 2600 console, despite the games generally only lasting about 2-10 minutes in length. It ultimately created home console gaming, and made it what it is today. However, we can all agree that the 2600 has a sizable amount of games that....weren't that great.
Let's face it; when you were a kid, you probably played the crap out of Atari's port of Pac-Man, thinking it was the best thing since buttered toast. Then, you play it again, and realize that it wasn't even that good to begin with (don't fret; it happens to everyone).
That's where I come in.
While I only have 21 Atari 2600 games (as I've recently started collecting for it), I have quite a few games in my collection that I feel many owners of an Atari 2600 should try to get. Some on this list are quite common, and their names will make you think, "Yeah, yeah. I know that one already!". However, there might a be a few you've possibly never even heard of before! So, fans of the 2600 that want something new, or newbies just discovering the 2600; this one is basically for you.
Please Note:While this guide has a pretty good selection of games, I Heavily suggest watching MetalJesusRocks', "Atari 2600 Games That Don't Suck" series on YouTube. It's a 2 Part series that shows you some of the best the 2600 has to offer, and there are a ton of games in those videos that I won't be covering here, as I don't have a big enough selection of games. He definitely took a lot of time, going through all of his 2600 games to pick the best games on the system, and it's definitely worth a look. Here's Part 1, if you choose to check it out (don't worry; this guide will still be here when you're done).
Additionally, I will not include every game in my collection; only the ones I think any 2600 gamer should own. There are a few I will include at the end as, "Honorable Mentions", so they will still be known as good games to try out. But this list will be going on what games I feel are some of the 2600's best.
1.Asteroids
2.Berzerk
6.Missile Command
Atari 2600 Veterans already know that Missile Command is one of the best games available for the 2600, and also one of the best arcade-to-home conversions on the system. So, if you've been a 2600 owner for a long time, this one seemed obvious from the start. What 2600 Newbies don't know, is that this is one of the best games to own on the system; especially if you're an arcade gaming fan.
The controls in Missile Command are simple. Move the joystick in any direction to move your blinking cursor over it, and push the only button to shoot a missile. Not too hard, yet satisfyingly easy. The controls are nice and smooth, so you should have no complaints, when using them.
The goal of Missile Command is to shoot down incoming missiles with more missiles (cuz that makes sense). You must also defend your bases, and your own launcher. If it hits a base, you simply lose a base. If it hits your launcher, you lose missiles to fire. If all your bases are shot down, the game is over.
Additionally, if you gain enough points (I believe it's about 5,000), you earn a new base! This only occurs when you lose a base, however, so don't expect one to happen when you've already got all your bases.
One cool thing to note is the fact that this game was watered down a bit to fit with the 2600 controller. In the original arcade version of Missile Command, you were in control of three launchers. However, in the 2600 version, you only control one. This is because the 2600 only has 1 button to work with, which would make the other 2 launchers unnecessary.
If you like great Arcade-to-2600 conversions, and want a great game, Missile Command is one that you should get for sure! As of this writing, you can pick a copy up on eBay for about $3.
7.Ms. Pac-Man
As we all know, the original Pac-Man got a pretty bad conversion for the 2600. Little did anyone know that Atari would try again in 1987 with Ms. Pac-Man, to great results. While it was late to the party, as the NES was already dominating the US market, it was good to know that the 2600 got at least one faithful port to a Pac-Man title.
There's really nothing I can add to this, regarding controls and the goal of Ms. Pac-Man, since it's basically the exact same as Jr. Pac-Man. So, please go back to Jr. Pac-Man for more info on this game.
However, I will note that this game doesn't have the scrolling that Jr. Pac-Man possesses. That's basically the only difference.
If you want a Pac-Man game, and don't feel like getting Jr. Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man is the way to go. And it's also a tad cheaper too, going for about $4-5, as of this writing.
8.Pitfall!
It's generally agreed that, if you want a good platformer for your 2600, Pitfall! is the number one choice for you. Many 2600 owners have this game, and with it's great gameplay, who wouldn't miss out?
Ironically, Pitfall! was my main reason for investing in a 2600, as I had played the game on the PS2 game, "Activision Anthology", and loved the game. It made me interested in more of the 2600's library, so I thank Pitfall! for sure, for introducing me to this system.
In Pitfall!, you push left and right on the joystick to move left and right. The only button jumps. Simple as that, really. If you're near a ladder, you can also push up and down on the joystick to move up and down the ladder. When on a vine, you push down on the joystick to get off of it. The controls do feel a bit aged, but with great practice, you'll discover one of the best titles the 2600 has to offer.
The goal of this game is to go through the jungle and avoid the many dangers in it. This includes quicksand, water, alligators, snakes, and scorpions. You must also avoid running into logs, as they will reduce your score, and slow you down. At the end of each stage, there is an artifact for you to collect. Grab it for bonus points and more time on the clock. You also have 20 minutes to beat a level. As I haven't let the game run for 20 minutes, I don't know what happens afterwards. If anyone knows, please let me know.
If you're a platforming fan, Pitfall! is one of the best games to own for the system. Unfortunately, this one is a bit on the pricey side, as far as 2600 games go. Pitfall! goes anywhere from $5-$7, as of this writing.
9.Pole Position
Arcade fans should easily recognize this title! Pole Position is one of the many Namco games that diehard fans of the company have enjoyed for years. Thankfully, it got a great conversion on the 2600!
As far as controls go, the joystick does a big portion of the work. Pushing left and right on the joystick moves your car left and right. Pushing up on the stick will change the gear your car is set to. The only button on your controller is used to brake. Very simple controls for a very simple game.
Your goal in Pole Position is to race against some other racers to get to the finish line. If you hit a car, you blow up, and have to gain speed again. You only lose if you don't make it to the finish line in the time above the screen, or if you don't make it to the goal in a certain time (I have not figured out where the clock has to be for the game to kick you out/accept you, so apologies on that).
What's interesting about the 2600 version of Pole Position is the fact that the car moves automatically. In the arcade version, you had to hold a button in order to accelerate. However, in the 2600 version, you're allowed to move forward automatically.
Granted, Pole Position isn't AS CLOSE to the arcade version, but it's still a worthwhile purchase, if you're into arcade games. Pole Position is also very cheap, and will only cost you about $3-$4 on eBay, as of this writing.
10.Space Invaders
This one was terribly obvious from the get-go, but if you have a 2600, you MUST get Space Invaders! This was the 2600's killer app (similar to Pokemon on the Game Boy), so there are tons of copies of this game, making it the most common.
The controls are similar to Demon Attack, so please go to the Demon Attack section from earlier in this guide for more information on how it controls.
Your goal is to beat all of the aliens by shooting at them. However, the more aliens you shoot, the faster they move. It is recommended that you take your time at first, and then go faster as you progress. Additionally, there are three shields you can hide behind. They block attacks for you, but also block your attacks. You lose a life when an alien shoots you, and it's game over when you lose all of your lives, or if the aliens get to you.
Personally, I like Demon Attack more than this, but I still can't deny that Space Invaders is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who's a fan of the Atari 2600, or someone looking for shooters. The game goes for about $3-$4, so it's pretty cheap.
I should point out before you purchase the game, however, that there are 3 different labels on Space Invaders, from what I know. There's really no difference between them, except that the Sears and Tele-Games models only have a black background and more game modes, while the original release has artwork of a spaceship on the front. They all go for the same price, but you may want to choose which version you want.
11.Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Death Star Battle(Due to the long name, I will refer to this game as, "Death Star Battle")
To be legitimately fair, this game isn't one of the best games I've ever played, but I found Death Star Battle to still be an enjoyable experience for Star Wars fans, and 2600 owners alike.
For controls, you move the joystick in any direction to move the Millennium Falcon, and you use your only button to shoot. You are able to move in every direction, so don't be afraid to move around. However, the game seems to want to be Asteroids, so it can be difficult to maneuver your ship sometimes.
The goal is to get to the Death Star through a wormhole, and blow it up. Quite simple, really. You will lose a life if you get hit by a ship, get shot by a ship/the Death Star, or if you blow up the Death Star, and get hit by one of the explosions. The only problem I have with this game is that the hit detection regarding ships hitting you is quite shoddy. Even if a ship hits you, you might not even lose a life.
It's not a fantastic game, but Death Star Battle turned out to be a fun game anyways, and I suggest you all pick up a copy. Unfortunately, this game is pretty pricey, and currently bounces around in price on eBay. The cheapest I've seen it go for is $10, while the most expensive copy is literally $18(!!). It's gonna cost a lot, but if you can find it cheaper, give it a shot.
12.Yar's Revenge
That being said, I have a great love for Atari's 2600 console, despite the games generally only lasting about 2-10 minutes in length. It ultimately created home console gaming, and made it what it is today. However, we can all agree that the 2600 has a sizable amount of games that....weren't that great.
Let's face it; when you were a kid, you probably played the crap out of Atari's port of Pac-Man, thinking it was the best thing since buttered toast. Then, you play it again, and realize that it wasn't even that good to begin with (don't fret; it happens to everyone).
That's where I come in.
While I only have 21 Atari 2600 games (as I've recently started collecting for it), I have quite a few games in my collection that I feel many owners of an Atari 2600 should try to get. Some on this list are quite common, and their names will make you think, "Yeah, yeah. I know that one already!". However, there might a be a few you've possibly never even heard of before! So, fans of the 2600 that want something new, or newbies just discovering the 2600; this one is basically for you.
Please Note:While this guide has a pretty good selection of games, I Heavily suggest watching MetalJesusRocks', "Atari 2600 Games That Don't Suck" series on YouTube. It's a 2 Part series that shows you some of the best the 2600 has to offer, and there are a ton of games in those videos that I won't be covering here, as I don't have a big enough selection of games. He definitely took a lot of time, going through all of his 2600 games to pick the best games on the system, and it's definitely worth a look. Here's Part 1, if you choose to check it out (don't worry; this guide will still be here when you're done).
Additionally, I will not include every game in my collection; only the ones I think any 2600 gamer should own. There are a few I will include at the end as, "Honorable Mentions", so they will still be known as good games to try out. But this list will be going on what games I feel are some of the 2600's best.
1.Asteroids
I'll be as honest as I can, regarding this one; I was never really a big fan of Asteroids. I found the game to be very difficult to handle, and pretty darn hard (I'm a wuss, I know).
Nevertheless, the 2600 port of Asteroids is, ironically, very well made. It's almost arcade perfect, and very enjoyable. The controls are still difficult to handle, but that's to be expected. The asteroids in the game are also multi-colored, since the 2600 didn't have the power to use the same effects as the arcade version.
The joystick can be pushed left and right to turn your ship around, while pushing (and holding) up on the joystick makes you move forward. Pushing down on the joystick causes your ship to teleport somewhere else on the screen. Of course, the button on the controller is used to fire bullets.
The goal of the game is simple; shoot asteroids to get points. If you get hit, you lose a life, and get respawned at a random location on the screen (usually the middle of the screen).
While the ship flies around in a slippery manner, and the teleporting is not an enjoyable feature (to me at least), the rest of the game is pretty solid. This game can easily be obtained for anywhere around $2-$5 on eBay, for those interested.
I'll be as honest as I can, regarding this one; I was never really a big fan of Asteroids. I found the game to be very difficult to handle, and pretty darn hard (I'm a wuss, I know).
Nevertheless, the 2600 port of Asteroids is, ironically, very well made. It's almost arcade perfect, and very enjoyable. The controls are still difficult to handle, but that's to be expected. The asteroids in the game are also multi-colored, since the 2600 didn't have the power to use the same effects as the arcade version.
The joystick can be pushed left and right to turn your ship around, while pushing (and holding) up on the joystick makes you move forward. Pushing down on the joystick causes your ship to teleport somewhere else on the screen. Of course, the button on the controller is used to fire bullets.
The goal of the game is simple; shoot asteroids to get points. If you get hit, you lose a life, and get respawned at a random location on the screen (usually the middle of the screen).
While the ship flies around in a slippery manner, and the teleporting is not an enjoyable feature (to me at least), the rest of the game is pretty solid. This game can easily be obtained for anywhere around $2-$5 on eBay, for those interested.
2.Berzerk
This one was actually quite a surprise for me, to be honest. I got this game with 3 other 2600 games on eBay for about $6 (yes; with the shipping). At first, I thought this game wouldn't be all that good, as I had no idea what the game was. However, I was still hesitant to start the game up and see how it played (especially since I payed a few dollars for all these games already; why not, right?).
Let's just say this game ended up in my Atari the most when I got it.
For those unfamiliar with the title, Berzerk is a top down shooting game. The joystick controls where your character moves, and where he aims, while your only button is used to shoot. If you're familiar with the Arcade game, "Robotron", then this game will be right up your ally, as it plays similar to it (with the only exception being Berzerk is a tad slower, whilst Robotron is a frantic, fast paced shooter).As you can see from the video, Berzerk isn't that great in the graphics department (looking like one of the weaker looking titles for the 2600), but don't let that fool you; this game is fantastic. Especially if you're a shooter fan.
Your goal in Berzerk is to shoot down the robots in the level. When all the robots are defeated, you can walk out of the room, and go to a new area. However, if you get hit by a robot, touch a robot, or touch any of the walls, you lose one life, and go to a random room. The rooms are pretty easy, for the most part, but the robot AI is pretty weak, and sometimes, you'll end up with robots hitting the wall, giving you extra points. This is a good thing, but it decreases the challenge a bit. However, the game makes up for this by spawning you in a random location every time you die. Most of the time (about 99%, to be exact), the game literally spawns you close to a robot! This makes it so you have to have extremely fast reflexes to counter this.
Even with the problems that plague Berzerk, it is still a fantastic game to own for your 2600, and one of the best shooters on the system. Heavily recommend it. The game is even pretty cheap too, and is available on eBay for a good $4.
3.Demon Attack
Let's be honest here, guys; if you even OWN an Atari 2600, chances are, you have a copy of Space Invaders. And that is completely fine. However, if you're tired of Space Invaders, and want a great clone of the game, Demon Attack is the one to get for sure.
For those who are conscious over buying a video game with the name, "Demon" on it, I promise you that there are absolutely no demons in this game (well, to my knowledge, at least).
If you've played Space Invaders, the controls are basically similar. Left and Right on the joystick to move your ship. The only button to shoot. Simply put; if you've ever played a shooting game on the 2600, the controls are almost always the same.
What makes Demon Attack different, however, is the fact that the game has a good mix of two popular games released at the time; Namco's Galaga, and Taito's Space Invaders. This game features enemies that fly around the screen (similar to Galaga), with the Space Invaders, "move left and right" formula. At first you would think it wouldn't work, but if you check out the video, you'll see that the results are well done.
As far as goals; just shoot the enemies, and you move on to another wave. If you beat all the enemies without losing a life, you gain one life (up until a specific point, of course).
If you're into fast, frantic shooters, want something different for your 2600, or want a game that plays like Space Invaders or Galaga, Demon Attack is your #1 best option. And the game is really cheap, too! You can get the game for $4 on eBay, as of this writing.
4.Frogger
We can all agree that Frogger is one of Konami's best simplistic arcade games of all time. So many people will automatically recognize this game from the name alone, due to it's huge appeal on the Gaming universe. And surprise! It's on the 2600 as well!
Everyone's played Frogger by now, so the controls should be easily remembered. However, to those of you who haven't played Frogger (you guys should be ashamed, btw), you only use the joystick for this game to move. The button does absolutely nothing, so don't push it at all.
The goal of this game is simple; you are a frog, and you want to get to your lily pads at the top of the screen (which are not present in the 2600 version, surprisingly). You have to avoid getting run over by cars, falling into the lake, and being eaten by alligators (introduced in later waves) to make it through. Do any of these, and you lose a life and have to start over. If you get all your frogs from Point A to Point B, you go to a new wave where there are faster cars, and possibly alligators.
One feature I noticed regarding this game is that the 2600 version allows Frogger to go off the screen while riding on a log/turtle's back. The original Arcade version does not allow this, and doing so in the Arcade version causes Frogger to lose a life. So don't panic if you're stuck in the 2600 version; just wait it out if you have to.
Just like Berzerk, Frogger isn't necessarily the best looking title on the 2600, but the gameplay makes up for it big time. If you're a fan of Frogger, or just want a nice game that many Arcade fans will easily recognize, Frogger is the way to go. Compared to the other 3 games listed before this one, however, the game costs a little more than usual, but it will not break your bank. A copy of 2600 Frogger can be picked up on eBay for $6, as of this writing. That seems like a lot (especially since it's an Atari cartridge), but it's not $10 or more, so you should be fine.
5.Jr. Pac-Man
I ironically picked this game up earlier today, so this is a semi-last minute addition. However, Jr. Pac-Man is a version of Pac-Man I didn't expect to be great, but somehow ends up being so.
If you have never played Pac-Man in your life, I feel sorry for you (no really; I do. How could you miss that game?). But if you're unfamiliar with the game, you play Jr. Pac-Man the same way. You use the joystick to move around, and the only button on the controller is not used.
Your goal in this game is the same as Pac-Man; collect all the power pellets, pick up any bonus items jumping around on the screen, and go on to other levels in the game. Additionally, if you pick up a big power pellet, you have the ability to eat the ghosts chasing you (who all turn blue, by the way). If a ghost touches you, you lose one life, and go back to where you started (with the game remembering which power pellets you ate).
One thing I find cool about this game is the fact that the maze doesn't cover the whole screen. To my knowledge, none of the other Pac-Man games for 2600 do this. Is this a flaw, though? Absolutely not. The screen scrolls with Jr. Pac-Man so you can get to those lower/higher areas. It's definitely very well done, as this shows what the 2600 was capable of at the time. The ghosts still suffer from some flickering (a common problem with Pac-Man titles on 2600), but they're not as bad as the 2600 conversion to regular Pac-Man (trust me on this; please trust me on this).
If you want a Pac-Man game that's not bad, and does some cool things with the 2600 hardware, Jr. Pac-Man is definitely the way to go. Just like Frogger, this game does go for a little more than numbers 1-3 on this list, but will not break the bank. You can get Jr. Pac-Man on eBay for $6, as of this writing.
6.Missile Command
This one was actually quite a surprise for me, to be honest. I got this game with 3 other 2600 games on eBay for about $6 (yes; with the shipping). At first, I thought this game wouldn't be all that good, as I had no idea what the game was. However, I was still hesitant to start the game up and see how it played (especially since I payed a few dollars for all these games already; why not, right?).
Let's just say this game ended up in my Atari the most when I got it.
For those unfamiliar with the title, Berzerk is a top down shooting game. The joystick controls where your character moves, and where he aims, while your only button is used to shoot. If you're familiar with the Arcade game, "Robotron", then this game will be right up your ally, as it plays similar to it (with the only exception being Berzerk is a tad slower, whilst Robotron is a frantic, fast paced shooter).As you can see from the video, Berzerk isn't that great in the graphics department (looking like one of the weaker looking titles for the 2600), but don't let that fool you; this game is fantastic. Especially if you're a shooter fan.
Your goal in Berzerk is to shoot down the robots in the level. When all the robots are defeated, you can walk out of the room, and go to a new area. However, if you get hit by a robot, touch a robot, or touch any of the walls, you lose one life, and go to a random room. The rooms are pretty easy, for the most part, but the robot AI is pretty weak, and sometimes, you'll end up with robots hitting the wall, giving you extra points. This is a good thing, but it decreases the challenge a bit. However, the game makes up for this by spawning you in a random location every time you die. Most of the time (about 99%, to be exact), the game literally spawns you close to a robot! This makes it so you have to have extremely fast reflexes to counter this.
Even with the problems that plague Berzerk, it is still a fantastic game to own for your 2600, and one of the best shooters on the system. Heavily recommend it. The game is even pretty cheap too, and is available on eBay for a good $4.
3.Demon Attack
Let's just say this game ended up in my Atari the most when I got it.
For those unfamiliar with the title, Berzerk is a top down shooting game. The joystick controls where your character moves, and where he aims, while your only button is used to shoot. If you're familiar with the Arcade game, "Robotron", then this game will be right up your ally, as it plays similar to it (with the only exception being Berzerk is a tad slower, whilst Robotron is a frantic, fast paced shooter).As you can see from the video, Berzerk isn't that great in the graphics department (looking like one of the weaker looking titles for the 2600), but don't let that fool you; this game is fantastic. Especially if you're a shooter fan.
Your goal in Berzerk is to shoot down the robots in the level. When all the robots are defeated, you can walk out of the room, and go to a new area. However, if you get hit by a robot, touch a robot, or touch any of the walls, you lose one life, and go to a random room. The rooms are pretty easy, for the most part, but the robot AI is pretty weak, and sometimes, you'll end up with robots hitting the wall, giving you extra points. This is a good thing, but it decreases the challenge a bit. However, the game makes up for this by spawning you in a random location every time you die. Most of the time (about 99%, to be exact), the game literally spawns you close to a robot! This makes it so you have to have extremely fast reflexes to counter this.
Even with the problems that plague Berzerk, it is still a fantastic game to own for your 2600, and one of the best shooters on the system. Heavily recommend it. The game is even pretty cheap too, and is available on eBay for a good $4.
3.Demon Attack
Let's be honest here, guys; if you even OWN an Atari 2600, chances are, you have a copy of Space Invaders. And that is completely fine. However, if you're tired of Space Invaders, and want a great clone of the game, Demon Attack is the one to get for sure.
For those who are conscious over buying a video game with the name, "Demon" on it, I promise you that there are absolutely no demons in this game (well, to my knowledge, at least).
If you've played Space Invaders, the controls are basically similar. Left and Right on the joystick to move your ship. The only button to shoot. Simply put; if you've ever played a shooting game on the 2600, the controls are almost always the same.
What makes Demon Attack different, however, is the fact that the game has a good mix of two popular games released at the time; Namco's Galaga, and Taito's Space Invaders. This game features enemies that fly around the screen (similar to Galaga), with the Space Invaders, "move left and right" formula. At first you would think it wouldn't work, but if you check out the video, you'll see that the results are well done.
As far as goals; just shoot the enemies, and you move on to another wave. If you beat all the enemies without losing a life, you gain one life (up until a specific point, of course).
If you're into fast, frantic shooters, want something different for your 2600, or want a game that plays like Space Invaders or Galaga, Demon Attack is your #1 best option. And the game is really cheap, too! You can get the game for $4 on eBay, as of this writing.
4.Frogger
We can all agree that Frogger is one of Konami's best simplistic arcade games of all time. So many people will automatically recognize this game from the name alone, due to it's huge appeal on the Gaming universe. And surprise! It's on the 2600 as well!
Everyone's played Frogger by now, so the controls should be easily remembered. However, to those of you who haven't played Frogger (you guys should be ashamed, btw), you only use the joystick for this game to move. The button does absolutely nothing, so don't push it at all.
The goal of this game is simple; you are a frog, and you want to get to your lily pads at the top of the screen (which are not present in the 2600 version, surprisingly). You have to avoid getting run over by cars, falling into the lake, and being eaten by alligators (introduced in later waves) to make it through. Do any of these, and you lose a life and have to start over. If you get all your frogs from Point A to Point B, you go to a new wave where there are faster cars, and possibly alligators.
One feature I noticed regarding this game is that the 2600 version allows Frogger to go off the screen while riding on a log/turtle's back. The original Arcade version does not allow this, and doing so in the Arcade version causes Frogger to lose a life. So don't panic if you're stuck in the 2600 version; just wait it out if you have to.
Just like Berzerk, Frogger isn't necessarily the best looking title on the 2600, but the gameplay makes up for it big time. If you're a fan of Frogger, or just want a nice game that many Arcade fans will easily recognize, Frogger is the way to go. Compared to the other 3 games listed before this one, however, the game costs a little more than usual, but it will not break your bank. A copy of 2600 Frogger can be picked up on eBay for $6, as of this writing. That seems like a lot (especially since it's an Atari cartridge), but it's not $10 or more, so you should be fine.
5.Jr. Pac-Man
I ironically picked this game up earlier today, so this is a semi-last minute addition. However, Jr. Pac-Man is a version of Pac-Man I didn't expect to be great, but somehow ends up being so.
If you have never played Pac-Man in your life, I feel sorry for you (no really; I do. How could you miss that game?). But if you're unfamiliar with the game, you play Jr. Pac-Man the same way. You use the joystick to move around, and the only button on the controller is not used.
Your goal in this game is the same as Pac-Man; collect all the power pellets, pick up any bonus items jumping around on the screen, and go on to other levels in the game. Additionally, if you pick up a big power pellet, you have the ability to eat the ghosts chasing you (who all turn blue, by the way). If a ghost touches you, you lose one life, and go back to where you started (with the game remembering which power pellets you ate).
One thing I find cool about this game is the fact that the maze doesn't cover the whole screen. To my knowledge, none of the other Pac-Man games for 2600 do this. Is this a flaw, though? Absolutely not. The screen scrolls with Jr. Pac-Man so you can get to those lower/higher areas. It's definitely very well done, as this shows what the 2600 was capable of at the time. The ghosts still suffer from some flickering (a common problem with Pac-Man titles on 2600), but they're not as bad as the 2600 conversion to regular Pac-Man (trust me on this; please trust me on this).
If you want a Pac-Man game that's not bad, and does some cool things with the 2600 hardware, Jr. Pac-Man is definitely the way to go. Just like Frogger, this game does go for a little more than numbers 1-3 on this list, but will not break the bank. You can get Jr. Pac-Man on eBay for $6, as of this writing.
Let's be honest here, guys; if you even OWN an Atari 2600, chances are, you have a copy of Space Invaders. And that is completely fine. However, if you're tired of Space Invaders, and want a great clone of the game, Demon Attack is the one to get for sure.
For those who are conscious over buying a video game with the name, "Demon" on it, I promise you that there are absolutely no demons in this game (well, to my knowledge, at least).
If you've played Space Invaders, the controls are basically similar. Left and Right on the joystick to move your ship. The only button to shoot. Simply put; if you've ever played a shooting game on the 2600, the controls are almost always the same.
What makes Demon Attack different, however, is the fact that the game has a good mix of two popular games released at the time; Namco's Galaga, and Taito's Space Invaders. This game features enemies that fly around the screen (similar to Galaga), with the Space Invaders, "move left and right" formula. At first you would think it wouldn't work, but if you check out the video, you'll see that the results are well done.
As far as goals; just shoot the enemies, and you move on to another wave. If you beat all the enemies without losing a life, you gain one life (up until a specific point, of course).
If you're into fast, frantic shooters, want something different for your 2600, or want a game that plays like Space Invaders or Galaga, Demon Attack is your #1 best option. And the game is really cheap, too! You can get the game for $4 on eBay, as of this writing.
4.Frogger
For those who are conscious over buying a video game with the name, "Demon" on it, I promise you that there are absolutely no demons in this game (well, to my knowledge, at least).
If you've played Space Invaders, the controls are basically similar. Left and Right on the joystick to move your ship. The only button to shoot. Simply put; if you've ever played a shooting game on the 2600, the controls are almost always the same.
What makes Demon Attack different, however, is the fact that the game has a good mix of two popular games released at the time; Namco's Galaga, and Taito's Space Invaders. This game features enemies that fly around the screen (similar to Galaga), with the Space Invaders, "move left and right" formula. At first you would think it wouldn't work, but if you check out the video, you'll see that the results are well done.
As far as goals; just shoot the enemies, and you move on to another wave. If you beat all the enemies without losing a life, you gain one life (up until a specific point, of course).
If you're into fast, frantic shooters, want something different for your 2600, or want a game that plays like Space Invaders or Galaga, Demon Attack is your #1 best option. And the game is really cheap, too! You can get the game for $4 on eBay, as of this writing.
4.Frogger
We can all agree that Frogger is one of Konami's best simplistic arcade games of all time. So many people will automatically recognize this game from the name alone, due to it's huge appeal on the Gaming universe. And surprise! It's on the 2600 as well!
Everyone's played Frogger by now, so the controls should be easily remembered. However, to those of you who haven't played Frogger (you guys should be ashamed, btw), you only use the joystick for this game to move. The button does absolutely nothing, so don't push it at all.
The goal of this game is simple; you are a frog, and you want to get to your lily pads at the top of the screen (which are not present in the 2600 version, surprisingly). You have to avoid getting run over by cars, falling into the lake, and being eaten by alligators (introduced in later waves) to make it through. Do any of these, and you lose a life and have to start over. If you get all your frogs from Point A to Point B, you go to a new wave where there are faster cars, and possibly alligators.
One feature I noticed regarding this game is that the 2600 version allows Frogger to go off the screen while riding on a log/turtle's back. The original Arcade version does not allow this, and doing so in the Arcade version causes Frogger to lose a life. So don't panic if you're stuck in the 2600 version; just wait it out if you have to.
Just like Berzerk, Frogger isn't necessarily the best looking title on the 2600, but the gameplay makes up for it big time. If you're a fan of Frogger, or just want a nice game that many Arcade fans will easily recognize, Frogger is the way to go. Compared to the other 3 games listed before this one, however, the game costs a little more than usual, but it will not break your bank. A copy of 2600 Frogger can be picked up on eBay for $6, as of this writing. That seems like a lot (especially since it's an Atari cartridge), but it's not $10 or more, so you should be fine.
5.Jr. Pac-Man
I ironically picked this game up earlier today, so this is a semi-last minute addition. However, Jr. Pac-Man is a version of Pac-Man I didn't expect to be great, but somehow ends up being so.
If you have never played Pac-Man in your life, I feel sorry for you (no really; I do. How could you miss that game?). But if you're unfamiliar with the game, you play Jr. Pac-Man the same way. You use the joystick to move around, and the only button on the controller is not used.
Your goal in this game is the same as Pac-Man; collect all the power pellets, pick up any bonus items jumping around on the screen, and go on to other levels in the game. Additionally, if you pick up a big power pellet, you have the ability to eat the ghosts chasing you (who all turn blue, by the way). If a ghost touches you, you lose one life, and go back to where you started (with the game remembering which power pellets you ate).
One thing I find cool about this game is the fact that the maze doesn't cover the whole screen. To my knowledge, none of the other Pac-Man games for 2600 do this. Is this a flaw, though? Absolutely not. The screen scrolls with Jr. Pac-Man so you can get to those lower/higher areas. It's definitely very well done, as this shows what the 2600 was capable of at the time. The ghosts still suffer from some flickering (a common problem with Pac-Man titles on 2600), but they're not as bad as the 2600 conversion to regular Pac-Man (trust me on this; please trust me on this).
If you want a Pac-Man game that's not bad, and does some cool things with the 2600 hardware, Jr. Pac-Man is definitely the way to go. Just like Frogger, this game does go for a little more than numbers 1-3 on this list, but will not break the bank. You can get Jr. Pac-Man on eBay for $6, as of this writing.
Everyone's played Frogger by now, so the controls should be easily remembered. However, to those of you who haven't played Frogger (you guys should be ashamed, btw), you only use the joystick for this game to move. The button does absolutely nothing, so don't push it at all.
The goal of this game is simple; you are a frog, and you want to get to your lily pads at the top of the screen (which are not present in the 2600 version, surprisingly). You have to avoid getting run over by cars, falling into the lake, and being eaten by alligators (introduced in later waves) to make it through. Do any of these, and you lose a life and have to start over. If you get all your frogs from Point A to Point B, you go to a new wave where there are faster cars, and possibly alligators.
One feature I noticed regarding this game is that the 2600 version allows Frogger to go off the screen while riding on a log/turtle's back. The original Arcade version does not allow this, and doing so in the Arcade version causes Frogger to lose a life. So don't panic if you're stuck in the 2600 version; just wait it out if you have to.
Just like Berzerk, Frogger isn't necessarily the best looking title on the 2600, but the gameplay makes up for it big time. If you're a fan of Frogger, or just want a nice game that many Arcade fans will easily recognize, Frogger is the way to go. Compared to the other 3 games listed before this one, however, the game costs a little more than usual, but it will not break your bank. A copy of 2600 Frogger can be picked up on eBay for $6, as of this writing. That seems like a lot (especially since it's an Atari cartridge), but it's not $10 or more, so you should be fine.
5.Jr. Pac-Man
I ironically picked this game up earlier today, so this is a semi-last minute addition. However, Jr. Pac-Man is a version of Pac-Man I didn't expect to be great, but somehow ends up being so.
If you have never played Pac-Man in your life, I feel sorry for you (no really; I do. How could you miss that game?). But if you're unfamiliar with the game, you play Jr. Pac-Man the same way. You use the joystick to move around, and the only button on the controller is not used.
Your goal in this game is the same as Pac-Man; collect all the power pellets, pick up any bonus items jumping around on the screen, and go on to other levels in the game. Additionally, if you pick up a big power pellet, you have the ability to eat the ghosts chasing you (who all turn blue, by the way). If a ghost touches you, you lose one life, and go back to where you started (with the game remembering which power pellets you ate).
One thing I find cool about this game is the fact that the maze doesn't cover the whole screen. To my knowledge, none of the other Pac-Man games for 2600 do this. Is this a flaw, though? Absolutely not. The screen scrolls with Jr. Pac-Man so you can get to those lower/higher areas. It's definitely very well done, as this shows what the 2600 was capable of at the time. The ghosts still suffer from some flickering (a common problem with Pac-Man titles on 2600), but they're not as bad as the 2600 conversion to regular Pac-Man (trust me on this; please trust me on this).
If you want a Pac-Man game that's not bad, and does some cool things with the 2600 hardware, Jr. Pac-Man is definitely the way to go. Just like Frogger, this game does go for a little more than numbers 1-3 on this list, but will not break the bank. You can get Jr. Pac-Man on eBay for $6, as of this writing.
Atari 2600 Veterans already know that Missile Command is one of the best games available for the 2600, and also one of the best arcade-to-home conversions on the system. So, if you've been a 2600 owner for a long time, this one seemed obvious from the start. What 2600 Newbies don't know, is that this is one of the best games to own on the system; especially if you're an arcade gaming fan.
The controls in Missile Command are simple. Move the joystick in any direction to move your blinking cursor over it, and push the only button to shoot a missile. Not too hard, yet satisfyingly easy. The controls are nice and smooth, so you should have no complaints, when using them.
The goal of Missile Command is to shoot down incoming missiles with more missiles (cuz that makes sense). You must also defend your bases, and your own launcher. If it hits a base, you simply lose a base. If it hits your launcher, you lose missiles to fire. If all your bases are shot down, the game is over.
Additionally, if you gain enough points (I believe it's about 5,000), you earn a new base! This only occurs when you lose a base, however, so don't expect one to happen when you've already got all your bases.
One cool thing to note is the fact that this game was watered down a bit to fit with the 2600 controller. In the original arcade version of Missile Command, you were in control of three launchers. However, in the 2600 version, you only control one. This is because the 2600 only has 1 button to work with, which would make the other 2 launchers unnecessary.
If you like great Arcade-to-2600 conversions, and want a great game, Missile Command is one that you should get for sure! As of this writing, you can pick a copy up on eBay for about $3.
7.Ms. Pac-Man
As we all know, the original Pac-Man got a pretty bad conversion for the 2600. Little did anyone know that Atari would try again in 1987 with Ms. Pac-Man, to great results. While it was late to the party, as the NES was already dominating the US market, it was good to know that the 2600 got at least one faithful port to a Pac-Man title.
There's really nothing I can add to this, regarding controls and the goal of Ms. Pac-Man, since it's basically the exact same as Jr. Pac-Man. So, please go back to Jr. Pac-Man for more info on this game.
However, I will note that this game doesn't have the scrolling that Jr. Pac-Man possesses. That's basically the only difference.
If you want a Pac-Man game, and don't feel like getting Jr. Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man is the way to go. And it's also a tad cheaper too, going for about $4-5, as of this writing.
8.Pitfall!
It's generally agreed that, if you want a good platformer for your 2600, Pitfall! is the number one choice for you. Many 2600 owners have this game, and with it's great gameplay, who wouldn't miss out?
Ironically, Pitfall! was my main reason for investing in a 2600, as I had played the game on the PS2 game, "Activision Anthology", and loved the game. It made me interested in more of the 2600's library, so I thank Pitfall! for sure, for introducing me to this system.
In Pitfall!, you push left and right on the joystick to move left and right. The only button jumps. Simple as that, really. If you're near a ladder, you can also push up and down on the joystick to move up and down the ladder. When on a vine, you push down on the joystick to get off of it. The controls do feel a bit aged, but with great practice, you'll discover one of the best titles the 2600 has to offer.
The goal of this game is to go through the jungle and avoid the many dangers in it. This includes quicksand, water, alligators, snakes, and scorpions. You must also avoid running into logs, as they will reduce your score, and slow you down. At the end of each stage, there is an artifact for you to collect. Grab it for bonus points and more time on the clock. You also have 20 minutes to beat a level. As I haven't let the game run for 20 minutes, I don't know what happens afterwards. If anyone knows, please let me know.
If you're a platforming fan, Pitfall! is one of the best games to own for the system. Unfortunately, this one is a bit on the pricey side, as far as 2600 games go. Pitfall! goes anywhere from $5-$7, as of this writing.
9.Pole Position
Arcade fans should easily recognize this title! Pole Position is one of the many Namco games that diehard fans of the company have enjoyed for years. Thankfully, it got a great conversion on the 2600!
As far as controls go, the joystick does a big portion of the work. Pushing left and right on the joystick moves your car left and right. Pushing up on the stick will change the gear your car is set to. The only button on your controller is used to brake. Very simple controls for a very simple game.
Your goal in Pole Position is to race against some other racers to get to the finish line. If you hit a car, you blow up, and have to gain speed again. You only lose if you don't make it to the finish line in the time above the screen, or if you don't make it to the goal in a certain time (I have not figured out where the clock has to be for the game to kick you out/accept you, so apologies on that).
What's interesting about the 2600 version of Pole Position is the fact that the car moves automatically. In the arcade version, you had to hold a button in order to accelerate. However, in the 2600 version, you're allowed to move forward automatically.
Granted, Pole Position isn't AS CLOSE to the arcade version, but it's still a worthwhile purchase, if you're into arcade games. Pole Position is also very cheap, and will only cost you about $3-$4 on eBay, as of this writing.
10.Space Invaders
This one was terribly obvious from the get-go, but if you have a 2600, you MUST get Space Invaders! This was the 2600's killer app (similar to Pokemon on the Game Boy), so there are tons of copies of this game, making it the most common.
The controls are similar to Demon Attack, so please go to the Demon Attack section from earlier in this guide for more information on how it controls.
Your goal is to beat all of the aliens by shooting at them. However, the more aliens you shoot, the faster they move. It is recommended that you take your time at first, and then go faster as you progress. Additionally, there are three shields you can hide behind. They block attacks for you, but also block your attacks. You lose a life when an alien shoots you, and it's game over when you lose all of your lives, or if the aliens get to you.
Personally, I like Demon Attack more than this, but I still can't deny that Space Invaders is a worthwhile purchase for anyone who's a fan of the Atari 2600, or someone looking for shooters. The game goes for about $3-$4, so it's pretty cheap.
I should point out before you purchase the game, however, that there are 3 different labels on Space Invaders, from what I know. There's really no difference between them, except that the Sears and Tele-Games models only have a black background and more game modes, while the original release has artwork of a spaceship on the front. They all go for the same price, but you may want to choose which version you want.
11.Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - Death Star Battle(Due to the long name, I will refer to this game as, "Death Star Battle")
To be legitimately fair, this game isn't one of the best games I've ever played, but I found Death Star Battle to still be an enjoyable experience for Star Wars fans, and 2600 owners alike.
For controls, you move the joystick in any direction to move the Millennium Falcon, and you use your only button to shoot. You are able to move in every direction, so don't be afraid to move around. However, the game seems to want to be Asteroids, so it can be difficult to maneuver your ship sometimes.
The goal is to get to the Death Star through a wormhole, and blow it up. Quite simple, really. You will lose a life if you get hit by a ship, get shot by a ship/the Death Star, or if you blow up the Death Star, and get hit by one of the explosions. The only problem I have with this game is that the hit detection regarding ships hitting you is quite shoddy. Even if a ship hits you, you might not even lose a life.
It's not a fantastic game, but Death Star Battle turned out to be a fun game anyways, and I suggest you all pick up a copy. Unfortunately, this game is pretty pricey, and currently bounces around in price on eBay. The cheapest I've seen it go for is $10, while the most expensive copy is literally $18(!!). It's gonna cost a lot, but if you can find it cheaper, give it a shot.
12.Yar's Revenge
And to finish off this big list of great games, I give you Yar's Revenge. An interesting shooting game, that feels like a SHMUP, but isn't necessarily one.
You use the joystick to move Yar in any direction you choose, and your only button to shoot. If you have a giant shot ready, the button will shoot the giant shot, instead of your gun.
The goal of the game is to beat an alien with a giant cannon, while you're being chased by his only attack (which looks like a sound wave). Before you do that, though, you have to get rid of the alien's shield by shooting at it. After you have the alien's head open for attack, move all the way to the left of the screen, until you see a rainbow-like beam pop up on the left side of the screen. If you shoot the cannon at the alien's head, you go on to the next wave. You lose one life if the alien's attack hits you, or if your cannon shot touches you (yes; your own attack hurts you. Get out of the way, before it hits). Additionally, going in the rainbow-like field in the middle of the screen makes all attacks invulnerable to you, but you will not be able to shoot from that area.
A great game, and a good shooter at that, Yar's Revenge is one that Atari 2600 owners MUST own. The game can easily be snagged on eBay for $3-$4, as of this writing.
Honorable Mentions
While this is the end of the best games on the system (in my opinion), here are a few that I semi-enjoyed, but are still worth a purchase:
Adventure (A Top Down Action game similar to the NES game, "The Legend of Zelda". Generally considered the granddaddy of Action RPGs. $4-$7 on eBay.)
Haunted House (Same as Adventure, but in a Haunted House; generally harder too. $2-$4 on eBay.)
Dragster (Literally only lasts 10 or so seconds, but still worth trying, if you're bored. $3-$4 on eBay.)
Is there a game I didn't mention that you find great? Mention it below in the comments!
You use the joystick to move Yar in any direction you choose, and your only button to shoot. If you have a giant shot ready, the button will shoot the giant shot, instead of your gun.
The goal of the game is to beat an alien with a giant cannon, while you're being chased by his only attack (which looks like a sound wave). Before you do that, though, you have to get rid of the alien's shield by shooting at it. After you have the alien's head open for attack, move all the way to the left of the screen, until you see a rainbow-like beam pop up on the left side of the screen. If you shoot the cannon at the alien's head, you go on to the next wave. You lose one life if the alien's attack hits you, or if your cannon shot touches you (yes; your own attack hurts you. Get out of the way, before it hits). Additionally, going in the rainbow-like field in the middle of the screen makes all attacks invulnerable to you, but you will not be able to shoot from that area.
A great game, and a good shooter at that, Yar's Revenge is one that Atari 2600 owners MUST own. The game can easily be snagged on eBay for $3-$4, as of this writing.
Honorable Mentions
While this is the end of the best games on the system (in my opinion), here are a few that I semi-enjoyed, but are still worth a purchase:
Adventure (A Top Down Action game similar to the NES game, "The Legend of Zelda". Generally considered the granddaddy of Action RPGs. $4-$7 on eBay.)
Haunted House (Same as Adventure, but in a Haunted House; generally harder too. $2-$4 on eBay.)
Dragster (Literally only lasts 10 or so seconds, but still worth trying, if you're bored. $3-$4 on eBay.)
Is there a game I didn't mention that you find great? Mention it below in the comments!
