The Atari 7800 was released in 1986 with the budget gaming market in mind. It competed with the NES by keeping prices low.
The Atari 2600 was a popular gaming console in the early 1980s, and its backward compatibility with the original Atari 2600 game cartridge made it a popular choice for developers. This led to the creation of several successful games for the console, including “Pac-Man” and “Donkey Kong”. However, despite its success, the Atari 2600 was not able to keep up with the competition in terms of innovation and price. This led to its downfall in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Since Atari’s return to console manufacturing with the Atari VCS, many retro game enthusiasts have reignited their passion for the company’s library of games. I think it would be a perfect opportunity to review the Atari 7800’s library. ..
In this retrospective, we’ll take a look back at some of the best Atari games that we’ve played over the years. From classic classics like Pac-Man to new and exciting titles, we’ll have something for everyone. So whether you’re a nostalgist or just looking for some new fun, we hope you enjoy this retrospective!
15. Dig Dug (1986)
Dig Dug is a classic arcade game that has been around for many years. The objective of the game is to dig through the ground and collect coins and other items while avoiding baddies. The player can choose to play as either Dug or Lady, and must use their strategic skills to outwit the enemies. ..
Your enemies are either crushed by large rocks or face head-on with inflated rocks.
While Pac-Man is a well-known maze game, it’s pretty different from the game “Maze Runner.” The former is a classic arcade game where the player moves around a maze while avoiding obstacles, while the latter is an adventure game set in a post-apocalyptic world where the player must navigate through dangerous areas to find safety. ..
In this maze, the player is creating a new degree of complexity while also allowing players to develop their varied playstyles.
14. Ballblazer (1987)
If you have a friend who’s enthusiastic about classic games, then Ballblazer is the first game you need to get for your Atari 7800.
In this game, players take control of angular ships they’ll use to pick up and throw a ball into their opponent’s goal – all in the first-person view. This was not typical in sports games.
The presentation is unique and helps the restaurant stand out from the competition. ..
13. Ninja Golf (1990)
Even if you don’t have any friends to play with, you don’t have to miss out on the 7800’s roster of unique sports games. ..
Ninja Golf is a great option for single-player fun. ..
This title is a mix of golf and beat-em-up. You’ll be dodging enemies in between shots, and fighting giant frogs, sharks, and snakes along the way.
The game is more about golf than it ever has been before, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a lot of fun.
12. Robotron 2084 (1987)
This title is a fluid,multi-directional shooter that features dual-joystick system. It’s intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Dual Joystick Controls let you move and shoot in different directions with ease. ..
This game allows players to execute more complex maneuvers, making the game more dynamic and exciting in real time.
In the early days of video gaming, there were a few games that really stood out. One of these games was “Pac-Man” – a game that let you use two separate joysticks to play. This was a pretty influential move on the developer’s part, and it helped make video gaming so popular.
11. Ikari Warriors (1990)
If you’re a fan of arcade shooters, there’s nothing quite like Ikari Warriors from SNK. This classic title features a vertical scrolling shooter that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. ..
This run-and-gun title is similar to the classic Commando, as were many others during its time. ..
Ikari Warriors sets itself apart from other action games with its unique graphics and excellent level design. You’ll have to fight against tanks, helicopters, and more in order to progress. ..
In Ikari Warriors, Colonel Ralf Jones and Lieutenant Clark Still are two of the game’s main characters. They make appearances in other SNK games, like Metal Slug and TKoF.
10. Donkey Kong (1988)
Nintendo’s seminal contribution to the Golden Age of Arcades is now available on the Atari 7800 as a beautiful port that stands shoulder to shoulder with its arcade cabinet counterpart. This classic game system was a mainstay in arcades for years and is still enjoyed by many today. With its intuitive controls and engaging gameplay, Nintendo’s classic title is sure to please gamers of all ages.
Mario, the iconic Jumpman, must traverse Donkey Kong’s treacherous levels in order to save Pauline from the gorilla’s clutches. Along the way, Mario must collect coins and power-ups in order to score bonus points and overcome obstacles. If successful, Mario will be rewarded with a kiss from Pauline – one of gaming’s most iconic moments. ..
Mario’s first adventure was designed to be as fast as possible, taking advantage of the player’s dimes. ..
The game’s levels are progressively more difficult, and clearing them becomes a strategic affair reminiscent of a puzzle game rather than a platformer.
9. Mario Bros. (1988)
Mario’s first appearance in the Mario series may be found in Donkey Kong, a game released in 1980. In this game, Mario must help Donkey Kong escape from a group of angry monkeys.
Mario Bros. was the first game in the Mario series, released in 1983 for arcades.
The first time someone says something you don’t agree with, you get mad. The second time, you get madder. And the third time, you just give up and stop talking to them.
Mario and Luigi are two Italian-American plumbers who, in their spare time, fight off mutated creatures that have invaded the city’s sewer system. This involves traversing the system’s many tunnels and battling enemies such as turtles, crabs, and more. ..
The port of “Street Fighter V” to the PlayStation 4 is basically arcade perfect, and an excellent way to enjoy such an influential title on a home console. ..
8. Galaga (1986)
Galaga was an arcade game that was popular in the 80s. It was a space Invaders game with Galaga characters.
The Galaga title is a space shoot-em-up that is well known for its excellent boss battles, exciting bonus stages, and appealing aesthetic.
The Atari 7800 version of the game is one of the best ports available, boasting smooth gameplay and a more accurate emulation of the arcade cabinet.
7. Ms. Pac-Man (1986)
The sequel to the massively influential Pac-Man saw the return of the same excellent gameplay with a more frantic pace, updated graphics, and a feminine touch. The new game added new levels, power-ups, and challenges that kept players engaged for hours on end. ..
The decision to make the new protagonist female was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics. While some felt that it helped reach a wider audience, others felt that it was an attempt to reach a more female-friendly audience. Still, the fact that this was the first female protagonist in arcade history is undeniable.
The Atari 7800 port looks and plays just like the original arcade cabinet. ..
The Atari 2600 is a must-own for any gamer. It’s a console that offers a lot of features and is perfect for those who love gaming.
6. Commando (1989)
Commando is a game that pits the player against enemies in a chaotic environment, where quick reflexes are key. This game is perfect for those who want to improve their reflexes and become better at war.
In this classic shoot-em-up, Super Joe is the most powerful GI of his time, as he travels through hundreds of enemy operatives in order to destroy the opposing army. The game features a variety of enemies and obstacles, making it an exciting and challenging experience for all gamers.
The Atari 7800 version is the best because it has a special built-in sound chip that makes the sound quality better than the system’s base hardware. ..
5. Food Fight (1987)
However, in the world of competitive cooking, a food fight can be one of the most exciting competitions. It’s a chance for chefs to show off their culinary skills and creativity, and it’s also a way to get some fun in before the main event. ..
Atari’s new game, Food Fight, is a lot of fun. It’s a fast-paced game where you try to eat as many food items as possible before your opponents do. The game is easy to learn and hard to master, so it’s perfect for all ages. ..
In Food Fight, you’ll need quick reflexes and strategic thinking to outsmart four evil chefs and reach and eat a rapidly-melting ice cream.
4. Centipede (1987)
Centipedes are creepy crawlies that deserve our attention more than aliens and enemy soldiers. ..
The things that make you feel like you’re in danger are terrifying.
If there’s something that needs exterminating, it’s the monsters.
In Centipede, you’ll need to use the Bug Blaster to stop 12 waves of diverse insects. It can get pretty tense once it gets going, so you’ll need quick thinking if you want to make it all the way through.
The Atari 7800 version of this game includes both a co-op and competitive mode, so gamers of all skill levels can enjoy playing together. ..
3. Donkey Kong Jr. (1988)
Donkey Kong Country 2 was not as well received by critics and gamers as the original Donkey Kong game. ..
Donkey Kong Jr. is one of the best games of the 80s. It’s a classic game that many people enjoy.
Nintendo reimagined the game from the ground up with a new protagonist, DK Jr. This reflects on the level design – now with vertical vines to climb and swing from.
The Atari 7800 version of the game is not as nice-looking as the arcade cabinet or the ColecoVision port, but gameplay and content-wise, it’s perfect.
Nintendo Switch is a console that lets you play games on the go. You can also use it to watch movies and TV shows.
2. Dark Chambers (1988)
This game is one of the most exciting and technically impressive games in the Atari 7800’s library. It is a top-down action-adventure game with a unique control system that makes it difficult to put down. The graphics are stunning, and the gameplay is intense and thrilling.
The game, “Diablo III,” is a dungeon crawler that allows up to four players to raid evil lairs together. ..
The game is visually stunning, with great sprites that help bring your fantasy adventure to life. ..
If you find Gauntlet similar to Dark Chambers, it’s because they’re both based on the same game: Dandy, released in 1983 through the Atari Program Exchange.
1. Joust (1987)
I absolutely love playing Joust on my Atari 7800. It’s one of the games that I can’t get enough of and it’s definitely one of my favorites. ..
This title is a game where you must use your skills as a jousting knight to defeat enemies and protect yourself from being thrown off your horse. The levels are challenging and require quick reflexes to stay on your horse and avoid being hit by the enemy buzzard-riders.
This game is great because the multiplayer is really fun. Unlike most games where you have to play by yourself, this one makes it so that you can team up with friends and have some great fun.
In 1978, Joust was the first game to be released on the Atari 7800 console. It quickly became a favorite among gamers, and its unique gameplay style has been copied by many subsequent titles.