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  • Atari 2600 (1981)

    Posted on by Azrael 1 Comment

    Stevie Wonder Atari 2600 ad from 1981

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/163014611179/basstreble781981-atari-2600

    I’m not sure what to say about this ad. I’m not sure that having a blind guy promote your VIDEO game system, no matter how famous and talented, is really an effective thing to do. This ad for the Atari 2600 came out in 1981, near the height of the 2600’s popularity. I know 1981 was a different time, but do you think these quotes from the ad would make you buy one?

    “My friends tell me the graphics are the best”

    “Even Stevie can fumble his way through a joystick”

    “Stevie likes to play alone even if he has no idea what’s happening”

    “You don’t need two people to play with an Atari 2600…or even two eyes.”

    And it doesn’t get any better.

    This has to be one of the most ridiculous ads ever…





    Atari 2600 Retro Games 📎and tagged

  • Yars’ Revenge (Atari 2600)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    Yar’s Revenge (Atari 2600)

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/163027748512/gameraboy-yars-revenge

    Yars’ Revenge is the best selling original title for the Atari 2600. It was exclusive to that system and while many reviews, including this one from the third issue of Joystik, were somewhat mediocre, it is recognized as a classic today.

    The game started as a port of Star Castle but limitations of the system led to it being changed into a somewhat different game though with some of the same concepts. In Yars’ Revenge, the player controls a mutant housefly who is defending its world against alien attackers. Even though the game essentially repeats the same activities over and over, there are some complex subtleties to the game play that make it interesting. Overall, it is an excellent example of classic arcade gameplay.

    There have been a number of remakes and sequels of sorts throughout the years. A version was created for the Game Boy Color in 1999, Yars’ Revenge was released on the Atari Flashback in 2004, and it was released as part of a 3-in-1 cartridge for the Game Boy Advance in 2005. The original version was released through Xbox’s Game Room in 2010. A remake was released through Xbox Live Arcade and for Windows in 2011. A remake/prequel was released as a social game on Facebook in 2011 as well. Yet another remake is playable via your browser on Atari.com along with a number of other classic remakes. Finally, a sequel was released titled Yars’ Return on the Atari Flashback 2.


    Atari 2600 Retro Games 📎and tagged

  • Kool-Aid Man (Atari 2600, Intellivision)

    Posted on by Azrael Comment

    1983 Kool-Aid Man Video Game

    Free with ONLY 125 proof-of-purchase points!

    http://darth-azrael.tumblr.com/post/163034904150/gameraboy-1983-kool-aid-man-video-game-free

    Kool-Aid Man is a 1983 video game released for the Atari 2600 and Intellivison that was given away as a promotion. Drink enough Kool-Aid and you could get the game for free. As the ad above indicates, you could get the game free if you sent in 125 proof-of-purchase points. I’m not sure how much Kool-Aid that translated into but I suspect it was probably one point per packet with larger point values for larger containers. You could drink slightly less Kool-Aid (30 points) and pay $10 instead.


    (Atari 2600)

    The game itself is not so great. It is basically an advertisement for Kool-Aid and the graphics and gameplay are simplistic even by Atari 2600 and Intellivision standards. Even as a collectible it isn’t that great. While originally being only available as a promotion, it was eventually released to normal video game outlets so while it is more rare than some games, it isn’t exceptionally hard to come by.


    (Intellivison)

    Despite having the same name, The Atari 2600 and Intellivision versions are really two completely different games. In the Atari 2600 version, you are trying to spray creatures called Thirsties with Kool-Aid when they try to drink the pool water. In the Intellivision version, you are attempting to locate Kool-Aid ingredients to create the Kool-Aid Man to devour the Thirsties that are trying to hinder your progress. While the description of the Intellivision version may sound better, it isn’t. Neither version is very good but the Atari 2600 had a higher fun level or at least a lower frustration level than the Intellivision version.


    Atari 2600 Retro Games 📎and tagged