The Atari 2600 was technically the second generation of video game consoles, but for many it was the first system they ever owned. Its importance in the history of video games can’t be overstated. It made video games mainstream and, more importantly, it was my favourite toy.
Ours was the wood‑panelled machine in the kitchen, hooked up to a black‑and‑white TV. I had classics like Pac‑Man and Frostbite. But as my earliest memories were forming in the late ’80s and early ’90s, finding 2600 games “in the wild” was becoming difficult.
Then one day we switched it on, there was a pop, and the smell of electrical burning. The 2600 was no more. That very same day, Blue Peter declared it a collector’s item.
With Reaction back, we’re celebrating Atari across the blogs.
Here’s what’s coming up as we look at first‑party Atari titles.
All of these games are (thankfully) accessible today through a variety of modern systems.
1.1 Mission Command — Atari 2600
One of Atari’s more famous games. We take a look at the well‑received 2600 version.
1.2 Quantum — Arcade
A hidden gem I discovered through the Atari 50 compilation.
1.3 Food Fight — Atari 7800
Because the 7800 version is my favourite take on this classic.
1.4 Adventure — Atari 2600
Before Zelda, before The Witcher, we had Adventure. The bare‑bones foundations of the RPG genre have been here since 1980.
1.5 Tempest 2000 — Atari Jaguar
We’re with the Jaguar for the final two games. This one was arguably the system’s best first‑party title.
1.6 Cybermorph — Atari Jaguar
“Where did you learn to fly?” A technical showcase for the Jaguar — but is it much more?