Dubbed The Wider World of Atari, this primary entry in what’s going to in the end be a two-part DLC growth for Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is basically developer Digital Eclipse digging even deeper into the Atari vaults. The result’s a brand new timeline that, whereas probably not as cohesive as these present in the principle sport, is nonetheless important for anybody interested in online game historical past.
Backed up by 19 additional games, the brand new timeline consists of interviews from a variety of trade figures, together with present Atari CEO Wade Rosen, Pong creator Al Alcorn, graphic designer Evelyn Seto, and plenty of extra. Seto specifically is given her personal section wanting on the creation and evolution of the long-lasting Atari ‘Fuji’ emblem alongside together with her contribution to the packaging designs for the VCS techniques.
On the time, Atari wished to capitalise on the recognition of Star Wars and so instructed Seto to lean right into a ‘space-age’ vibe together with her designs. Listening to this and seeing the accompanying field designs within the timeline with their gray, metallic aesthetics actually makes you recognize the considering, even when the designs appear outdated by at present’s requirements.
The video games themselves are curious oddities that we suspect extra informal Atari followers most likely haven’t heard of. These embody titles unique to the retailer Sears throughout the ‘80s, together with arcade cupboards comparable to Avalanche, Tremendous Bug, and Skydiver. Naturally, a number of of those haven’t aged notably properly, however we have been shocked to seek out that many maintain up. Avalanche specifically, which has you ‘catching’ falling rocks whereas white noise progressively will increase in quantity, is outrageously addictive.
You may do not forget that Digital Eclipse launched a number of video games through a free replace in 2023; a number of of which have been developed by homebrew programmers. These titles, together with Journey II and Return to Haunted Home, are additionally featured within the new timeline together with a video wanting on the genesis of Atari homebrews and the fabled ‘Stella Record,‘ a group of fanatic 2600 programmers. We’ve received additional contributions right here from Digital Eclipse’s personal Mike Mika, together with AtariAge’s neighborhood supervisor Albert Yarusso, and homebrew developer Dennis Debro (Climber 5).
Arguably, nevertheless, it’s Alan McNeil’s Berzerk that will get probably the most love within the DLC. The brand new timeline dives into the creation of the sport together with its many ports, whereas additionally providing entry to the unique arcade launch, the 2600 and 5200 ports, and the newly-released ‘voice-enhanced’ 2600 model from Mike Mika. Oh, and also you additionally get the direct arcade sequel, Frenzy.
All in all, whereas the brand new timeline jumps round and doesn’t boast the identical pure sense of development as the principle sport, what you’re getting right here remains to be properly price perusing should you’re involved in discovering extra about this formative firm and its video games. We suspect that after the second DLC pack launches in November, the general Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition bundle will stand as the ultimate phrase on interactive documentaries within the online game area.