Break out the Molly Ringwald movies and the mullets, because Activision Anthology, a collection of 80's Atari games, is the best course in classic gaming one could hope to take.
Most companies either release incomplete collections, (Sega,) don't give the consumer as much as they could, (Namco,) or just create an outrageous business model for access to 15-year-old games (Nintendo.) Well, not Activision: not only do they give you access to over 45 classic Atari games on one disk, they give you access to such unlockables as the commercials to the various games, and even virtual renditions of the mail-away award patches for games like River Raid. Some games have as many as 5 secrets to unlock, so there's incentive to play every game at least for a short while.
Granted, the graphics aren't going to win any awards, as most people with halfway decent computer skills could create a prettier work of art in MS paint. Most of the items in any given title are made up of mere pixels, and even the most graphically intense of the collection would fall to the reign of the "superior hardware" of the NES. The sound, likewise, is bleeps and bloops, but one big addition sets it apart: an 80's retro soundtrack that would be right at home in the world of Mr. Vercetti and Mr. Lance Vance. The interface, too, is a priceless virtual rendition of an 80's bedroom. A lot of work went into the title's presentation and retro style, and it shows.
You should be playing this out of appreciation, curiosity, and a love of video games. Not because you expect some sweeping upgrades or massive story. Even if there were no games on the disc, just the galleries, boxshots, commercials, and other goodies alone would make Activision Anthology worth its budget price point. Longtime gamers, or those new to the hobby looking to get an appreciation for its humbled past, should have Activision Anthology at the top of their "Must-Buy" list.
-George
COmpany Line
Kaboom! Seaquest! Rampage! Activision Anthology remembers the early days of gaming and brings those memories back to you in a compilation jaam-packed with over 40 all-time favorites! Plus, you get to check out previously unreleased game prototypes, technology demos and other rare game oddities! For an added blast from the past, rock out to a hit-loaded '80's soundtrack pumping the most memorable songs of the decade. Dude, there are only two words to describe a game collection this cool: totally awesome!
Over 40 Games for the Atari 2600 in One Package - Titles range from old favorites such as Chopper Command, Kaboom, Rampage, Megaman and Dragster, to some of the most obscure classics like Commando and Space Shuttle, to previously unreleased games like Kabobber.
Jam to an '80's Soundtrack - While you play down memory lane, rock-out to an '80's-themed soundtrack featuring hit songs that are sure to bring the memories rushing back.
Go to Your Room - Instead of a typical flat screen shell, the menu functions of the game are brought to life in the setting of a teenager's bedroom from the '80's. To play a game, select the Atari 2600 console on the floor; to change the music select the radio; and to go online select the phone.
Multiple Gameplay Modes - Revisit your old favorites in either "Classic" or 3D Enhanced modes. Classic mode lets you play the original way, while Enhanced adds a bit of a challenge such as Richochet where the screen bounces; Cube where the game appears on the face of a spinning cube; and Whirl where the screen slowly spins 360 degrees around in the middle.
Go Online for More Games - Connect to the Activision Classic Gaming Web site to download game prototypes, technology demos, and other rare game oddities never before released. The Web site also features historical info about Activision, it's designers, programmers and the console that started it all.
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