Atari Flashback 2+

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 100 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • replayability
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The Atari Flashback 2+ is a retro gaming console that comes with 40 games, including 20 classic Atari 2600 games and 20 new ones. Notable absentees from the original Flashback 2 lineup include Pitfall!, River Raid, and Wizard, which have been replaced by sports games. This console offers a fun blast from the past for gamers of all ages.

Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 100 reviews
humor2 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The Atari Flashback 2 offers a nostalgic experience with a decent selection of classic games, including favorites like Pitfall and River Raid.
  • The system is easy to set up and allows for a fun, retro gaming experience on modern TVs without the hassle of cartridges.
  • The controllers are well-designed and feel similar to the original Atari joysticks, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
  • Many popular Atari titles are missing from the game selection, leading to disappointment among fans expecting a comprehensive collection.
  • Several games suffer from technical issues, such as flickering graphics and unresponsive gameplay, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.
  • The lack of a cartridge slot limits the ability to play additional games, and the minimal instruction manual leaves players without adequate guidance on game mechanics.
  • graphics18 mentions

    The graphics of the reviewed games are largely criticized for being outdated and lacking polish, with many users noting issues such as flickering, lopsided displays, and incomplete visuals. While some appreciate the nostalgic charm of the primitive graphics reminiscent of the Atari era, modern players may find them crude and unappealing compared to contemporary standards. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant drawback, though they do not detract from the enjoyment of the gameplay for some users.

    • “Graphics and sound just like I remembered.”
    • “"Save Mary" has excellent gameplay and graphics.”
    • “It's amazing how much fun some of these games are even though they are basic in gameplay and graphics.”
    • “The graphics wouldn't work at all on the TV screen; they were constantly lopsided and flickering.”
    • “Sometimes when we tried to get the console to work, the graphics would be only halfway visible, leaving half of the screen blank.”
    • “The version of Asteroids on this system had terrible graphics (even by Atari 2600 standards) and I was not once assaulted by a UFO.”
  • gameplay5 mentions

    Gameplay experiences vary significantly across titles; while "Save Mary" is praised for its excellent gameplay and graphics, other games like "Asteroids Deluxe" suffer from jittery controls and screen roll that detract from the experience. Additionally, the inclusion of classic Atari games in "Flashback" offers nostalgic gameplay with original joystick mechanics, though many games fail to engage players effectively.

    • “Save Mary has excellent gameplay and graphics.”
    • “The Flashback includes 40 classic Atari games (and others from Activision) with gameplay on the original joystick design and the original game variations and difficulty settings.”
    • “The asteroids deluxe asteroids and spaceship jitter about the screen like they've had too much coffee, and there's some screen roll at times, both of which compromise the gameplay.”
    • “While I love the inclusion of Adventure and Pitfall (even the addition of Adventure 2 and Haunted House 2 is a nice touch), I still find myself flipping past game after game that fails to hold me captive by its gameplay.”
    • “You have to wait and see what happens in the gameplay to figure this out.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Users note that the inclusion of classic titles like Stampede, Barnstorming, and Frogger enhances the replayability of the game, as these games offer more engaging and varied experiences compared to others. The rotating grip feature also contributes to the overall enjoyment and replay potential of the paddle games.

    • “The grip rotates, so the paddle games are playable.”
    • “I think the addition of certain titles such as Stampede, Barnstorming, Freeway, Journey Escape, Frogger, and Warlords might boost the appeal of the flashback, as those games had a higher replay value than most of the ones listed.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its slapstick elements, such as the comedic timing required to drop an i-beam on a character, which leads to amusing moments and laughter among players. Many users report that these funny interactions contribute to a joyful and entertaining gaming experience, making it a great choice for social play.

    • “It's also funny when you drop an I-beam on her; you have to time them just right or she gets squished.”
    • “We spent hours laughing and playing over Christmas.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Overall, users report stability issues with the system, noting glitches and flickering in some games, particularly on newer TVs. Additionally, the difficulty level indicators are unclear, and the design of the Atari 7800 controllers may lead to discomfort during extended play.

    • “The only downside is you can't tell what difficulty level you are at with the switches. A few games are buggy on newer TVs, and they could have included so much more content.”
    • “Some of the games have glitches and a lot of flickering, and the poor replicas of the Atari 7800 controllers could easily cause carpal tunnel syndrome.”
  • music1 mentions

    The music in the game is generally minimal, with many users noting a lack of musical accompaniment, relying instead on standard sound effects. However, exceptions like Pitfall 2 showcase a more engaging musical experience.

    • “The sound effects were your average beeps and bloops, and there's often no music.”
    • “The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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