Atari Flashback Classics
- December 13, 2018
Atari Flashback Classics offers a vast look back into the history of an important time in games, but may offer little of interest to those without nostalgic feelings for it.
Relive the golden age of videogames with Atari Flashback Classics. Includes a selection of 150 classic games from Atari's legendary platforms. - Classic Atari and arcade titles. - Remastered and bundled on one game cartridge for NINTENDO SWITCH. - Recreating the legendary retro experience for today's consoles. - Definitive modern editions of these classic games, packed with history and powered…
Nintendo Switch
Reviews
- The collection features 150 classic Atari games, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of retro gaming.
- Many players appreciate the accessibility of playing these games on the Nintendo Switch, allowing for on-the-go gaming.
- The user interface is clean and simple, making it easy to navigate through the game selection.
- Many of the games do not hold up well and can be frustrating to control, especially those originally designed for trackball or paddle controllers.
- The collection lacks some iconic titles like Pac-Man and Frogger, leaving players disappointed with the selection.
- Despite the large number of games, many are duplicates or lesser-known titles, leading to a perception of quantity over quality.
- graphics11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely criticized for being outdated and subpar, especially when compared to modern standards and free alternatives. Many users found the visuals to be simplistic and unappealing, which detracted from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay. While some nostalgic players appreciated the classic titles included, the poor graphics and lack of polish were significant drawbacks for most reviewers.
“The graphics and sound came through fine, but the controls had you jumping around uncontrollably fast.”
“Later, I had both my son and older daughter (less of a gamer) play the 2-player games and they still enjoyed them, crummy graphics and sound notwithstanding.”
“Tempest, Black Widow, Red Baron, Yars' Revenge, Combat, Asteroids, and Warlords make it worth the money to me, and there are lots of other great games on here like Centipede and Millipede (both console and arcade versions!) Real Sports Baseball is still fun and several other sports titles are tolerable, especially having grown up with them in a time before great graphics and ultra-realism.”
“Just a simple listing using arcade marquee artwork and cartridge end labels.”
“I found it rather difficult to play the different games I tried in this group and it was expensive for the bad graphics and lack of instructions.”
“The graphics of the 2600 games made these games unplayable.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The trackball games offer enhanced playability, though players find them frustrating compared to traditional controls, such as those for Centipede. The inclusion of achievements and leaderboards adds to the collection's replayability, encouraging players to return for improved scores and completion.
“With a small selection of achievements and leaderboards, this collection has replayability too.”
“The trackball games are more playable but still frustrating; I can't get a tenth of what I'd normally get on Centipede, for example, with the Switch controller.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its robust collection of classic titles and a wealth of gameplay and display options that perfectly preserve the original experience. Additionally, the inclusion of achievements and online multiplayer features significantly enhances the overall gaming experience.
“The robust collection of classics offers a wealth of gameplay and display options, perfectly preserving the original experience. Achievements and online multiplayer are game-changers.”
Critic Reviews
Atari Flashback Classics Review
Atari Flashback Classics Review
70%Atari Flashback Classics Review
Ultimately, Atari Flashback Classics is a fine collection. The sheer quantity of entertainment software is reason enough to warrant a look. Alongside certified arcade greats, is a wealth of middling-to-fun Atari 2600 and 5200 titles. Even those that weren't around back then will probably be able to find something that they can really connect with, with one example being the previously-unreleased Aquaventure. Of course, considering the era in which these were made, it might be extremely difficult to garner any appreciation for what's here. Still, it is a valuable time capsule for those who weren't around for gaming's infancy.
60%Atari Flashback Classics Review
Quantity over quality has never been exhibited so perfectly as it is here. Having 150 games is undoubtedly impressive, but when the vast majority of them are barely decipherable, let alone playable, you’re probably only really left with around 15 titles that will hold your attention for more than a minute. While the contribution these games made to the evolution of gaming in its early days can’t be denied, many of them are stepping stones that we don’t need to walk over again. Had there been some sort of museum mode that helped give more context to each title’s place in the history of gaming that would’ve been much better, but as it is you’re left with a huge stack of games of which around 90 percent just won’t hold your attention, no matter how much of a retro fan you are.
50%
