Atari Vault

About

"Atari Vault" offers 100 classic Atari 2600 and arcade games, such as Asteroids, Centipede, and Missile Command, now with online and local multiplayer capabilities, Steam Leaderboards, and new control options. This collection is designed to provide hours of entertainment and bring back memories of the Golden Age of Gaming. The addition of Steam Controller support offers increased precision control for an enhanced experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 910 reviews

graphics20 positive mentions

stability12 negative mentions

Great collection of classic Atari arcade and 2600 games, perfect for retro gamers.
Nostalgic experience with faithful emulations and original manuals included.
Online multiplayer and leaderboards add a fun competitive element.

Many popular titles are missing due to licensing issues, limiting the collection's appeal.
Controls for some games, especially those requiring paddles or trackballs, are poorly implemented.
Initial bugs and crashes have been reported, affecting gameplay experience.

graphics
96 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
71%
8%
The graphics in this collection of vintage games are a nostalgic throwback to the early 1980s, featuring primitive yet charming visuals that closely resemble the originals. While some users appreciate the retro aesthetic and the inclusion of original artwork, others note that the graphics are outdated and lack modern enhancements. Overall, the presentation is well-executed, with various configuration options available, though some graphical settings may be limited or malfunctioning.
- “They have managed to package together recreations of many of the classic arcade games from the early to mid 1980s, each with beautiful graphics and sound comparable to the original games.”
- “I think that the graphics are pretty good, and the resolution is great considering that these games are from 30-40 years ago.”
- “The graphics for the games themselves are exactly the way they were in the old games or at least so close I couldn't tell the difference.”
- “It's like playing on a calculator but with worse graphics.”
- “The graphics are as bad as remembered, and the music as well.”
- “These are quite clearly decade-old games with no graphical improvements whatsoever, so they will obviously look outdated.”
gameplay
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
73%
9%
The gameplay of the reviewed titles is characterized by a mix of nostalgia and challenge, with many players appreciating the simplicity and charm of classic arcade mechanics despite their blocky graphics. While some games are noted for their unforgiving difficulty and reliance on companion materials for puzzle-solving, others offer multiple gameplay types and modifiers that enhance replayability. Overall, the experience is described as fun and engaging, particularly for those who enjoy competitive elements like multiplayer capabilities and leaderboards, though it may not appeal to those seeking modern graphics or less repetitive gameplay.
- “With 97 more games to try out and plenty of them having different modifiers to the gameplay, you’re bound to find a couple of games that will have you hooked and wanting to make your way up the leaderboard.”
- “Even without the realistic graphics and captivating soundtracks of modern games, there is still something immensely charming about a pure focus on gameplay and sound effects so primitive that you can't help but kick back and relax.”
- “The 2600 prototype of Tempest is also nothing special gameplay-wise, and it only really has an appeal in a historical sense.”
- “Unforgiving gameplay, hard difficulty on some of the games, fun to play, hard to master.”
- “If you hate grinding or repetitive gameplay then you probably shouldn't get this.”
music
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
58%
17%
The music in the game evokes nostalgia for many players, with some appreciating the charming simplicity of its sound effects and menu music, despite the lack of a prominent soundtrack during gameplay. While some find the music primitive compared to modern standards, others enjoy the retro vibe and the focus on gameplay. Overall, the menu music receives positive remarks, though the actual in-game music is minimal.
- “The sounds and music bring back good memories.”
- “I love the music in the intro.”
- “Even without the realistic graphics and captivating soundtracks of modern games, there is still something immensely charming about a pure focus on gameplay and sound effects so primitive that you can't help but kick back and relax.”
- “It has some dumb EDM song in the menu.”
- “The graphics are as bad as remembered, and the music as well.”
- “It is primitive compared to today's games and most don't even have music, only bleeps and bloops.”
stability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
86%
The stability of the game is criticized for its clunky menus and controls, which can be overly sensitive and buggy, particularly in multiplayer mode. While some users report that the core games function well, glitches and a limited library detract from the overall experience, leading to a mixed reception regarding stability.
- “I wish they had a more extensive library, but what they do have is bug-free and works well.”
- “Clunky menus leading to even more clunky menus (for each game) which lead to games with clunky controls at best and buggy, overly sensitive controls at worst (even on a normal keyboard).”
- “It's buggy if you are wanting to play multiplayer.”
- “Weird resolution options, game glitches, and lack of display options hold it back.”
emotional
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong sense of nostalgia when revisiting classic games, even if they never experienced them originally. However, some users also report negative emotional responses, leading to refunds and uninstallation due to dissatisfaction.
- “Really cool to go back and see classic games like these when you're so used to modern ones; it made me feel nostalgia for something I never experienced.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The story aspect of the game is criticized for being incomplete, as only three out of the promised four Sword Quest games were finished. Additionally, there is a sentiment that modern games often prioritize narrative over gameplay, resulting in a lack of engaging mechanics.
- “Play modern 'games' that are 99% story with a barely usable 'game' hacked in at the last moment by people who wouldn't know how to program a fun game to save their butts.”
- “My biggest regret is that only 3 of the 4 Swordquest games were completed and thus, not all of the promised versions from back in the day are here.”
humor
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users find the humor in comparing the differences between Tempest Arcade and Tempest 2600, highlighting the amusing contrasts between the two versions. The repetitive emphasis on this comparison suggests that it resonates well with players, adding a lighthearted element to the discussion.
- “The difference between Tempest Arcade and Tempest 2600 is hilarious and worth a comparison!”
- “The difference between Tempest Arcade and Tempest 2600 is hilarious and worth a comparison!”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game is praised for its strong optimization, particularly in how well it utilizes the Steam controller, showcasing the developer's attention to enhancing the gaming experience.
- “A solid collection of Atari's heavy hitters, and a wonderful example of how fantastic the Steam controller can be when optimized by a developer.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of this compilation of 100 arcade and Atari 2600 games is not explicitly discussed in the provided texts, but the inclusion of bezel art, box art, manuals, and advertisements suggests a focus on delivering a nostalgic and comprehensive vintage gaming experience, potentially justifying its price point.
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Many users express that the game involves significant grinding and repetitive gameplay, suggesting that those who dislike these elements may want to avoid it.
- “If you hate grinding or repetitive gameplay, then you probably shouldn't get this.”