Dubbed The Wider World of Atari, this primary entry in what is going to finally be a two-part DLC enlargement 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 presumably 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 extra video games, the brand new timeline contains interviews from a variety of business 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 enduring 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the timeline with their gray, metallic aesthetics actually makes you admire the pondering, even when the designs appear outdated by in the present day’s requirements.
The video games themselves are curious oddities that we suspect extra informal Atari followers in all probability haven’t heard of. These embrace titles unique to the retailer Sears through the ‘80s, together with arcade cupboards comparable to Avalanche, Tremendous Bug, and Skydiver. Naturally, a couple of of those haven’t aged notably effectively, however we had 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 keep in mind that Digital Eclipse launched a number of video games by way of a free replace in 2023; a number of of which had 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 set of fanatic 2600 programmers. We’ve acquired additional contributions right here from Digital Eclipse’s personal Mike Mika, together with AtariAge’s group 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 continues to be effectively value perusing in case you’re curious about 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 Version package deal will stand as the ultimate phrase on interactive documentaries within the online game area.