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Atari Arcade Classics

Atari

Before complex stories and 3D worlds, gaming was defined by clear, singular mechanics. Atari's arcade output in the 70s and early 80s created the archetypes for entire genres: from the paddle-based competition of Pong to the vector-line space-shooting of Asteroids. These games were the first to make 'video game' a household term.

SINCE 1972 · 6 GAMES

▶ WHERE DO I START?
  1. 1970s

    Pong

    1972 · Arcade, Atari 2600

    The game that launched an industry. Simple, competitive table tennis in its purest electronic form.

    The Foundation

    2 releases & editions

  2. Breakout

    1976 · Arcade, Atari 2600

    A solo evolution of Pong's paddle mechanics, challenging players to demolish a wall of bricks.

    The Foundation

    2 releases & editions

  3. Asteroids

    1979 · Arcade, Atari 2600

    Master the momentum of your ship in a field of space debris. A masterpiece of vector-based tension.

    Golden Age Hits

    2 releases & editions

  4. 1980s

    Missile Command

    1980 · Arcade, Atari 2600

    A tense, Cold War-era defense game where the best you can hope for is to delay the inevitable 'The End'.

    Golden Age Hits

    2 releases & editions

  5. Centipede

    1981 · Arcade, Atari 2600

    A high-speed, frantic shooter where mushrooms and a winding centipede create a chaotic battlefield.

    Golden Age Hits

    2 releases & editions

  6. Tempest

    1981 · Arcade

    A vibrant tube-shooter with a unique rotary controller, pushing vector graphics to their limit.

    Golden Age Hits