Atari Archives

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Jeff Minter is remaking another Atari classic, and yeah, it is definitely a Jeff Minter game

Jeff Minter is developing a remake of the classic arcade shooter, I, Robot, originally launched by Atari in 1984. The game features a "3D kaleidoscopic visualizer" and challenges players to evade an all-seeing eye while navigating through a treacherous tube filled with enemies. Minter's remake will retain the essence of classic Atari gameplay and include "arena levels" with waves of foes. The original I, Robot had a limited production of fewer than 1,000 units at launch but has since gained a cult following for its pioneering use of real-time 3D polygons. The remake is set to be released in spring 2024 on PC and various consoles, including the Atari VCS.

Winsage

February 8, 2025

Windows MIDI Services With Full MIDI 2.0 Support Coming Soon

The latest Windows 11 Insider Preview from the Canary Channel introduces native support for MIDI 2.0, moving away from OEM drivers. This update offers improved connection speeds, two-way communication, and property exchange capabilities for MIDI devices. MIDI 2.0 support will be available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 if finalized before Windows 10 is phased out.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Microsoft debuts Windows MIDI Services with MIDI 2.0 support

Microsoft has released a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, supporting the MIDI 2.0 standard, as part of build 27788 in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Canary Channel. Users may encounter a known installation error (0x8007000d) and a failed .NET update (0x80073712), and are advised to retry the build while avoiding the .NET update. The development of Windows MIDI Services has been ongoing, with updates provided since 2022 and a GitHub repository opened in 2023. The feature was anticipated to debut in Windows Insider builds but was delayed until February. MIDI serves as a standard for connecting electronic instruments to computers for music creation, and this update is particularly beneficial for electronic music users. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to supported versions of Windows 10 and 11 before October.

BetaBeacon

February 3, 2025

Google taps into retro arcade nostalgia with this in-browser Breakout clone

Google has introduced a new block breaker game that users can play by searching for "block breaker" on Google.

BetaBeacon

December 20, 2024

I’m having more fun with the Analogue Pocket than any mobile game I’ve played

The Analogue Pocket is a handheld device that allows users to play original GameBoy cartridges with modern upgrades like a better display and USB-C charging. The device does not require Wi-Fi and offers six to ten hours of gameplay on a single charge. The price of the device is steep, but the real cost comes from purchasing retro GameBoy cartridges, which have increased in value over the years. Despite the limited number of titles available, the Analogue Pocket provides a nostalgic gaming experience without the distractions of ads and microtransactions.

BetaBeacon

November 8, 2024

Best new mobile games on iOS and Android – November 2024 round-up

Bloons Card Storm is a turn-based card collecting game with multiplayer at its core, where players need to think about both attack and defense. The game has some balancing issues and a problem where if your opponent quits, you get a smaller reward.

AppWizard

November 5, 2024

Atari has acquired Transport Tycoon

Atari has acquired the Transport Tycoon franchise from its original creator, Chris Sawyer. The financial details of the transaction are undisclosed. This acquisition allows Atari to publish Transport Tycoon both digitally and physically, and it opens opportunities for new entries in the series, as well as merchandising and branding efforts. Transport Tycoon was first released in 1994, with the latest version being a mobile port from 2013. Wade Rosen, the chair and CEO of Atari, expressed commitment to honoring and advancing the franchise. This acquisition is part of Atari's strategy to expand its portfolio, which also includes the Surgeon Simulator series and publishing rights for Rollercoaster Tycoon 3, along with earlier acquisitions of Nightdive and Digital Eclipse.

BetaBeacon

November 2, 2024

Top 12 best management games for Android

- AdVenture Capitalist is a game where players start from a small lemonade stand and grow it into a successful business making millions by the minute.

AppWizard

November 1, 2024

It looks like an Atari 2600, but I’d use it as a sub-$200 indie gaming Steam Machine

The Atari VCS mini PC was launched in 2021 with an initial price of 9, which deterred potential buyers. As of now, it is available for 9.99, making it an attractive option for retro and indie gamers. The VCS features 100 pre-loaded classic Atari games, a modernized 2600 joystick, a wireless gamepad, and is built on an AMD mini PC architecture with a VEGA APU, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and 32GB MMC storage that is expandable via an M.2 slot. It can run lower-spec titles at 1080p and manage some recent games like Sonic Superstars and Tomb Raider Remastered at reasonable settings. However, it is not suited for high-performance gaming and has limitations due to its 4GB VRAM. Alternatives like the Steam Deck OLED and Asus ROG Ally offer more portability but at a higher price. The VCS combines retro aesthetics with modern gaming capabilities, appealing to a new generation of players.

AppWizard

October 22, 2024

Tormenture takes the Inscryption meta-horror formula back to 8-bit gaming and the 1980s

Tormenture is a newly launched horror game inspired by cult classics like Inscryption and Pony Island, set in the 1980s. Players take on the role of a child engaged in a haunted 8-bit game, navigating between the game world and their unsettling bedroom filled with eerie toys. The game features complex puzzles, including one that requires a zombie hand to activate a button, and combines retro aesthetics with modern 3D environments. The demo is available on Steam, although technical limitations may affect gameplay performance. The game's design incorporates nostalgic elements while creating a tense atmosphere, appealing to players who enjoy horror gaming.