If you grew up as a kid in the 1980s, you no doubt are familiar with the Atari 2600. It was a video game system that kicked off a multi billion dollar industry, and it was an iconic part of any childhood from this time.
The Atari 2600 was released in North America on September 11, 1977. During the early 1980s, it had become a popular gaming system in that region, especially after it became part of popular culture during that period.
The Best Atari 2600 Games
What were the most popular video games for the Atari 2600 during this era?
There were many popular video games for the Atari 2600 during the 1980s. These games were all very popular among gamers and continue to be enjoyed today.
Each one offers a unique gameplay experience that will entertain players of all ages. If you’re looking for a nostalgic gaming experience, then be sure to check out these classic Atari 2600 games from the 1980s.
Here are our top picks for the best Atari 2600 games:
1. Pac-Man
Pac-Man was one of the most popular video games of the 1980s. It was first released in 1980 and quickly became an instant sensation. The game is simple but addictive, as players attempt to guide Pac-Man through a maze while avoiding ghosts. The game was so popular that it had been ported to many different platforms over the years.
2. Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was another classic Atari 2600 game from the 1980s. It was released in 1981 and quickly became one of the most popular games ever. The game is set on a construction site, where Mario must save his girlfriend, Pauline, from Donkey Kong. The gameplay is challenging, but addictive, and the graphics are impressive.
3. Space Invaders
Space Invaders was another popular Atari 2600 game that kids of that era loved. It was first released in 1978 and is still one of the most legendary games ever made. The game is set on a space station, where players must shoot down aliens before they reach Earth. The gameplay is simple, but intense, and the graphics were impressive for the time as well.
4. Asteroids
Asteroids was a popular Atari 2600 game, and like Space Invaders, it had an out of this world theme. It was developed and released by Atari in 1979.
The game’s objective was to shoot asteroids using your ship’s cannon while not colliding with them or flying saucers. If players fly off into space, they lose one of three lives. It was an intense shooting game that challenged both novice and experienced gamers.
5. E.T.
“E.T.” (1982) was often cited as one of the worst video games ever made; it was nevertheless one of the most popular for the Atari 2600. In the game, the player controls E.T. to find and phone home while avoiding obstacles and being chased by government agents.
The game obviously was a spinoff from the blockbuster movie, but even though it was popular, people still have mixed feelings about the game.
Final Thoughts
Even if you weren’t lucky enough to have an Atari 2600, no doubt you are at least familiar with these games, or perhaps played them at a friend’s house. We can really classify these games as the “games that made us” because of their popularity and historical significance in the gaming industry.
It seems like the 1980s are making a comeback. With video games, fashion trends, and television shows being remade, it’s hard to escape the nostalgia that comes with this decade.
Hopefully this list helped you reminisce about your favorite Atari 2600 video games from back in the day, and if you ever get a chance to revisit these games you definitely won’t be disappointed!
