Atari Color Backgrounds

[neotokeo2001]

In the early days of Atari the upper management wanted to show that the Atari 2600 was a COLOR Video Game System.

The result? No game would be released without a colored background. This led to the bright colored backgrounds in most of the early releases. The bright backgrounds can lead to blurred images and eyestrain.

The solution? Change the backgrounds to black. The black background gives the game more of an 80's arcade look and makes the graphics stand out better.

Welcome to the BLACK SERIES where I will do just that. I will be taking some of the early releases and converting them to black backgrounds while leaving the basic graphics and gameplay unchanged. If you have a game that you would like converted, just drop me an e-mail or reply to this post.

Look at these two screenshots for examples:

1.Original Maze Craze
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/669297/MCOrig.gif

2.Original Surround
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681321/SurroundOld.gif

New Versions......

1.Maze Craze Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/669297/MCBlack.gif

2.Surround Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681321/SurroundNew.gif

Download the BIN files:

1.Maze Craze Black
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32112

2.Surround Black
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32124

[neotokeo2001]

Looks like I am in the minority so far. :D

Anyway, I always make a label to go with each hack.

Maze Craze Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681618/MazeCrazeBlackLabel50.gif

Surround Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681591/SurroundBlackLabel50.gif

[SuperNES]

i think Black looks way better, it's more crisp and it's easier to play, and easier distinguish the walls and characters from the background.

[Dr. Morbis]

i think Black looks way better, it's more crisp and it's easier to play, and easier distinguish the walls and characters from the background.
I agree. I prefer black backgrounds for most 2D-type games. Black is more atmospheric, it makes me feel like I'm there. It's hard to explain, but Metroid (NES) was more atmospheric to me than Super Metroid (SNES) and I attribute that, in large part, to the hokey backgrounds that most sections of Super Metroid had. When the background is black, the focus is more on the foreground and, hence, one is more drawn into the game.

[neotokeo2001]

By request:
COMBAT BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681666/CombatBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32149

Combat has several different color locations for Tank levels and also the Plane levels. I have left the Plane levels alone.

I have changed the backgrounds of all of the Tank levels to black. Also, I changed the border color to grey in the first set of Tank levels. All remaining Tank levels have the original border color.


Combat Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681666/CombatNew.gif

Original Combat
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681666/CombatOld.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
OUTLAW BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681834/OutlawBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32157

Outlaw has several different color locations for the various backgrounds. A few changes later, and all of the backgrounds are now black.

Outlaw Black Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681834/OutlawBlack.gif

Original Outlaw Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681834/OutlawOriginal.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By request:
COMBAT REDUX BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681839/CombatReduxBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32164

Combat Redux was really easy to convert since I had previously completed Combat.

Combat has several different color locations for Tank levels and also the Plane levels. I have left the Plane levels alone.

I have changed the backgrounds of all of the Tank levels to black. Also, I changed the border color to grey in the first set of Tank levels. All remaining Tank levels have the original border color.


Combat Redux Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681839/ReduxBlack.gif

Original Combat Redux
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681839/ReduxOld.gif

[rick weis]

this is a great idea!! i will say i voted for black, but i like the color background on surround better, i think on most of the games black would look and feel better on the sees. ;)

anyway very cool idea!!

Rick

[AtariBuff]

very nice work - also on the labels!!!!!!
keep it up :)

[I Am Humanoid]

I agree, the black background is easier on the eyes. I wonder how Kaboom! would look with a black background...

[neotokeo2001]

I agree, the black background is easier on the eyes. I wonder how Kaboom! would look with a black background...

I did Burger King Kaboom a while back to go with the LCD Activision games that they were offering. The BK version had hamburgers instead of bombs.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/652921/BKKaboom!Label50.gif

DOWNLOAD BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=29946

There is one big difference, Kaboom! now features falling Hamburgers instead of Bombs and the Mad Bomber has been replaced by a Burger King Employee.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/652921/z26p0012.gif

If you would like a version of original Kaboom with a black background, Let me know and I'll whip it up.

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
Kaboom! Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KaboomBlackLabelsmall.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32213

Kaboom! was an easy switch. I already had a black background in the Burger King version of Kaboom!. This time I left all of the original graphics intact and just switched the background color to black.

Kaboom! Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/641384/KB.gif

Original Kaboom!
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KOld.gif

[kainemaxwell]

The black versions definitly look better, and I like the effect of black Combat and Kaboom! myself.

[GrandAmChandler]

Requests:

Black.......... Adventure? Video Olympics?

:D

Chris

[Lady Jaye]

Nice job!!!

Kaboom in particular benefits from the switch to black. I have Activision Anthology for the GBA and part of the reason I find it very difficult to play (aside from the fact that the GBA doesn't have any paddle) is the lack of contrast between the background and the bombs.

[neotokeo2001]

Requests:

Black.......... Adventure? Video Olympics?

:D

Chris

Adventure will take a while. I should have Video Olympics up later tonight.

[kainemaxwell]

How about Ms Pac-Man and Pac-Man?

[rick weis]

Adventure will take a while.

black background on the black castle that will look nice. :P

Rick

[kainemaxwell]

Adventure will take a while.

black background on the black castle that will look nice. :P

Rick
Yeah the added challenege of the balck Adventure will be to navigate into the black castle and avoid the black dragon/duck. LOL

[I Am Humanoid]

By Request:
Kaboom! Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KaboomBlackLabelsmall.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32213

Kaboom! was an easy switch. I already had a black background in the Burger King version of Kaboom!. This time I left all of the original graphics intact and just switched the background color to black.

Kaboom! Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KBlack.gif

Original Kaboom!
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KOld.gif

Wow!

Excellent job!

:rocker:

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
Video Olympics Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682143/VidOlympicsBlackLabelsmall.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32234

Video Olympics was a little bit of a challenge to convert. It has several different locations for the various background colors. With a little bit of trial and error it was finished.

Video Olympics Black Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682143/z26p0001.gif

Original Video Olympics Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682143/z26p0003.gif

[neotokeo2001]

How about Ms Pac-Man and Pac-Man?

For all things Pac-Man I have to refer you to the Amazing work done by Nukey Shay at AtariAge. Check out his 8k version of Pac-Man here:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=54937

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681321/pacman8k.gif

[kainemaxwell]

What about River Raid then?

[neotokeo2001]

What about River Raid then?

River Raid I can do. I don't have time tonight, but I will have it posted sometime tomorrow.

Have you played Alien Menace? It is based on River Raid with a few new twist. It is much more then just a color hack.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/657036/AlienMenaceLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=29532

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/657036/Screenshot.gif

You pilot a Star Fighter over what is left of your Homeworld. The attack came so fast that you are the only fighter that was able to get airbourne, no one else survived!!!

It's just you and them. Wipe out the ALIEN MENACE and take your revenge!!

Alien Menace is a hack of River Raid. Shoot everything for points. Shoot the U.F.O's that have landed for an additional bonus. Watch your fuel. Re-fuel by passing over the fuel towers.

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/657036/AlienPointshalf.gif

[Dr. Morbis]

Black Kaboom looks awesome, but the bombs sort of blend in with it too much. Is there any chance you could make the bombs blue in the black Kaboom hack?


Yeah the added challenege of the balck Adventure will be to navigate into the black castle and avoid the black dragon/duck.

Black dragon???

[neotokeo2001]

Black Kaboom looks awesome, but the bombs sort of blend in with it too much. Is there any chance you could make the bombs blue in the black Kaboom hack?


Yes. I can. Good idea. :D

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/z26p0019.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32330

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
RIVER RAID BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682328/RiverRaidBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32335

River Raid is kind of a tough one. It is no problem to change the river to black. Other then the problem of having a black river (pollution?), some of the sprites do not show up well against black. I decided to give them a bright color to show up well against the black background. There is one more change I still would like to make. I am going to change the banks of the river to grey to give it more of a night feel to the game. The only problem is I can't find the code that controls the bank color. I will get it in a future update. If anyone can help on the bank color, let me know.

River Raid Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682328/RRBlack.gif

Original River Raid
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682328/RROrig.gif

[neotokeo2001]

Here is a new version of River Raid Black with grey banks.

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32486

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681321/RRBGrey.gif

[kainemaxwell]

Black River Raid looks really good!

[DeputyMoniker]

By Request:
Kaboom! Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KaboomBlackLabelsmall.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32213

Kaboom! was an easy switch. I already had a black background in the Burger King version of Kaboom!. This time I left all of the original graphics intact and just switched the background color to black.

Kaboom! Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KBlack.gif

Original Kaboom!
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/681931/KOld.gif

Doh! I wanna see this one!

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
Street Racer Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684070/StreetRacerBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32587

I have changed all of the backgrounds to black except for the ski level which is now white. It was off-white in the original version.

Street Racer Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684070/SRB.gif

Original Street Racer
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684070/SRO.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
BOWLING BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684125/BowlingBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32598

I tried to keep all of the original colors. The only changes are the black background and blue shoes. Also see Cosmic Bowling for a different take on Bowling.

Bolwing Black Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684125/BB.gif

Original Bowling Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684125/BO.gif

[neotokeo2001]

How about Ms Pac-Man and Pac-Man?

OK. You talked me into it. :D

By Request:
Ms Pacman Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684584/MsPacmanBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32667

Ms. Pacman was a tough one to hack to black. Luckily there are several hacks of Ms. Pacman that others have made that turned out to be a big help. There are only two(2) changes. The black background and also a small tweak on the Ms. Pacman logo on the attract screen.

Ms Pacman Black Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684584/MsPacmanBlack.gif

Original Ms Pacman
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684584/MsPacman.gif

[kainemaxwell]

Bowling and Ms. Pac-Man definitly look better, and prettier with black backgrounds!

[neotokeo2001]

Requests:

Black.......... Adventure? Video Olympics?

:D

Chris

I am working on a Black version of Adventure. I'll just change the black objects to a different color. Red Castle? I should have it posted a litlle later and then we can tweak it from there.

[GrandAmChandler]

that would be awesome, even make it gray or something, im not familiar with hacking 2600 games, but it'd be cool...

[neotokeo2001]

that would be awesome, even make it gray or something, im not familiar with hacking 2600 games, but it'd be cool...

By Request:
Adventure Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684917/AdventureBlackLabel50.gif

I am going to put this one as a Work In Progress. Check it out and if you have any suggestions on color changes let me know. Right now the dark maze is visible, Should it stay that way? Also I changed the graphic of the chalice, but everything else is original.

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32695

Adventure Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/662546/ADVB.gif

Original Aventure
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684917/ADVO.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
Dark Cavern Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685278/DarkCavernBlackLabel50.gif

Thanks to Nukey Shay for the help.

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32799

Dark Cavern Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685278/z26p0001.gif

Original Dark Cavern
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685278/z26p0009.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
TRON DEADLY DISC BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685276/TronDDBlackLabel50.gif

Thanks to Nukey Shay for the help.

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32798

Tron Deadly Disc Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685276/z26p0000.gif

Original Tron Deadly Disc
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685276/z26p0005.gif

[GrandAmChandler]

Awesome with the black adventure Neo! Thank you greatly for taking the time to do this, I know it was challenging!

-Chris

[neotokeo2001]

Awesome with the black adventure Neo! Thank you greatly for taking the time to do this, I know it was challenging!

-Chris

No problem. I just think it's great that someone actually plays the hacks that I do. :D

If you want to make any changes, just let me know.

[Immutable]

neotokeo2001, you've made me a convert. I can see clearly now. The color's gone. I can see all the obstacles in my way. :)

[Immutable]

neo, I have a request if you're taking any more. Vanguard and Alien.

[neotokeo2001]

neo, I have a request if you're taking any more. Vanguard and Alien.

I'll take a look at them this weekend.

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
AIR SEA BATTLE BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687026/AirSeaBattleBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=33038

I actually prefer the banded sky on this one but here is a black version by request.

There are two seperate color locations for Air Sea Battle. The ocean levels I have tried to leave blue. A few of the ocean levels use the same background location as the sky levels so they now appear black.

Air Sea Battle Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687026/z26p0001.gif

Original Air Sea Battle
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687026/z26p0006.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
ALIEN BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687073/AlienBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=33043

Alien is one of those games where you wonder why the background was not black to start with. It looks much better with the black background.

Thanks to Nukey Shay for the help.

Alien Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687073/AlienBlack.gif

Original Alien
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687073/AlienOrig.gif

[Immutable]

Alien is one of those games where you wonder why the background was not black to start with. It looks much better with the black background.



I completely agree! Light blue just doesn't scare like the dark. Thanks! :)

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
VANGUARD BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687220/VanguardBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=33067

Why no black background on Vanguard?? The arcade had a black background and it just looks better. This time there are 3 different versions of the game included in the download.

1. Vanguard Fast-Original Vanguard with a faster player ship.
2. Vanguard Black-Vanguard with black background.
3. Vanguard Black Fast-Black background and the faster ship.

Thanks to Nukey Shay for the help.

Vanguard Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687220/z26p0005.gif

Original Vanguard
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687220/z26p0008.gif

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
VIDEO CHESS BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687232/VidChessBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=33068

Video Chess was a simple 1 location color change. So what do you like better? Blue or Black?

Video Chess Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687232/z26p0000.gif

Original Video Chess
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687232/z26p0004.gif

[rick weis]

i think the black looks better in most of the games you posted on.

good job..

Rick

[neotokeo2001]

FLAG CAPTURE BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687380/FlagCaptureBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=33134

Flag Capture was also an easy 1 color location hack.

Flag Capture Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687380/z26p0001.gif

Original Flag Capture
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687380/z26p0005.gif

[neotokeo2001]

I have now caught up to all of the request that were made. Thanks to everyone who requested a game and also those who voted.

The results so far are about 2-1 in favor of the black backgrounds. I think it makes a few games much better, such as Alien. Others it makes easier on the eyes (Bowling). And a few it really does not change much(Air Sea Battle).

What is really strange is why a colored background was used in the first place. In arcade ports like Pac-Man, why make a blue background when the arcade has a black one? Also with the game Alien, It's in space aboard a dark starship, why the blue background??

If anyone has any more request, just post it here or e-mail me. If I can't figure it out then there are always talanted programmers like Nukey Shay to bail me out.

[neotokeo2001]

By Request:
CIRCUS ATARI BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687618/CircusAtariBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=33148

Circus Atari was a good choice for the black background. The balloon colors really stand out nice from the background.

Circus Atari Black
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687618/z26p0002.gif

Original Circus Atari
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/687618/z26p0001(1).gif

[Immutable]

Here's a few with the unecessary background color -Dishaster, Fantastic Voyage, M*A*S*H (the surgery part of the game in particular), & Kangaroo.

[boatofcar]

What is really strange is why a colored background was used in the first place. In arcade ports like Pac-Man, why make a blue background when the arcade has a black one? Also with the game Alien, It's in space aboard a dark starship, why the blue background??



I think you hit the nail on the head with your first post. Atari wanted everyone to be sure that they were selling a color game machine, so anything that could be colored, backgrounds and all, were splashed with it. Color was the in thing in the late 70's and early 80's-just look at Activision's logo and the inclusion of the rainbow trail following the main characters on the boxes of their early 2600 games.

[Immutable]

Bump. I love these hacks! Hopefully, we'll see more in the near future. :D

[neotokeo2001]

Bump. I love these hacks! Hopefully, we'll see more in the near future. :D

Right now I am working on a new version of Death Race and also getting a few other hacks ready for a cartridge release. Go ahead and post anything that you would like to see a black version of, You never know. :hmm:

Coming Soon (Finally):
Invader X
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/547889/LimitedLabel50.gif

[Immutable]

Here's a few with the unecessary background color -Dishaster, Fantastic Voyage, M*A*S*H (the surgery part of the game in particular), & Kangaroo.

:)

[neotokeo2001]

Here's a few with the unecessary background color -Dishaster, Fantastic Voyage, M*A*S*H (the surgery part of the game in particular), & Kangaroo.

:)

One down......

By Request:
FANTASTIC VOYAGE BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/697066/FVBlackLabel50.gif

All of the alternating color backgrounds have been replaced with black.
The black background really makes the graphics glow.

Fantastic Voyage Black Screenshot
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/697066/z26p0010.gif

Nukey Shay saved this hack from the depths of my hard-drive.
Fantastic Voyage had a strange way to show the colors of the players bullets and the heart monitor. They both are black in the original and black on black does'nt work.
I'll let Nukey post an explanation if he would like, but it basically boiled down to adding new code.

Original Fantastic Voyage
http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/697066/z26p0003.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=34639

[Immutable]

I thought I would resurrect this thread and suggest Kangaroo and M*A*S*H. and Dishaster... if you're still around, Neotokeo2001.

[Zap!]

Let's see that Adventure and River Raid. :)

[neotokeo2001]

RIVER RAID BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682328/RiverRaidBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32486

River Raid is kind of a tough one. It is no problem to change the river to black. Other then the problem of having a black river (night,pollution?), some of the sprites do not show up well against black. I decided to give them a bright color to show up well against the black background. There is one more change that has been made. The land has been changed from green to grey. The changes give it a night time look and feel.

RIVER RAID BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682328/RRBGrey.gif

ORIGINAL RIVER RAID

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/682328/RROrig.gif

[neotokeo2001]

ADVENTURE BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684917/AdventureBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=32695

Check it out and if you have any suggestions on color changes let me know. Right now the dark maze is visible, Should it stay that way? Also I changed the graphic of the chalice, but everything else is original. This is a WIP version so let me know what you think.

Adventure Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684917/ADVB.gif

Original Adventure

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/684917/ADVO.gif

[neotokeo2001]

I lost my original hard drive a few months ago so some of the works in progress were lost. I know that M*A*S*H* was finished but may be lost. I will look into doing these soon:

Kangaroo
M*A*S*H.
Dishaster

Any other recommendations?

[Steve W]

Dark Caverns (M-Network) would be pretty nice with a black background. Especially if you tweeked the color of the maze and made it a brighter blue color.

[neotokeo2001]

DARK CAVERN BLACK

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685278/DarkCavernBlackLabel50.gif

Download BIN:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=32799

With the name Dark Cavern you wouldn't expect to see a blue background for the maze. Here is how the game should have looked.

Dark Cavern Black

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685278/z26p0001.gif

Original Dark Cavern

http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/140/140741/pages/685278/z26p0009.gif

[Rob2600]

Some of the games look better with a black background (Street Racer, Ms. Pac-Man, Alien, etc.).

However, some of the games people suggested (River Raid, Kaboom!, Combat, Bowling, and Air-Sea Battle) make more sense with their original colors. Why would the river in River Raid be black? Why would the terrain in Combat be black? Why would the blue sky gradient in Air-Sea Battle be black? Why would the wooden bowling alley in Bowling be black?

Overall though, great job!

[neotokeo2001]

Some of the games look better with a black background (Street Racer, Ms. Pac-Man, Alien, etc.).

However, some of the games people suggested (River Raid, Kaboom!, Combat, Bowling, and Air-Sea Battle) make more sense with their original colors. Why would the river in River Raid be black? Why would the terrain in Combat be black? Why would the blue sky gradient in Air-Sea Battle be black? Why would the wooden bowling alley in Bowling be black?

Overall though, great job!

The bright color backgrounds can lead to blurred images and eyestrain. The black background also gives the game more of an 80's arcade look and makes the graphics stand out better. If you are playing the games on an emulator the color backgrounds are not as much of an issue as they are on a real TV where the images blur and bleed into the color.

I prefer to play with real cartridges on a TV. Yes, I do have most of these color hacks on cartridge.

[Sabz5150]

Two thumbs way up! Been playing your customs on my Supercharger and yes, the black does make a big difference.

I do have a "Black" request... Star Trek Strategic Operations Simulator. My favorite 2600 title :)