Ten Atari 2600 Games Worse Than E.T.

[digitalpress]

I know I have a face made for audio only, but there's a point I've been trying to make for awhile now and it simply required video evidence. Special thanks to Frankie ("Says_Relax") for recording and supplying some insight as we literally "winged it" one morning in the store.

Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzdqaJIeE0Q

Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR50m78IIJs

Part III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwoUt-AGW3c

Two things post-production that I noticed that I probably would have changed or elaborated on. Games by Apollo, while "arriving late on the scene" were actually one of the first third-party companies to design games for the 2600. The words didn't really come out right there. Also, there will be much debate forever regarding the dumping of E.T. cartridges in New Mexico. My stance is the same as Howard Scott Warshaw, who in a discussion he led at my store last summer shared his viewpoint - which makes perfect sense.

The total running time is about 18 minutes.

[megasdkirby]

Some of those games don't look so bad...

[Hitman Tyler]

Some of those games don't look so bad...

agreed. Then again I never played any of them...

[megasdkirby]

I've played a few of them. They aren't the greatest, but surely aren't the worst.

Where is Firefly, for instance?

[Hitman Tyler]

I've played a few of them. They aren't the greatest, but surely aren't the worst.

Where is Firefly, for instance?

well everyone has their own a option. That's what makes our country different, due to everyone has a different point of view.

[megasdkirby]

well everyone has their own a option. That's what makes our country different, due to everyone has a different point of view.

Agreed. I for one think certain popular games are horrible...yet if I mention the names I will be hunted down for heresy.

[scooterb23]

I've played a few of them. They aren't the greatest, but surely aren't the worst.

Where is Firefly, for instance?

This was just 10 games worse than E.T. Not all the games worse than E.T. We would have been here all day if he'd have done that. Nice work Joe, can't really disagree with you on any of these.

And I sorta like Firefly

[Kid Ice]

Agreed on most. Star Fox is probably the worst game I ever played. Football is actually pretty good w/ 2 players. I don't think I ever played that soccer game....you can't even pass?

That said...ET was a massive disappointment. I don't think anyone had very high expectations for 3rd party titles made by any company other than Activision, Parker Bros, and Imagic.

[tom]

I like X-Man, managing all three mazes gives me some kind of....accomplishment.
And Stellar Track is Star Fleet I (Apple ][, A8, C64), excellent strategy game.

[megasdkirby]

This was just 10 games worse than E.T. Not all the games worse than E.T. We would have been here all day if he'd have done that. Nice work Joe, can't really disagree with you on any of these.

And I sorta like Firefly

It wasn't a bad game, but it was lacking in so many areas. It's fun for a short time, but to play it constantly...at least I don't think I can. Also, if memory serves me right, it's virtually a copy of another Mythicon game, with different graphics.

Regarding some of the games, Swordquest would have been great if it wasn't for the fact that I have NO IDEA what to do. Even with help, there was little I could accomplish. If it wasn't so obscure, it would have been fun.

The Atari Football game (first one) isn't that bad, but it's very lacking. I rather play the Mattel version. Also, Real Sports Soccer isn't bad either, when the person knows what to do. But it is unfair how the computer can cheat at times...I mean, when you have the ball the computer can run at two/three times your speed to catch up to you?

Racketball isn't that bad if you really concentrate on the ball, otherwise I can loose sight of it easily.

I am with Tom on this one...I liked Xman...

[guitargary75]

I agree, no way it' the worst game of all time. There are plenty of games ahead of it.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Also keep in mind this IS NOT a TOP 10 list.

There's no ranking or order (though SSSNAKE does seem to potentially be the top contender for the "all time worst" slot in the Digital Press universe) ... and I would imagine that given the time Joe could come up with plenty more titles for 2600 that are technically "worse" than E.T.

[Xtincthed]

fun and interesting video even for non-atari collectors, just video-game enthousiasts

[cyberfluxor]

Good job on the message. I'm not a big fan of the E.T. game, but have always been well aware of far worst titles across the VCS library and other systems. Keeping it real in good taste, congrats!

[c0ldb33r]

What was the scene too hot for youtube?

[Zap!]

Awesome work as usual, Joe. While ET may not be good, I never thought it was terrible. It gets a bad rap.

[Vectorman0]

What was the scene too hot for youtube?

Kind of not safe for work...

http://images.uncyc.org/pt/b/b2/Xman_atari.jpg

[tom]

The Swordquest series, what were they thinking?

[Zap!]

The Swordquest series, what were they thinking?

I think I am the only one in the world who liked those games. I absolutely loved the comic.

[Mianrtcv]

Kind of not safe for work...

http://images.uncyc.org/pt/b/b2/Xman_atari.jpg

Wait. I thought the person in front was sick and the second person was pushing them home. :P