Atari, synonymous with being the progenitor of video games, has a strong brand recall that elicits nostalgia from a certain age demographic. There is a perception about the company, but we really don’t know much about them outside of being a pioneer in the industry.

After speaking to Atari’s Senior Director of Sales and Marketing, David Lowey, and his team at PAX West 2023, they are hard at work to bring back the retro gaming vibe of the late 70s and early 80s to modern players today. Their strategy is to revitalize classics such as Asteroids and Adventure and inject modern sensibilities to make them more fun and accessible.

In that regard, Atari is launching a campaign to bring five games to market between now and 2024 to carry on that core philosophy. Ranging from different genres and playstyles, there’s something for everyone in this suite of titles to watch out for from this legendary publisher.

Atari’s 2023–2024 Games Catalogue

Mr. Run and Jump

Release Date: Out Now!
Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

The first of the five games to launch for the legendary publisher is Mr. Run and Jump in July 2023. This remake of the retro platformer on the original Atari 2600 has been re-imagined as a speed-running platformer where you can double jump and air dash your way through perilous traps to complete the levels as fast as humanly possible.

Check out the original iteration remastered for the new Atari 2600+ below for comparison!

Days of Doom

Release Date: September 21, 2023
Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Days of Doom feels like a roguelite base builder reminiscent of Darkest Dungeon, with a randomly generated group of ragtag adventurers surviving the zombie apocalypse. In each turn-based encounter, utilize each survivor efficiently, maximizing their skills against a horde of zombies or human raiders out to take out your scouting party or infiltrate your base.

Haunted House

Release Date: October 12, 2023
Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Originally released in 1980, the re-envisioning of Haunted House developed by Orbit Studio is a stealth roguelite family-friendly experience where five friends enter a haunted house full of randomly generated rooms to explore, evade nefarious ghosts, and complete objectives. Unlike other games of its type, there is no permadeath, making it an accessible experience for all ages.

Lunar Lander Beyond

Release Date: Early 2024
Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Developed by Dreams Uncorporated (Cris Tales), this game re-purposes Asteroids as a roguelite shooter with relatable pilots and a deep story and lore. As you proceed with the narrative-driven story to protect your base and collect resources, one mechanic that really caught my attention is how each pilot can increase their stress levels and can go into a stress-induced psychosis that can affect their performance.

Out next year, it’s looking like a standout title to watch out for!

qomp2

Release Date: TBA 2024
Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Retro puzzler qomp receives a sequel with the aptly titled qomp2 announced for 2024. In this flow-state game, qomp2 retains its Arkanoids-like block movements but with a twist. It can correspond to different colors where a charged move can open new pathways and you can even challenge fantastic bosses. The best part is its retro-inspired lo-fi chillout beats that would get you into its retro charms.

For those who really want to get into the whole Atari craze, announced on PAX West is the Atari 2600+, a fully functional console and controller inspired by the Atari 2600 and 7800 consoles built in the late 70s and early 80s. It also has fully loadable cartridges!

The Atari 2600+ launches on November 17, 2023, just in time for the holidays! The base unit will come with the classic joystick controller and a 10-in-1 cartridge of games. Get your retro gaming on for the low price of $129.99 USD.

And there you have it! I’m looking forward to what else Atari will offer in the future. Will they make a comeback? Judging from their current lineup, their future is definitely bright.