What Atari 8 Bit Games Do You Recommend?

[7800 Pro Gamer]

I'm sure I'm not alone here in getting the 400 mini and having no previous experience with the 8 bits.  I downloaded a ROM set of 5,000 games but I don't want that many on the unit.  So my question is simple; what are the must plays and what are the hidden gems on the Atari 8 bit computers?  Any and all recommendations appreciated!  Thank you!

[RickR]

OK, I consider myself an expert on the Atari 8-bit computers because I had one since 82 and love it still.  There are TONS of great games, so it would be hard to give a limited list.  

Given that you know the 7800 so well, you should consider starting with the 7800 conversions.  One on One basketball (more stark graphics, but faster gameplay), Karateka (absolutely a classic on 8-bit, but you'll need a keyboard), Ballblazer (faster than 7800 on OLDER technology), Donkey Kong (faster, better sound), etc.  I think that will give you a great perspective on how well designed the 8-bits were.  

Beyond that and also beyond the great included games, you MUST check out Blue Max, Preppie 1 and 2, Archon, and many more.  

 

[RickR]

How could I forget "Rescue on Fractalus"?  The theme music alone is worth the price of admission. 

[Jinroh]

Some of my favorites from retail:

XE Mario Bros.

Pole Position

Boulder Dash

Bruce Lee

International Karate

The Eidolon

Bop'n Wrestle

 

[DegasElite]

Tapper. Straight up. It's a cool game. I have it for my A2600 Jr. and the Atari 8-bit. It's challenging, too.

[MistaMaddog]

Final Legacy is an absolute classic Atari 8-bit game.  It combines Star Raiders, Missile Command and Battlezone in one naval adventure.

And you only need a joystick to play, though to get out of the sub-games immediately you have to press the Space Bar.

[Jinroh]

2 hours ago, MistaMaddog said:

Final Legacy is an absolute classic Atari 8-bit game.  It combines Star Raiders, Missile Command and Battlezone in one naval adventure.

And you only need a joystick to play, though to get out of the sub-games immediately you have to press the Space Bar.

Sub, that reminds me, I used to love Silent Service when I was younger.

[Justin]

The Atari XE has a nice version of Crystal Castles, the nicest released for an Atari home video game system - so far 

[DegasElite]

It is the closest-looking to the arcade version. This is true. I wonder if there will be a Crystal Castles for the A7800? That might be the most definitive version, I would think.

[Jinroh]

The one for the ST is pretty nice, but could use some tweaks.

 

[DegasElite]

Oh, yeah! I forgot about the ST version. It needs tweaks, but it's a good game.

[Jinroh]

11 hours ago, DegasElite said:

Oh, yeah! I forgot about the ST version. It needs tweaks, but it's a good game.

IMO, that seems to be the case for most ST ports. 😂

[twilitezoner]

I would suggest a title I was not familiar with but is a fun quirky game called Twilight World published by Atari UK. They should have released this as a cart in 1986.

[Jinroh]

Can't believe I forgot Ghostbusters. A David Crane production.

[RickR]

"Orc Attack" is another really good one.  This game is under the radar, but worth playing.

[Jinroh]

17 hours ago, RickR said:

"Orc Attack" is another really good one.  This game is under the radar, but worth playing.

Oh wow, never heard of this one, it looks fun. 😛

[socrates63]

Games released by Synapse -- lots of good ones. Blue Max is probably the most well known followed by Necromancer and Shamus. Fort Apocalypse, Rainbow Walker, and Alley Cat also deserve attention.

I'm also a big fan of the early EA games. Archon and One on One already were mentioned. You can't forget M.U.L.E. and Seven Cities of Gold. Pinball Construction Set is also a classic.

[DegasElite]

Another good one: Space Harrier. It's a cool game on the A8 and should work on the 400 Mini. I think I have seen it demoed on there.