What games are missing from Atari 50?

What Games are Missing from Atari 50?

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is a compilation of 103 playable games, spanning the company’s rich history from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s. While the collection features a wide range of classic titles, some notable absences have left fans scratching their heads. In this article, we’ll dive into the games that are missing from Atari 50 and explore the reasons behind their exclusion.

First-Party Atari Games Missing from the Collection

Despite featuring a vast array of Atari games, some notable first-party titles are surprisingly absent. Pitfall, Frogger, Battlezone, Q-Bert, Joust, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and The Empire Strikes Back are just a few examples of iconic Atari games that failed to make the cut. These games, developed by Atari itself, are significant omissions in an otherwise comprehensive collection.

Third-Party and Arcade Games Missing from Atari 50

Atari 50 also lacks games from third-party developers, such as Space Invaders, River Raid, and Pole Position. These classic arcade titles, developed by companies like Taito and Namco, were incredibly popular during the heyday of arcades. Their absence from the collection is a notable oversight.

Games Banned or Restricted Due to Licensing Issues

Some games are missing due to licensing issues or intellectual property disputes. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, for example, is a game that was notoriously bad and widely panned. However, its inclusion in Atari 50 would have required licensing agreements with Lucasfilm and other parties, which might have been too complex to negotiate.

Games Missing Due to Technical or Practical Reasons

Other games might have been excluded due to technical or practical reasons. Atari’s Buried Treasure, for instance, is a collection of over 1,300 cartridges found in a dumpster in 1984. While this treasure trove of games is an intriguing find, it’s unclear whether the games were intentionally buried or simply discarded.

Hidden Games and Unlockables

Atari 50 does feature some hidden games and unlockables, such as Basic Math, Breakout, Combat Two, Gravitar, and Race 500. These games are not available on the main game list but can be unlocked by performing specific actions or following certain paths.

Comparison to Other Atari Collections

Atari 50 is not the only collection of Atari games available. Other collections, such as the Atari Flashback series, have included some of the missing games listed above. However, Atari 50 is a more comprehensive collection, featuring a wider range of games and a more curated experience.

Conclusion

Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration is an excellent collection of Atari games, but it’s not perfect. The absence of some notable games, including Pitfall, Frogger, Battlezone, and Space Invaders, leaves fans wondering what could have been. Despite these omissions, the collection is still a must-have for any Atari enthusiast or retro gaming fan.