Atari explains how their Atari Classics “Evolved”

By Spencer . November 13, 2007 . 1:23pm

Atari explains how their Atari Classics “Evolved” images

It is no secret that Atari Classics Evolved adds visually enhanced versions of classics like Missile Command, Centipede and Pong. On the surface that seemed like the focus of Atari Classics Evolved until I found out 2600 games were packed on the UMD disc. I spoke with Matt Rush, the producer of Atari Classics Evolved, to find out which ones made the cut. But before we get there let’s see find out how the classics changed.

Are the "evolved versions" the same as the Xbox Live Arcade remakes?

MR: The XBLA titles are similar and then there are also new Evolved versions of titles like Lunar Lander, Super Breakout, and Pong that are exclusive to the PSP.

Besides the new look are the evolved versions different from the originals?

Absolutely. They’re authentic because they are based on the original ROMs and they also present a fresh experience, featuring unique music tracks, 3D graphics, a new particle effects. It also feels great to play these games with on modern platforms. They look better than they’ve ever looked before.

What evolved game had the biggest change over the source?

Battlezone and Warlords, since they are essentially new code to support Ad Hoc multiplayer which are a blast to play!

How come Yars' Revenge didn't get updated?

We would love to! Let’s see how the response is from gamers for this first release, but the classic 2600 version is in there.

You have to unlock the original Atari games right? How hard is it to do this?

Not as hard as one might expect since we know a lot of people will want to unlock their favorites pretty quickly.

Atari explains how their Atari Classics “Evolved” images

Aren't there fifty original Atari games in this? Can you tell us which ones are in it?

Fifty plus games. I’ll leave you some surprises, but to name a few…Canyon Bomber, Haunted House, Night Driver, Atari Circus…

You can tell us… is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in this?

I’m dying to do an Evolved version of E.T.! [Laughs]

What about Adventure?

Yes!

…last title I promise! Crystal Castles?

Of course! That’s a personal favorite!

One of the things that I enjoyed about the Atari Flashback is it had unreleased games. Are there any prototypes packed into Atari Classics Evolved? Let me rephrase that… are there any never before seen prototypes in Atari Classics Evolved?

That’s exactly what we did; Lunar Lander, Super Breakout, and Pong are all Evolved PSP exclusives! Thanks Siliconera!

TAGS: Atari, Interviews, PSP

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JeremyR

I wouldn't think any of the games in this are licensed properties (like ET is), which is a shame, since many of those (not ET, obviously) were the best 2600 games. Phoenix, Vanguard, Space Invaders, Defender, etc. This will only have Atari's own arcade games, like Warlords, Centipede, Asteroids, Missile Command, etc.

Lunar Lander should be okay, but those other two choices seem odd for remakes, because pong style games really require a paddle or dial-style controller to be playable. With a d-pad or analog stick, they're almost impossible, too touchy.