I have the Atari collection for the Nintendo DS and boy, was that a disappointment. I wish I could have gotten my money back. This on the other hand is so much better (and cheaper) that I was not expecting it to be this good. The 11 games come in two versions, classic and Modern (evolved). The controls take getting used to since games like Millipede and Centipede had a control ball, this you have to use joystick or direction buttons. There is also unlockable versions of Atari 2600 games too, over 50 according to the box but I haven't gotten there yet. Highly recommended games. Remember back in the 80s when these were top? An arcade game cost a few thousand and you get all these for $20 with better graphics (but not better controls).
This is a great collection of classics. I've always loved Tempest. In addition to the classic format, you have the option of playing the enhanced version - both are very cool. This is great to carry along for a quick game. The only caveat is that it does take a bit to get used to the controls for each game. Remember, centipede and millipede originally had a roller ball, tempest had a dial, etc. For some games (the ones just mentioned) must be played with the game held vertically. So, it's a bit awkward at first. You'll get used to it. So many games for a good price.
For twenty bucks, this PSP title is actually pretty good, especially for the nostaglia value. Most of these games were "state of the art" back a quarter century ago. I remember them well. My favs from the early 80s were BattleZone, Missile Command, and Lunar Lander.
These games are still FUN to play today, in a casual gameplay setting, and you don't even need to read an instruction manual to learn them if never played before.
The "evolved" games are much improved graphically over the originals, and find myself playing them at the exclusion of older editions. However, the PSP and its little joystick "nub" are no match for the likes of a $10,000 arcade game machine of the past, with their optional trackballs, and industrial strength joysticks, but game play is still faithful to the originals. Not to mention, this PSP title has 11 fully playable games in one.
Another purchasing consideration, other than merely the low price, is that this UMD would be great for young children to introduce them to gaming, or to play on a long trip, or waiting to eat in a restaurant, with plenty of entertainment value. Plus, these classic games are harmless, with no mindless violence and X-rated themes.
The only downside other than the less than sterling controller aspects of the PSP while actually playing these games, is the overly challenging aspect to "unlocking" the so-call bonus Atari 2600 games included. That will take many, many hours to accomplish, and most casual (adult) gamers don't have the time or patience to play such games over and over for hours on end. Atari, should have made the bonus games available without any need for "unlocking" them, or at least made it easier to do so.
All things considered, Atari Classics Evolved is deserving of FOUR stars and certainly a worthwhile addition to my PSP collection of games.
"This is one of the worst atari updates i ever seen do not buy it you wont like it"
"Way to hard to unlock at 2600 titles. The nostalga wears off pretty fast."
