Random Atari 2600 thoughts....
I have been heavily playing the 2600 lately, although it is baseball season and the RealSports Baseball game for the 5200 is calling my name. Here are some of my useless personal observations....
ZAXXON I would like to see the Critic re-review this game. I'd give it a B+. While it is understood that this is the Atari VCS I think Coleco really did a great job with this one, perhaps their best 2600 effort ever. While this game should not really have been attempted, I found it highly playable and pretty close to the "spirit" of the coin-op. Speaking with regards to the severe limitation of the 2600, of course.
CENTIPEDE/MILLIPEDE Played only with my Atari track-ball.....UNBELIEVEABLE how sweet these adaptions are!! You'll ignore the blocky graphics very shortly after plugging these carts in. No, it ain't the arcade but with the track-ball it might as well be. Simply fantastic ports!
BOWLING Simple, easy to understand and a most challenging rendition of the sport. I only play the curve ball option. My best score is 243. Has anyone thrown a perfect 300 on any selection (curve, straight or control)? Any Easter eggs that would result would be most worthy of such an accomplishment! Like Dodge 'Em, a classic early 2600 game that will never get old.
ASTROBLAST Just a few months ago I grabbed this one for a $1.00....probably the best buck I've ever spent. Best shooter on the 2600 in my narrow mind. I love the complete change of color of the sky when you pass a certain plateau. This game should only be played with a paddle and ONLY with the auto-fire option. While I never was a big fan of shooters, this one has got me hooked.
H.E.R.O. I'll say it now - this is my favorite 2600 game EVER. It has a key quality that I hold sacred for old-school games....keep playing 'em until you pass every level. I do understand those that claim the control makes this a less-than-perfect-game but I would counter that it is what makes it a total gem. Master it's gravity (preferably with a Gemstick, the MOST durable 2600 controller) and let the magic of this classic take you downward.
VERY Honorable mention to some other sweet VCS games....Dig Dug, Kaboom! and Video Pinball.