SpaceAce
Image Via ReadySoft

Best Atari Games of all time

Atari is still the best console.

Atari turned 50 years old in 2022 making it half a century! We have had an enormous upgrade in terms of gaming systems in the years in the years since. But the console, that was one of the firsts, holds a nostalgic place in our hearts. There’s a whole generation of children out there who wouldn’t have a clue if we told them what an Atari is. But let’s not dismiss its place in history. Here are the best Atari games of all time.

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Atari 2600 Best Games

Asteroids (1981)

Asteroids
Image Via Atari

Kids today would probably look the other way if they saw this game. Asteroids was a successful multidirectional shooter based in space. You’d blast asteroids, evade flying saucers, and dodge space rocks. A simple game that became popular to the point where it sold over 70,000 units during its lifetime.

Dig Dug (1983)

DigDug
Image Via Namco

This digging puzzle focuses on strategically digging through soil and beating enemies. The only way you can beat enemies is by digging and allowing rocks to fall on their head, or, you could pump them with air until they pop. It’s a fun, retro game with simplistic gameplay that has bright colors and interesting character designs.

Frogger (1982)

Frogger
Image Via Konami

Frogger is an absolute classic when it comes to arcade games. You play as a frog trying to get to the other side of the screen. In order to do this, you need to hop in various positions to avoid getting run over by a truck. It’s hard, makes you anxious, and is surprisingly addictive. You have a certain number of lives you have. Once you run out the game is over and there’s no coming back. Unless you just replay the game.

Atari ST Best Games

International Karate +

InternationalKarate
Image Via System 3 Software

Fighting games it’s your turn to shine! You play as a karate master going up against, well, another karate master. There can only be one karate master so it’s up to you to become victorious. Unlike popular gaming titles such as Tekken or Street Fighter, this game has no special abilities, or fatalities. It’s just two dudes kicking each other.

Hunter

Hunter
Image Via Activision

Do you play GTA? If you do this game is for you. It’s a game that feels like GTA minus the killer graphics. It’s simple, as were most older games. This game features a male lead who goes around wielding weapons, talking to NPCs, and evading authority. Sounds familiar? Play this title if you’re looking for a classic GTA game.

The Secret of Monkey Island

TheSecretofMonkeyIsland
Image Via Lucasfilm Games

We love point-and-click games. It’s nostalgic and to this day we still have games where we can choose how the story will end. In this game, your character is exploring a world where he can’t die. Chat with NPCs, talk to pirates, and look for buried treasure.

Atari Jaguar

Space Ace

SpaceAce
Image Via ReadySoft

This cartoonish game introduces Dexter as he tries to save Earth from an evil space commander. The evil commander, Borf wants to turn adults into kids and as Dexter crosses paths with him, he is turned into a teenager! This game features pretty cool graphics, and different gadgets to utilize, and each stage allows character progression. It’s a classic, beautiful story about love and triumphing over evil.

Primal Rage

PrimalRage
Image Via Atari

Fighting games were popular with Street Fighter, however, the difference between those games and Primal Rage, is that you’re using monsters. Play as giant gorillas or crazy-looking dinosaurs as you compete to see who is the king of all animals. It’s a giant monster battle that has some interesting animations.

NBA Jam: Tournament Edition

NBAJam
Image Via Torus Games

They don’t make sports games like they used to. There was a time where you could play a sports game without being bombarded by loot boxes and microtransactions. It was simple. You picked your team, you kick back with friends, and compete. No gimmicks or online modes where you could play with others around the world. All you had was the game and whoever wanted to come over to chill with you. Great times.

Atari has been in our lives for quite some time and has won the hearts of many gamers. Although these days the big three, Playstation, XBOX, and Nintendo are what everyone is using these days, they wouldn’t be where they are now if it wasn’t for earlier gaming consoles. For updates on all gaming news check out our guide and other stories.

Related: Best PS4 Couch Co-op Games & Local Multiplayer Games (2022)

Author
Image of Jazmine Corniel
Jazmine Corniel
Jazmine Corniel has been a freelance writer at Game Journalist since May 2022. She has an AA in journalism and is working towards a degree in digital communications. She has five years of professional writing experience and social media management. Her GJ coverage includes The Sims 4, Genshin Impact, Honkai Star Rails, and World of Warcraft alongside other live service games. In her free time, you’ll find her playing The Sims 4, voice acting, singing in musicals, and traveling.