After achieving a specific goal, a player back in the early 1980s could submit photographic proof to Activision in return for a patch signaling the accomplishment. Hands down, the coolest feature has to be the ability to unlock patches for high scores or other criteria. Situated inside are the Atari 2600, a rack of cartridges, and an old stereo among other goodies. Rather than a list of games to choose from, the “main menu” is instead stylized after a room as it might look in the 1980s. Be it through these companies or someone at Activision, it’s clear that there was a real affection for Activision’s output in this era. Barking Lizards Technologies and Contraband Entertainment really knocked it out of the park. One thing the PS2 game has going for it that perhaps not every version does is top-notch presentation. Although they’re not much to look at, it’s games like Demon Attack that’ll keep you trying for a better score. Should this offering wear thin after a sojourn with each title, multiplayer should reinvigorate one’s time with Activision Anthology. Though sparse here, these games offer a break from the monotony of shooting waves of advancing enemies. With the passage of time though, Activision’s games grew more complicated and some, like Pitfall!, revolve more around the experience of a single player. Understanding the mechanics of these games comes quickly, but having a fantastic session and lighting up the scoreboard is something that requires practice.

This simplicity is these games’ selling point. Although many are rather simplistic – requiring the player to learn to uncomplicated mechanics and progressively improve their score – that doesn’t mean these games aren’t worth playing. The Wikipedia entry for this game has a wonderful breakdown of what each version includes by the way.Īctivision Anthology is nearly over the hill with a list of games that almost numbers fifty.

There are other versions of this game out there on various platforms and truth be told, the PC version appears to be the most complete, but hey, this is what I have. Released on Novemin North America, this compilation collects the majority of Activision’s output on the Atari 2600 and a little more. “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)” by Squeeze is my favorite track from the tubular 1980s soundtrack.

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