Half a century – and more – of video mayhem
ATARI 50
PS5. Also on Switch, Xbox Series, PC ★★★★★
FROM the black-and-white bat-andball of Pong to the multi-billion-dollar industry it is today, Atari has been central to the story of videogames from the start. This fantastic compilation celebrates the company’s pioneering journey by offering an interactive timeline through its first
50 years.
You’ll be treated to vintage footage of founder Nolan Bushnell, old TV adverts, new interviews with key programmers, rarely seen design documents and a wealth of archive material, giving a unique insight into Atari’s history.
And then you have the games to play – over 100, stretching from their early arcade titles, like Breakout and Asteroids, to the excellent Tempest 2000, released for their final console, the Jaguar.
It was a nice surprise to find a handful of new games based on old IP included, such as Yars’ Revenge and Haunted House, along with some previously unreleased prototypes, like the intriguing Akka Arrh.
This is a superlative package and a fitting tribute to the grandaddy of the videogames business.
NOTTINGHAM VIDEO GAMES EXPO
Richard Herrod Centre, Carlton December 17-18
WHETHER you fancy competing in a Mario Kart tournament, listening to guest speakers talk about the creation of Donkey Kong Country or just picking up some gaming-related Christmas gifts, you should get yourself over to Carlton on World Cup Final weekend – and yes, they are screening the big match, too.
“We know there is a vibrant gaming heritage when it comes to our city,” explain organisers Alex and James.
“We thought it was time to bring a brandnew event to Nottingham that would speak to not just the hardcore gaming fans, but also the smaller gaming communities.
“It’s a family friendly event, meaning we want all age ranges to come and be inspired, learn and have fun!”
Attendees will find a range of vendors selling games old and new, lots of systems to play on and talks hosted by the presenters of popular locally-based podcast The Retro Hour and, erm, me.
Visit nottsvge.com for more details and tickets.