With costs of latest tech skyrocketing because of the continuing element scarcity, the guarantees of latest, state-of-the-art, AAA video games could ring hole for some. Whether or not they can’t afford to pay for brand spanking new video games or consoles, or just don’t need to, extra gamers are looking for budget-friendly choices that provide the identical enjoyable gaming experiences they’d of their youth.
Atari, nearly by chance, finds itself proper the place these gamers need to meet it. Whereas the corporate does have new titles out within the wild, Bubsy 4D and Mighty Morphin’ Energy Rangers: Rita’s Rewind among the many latest releases, it’s their rising library of retro remasters and collections by way of Digital Eclipse, Nightdive Studio, and others that might give them an edge within the coming years.
At Summer time Recreation Fest, I sat down with Atari to get a fast have a look at a number of examples of what’s to return, from a Disney/Pixar assortment to a stealth-based sport coming back from the shadows, and there’s so much on provide right here that can each ship older gamers again to the glory days, and provide these glory days to the brand new era.
Trip just like the wind, Bullseye!
First up was Toy Story: Retro Roundup, a set of video games that includes Buzz, Woody, and the remainder of the gang from Pixar’s well-known franchise. Having performed the unique Toy Story sport again on the Sega Genesis, I used to be delighted to see that bizarre platformer get one other probability alongside video games just like the PS1’s Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and Toy Story Racer. It’s additionally cool to see A Bug’s Life get a brand new lease on life, even when it seems a bit bit misplaced.
Proper subsequent to the roundup was Toy Story 3 Full Version, a remaster of the cult hit from the PS3 and Xbox 360 period. The open-world Toy Field mode is the marquee characteristic right here, as some really feel it set the stage for the formidable Disney Infinity mission that may arrive a number of years later.
In a Barbie world
From one set of toys to a different, as Barbie Rewind was subsequent on the docket. There are 16 completely different Barbie titles included on this bundle, console and handheld included, and I couldn’t consider there have been that many Barbie titles to select from. I’ll say that my lady cousins did personal two of the 16 video games included right here, the NES Barbie sport and Barbie Tremendous Mannequin on the SNES, and I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I wasn’t excited to point out this to my very own daughters.
Apart from the large quantity of included video games, I feel Barbie Rewind’s true stroke of genius comes from how these video games are offered. In contrast to different collections, which merely provide an inventory of video games, Barbie Rewind makes them a part of an overarching story, the place Barbie and friends should restore three dreamhouses utilizing elements from the well-known doll’s in depth line of playsets, from the early Nineteen Sixties to at the moment. As an alternative of simply being a celebration of Barbie in video games, this further wrinkle turns it right into a celebration of Barbie herself, and I think that can draw extra younger gamers in.
King of the monsters
Subsequent in my presentation was Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee, the primary hands-on demo of my session. This Godzilla fighter, that includes many fan-favorite kaiju from Toho’s storied collection, returns from 2002, with all the frantic area brawling and city-smashing intact.
I performed a pair of matches in the course of the hands-on time, and this remaster feels proper at dwelling within the present age. The chaotic preventing by way of metropolis streets continues to be enjoyable, controlling these big beasts feels nice, and the Unreal Engine 5 visible upgrades give it a noticeably higher look. Whereas I didn’t count on this one to be restored any time quickly, I’m positively eager to see it return when it drops in November.
Like a Thief within the evening
My remaining cease on this Atari tour was a short hands-on session with Thief: The Darkish Venture Remastered, a restoration of the basic 3D stealth journey from Wanting Glass Leisure. Nightdive Studio is taking over the duty of bringing Thief again to the fashionable age, and primarily based on the transient mission I performed, I feel they’re as much as the duty.
My demo dropped me into the Lord Bafford’s Mansion mission that began the unique journey, and whereas the unique Thief wasn’t one thing I performed as a child, I nonetheless felt a sure nostalgia for video games of that age as I snuck across the manor. The way in which it seemed on the TV in entrance of me despatched me again, although I had no direct nostalgia for Thief, and that’s what these remasters are supposed to do, for my part.
I quickly realized that the problem of video games in that period can be being restored, as I discovered myself being chased by each guard within the manor earlier than too lengthy. That’s what I get for strolling beneath a lightweight with a guard in full view, I suppose. I bought a bite-sized style of this Thief remaster, nevertheless it made me need to expertise the sport in full as soon as it launches later this 12 months.
Atari continues to construct a powerful basis of retro-focused video games and collections, and with this upcoming slate, that library is barely going to get higher.
