US 1985 new game releases?

[masschamber]

So I was looking through the 2600 library and even though the market crashed in 83 a decent number of games were released in 1984 (which makes sense as thing nearing completion, expecting a recovery etc would make sense to carry into the next year) but 1985 seems barren, does anyone know of any 2600 games released in 85?

[Rom Hunter]

http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-2600-vcs-ghostbusters_7332.html

Edited August 29, 2018 by Rom Hunter

[King Atari]

Activision's Ghostbusters is the first and only actual 1985 title that comes to mind. At least, the copyright screen says 1985; a game's release isn't always married to the copyright screen, but as far as I know, GB came out in '85.

Cosmic Commuter (also an Activision title) has a copyright screen (and date on the box) of 1984, but the AA page here says it released in 1985, so...?

There were also some older games that got '85 re-releases with the updated year on the label; I have a Pac-Man branded 1985, for example. (Not the same thing as what you're asking, I know.)

Edited August 29, 2018 by King Atari

[ubersaurus]

According to Computer Entertainer, Cosmic Commuter And Ghostbusters hit in August, and Q*Bert's Qubes in February.

[toiletunes]

I'd love to see that 1985 pac-man, I have a 1987, but never knew about 1985

[King Atari]

I'd love to see that 1985 pac-man, I have a 1987, but never knew about 1985

 

Sure! Luckily, I have some pics here on the PC already. I took them back in 2015 to reply to some late release-related topic (which is why the 1987 edition is pictured right next to it), but I don't think I wound up posting them. They're not the greatest shots in the world, but they get the job done.

Edited August 29, 2018 by King Atari

[Video]

So the 87 lacks the dust cover? Neat.

 

Yeah, the copyright doesn't have to do with the games release date. Back then, especially, they seemed to on average be a year before release (for original run)

[King Atari]

So the 87 lacks the dust cover? Neat.

 

 

Yep, it's just a standard Atari Corp. shell, same as their red label releases and gray label re-releases from that period.

 

(Not to get too far off topic, but did Corp. ever use dust covers post-1986? I've got some '86 7800 games with them, but I don't think I've seen any beyond that year, 2600 or 7800.)

[p1FqO3]

 

Sure! Luckily, I have some pics here on the PC already. I took them back in 2015 to reply to some late release-related topic (which is why the 1987 edition is pictured right next to it), but I don't think I wound up posting them. They're not the greatest shots in the world, but they get the job done.

 

I just posted a topic about how I thought I got a fake copy of Kangaroo. Based on your pics, looks like I just got a crappy late release (1988/89 based on copyright). I thought the lack of dust cover, holes inside exposing the back of the sticker and the perforated edges on the circuit board were indicative of a fake but it looks like it was par for course later on. Out of curiosity, do the newer carts have a tighter fit in a light sixer? The cart I have barely fits (and doesn't work, but that's not uncommon in itself).

[King Atari]

Yes, the Atari Corp. shells are a bit thicker. They fit fine in the 7800 and 2600 Jr., but they can be a tight squeeze in older models. Your Kangaroo just sounds like a later release. As for it not working, the tight fit may be keeping it from making proper contact, or it might just need a cleaning. Dead carts do happen, but these things are generally pretty resilient.

Edited August 30, 2018 by King Atari