general question

[RangerG]

I know that the Atari computers play in general more advanced games (graphics and functions) than the 2600 and 5200 and even the 7800. On the 5200 you use an extra keypad with the joystick and the 7800 joystick has two firing buttons. But, the Atari computer line uses an old 2600 joystick (just a different color). What happens to the functions? For example, 2600 Dark Chambers uses one button while the 7800 uses two. Does the more graphically advanced 8-bit version go back to one button functions? What about other games? I respect simplicity in video games (that's why I love the 2600 joystick), but just wondering how all this works? Thanks -- RG

[Albert]

Games on the Atari 8-bit computers that require additional buttons typically just use the keyboard. For instance, Star Raiders makes good use of the keyboard, while on the 2600 and 5200 the keypad is used. The keyboard also allows more advanced games from an input perspective, since you have a much larger set of unique "buttons" available to you.

 

..Al