domshakal

>>A long time ago, I walked into a store called GameStop (I think). They deal in older systems, and I asked the guy if he had any Atari 2600's or any Atari systems and he said, "What's an Atari?" I quickly left. :-( GameStop did used to sell them a few years back, but they were WAY overpriced ... haven't seen any in there in awhile.

I've been collecting, on and off, since about 1992. Sold my collection once (ugh), and then started collecting again. I remember as late as the summer of '93 you could still find new, boxed 2600 carts in stores like Kay-Bee Toys ... all heavily discounted, of course. Granted, that was 12 years ago ... but now I can't remember the last time I've seen any carts in the wild. I'm not actively seeking, but it seems like I used to come across them a lot more often than I do now.

Zaxxon gets my vote, because to me it demonstrates the largest disparity between arcade quality and 2600 quality. Pac-Man is horrible, yes. And it gets extra-horrible props for the extreme disappointment surrounding its Atari release. But at least you can understand what's going on when you play it. The same can't be said when you play 2600 Zaxxon.

quote I didn't see an email address for this J. Hargreaves on that website, but I just emailed the two contact names listed and asked if they knew anything about this, or if they had any contact information. I'll let everyone know if I hear anything.

Thanks for all of the responses, especially that link comparing Clint Eastwood with the cover of the Outlaw cart. I've owned that cart for years but haven't ever made that comparison before now ... pretty cool. quote Yeah, this was the style I was referring to in my orignal question ... and I agree that (to me at least) it most typifies the 2600 nostalgia. I do wonder how this style originated, and who originated it (artists themselves, execs looking at presentations, or a little of both).

Does anyone know anything about the art on Atari's 2600 carts? Was it one artist or a group? Were they employed by Atari or outsourced? I'm interested because all of those older carts seem to have the same "watercolor" style of coverart, but I've never heard anything about the actual art itself. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.