2600 games better than 5200/7800 versions

[Ben_Larson]

I'm not sure if this topic has been done before, but are there any 2600 games that you think are better then the 5200 or 7800 version of the same game?

 

Off the top of my head I'm going to say Winter Games - while the 2600 version is fun and faced paced (with good graphics to boot), the 7800 version just seems rather dull and boring to me...

[BrianC]

No Atari 8 bit computer? Centipede 2600 is not as good as the 7800 or 5200 versions, but it's much better than the Atari 8 bit version. The 7800 Ms. Pac-Man is better than the 2600 one, but the 2600 version is arguably better than the 5200/8-bit. Space Invaders on the 2600 is better than the 5200 or Atari 8 bit versions. Atari 2600 Galaxian is much better than the 5200/Atari 8 bit version.

Edited June 3, 2009 by BrianC

[4Ks]

Crack'ed is said to be far better on 2600 than on 7800.

[VectorGamer]

I agree with the previous post that the 2600 version of Space Invaders is better than the 5200 version...

 

I would rather play Galaxian Arcade on the 2600 versus the 5200 version of Galaxian (although the ColecoVision version is best!).

 

Speaking of which, anyone know why the heck you do not get extra lives on Galaxian Arcade beyond 7000 points?

[bcprs1]

One of absolute favorite 2600 game is Jr Pac-Man. Although I like the 5200, 7800 versions, I tend to find the 2600 version easier to play. The 5200/7800 versions seem a little choppy.

[classicgamingguy]

I can only relate between the 2600 and 5200, as I've never owned a 7800 before. The game comparison between Space Invaders seems superior on the 2600 versus the 5200.

 

Steve

[+Cafeman]

Due to the use of 2600 paddles, Super Breakout on 2600 >> 5200 broken-control Super Breakout. Same goes for Kaboom - the control really kills the fun on 5200.

 

I also feel 2600 Space Invaders is more faithful and fun than the strange 5200 version.

 

Other than that though, I like the 5200 versions over the 2600 versions in all cases.

[Godzilla]

I agree with invaders and Sbreakout. I'm also one of the weirdos who prefers 2600 joust to other versions

[sloth713]

I like H.E.R.O. way better for the 2600, mainly because a the 2600's digital joystick seems much more appropriate for the game than the 5200's analog controller

[VectorGamer]

I agree with invaders and Sbreakout. I'm also one of the weirdos who prefers 2600 joust to other versions

 

Joust isn't all that bad but the 7800 version is remarkable. 2600 version is tough because the space between platforms is tight...

[Lord Helmet]

Even though I know Asteroids is better on the 7800, I still prefer the 2600 version. I think it might be nostalgia though.

[cybercylon]

Nostalgia does it for me regarding Asteroids on the 2600. I prefer it over the 7800. Back in the day, I preferred to play it in black and white.

 

Same goes with Space Invaders for the 2600...closer to the original too. However, i still play the one for the 5200 because it has it's own uniqueness and difficulty.

 

I'd have to agree for superbreakout and kaboom too. I don't have the trackball for the 5200 though, so maybe that would make for a better comparison.

[Godzilla]

It doesn't kaboom is miles better on the 2600. There really is no other kaboom, imho. If it is not using the paddles, it is not kaboom. I learned the spacing of the 2600 platforms and took advantage of that

[BrianC]

It doesn't kaboom is miles better on the 2600. There really is no other kaboom, imho. If it is not using the paddles, it is not kaboom. I learned the spacing of the 2600 platforms and took advantage of that

 

What about Atari 8-bit computer Kaboom? Atarimania lists it as being compatible with paddles. I haven't played that one myself, but it looks very similar to the 2600 one.

Edited June 4, 2009 by BrianC

[+Cafeman]

What about Atari 8-bit computer Kaboom? Atarimania lists it as being compatible with paddles. I haven't played that one myself, but it looks very similar to the 2600 one.

 

since you can use 2600 paddles on the A8 version, it's a pretty close match. There are slightly more detailed city visuals on the A8, and it plays the 1812 overture one-note-at-a-time as you catch bombs - not an improvement, just different. But from what I've seen playing both versions, the 2600 version is actually faster than the A8 version.

Edited June 4, 2009 by Cafeman

[lushgirl_80]

I love both versions of Centipede for 2600 and 5200, but for some reason I have more fun playing the 2600 version. It moves alot quicker and it's not as hard and the sound effects are actually good. It's a neat little game. I love the 5200 one but dang that game's kinda hard. Q*bert's another game i enjoy better on the 2600 and I've played both versions.

[DracIsBack]

Count me in for WINTER GAMES as well. The 7800 version has much better graphics, but I find the 2600 one more fun. More events too!

[tisaperfectdayelise]

As much as I love the 5200 Frogger's graphics and sound effects, the 2600 is more fun for me. Even on the 5200's "Fast" setting, the standard 2600 version is more challenging to me.

Edited June 4, 2009 by tisaperfectdayelise

[Cassidy Nolen]

Kaboom! all the way. I really never thought of the two this way, but I would say I play more on the 2600 because of the poor control interface on the 5200. For me it kills most games. I suppose thats why I never really had "love" for it.

 

CN

[classicgamingguy]

Even though I know Asteroids is better on the 7800, I still prefer the 2600 version. I think it might be nostalgia though.

 

I absolutely agree with you here on this. Nostalgia plays a big factor. The Atari compilation discs have arcade-accurate versions, but I still play the 2600 version over them.

[VectorGamer]

Nostalgia does it for me regarding Asteroids on the 2600. I prefer it over the 7800. Back in the day, I preferred to play it in black and white.

 

Same goes with Space Invaders for the 2600...closer to the original too. However, i still play the one for the 5200 because it has it's own uniqueness and difficulty.

 

I'd have to agree for superbreakout and kaboom too. I don't have the trackball for the 5200 though, so maybe that would make for a better comparison.

 

I think the 7800 Asteroids is one of the few games where the graphics were improved without sacrificing level of game play. Some of the new releases like Frogger for the PS1 are dreadful.

 

However, Asteroids and Space Invaders for the 2600 are the best. If you want a Space Invaders cart close to the original get Space Invaders Arcade - it's pretty sweet.

 

I'm with you on the original black and white vector Asteroids. That game is simply awesome and I always loved the sound effects and the graphics of your ship being blown apart.

[Marius]

A few days ago I hooked up my 2600 again. And I have to say: I thought it was just for an hour, because I did not expect I would have so much fun.

 

Usually I play Atari 8bit. That is my only game system, and I'm always saying that no 2600 can beat the atari 8bit version.

 

Well in most situations I still think so... but I notice two important differences.

 

1) Most games on atari 8bit look (much) better.

 

2) Many same titles games on atari 2600 operate faster!

 

This last point make the atari 2600 a serious competetor on the discussion 'which games are better'

 

To finish my contribution in this thread.

 

I am a real missile command addict. And I must say: the 8bit version does look better, but the 2600 version is so much fun too. When I think it over and over again, I prefer the 2600 version of missile command.

 

Anyone else too?

 

Greetz

M.

[VectorGamer]

I love both versions of Centipede for 2600 and 5200, but for some reason I have more fun playing the 2600 version. It moves alot quicker and it's not as hard and the sound effects are actually good. It's a neat little game. I love the 5200 one but dang that game's kinda hard. Q*bert's another game i enjoy better on the 2600 and I've played both versions.

 

I'm a bigot when it comes to arcade ports to home consoles in that the graphics and game play have to be close to the arcade.

 

Having said that, what if there was a thread "Home Console Ports Better Than the Arcade" - wow that would be tough.

 

Centipede for the 7800 is the best version graphically and in game play. My son and I love playing in Team Mode. The problem I have with the 2600 version is the graphics. I can't get past the rectangle for a cannon and the star of the show is too blocky looking less than a centipede. And aren't the mushrooms mere rectangles (I forget as I seldom play it)?

 

The ColecoVision version (I know this is 5200 and 7800 comparisons thread but just to be a completest) comes in third in my book behind the 5200 version. The problem I have with the CV version is it is not entirely true to the arcade from the graphics and sound effect standpoint.

 

I think Q*bert for the 2600 stands up to any of the other ports. I stink at that game, though (see the "You Stink At These Games" thread).

[VectorGamer]

As much as I love the 5200 Frogger's graphics and sound effects, the 2600 is more fun for me. Even on the 5200's "Fast" setting, the standard 2600 version is more challenging to me.

 

The Supercharger version of Frogger is the best IMHO.

 

Too bad the library for the Supercharger is so thin. But I guess folks found ways to squeeze more out of the 2600 without having to use the Supercharger, eh?

[HP Atari King of Michigan]

I actually prefer Ms. Pac-Man on the 2600 over the 7800 version. The action on the 2600 version is much better. Haven't played the 5200 version yet.