Simore Serra strikes again with yet another sharply programmed and addictive shooter. Lead will demand perfection, dexterity, and concentration, but the pay-off is a real and immediate sense of accomplishment when you reach the end of the tunnel. This is a "pick-up-and-play" game that will eat up hours of your day and deftly avoid the kind of rage-quitting frustration that similar games induce. Smart level design and sharp graphics combine to make up one of the most underrated shooters in the modern homebrew catalog. Whether you lead or are lead, Lead should be in your collection.

This is seriously one of the best Atari 2600 games EVER. It's fast paced, and it is a great way too fine tune your reflexes. Lead's gameplay keeps changing and progressing for an extremely fun and challenging experience! If this game had been release in 1982,it would have single-handedly saved Atari from hitting hard times.

These guys are right! I took a chance on lead based on Alberts recommendation, and the other reviews here. I really like it. Honestly, my very first reaction was that it was just OK, only because visually it didnt impress me. But it really passed my personal test, as far as my wanting to hit the reset button over and over.

Lead puts together an AWESOME use of the VCS sound processors with good, simple, and somewhat innovative play mechanics to form a fabulous homebrew experience well beyond the caliber of many original titles from back in the day. For me the real star is the music, which rewards progress with another musical layer being added, and you find yourself rocking out in a whole different way each level (my favorite is the jump from level 2 to 3). Putting this game through a good system while playing will GREATLY enhance the experience, but regular lo fi is still on par.

I really like the use of 'spray firing' requiring holding down the fire button and dragging your 'stream' back

My God, what a game.

I can only assume by the tagline "will you lead?" that this is "lead" as in "leader"; believe me the other "lead" may be more appropriate, as you will be slinging it at a frantic rate!

What can I say? The thing is just crazy, crazy fun. Best shooter for the 2600 ever, in my opinion. That statement might collide with River Raid fans, but believe me, that storied classic cannot compare to the insane pace of this game.

The music, as stated above, is rad. I LOVE it.

Get this game. Today.

First off...just let me say to all the Atari 2600 fans out there..."you owe it to yourselves and to one of the greatest systems of all time to pick up this cartridge and proudly add it to your collection."

I watched the video online and thought it looked pretty cool, but wasn't completely enthralled with the thought of purchasing it.
I went to bed that night realizing that the games tune was playing over in my head with an addictive planted seed that spoke to me and said "you have to buy this game"...yeah like a haunting yet taunting subliminal message lol.

Needles to say I purchased the game and it seemed to have practically arrived the next day. "Praises for Atariage."

The minute I plugged this cartridge in and turned on my system this pulsating beat starts unlike any other 2600 game for the Atari that you "thought" had an infectious tune. You will find yourself jamming out to it when you realize you've been tapping your foot to the rhythm and not only does this game rock, but it really does ROCK! It has to be among some of the greatest shooters for Atari with a little bit of infusion from quite a few great shooting games, but with its own touch of originality with great music.

I can play this game for hours without tiring of it quickly. The tune changes slightly with every advanced stage which is a real nice change-up keeping your interest in what the next stage might bring besides the need of more intricate skill.

The kind of game that you will not want to put down and will remain in your top ten rotation for years to come. An instant classic in my eyes the begs the attention of every Atari fan out there. I highly recommend this game, you won't be disappointed.

Lead, follow, or get out of the way!

Lead packs more firepower into a vertical shooter than any other 2600 game I've ever seen. Blasting out a steady stream of weapons fire, you must wipe out every single enemy that flies towards you, while navigating a twisting tunnel. But that's not all that Lead is, since other stages require you to dodge asteroids, capture satellites, and maneuver around sentinels.

As the game progresses, it picks up speed and throws more twists at you, such as walls that you shouldn't touch and power-ups that improve your odds of surviving. You'll need all the help you can get too, since you only get one life. That's right - just one! You can continue your game after you die, however you'll lose your score, smart-bombs and power-ups, and will have to restart the last level you played (or be sent back two levels, if playing on the harder difficulty setting).

Lead has varied and frenetic gameplay. The action never stops, but because of the different types of stages, the game never feels repetitive. It's a lot of fun, and one of the best vertical shooters you'll find on any system. As far as the 2600 goes, it's quite unlike anything else. Lead pulses with great music throughout the game, and even allows you to customize it to your liking. Your music settings and high scores are automatically saved if you have an AtariVox or SaveKey plugged in to your console, too.

Lead also includes earlier 1K and 4K versions of the game, which not only give some insight into the development of Lead, but also play a bit differently. Both of these variations are much harder than the main game, which make them a great way to get in some practice.

Lead offers tremendous bang-for-your-buck. If you're a fan of shoot-'em-ups, or just rock-solid arcade action, Lead is a must-have!