Page 16 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #8
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IT'SWAR! CLASSICSVS. REMAKES
BY BRETT WEISS
In Classic Gamer Magazine Vol. 1, Issue #6, five VI DEO OLYMPI CS ( ATARI 2 600) VS. PONG: THE
classic games were compared to their modern NEXT LEVEL ( PLAYSTATI ON)
day, upgraded remakes. The classics won in
decisive fashion, 4 to 1. The only remake in the Video Olympics offers 50 different variations on
list that bested its progenitor was the Pong, the first commercially successful arcade
PlayStation version of Q*bert, which takes the game. With its simplistic graphics and basic
basic concept of the arcade original and expands gameplay, Video Olympics may not seem like
it admirably without sacrificing a lick in terms of much at first glance, but it offers absorbing two-
gameplay or fun factor. We now offer five more player action that is infinitely replayable,
classic vs. remake comparisons to determine if especially since the game utilizes the Atari
the old favorites can be outmatched through new 2600’s invaluable rotary paddle controllers.
technology. With its lack of rotary controls, Pong: The Next
Level can be frustrating at times, but it is still a
worthwhile game. The power-ups, multiple
ROBOTRON: 2 084 ( ATARI 52 00) VS.
environments, 3D graphics, and other
ROBOTRON X ( PLAYSTATI ON)
enhancements make Pong relevant for jaded
While the Atari 5200 is often derided for its modern audiences without corrupting or overly
loosey-goosey, non-centering joysticks, the complicating gameplay.
system offered up an incredibly faithful Classic: A Modern: B+
reproduction of Robotron: 2084, one of the best
and most intense shooters from the early ’80s. BREAKOUT ( ATARI 2 600) VS. BREAKOUT
Included in the package was a special dual ( PLAYSTATI ON)
controller holder that allowed gamers to recreate
the twin joystick control of the arcade original. As with Video Olympics, Breakout makes
Robotron X does not offer any special control excellent use of the Atari 2600 paddle
techniques (unless you happen to think a control controllers. Though not as good as its sequel,
pad is special), but it is a decent (though less Super Breakout, Breakout for the 2600 is a
harrowing) little game. Instead of viewing the finely tuned, faithfully reproduced conversion of
action from above, this version puts you 3D-style an arcade classic. The PlayStation rendition
on the floor of each room. This setup works adds personality, humor, adventure, and the
relatively well and adds a new spin on a favorite obligatory power-ups to the Breakout universe
classic. while keeping the basic idea of batting a ball to
Classic: A+ Modern: C+ remove bricks (and other objects in this version)
from the playfield. Unfortunately, control can be
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