Retro gaming fans, prepare to dust off your joysticks! Blaze Entertainment has just announced Atari Arcade 2, a new cartridge for the Evercade system that promises to deliver a potent dose of arcade nostalgia. Set for release in April 2025, this collection isn’t just a rehash of familiar favorites; it’s a curated journey through Atari’s arcade legacy, complete with hidden gems and a glimpse into gaming history.
Following the success of the first Atari Arcade cartridge, expectations are high, and from what we’ve seen, Atari Arcade 2 looks set to deliver. The lineup features ten titles, a mix of iconic classics and lesser-known treasures, all playable on any Evercade or HyperMegaTech! Super Pocket device. Pre-orders open on February 25, 2025.
Atari Arcade 2 brings Maze Invaders to Evercade
What makes this collection particularly exciting is the inclusion of Maze Invaders. This isn’t your average arcade port; it’s a prototype. A fully completed game that, for whatever reason, never made it to arcades back in the day. Rediscovered in 2014, Maze Invaders offers a fascinating “what if?” scenario and a unique opportunity to experience a piece of lost gaming history. It’s this kind of dedication to preservation that sets Evercade apart.
Of course, no Atari arcade collection would be complete without some heavy hitters. Berzerk and Frenzy are present and accounted for, bringing their unique blend of robot-blasting action and synthesized speech to the Evercade. These games were groundbreaking for their time, and they still hold up today.
Beyond the headliners, the rest of the lineup offers a diverse range of arcade experiences. From the frantic tomb raiding of Lost Tomb to the strategic space combat of Dark Planet, there’s something here for every arcade aficionado. The inclusion of titles like Fire Truck and Tazz-Mania further demonstrates the breadth of Atari’s arcade output.
What’s in the Atari Arcade 2 collection?
Here’s the full roster:
- Berzerk– One of the most legendary arcade shooters, featuring fast-paced maze combat against relentless robotic enemies. Beware of Evil Otto!
- Frenzy – The sequel to Berzerk, introducing destructible walls, new enemy AI, and even more intense gameplay.
- Lost Tomb – A fast-paced top-down adventure that challenges players to escape booby-trapped tombs while fending off dangerous enemies.
- Mine Field – A unique shooter where players must navigate a deadly minefield while blasting enemies and avoiding hazards.
- Moon War – A space combat game where players must defend their moonbases from relentless alien assaults.
- Rescue – Take to the skies in this intense helicopter rescue mission, evading enemy fire while saving stranded paratroopers.
- Tazz-Mania – A fast-paced arcade game where players must fend off hordes of enemies before the walls close in on them.
- Fire Truck – A challenging top-down driving game where players must negotiate winding city streets while keeping their truck under control.
- Dark Planet – A tricky strategic shooter in which the action unfolds across two distinct layers as players battle to eliminate an alien threat.
- Maze Invaders – A unique arcade hybrid combining maze navigation with action-packed combat and puzzle-solving elements.
Do you need an Evercade in your life?
In a world of digital downloads and subscription services, Evercade’s commitment to physical releases is a breath of fresh air. Each cartridge comes with a full-color manual, packed with information about the games and their history. It’s a tangible connection to the past, a celebration of the golden age of arcades.
Atari Arcade 2 is more than just a collection of games; it’s a time capsule. It’s a chance to experience the thrill of the arcade, the excitement of discovering a new favorite, and the joy of revisiting old classics. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gamer or a newcomer to the world of classic coin-op, this cartridge is definitely one to watch.
Mark your calendars for February 25th – you won’t want to miss the pre-orders. Learn more on the Evercade page for the Atari Arcade 2 collection.
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