A new Epyx Collection for PC and Xbox boasts 7 handheld versions of classic games.
There was something intriguing about the Atari Lynx. It was probably the fact you could play it left or right handed, which seemed like a futuristic addition, accomodating, accessible, and basically a good idea.
In fact, I’d hoped to get one back then, but the only handheld landing in our house was a SEGA Game Gear. That’s a tale for another time, however.
Thanks to Evercade, the Atari Lynx library has enjoyed more exposure of the past few years, and now The Epyx Collection: Handheld is coming to PC and Xbox.
Coming on April 9th, this is a great collection with 3D-rendered box art and cartridges, remastered instruction manuals, and a bit more.
What’s in the Epyx Collection: Handheld?
It boasts California Games, ElectroCop, Blue Lightning, Gates of Zendocon, Todd’s Adventures in Slime World, Zarlor Mercenary, and — perhaps inevitably — Chip’s Challenge. This is what it says in the press release…
California Games (1989): Experience the laid-back vibe of the West Coast through a series of extreme sports challenges, including surfing, skateboarding, BMX biking, roller skating, flying disc (frisbee), and footbag (hacky sack). With its vibrant graphics and dynamic gameplay, California Games captures the essence of the 1980s beach culture, offering a fun and nostalgic trip to the sunny shores of California.
What we say: this is one of those titles that has enjoyed a renaissance in the recent retro explosion, and also appears on TheC64 Collection 2 for Evercade
ElectroCop (1989): Control a cybernetic police officer, step into the world of futuristic law enforcement, and restore order to a crime-ridden city. Armed with advanced weaponry and gadgets, players must navigate through hazardous environments, battle against ruthless criminals, and ultimately confront the nefarious mastermind behind all the chaos. With its combination of action-packed gameplay and sci-fi atmosphere, ElectroCop delivers an adrenaline-fueled journey through a dystopian urban landscape.
What we say: this is definitely not RoboCop, right?
Blue Lightning (1989): Blue Lightning thrusts players into the cockpit of an advanced fighter jet as they engage in high-stakes aerial combat across a variety of landscapes. With fast-paced gameplay and a standout graphical style, players must navigate through enemy territory, dodge incoming fire, and unleash devastating firepower upon enemy targets. As they progress through increasingly challenging missions, players must showcase their piloting skills and strategic prowess to emerge victorious in this adrenaline-pumping arcade flight experience.
What we say: this is a nice, compact alternative to After Burner.
Gates of Zendocon (1989): Embark on an intergalactic journey through perilous alien worlds and face off against a horde of deadly adversaries controlled by the sinister Zendocon. Armed with an array of powerful weapons and upgrades, players must navigate through treacherous terrain, blast through waves of hostile creatures, and ultimately confront the formidable bosses guarding the gates to the heart of the Zendocon empire. With its engaging gameplay and sci-fi atmosphere, Gates of the Zendocon delivers an epic space-faring adventure that will test players’ skills and courage.
What we say: bit of an odd shooter, making good use of the Lynx’s palette.
Chip’s Challenge (1989): The classic brain-twisting grid-based puzzle game returns in this collection, including the original 1989 Atari Lynx version, three classic ports, and two brand new Sega Mega Drive and SNES ports. Help Chip impress Melinda the Mental Marvel by beating her 140+ tough challenges.
What we say: say what you want, THIS is the game I (primarily) wanted an Atari Lynx for. While I eventually played it on the C64, it wasn’t until I found Chip’s Challenge on the Evercade’s Atari Lynx Collection that I found out just how good it is.
Todd’s Adventures in Slime World (1990): In Todd’s Adventures in Slime World, players take on the role of Todd, an intrepid explorer navigating through the hazardous depths of Slime World, a sprawling and treacherous alien landscape filled with deadly traps and monstrous creatures. Equipped with an assortment of weapons and gadgets, Todd must traverse through slime-infested caverns, solve puzzles, and fend off hostile slime creatures to uncover the secrets of this mysterious world. With its challenging gameplay and quirky charm, Todd’s Adventures in Slime World is a unique platforming adventure that will put players’ skills and wits to the test.
What we say: the Mega Drive/Genesis version of this is much better known. You’ll have to play the Lynx version to find if there are any significant differences.
Zarlor Mercenary (1990): Step into the boots of a skilled intergalactic mercenary tasked with defending the galaxy from the relentless onslaught of alien invaders. With a powerful arsenal of weapons and piloting a customisable spacecraft, players must navigate through waves of enemy ships, asteroids, and other hazards across various planetary environments. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and intense boss battles, Zarlor Mercenary is an exhilarating arcade-style shooter that will challenge players to prove their worth as the galaxy’s ultimate protector.
What we say: not going to lie, I’ve spent 30+ years convinced this game was named to rhyme with “Freddie Mercury.” Either way, a decent shooter.
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Get the Epyx Collection: Handheld on April 9
These games also feature some quality of life enhancements:
- Display Filters — fully customisable, including an 80s-style CRT filter
- Suspend Points – save and restore up to 4 suspend points per game
- Live Rewind – rewind up to 5 seconds of live gameplay with the push of a button
The collection is the first Pixel Games UK and Imagine Software release for Xbox.
All of these games are available to buy in The Epyx Collection: Handheld on Xbox consoles and PC via the Microsoft Store on April 9th for £11.99 / $14.99 / €14.49. (Note that a similar collection is already available on Steam, minus Chip’s Challenge.)
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.
