PSP World

PSPWorld Interviews The Development Team On Atari Classics

The year is 1972 and two men came together to form what we know today as Atari. During this time Atari has had good systems and famous great games for example Pong. As the years rolled by other great titles have surfaced from Alone in the Dark to Test Drive series, even now with Atari just making software they are well known to make great games. Behold over 40 years later, Atari is bringing famous classics ported to the PSP handheld system.

Now with introductions aside, PSPWorld part of the GameFlavor.com network, interviewed the Development Team and Producer Matt Rush on their new game.

PW: First off thanks for taking the time to chat with us. What games will be on the Atari Classics?

MR: There will be Classic and Evolved versions of Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Centipede, Millipede, Tempest, Battlezone, Super Breakout, Warlords, Pong, Missile Command, and Lunar Lander with 50+ unlockable Atari 2600 games.

PW: Will there be plans for ad hoc for competition?

MR: Absolutely! Both Battlezone and Warlords support Ad Hoc multi-player.

PW: Will there be any special unlockables for example interviews with developers on some of the games?

MR: There are over 50+ Atari 2600 favourites that will be unlockable. These take on a new beauty on the PSP.

PW: What made you decide that you wanted to make Atari classics for the PSP?

MR: These Atari games are a perfect fit for a handheld like the PSP, where short intense bouts of gameplay can enhance a myriad of downtime moments. Or if you like, just “curl up” with it on your couch- it’s better than a good book.

PW: Will Atari classics come to other systems?

MR: (DS, Live, PSN) Make sure to also check out Missile Command and the Centipede/Millipede combo out on Xbox Live Arcade right now which feature achievements!

PW: How do you plan to utilize the PSP's unique capabilities to make this a better game?

MR: The PSP’s screen really showcases the Evolved titles and makes the original Atari Classic titles look like art.

PW: Are you trying to appeal to younger gamers as well as people who originally played the games? If so, how will you go about that? If not, how will you make older gamers want to play these again?

MR: We are trying to appeal to both fans of the classic games as well as a newer and younger audience. The main games in this collection feature evolved versions that have updated graphics, new original soundtracks, and new features like peer-to-peer wireless multiplayer (Ad Hoc). We’re hoping that will attract younger players to the games so that they can experience the real draw to Atari Classics, the oldschool, challenging gameplay. We don’t think that the older gamers will need much convincing to play these games again. Fans of Atari’s classic games will always hold a special place in their hearts for these games, and the portability of the PSP means that classic game fans will be able to enjoy these gems wherever they want to play them including the Evolved versions which are new for everyone.

PW: Will there be any "updates" on the games or are you trying to stay as close to the originals as possible? If so, how have they been changed? If not, why weren't they?

MR: Eleven of the games have received new graphics and particle effects along with completely original music that I’m particularly proud of since I helped play a role in producing the new tracks with awesome guys at Heavy Melody Studios. A few new features have been added too, such as Ad Hoc Multiplayer for Battlezone and Warlords. We selected these games because they were some of the most popular in the collection. We’re also including the classic versions of these eleven games for those players who want to experience the games as they were originally created. The Evolved version of Lunar Lander is amazing and has been originally created for the PSP release.

PW: Are there plans for other series of Atari classics?

MR: If this is a big enough hit, yes there will be more.

Once again I like to thank Atari and Matt Rush for taking the time to answer our questions and Special Thanks goes out to the Gameflavor team for coming up with the questions to ask the developers. Keep your eye out on the Atari Classics for the PSP this November. You can check out the screen shots on the bottom of the interview. As always keep your fingers on that game pad and stay frosty gamers!