Any love for Atari Flashback Space Invaders?

[rhindlethereddragon]

How do you guys feel about the Atari Flashback version of Space Invaders?

[Flojomojo]

It's fine. I don't have any feelings for it, since it's based on the arcade version. I would have loved to have seen the VCS version, which I think has more soul. 112 video games!

[+save2600]

My Atari FB isn't even hooked up right now, but I remember feeling like something was awfully wrong about the "arcade" version of Space Invaders on it. Something having to do with level progression maybe? Seemed like you could just play and play and play or you get killed too fast. Someone feel free to correct if I'm wrong about this. I just remember feeling like it was off somehow. Extremely goofy it would be included instead of the 2600 version too. It's called the 2600 Flashback for a reason. Not the Faux Memory Flashback, because nobody then or now, should be getting the two games confused.

[Bill Loguidice]

My Atari FB isn't even hooked up right now, but I remember feeling like something was awfully wrong about the "arcade" version of Space Invaders on it. Something having to do with level progression maybe? Seemed like you could just play and play and play or you get killed too fast. Someone feel free to correct if I'm wrong about this. I just remember feeling like it was off somehow. Extremely goofy it would be included instead of the 2600 version too. It's called the 2600 Flashback for a reason. Not the Faux Memory Flashback, because nobody then or now, should be getting the two games confused.

 

Actually, it's always just been "Atari Flashback" and some number, but obviously it's meant to resemble and play Atari 2600 games, so I suppose your point stands.

 

From the last time I spoke to AtGames about it (quite a while back, so if I recall correctly), it's apparently a Taito restriction about having a Space Invaders version targeted to the base hardware rather than just including the 2600 ROM. I too would much prefer the 2600 ROM. I know that philosophically it makes no difference to AtGames as long as they have a Space Invaders on there (obviously having recognizable names is important for a product like this).

[Keatah]

But having the Original VCS version would be best. IMHO, it is even superior to the arcade version. Better play mechanics, better graphics - in color, better sound. And of course a lot of customizations/variations.

 

That's the problem with companies today. Being just good enough, or including something just to have it because it's expected - and not bothering with making sure it delivers the right experience.. All 2nd rate efforts I personally dislike.

 

Maybe they did try to license the VCS version, which brings me to another point. All this copyright and licensing nonsense gets in the way of making a kick-ass product. I can see games being protected for a period while the author makes back some good profit. But to restrict it forever? Dunno about that..

[+save2600]

 

Actually, it's always just been "Atari Flashback" and some number, but obviously it's meant to resemble and play Atari 2600 games, so I suppose your point stands.

 

Yeah, yeah - that's what I meant... Atari Flashback 4, 5, 6, whatever. 2600 assumed for obvious reasons.

[Bill Loguidice]

But having the Original VCS version would be best. IMHO, it is even superior to the arcade version. Better play mechanics, better graphics - in color, better sound. And of course a lot of customizations/variations.

 

I don't think anything beats the arcade original. It's a beautiful game in its original faux holographic form/arcade cabinet that can't be properly appreciated outside that environment (although maybe someone will be able to make a clever VR version that simulates that experience). With that said, the 2600 version is really fantastic and definitely a worthy interpretation in its own right.

Edited February 24, 2016 by Bill Loguidice

[NE146]

So wait.. I have the Flashback but have never taken it out of the box.. Is the version on Flashback is arcade Space Invaders? Is it accurate? Just curious

 

Regarding that I find that people who don't "appreciate" the original SI is because they weren't a part of it's heyday and take it at face value as it appears today: A slow plodding shooter that's boring. You can see it when they play, as they treat it like a game of Galaxian.. "shoot and avoid getting shot" and they simply aren't familiar with the deliberate gameplay, strategy, and secrets. But that's 100% understandable and I'd probably be the same way if I wasn't a fanatic about it in the 70's.

 

That said the 2600 version throws all that out the window and it DOES become a simple "shoot and avoid getting shot" game. But hey I loved it anyway. And yes, it's "Space Invaders" in name only. For what it's worth the Intellivision version could have been named Space Invaders and we'd all be liking that one instead.

 

Edited February 24, 2016 by NE146

[+S.D.W.]

I think the 2600 version of Space Invaders was a lot more fun than the arcade version but I do like the version on the FB console as well... something different.

[atarifan88]

The version on the Flashback is more like the arcade. Isn't that what we would have expected with the 2600 back in the day? That being said, it's definitely an improvement!

[+LS650]

Really, the best solution would be to have both.

 

Personally, I prefer the 2600 version.

[Keatah]

I prefer the VCS version, it's what I grew up with. It's what I "learned" Space Invaders was all about. The gameplay on the VCS version is quite good and I would argue more fun than the genuine arcade.

[the antithesis]

From the last time I spoke to AtGames about it (quite a while back, so if I recall correctly), it's apparently a Taito restriction about having a Space Invaders version targeted to the base hardware rather than just including the 2600 ROM.

 

Wait. So they needed to include a different, non-2600 version of Space Invaders, but not Jungle Hunt, Front Line or Polaris? I'm sure there's more to this story but I doubt if they'll admit it to anyone. Were I to guess, it may be a means for Taito to maintain the copyright on Space Invaders. Weirder things have been done in the name of copyright preservation. It might also be that Taito would rather have had non-2600 versions of all their games, but the hardware could only do Space Invaders well.

[Deacon1969]

My Atari FB isn't even hooked up right now, but I remember feeling like something was awfully wrong about the "arcade" version of Space Invaders on it. Something having to do with level progression maybe? Seemed like you could just play and play and play or you get killed too fast. Someone feel free to correct if I'm wrong about this. I just remember feeling like it was off somehow. Extremely goofy it would be included instead of the 2600 version too. It's called the 2600 Flashback for a reason. Not the Faux Memory Flashback, because nobody then or now, should be getting the two games confused.

According to the box for the Flashback 64 it is based on the Atari 2600 version of Space invaders as well as the other 3 games included from Taito (Jungle Hunt, Front Line and Polaris)

[Bill Loguidice]

 

Wait. So they needed to include a different, non-2600 version of Space Invaders, but not Jungle Hunt, Front Line or Polaris? I'm sure there's more to this story but I doubt if they'll admit it to anyone. Were I to guess, it may be a means for Taito to maintain the copyright on Space Invaders. Weirder things have been done in the name of copyright preservation. It might also be that Taito would rather have had non-2600 versions of all their games, but the hardware could only do Space Invaders well.

 

Yes, Space Invaders is a newly programmed port that takes advantage of the hardware running the system. There will be one other game like that on the new version of the Atari Flashback coming out. In the case of that game, it's because the music rights are no longer available. While it's unfortunate we can't have the originals, if it makes you feel any better, you can think of these versions as ports in the spirit of the original ports we got back in the day, i.e., games that are not exact recreations, but instead rough approximations of the originals.

 

While I was not involved in the development of the re-imagined Space Invaders, I was involved with the developer for this new port. It's definitely not arcade perfect, but is feature complete and plays a good variation on the original version. It should be far more satisfying than the Space Invaders port.

 

In any case, while the Atari Flashback console may disappoint you, the other Atari product coming out may prove more satisfying and versatile to those who may not necessarily care for the existing product.

[Bill Loguidice]

I think the 2600 version of Space Invaders was a lot more fun than the arcade version but I do like the version on the FB console as well... something different.

 

That's a good attitude. It's either that or we have NO version of Space Invaders on there (and believe me, I'm firmly in the camp of wanting the original version, but it's just not possible). Like I said earlier, there's going to be one other game like that on the new version of the Flashback. That one is really good, but just different enough from the original to offer a fresh experience.

[the antithesis]

 

There will be one other game like that on the new version of the Atari Flashback coming out. In the case of that game, it's because the music rights are no longer available.

 

Ah, intriguing... Were I to guess, I'd say Vanguard because of the tune ripped from the Flash Gordon soundtrack. Japan had different copyright laws in the 80's so they'd rip off stuff wherever. I'm trying to think of what games have music that would be likely to cause a problem. The 2600 wasn't known for it's musical abilities.

[+DamonicFury]

 

That's a good attitude. It's either that or we have NO version of Space Invaders on there (and believe me, I'm firmly in the camp of wanting the original version, but it's just not possible).

 

If you can, could you explain why it isn't possible? I have no interest in arguing with the logic of that decision, but I am really curious what the reasoning is!

[+DamonicFury]

Oh, wait, I see you addressed this earlier...

 

From the last time I spoke to AtGames about it (quite a while back, so if I recall correctly), it's apparently a Taito restriction about having a Space Invaders version targeted to the base hardware rather than just including the 2600 ROM.

 

I guess I still don't fully understand, but perhaps Taito just wants one of their flagship arcade titles represented in a near-arcade-like fashion rather than the excellent-for-it's-time-but-not-especially-arcade-like Atari port. Makes a bit of sense from their perspective, but certainly disappointing for anyone nostalgic for the Atari version.

[Bill Loguidice]

Oh, wait, I see you addressed this earlier...

 

 

I guess I still don't fully understand, but perhaps Taito just wants one of their flagship arcade titles represented in a near-arcade-like fashion rather than the excellent-for-it's-time-but-not-especially-arcade-like Atari port. Makes a bit of sense from their perspective, but certainly disappointing for anyone nostalgic for the Atari version.

 

Yes. Bottom line is it's out of our hands. It's do our own version or nothing. I can't explain why that won't be an issue on one of the Atari products coming out without revealing more than I'm supposed to, but this year's products definitely hint at a more exciting future path for those who care about these products in a way that the more casual consumers who are the primary buyers can't. I'm also excited for some of our non-hardware and non-digital PC products in the pipeline, which again also hints at more great stuff for the future. While these have been and will always be targeted to the casual mass market consumer, we're definitely taking steps to do more fan service as well across all product lines (and yes, we still have to hit very low price points, etc., so there won't be miracles).

[privateers69]

When will @Games be showing a preview of these products? I'd imagine it'll be a couple of months before the holiday season. So the retail stores can order.

[Bill Loguidice]

When will @Games be showing a preview of these products? I'd imagine it'll be a couple of months before the holiday season. So the retail stores can order.

 

Actually, retailer discussions in terms of buying happen earlier in the year (so we're already done). They help to set the final vision for the products (as well as what we plan in the future, so retailer discussions do happen constantly, but yes, the specific buying for the holidays is handled earlier in the year).

 

These are not really the types of products that get previewed to the public. These are the kinds of products that primarily get advertised in retailer circulars and on end caps in-store once available in the fall.

 

When I say these are targeted to casual consumers, I mean they're targeted to that type of buyer. These are considered mass market products, which is why they're primarily sold at big box retailers (and need to hit very specific price points, have specific types of packaging, etc.).

Edited May 19, 2016 by Bill Loguidice

[Keatah]

I think they're good for what they are.

 

They won't please the hardcore gamer or emulation specialist, but they don't need to. I see them as cheap fun items and the colorful boxes certainly are a plus in a festive party atmosphere. We picked up box full of them as door prizes for our annual tech bash party coming up in 6 weeks.

Edited May 19, 2016 by Keatah

[+save2600]

I think they're good for what they are.

 

They won't please the hardcore gamer or emulation specialist, but they don't need to. I see them as cheap fun items and the colorful boxes certainly are a plus in a festive party atmosphere. We picked up box full of them as door prizes for our annual tech bash party coming up in 6 weeks.

I like the door prize idea! Just paid $300 to have my Intv & CV Flashbacks upgraded to the "Ultimate" Pi computer/emulation deal. Figured what the heck, bothered to upgrade the CV with the ball controllers, upgraded console sticker, etc. May as well go all out on 'em and use with a modern display. Won't be doing that with the Atari unit though as I still strongly prefer the real deal when it comes to *that* system.

 

See what some of are willing to go through just to get better versions of this stuff though?

[Keatah]

I understand right, you put a R-Pi in them? Neat.

 

I suppose then in a way they *do* appeal to hardcore gamers and modders. Nothing wrong in that. I'm always thinking of, but never acting on, new ways to house R-Pi computers.

 

Latest idea was putting one in my Call of Duty limited-edition Monster Energy Drink cans. Or a soup can to make a poor man's Mac PRO..