+Living Room Arcade Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 Here's a fun topic. Let's make a list of every Atari 2600 game with POWER UPS! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 13 Author Share Posted June 13 Here's one that I thought of to get this list started. List Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP DEFINITION & CRITERIA An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) - chewing gum NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these are weapons, not power ups. UNSURE What other Atari 2600 games with POWER UPS can you think of? Post your comments below! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
else Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 Does this count? Vanguard, Pac Man / Ms Pac Man, etc -- Temporary Invincibility 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeddyBear89 Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 Journey Escape.....touch the roadie or the Kool-Aid Man looking-thing and you're invincible for a brief moment in this awful, awful game..... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+cjherr Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 In Haunted House, the scepter makes you "invisible" as long as you touch it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imstarryeyed Posted June 13 Share Posted June 13 I'll take a stab at a few.. feel free to disagree with any of these from the top of my head.. Power Up =-=-=-=- Star Wars Empire Strikes Back -- you can often get "the force" invincibility to happen during the game. Popeye - The spinach and powers up for a short time on each level, so I think that may be a good one. Zippy the Porcupine - Can pick up a stardust powerup that gives him invincibility like Mario and the starman. Adventure - Gold key, wards of the yellow dragon Yorgle who is afraid of it. Vanguard - Picking up the E power up gives you invincibility for a short time. Miner 2049'er I & II - Grabbing tools and items gives you a Pac man type power up to destroy monsters. Montezuma's Revenge - Staff / scepter allows Panama Joe to be invulnerable to snakes, skulls and spiders for a short time. Mouse Trap - Bones allow you to transform into the Dog on demand for a Pac man like power up to kill the cats. Raiders of Lost Ark - Flute allows you to pass through snakes and Tsetse flies. Not Power Up =-=-=-=-= Tapper - Picks up tips to distract some clients to buy him time. (Tool) Adventure - Sword (Weapon) Pooyan - Meat (Weapon) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGHMW Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 Paranoid (an Arkanoid-style homebrew), it has several that either enlarge your paddle, slow down the ball, allow you to catch the ball and release with the fire button, and, award an extra life. They don't (yet) have that other one though that allows your paddle to have that rapid fire mode to destroy bricks at will like many other Arkanoid ports do, maybe that'll come in the short future, but if anyone wants to incorporate that into the WIP port here is that port, it is quite amazing already to say the least!!! Paranoid.bin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 Guys, I updated the criteria for power ups. Please note the new criteria. Spoiler POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. What you do think of the new criteria for POWER UPS? Do you suggest any changes? Post your comments, below! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 On 6/13/2024 at 7:00 AM, else said: Does this count? Vanguard, Pac Man / Ms Pac Man, etc -- Temporary Invincibility Good suggestions! Let's see how they match up with our power up criteria. Vanguard - No The energy pods don't meet our criteria for power ups because they don't disappear after you touch them. Pac-Man (all versions) and Ms. Pac-Man - Yes The power pellets disappear after you eat them. Therefore, they meet all of our criteria for being power ups. UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually, by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up is for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) Ms. Pac-Man Pac-Man (all versions) NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @else! Thank you for those nominations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChopperCommando Posted June 14 Share Posted June 14 I get to argue for one of my favorite games again -- E.T. When you grab the Reese's Pieces, they disappear. You can hold on to them for as long as you want. When you "eat" them, they technically give you more points, but since your score is also your life meter, they effectively give you more life as well. If you don't eat them, at the end of the game they just add to your score. Also, once you collect them, they can be taken away by the FBI agent if he touches you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 On 6/13/2024 at 10:00 AM, cjherr said: In Haunted House, the scepter makes you "invisible" as long as you touch it. Alright, @cjherr, let's see how the scepter in Haunted House matches up with our power up criteria. I am referencing the Wikipedia article Power-Up which references the related article item AKA pick-up and the Haunted House game manual. Haunted House PDF manual excerpt Spoiler The scepter is an item that you can carry. Thus, it is not a power up. UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) Ms. Pac-Man Pac-Man (all versions) NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, not a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @cjherr! Thank you for your nomination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 On 6/13/2024 at 8:33 AM, TeddyBear89 said: Journey Escape.....touch the roadie or the Kool-Aid Man looking-thing and you're invincible for a brief moment in this awful, awful game..... Video and screenshots Spoiler Watch the video from about 6:52 to about 7:40. The man will pick up the Kool-Aid Man power up, run through all obstacles unhindered, reach the get-away car and then blast through space like in the album cover of the Journey Escape album. You find the Kool-Aid Man You run past every obstacle as if they are not there You reach the get-away car Space scene; wait for it... Plays Don't Stop Believin' song; animated cut scene like album cover Guys, I think that meets all of our criteria for power ups, don't you? Let's update our list, shall we? Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (Magovinna) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Journey Escape – Kool Aid Man or Loyal Roadie Pac-Man (all versions) – power pellets NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, not a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @TeddyBear89! Thanks for that nomination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 Guys, I want to make another change to our criteria for power ups. I think that power ups shouldn't be a person or a living thing. A power up is supposed to be a symbol that appears on the screen that you grab like "POW" in the game 1942. Spoiler Normal Shots POW power up Wider Shots Let's add this to our criteria and update the list. Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all versions) – power pellets NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, not a power up. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Guys, what do you think of our updated criteria for POWER UPS? Post your comments below. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 21 hours ago, BIGHMW said: Paranoid (an Arkanoid-style homebrew), it has several that either enlarge your paddle, slow down the ball, allow you to catch the ball and release with the fire button, and, award an extra life. They don't (yet) have that other one though that allows your paddle to have that rapid fire mode to destroy bricks at will like many other Arkanoid ports do, maybe that'll come in the short future, but if anyone wants to incorporate that into the WIP port here is that port, it is quite amazing already to say the least!!! Paranoid.bin 32 kB · 1 download @BIGHMW, IMO Paranoid (link) definitely meets our criteria for power ups! Let's add it to our list, shall we? Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, not a power up. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @BIGHMW! Thanks, for that nomination. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 On 6/13/2024 at 11:31 AM, imstarryeyed said: I'll take a stab at a few.. feel free to disagree with any of these from the top of my head.. Power Up =-=-=-=- Star Wars Empire Strikes Back -- you can often get "the force" invincibility to happen during the game. Alright, @imstarryeyed, let's see how your first one, SWTESB matches up with our criteria for power ups. I think it doesn't meet all of our criteria. There isn't an object (i.e. the "power up") on the screen for you to collect. SWTESB is a 'no', I think. Spoiler A screenshot from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back On 6/13/2024 at 11:31 AM, imstarryeyed said: Popeye - The spinach and powers up for a short time on each level, so I think that may be a good one. Alright, @imstarryeyed, let's look at Popeye (link), the second one on your list and see how it matches our power up criteria. Spoiler Popeye (left), Brutus (bottom) and Olive Oyl (top) Popeye gets the spinach I think the spinach matches all of our criteria for power ups. Let's add Popeye to our list, shall we? But not SWTESB. UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, not a power up. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @imstarryeyed! Thanks for those nominations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 14 Author Share Posted June 14 7 hours ago, ChopperCommando said: I get to argue for one of my favorite games again -- E.T. When you grab the Reese's Pieces, they disappear. You can hold on to them for as long as you want. When you "eat" them, they technically give you more points, but since your score is also your life meter, they effectively give you more life as well. If you don't eat them, at the end of the game they just add to your score. Also, once you collect them, they can be taken away by the FBI agent if he touches you. Alright, @ChopperCommando, let's see how E.T. matches up with our criteria for power ups. Spoiler E.T. finds a Reese's Pieces candy E.T. can only eat candy pieces when he's in an Eat Candy Zone. The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they do not match our criteria to be POWER UPS. UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION An item you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – the chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, not a power up. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @ChopperCommando! Thank you for that nomination. Guys, what other Atari 2600 games with POWER UPS have you spotted? Post your comments below! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 15 Author Share Posted June 15 On 6/13/2024 at 11:31 AM, imstarryeyed said: Zippy the Porcupine - Can pick up a stardust powerup that gives him invincibility like Mario and the starman. Alright, @imstarryeyed, let's look at another one from your list. Let's see how Zippy the Porcupine (link) matches up with our power up criteria, shall we? I am referencing the PDF game manual for Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega system. I'm also referencing this gameplay video. I think you are referring to this on page 6. Is that correct? Spoiler Screenshots and video Spoiler Watch from about 2:20 to about 2:50 Zippy approaches the video monitor of invincibility Zippy uses his Super Sonic Spin Attack! Smash! The video monitor disappears and Zippy immediately gains invincibility. Invincible Zippy has a shield around him. IMO Yes, invincibility in Zippy the Porcupine meets all of our criteria for POWER UPS. Let's update our list, shall we? UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION It is something that you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all Atari 2600 versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach Zippy the Porcupine (homebrew) – multiple power ups NOT POWER UPS Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, so it does not match our criteria for power ups. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @imstarryeyed! Thanks for that nomination. Guys, what other Atari 2600 games with POWER UPS have you spotted? Post your comments below! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 15 Author Share Posted June 15 On 6/13/2024 at 11:31 AM, imstarryeyed said: Adventure - Gold key, wards of the yellow dragon Yorgle who is afraid of it. Vanguard - Picking up the E power up gives you invincibility for a short time. Alright, @imstarryeyed Let's look at two more from your list and see how they match up with our criteria for power ups. First, Adventure. Adventure - Gold Key - Not a Power Up The Gold Key doesn't match our criteria for power ups because it is an item in the game that you can carry around with you. Second, Vanguard. Vanguard was previously discussed here. So, no to both. Let's update our list, shall we? UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION It is something that you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. This happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all Atari 2600 versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach Zippy the Porcupine (homebrew) – multiple power ups NOT POWER UPS Adventure - The Gold Key doesn't match our criteria for power ups because it is an item that you can carry around with you. Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, so it does not match our criteria for power ups. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @imstarryeyed! Thanks for that nomination. Guys, what other Atari 2600 games with POWER UPS have you spotted? Post your comments below! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Propane13 Posted June 16 Share Posted June 16 Touching the green ball in Q Bert (temporary invincibility) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Propane13 Posted June 16 Share Posted June 16 Desert Falcon (hieroglyphics combos give special powers) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 16 Author Share Posted June 16 7 hours ago, Propane13 said: Touching the green ball in Q Bert (temporary invincibility) Alright, @Propane13, let's see how Q*Bert matches up with our criteria for power ups. On page 5 of the Q*bert manual, it says Spoiler Screenshots Spoiler Normal Q*bert The green ball enters the pyramid above Q*bert The green ball is bouncing towards Q*bert The green ball touches Q*bert Immediately, the green ball disappears, special music plays, the background color changes Q*bert is now invincible and can pass harmlessly over enemies The effect wears off after a few seconds and Q*bert returns to normal again Yes, IMO the green ball in Q*bert matches all of our criteria for power ups. Let's update our list now, shall we? UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION It is something that you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up item disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. All of this happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all Atari 2600 versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach Q*bert – the green ball Zippy the Porcupine (homebrew) – multiple power ups NOT POWER UPS Adventure - The Gold Key doesn't match our criteria for power ups because it is an item that you can carry around with you. Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, so it does not match our criteria for power ups. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @Propane13! Thanks for that nomination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 16 Author Share Posted June 16 8 hours ago, Propane13 said: Desert Falcon (hieroglyphics combos give special powers) Alright, @Propane13! Let's see how Desert Falcon matches up with our criteria for power ups. The Desert Falcon manual says this Spoiler Page 4 Desert Falcon - No IMO Desert Falcon doesn't match our criteria for power ups because our criteria don't permit combinations of 3 objects. Let's update our list, shall we? UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION It is something that you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up item disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. All of this happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all Atari 2600 versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach Q*bert – the green ball Zippy the Porcupine (homebrew) – multiple power ups NOT POWER UPS Adventure - The Gold Key doesn't match our criteria for power ups because it is an item that you can carry around with you. Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Desert Falcon – Our criteria don't permit combinations of 3 objects. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, so it does not match our criteria for power ups. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Good stuff, @Propane13. Thanks for that nomination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+cjherr Posted June 16 Share Posted June 16 5 minutes ago, Living Room Arcade said: IMO Desert Falcon doesn't match our criteria for power ups because our criteria don't permit combinations of 3 objects. I don't know. I almost think the criteria should be updated here. What are the hieroglyphics if not power ups? That is their purpose. Making combinations of three is the same as finding different power ups, but adds more experimentation and challenge. Just my .02. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 16 Author Share Posted June 16 14 minutes ago, cjherr said: I don't know. I almost think the criteria should be updated here. What are the hieroglyphics if not power ups? That is their purpose. Making combinations of three is the same as finding different power ups, but adds more experimentation and challenge. Just my .02. Agreed. We should consider modifying our criteria somehow to allow for combinations of 3 power ups. There should be some more discussion and we should give it some thought. For now, let's file Desert Falcon under UNSURE in our list. Shall we? UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION It is something that you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up item disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. All of this happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all Atari 2600 versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach Q*bert – the green ball Zippy the Porcupine (homebrew) – multiple power ups NOT POWER UPS Adventure - The Gold Key doesn't match our criteria for power ups because it is an item that you can carry around with you. Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, so it does not match our criteria for power ups. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Desert Falcon – Our criteria as written currently don't permit combinations of 3 objects. So, should we modify our criteria to permit this? Good stuff, @cjherr! Thanks for that valuable comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Living Room Arcade Posted June 17 Author Share Posted June 17 On 6/13/2024 at 11:31 AM, imstarryeyed said: Miner 2049'er I & II - Grabbing tools and items gives you a Pac man type power up to destroy monsters. Alright, @imstarryeyed, Let's look at Miner 2049er Vol. I and see how it matches with our criteria for power ups. Shall we? Screenshots Spoiler Bounty Bob is normal Bounty Bob approaches the Hat, a possession of old miners. Bounty Bob touches the Hat, energizing himself. The Hat disappears and the Mutant turns yellow, meaning that Bob can now destroy it. Bounty Bob touches the yellow Mutant and it disappears. After a few seconds, Bounty Bob returns back to normal Yes, IMO Miner 2049er Vol. I matches all of our criteria for power ups. And ditto, I think, for Miner 2049er Vol. II. Yes? Let's update our list now, shall we? UPDATED LIST Spoiler ATARI 2600 GAMES WITH POWER UPS POWER UP - DEFINITION It is something that you collect in-game during the action that gives you special abilities or powers, usually for a limited time. POWER UP - CRITERIA In the game, there is an object you can see called a power up. A power up cannot be a living thing such as a person. During the action of the game, you must "collect" the power up, usually by touching it or shooting it. Upon collecting the power up, the power up item disappears and your avatar in the game receives exceptional abilities or powers. All of this happens immediately. Usually, the effect of the power up lasts for a limited time. Upon wearing off, your avatar in the game is restored to its normal abilities and powers. References https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Item_(game_terminology) LIST Aliens, Plasma Guns & Chewing Gum (homebrew) – chewing gum Miner 2049er Vols. I & II – old miner possessions Ms. Pac-Man – power pellets Pac-Man (all Atari 2600 versions) – power pellets Paranoid (unofficial Arkanoid homebrew) – multiple power ups Popeye – the spinach Q*bert – the green ball Zippy the Porcupine (homebrew) – multiple power ups NOT POWER UPS Adventure - The Gold Key doesn't match our criteria for power ups because it is an item that you can carry around with you. Asteroids (shields, hyperspace, flip) because you didn't have to collect an item to gain these special abilities. Double Dragon (baseball bats, knives, oil drums) these weapons don't disappear after you collect them, so, no, they don't meet our criteria for being power ups. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – The candy pieces are items that you carry around and use later. Therefore, they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Haunted House – The scepter is an item that you can carry around, so it does not match our criteria for power ups. Journey Escape – The Mighty Manager (AKA "Kool Aid Man") and the Loyal Roadie are people, so they don't meet our criteria to be power ups. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – There is no object on the screen to collect in order to get invincibility from The Force. Therefore, The Force in this game does not meet our criteria to be a power up. Vanguard – The energy pods don't disappear after you touch them, so, no, they don't meet all of our criteria to be considered power ups. UNSURE Desert Falcon – Our criteria as currently written don't permit combinations of 3 objects. So, should we modify our criteria to permit this? Good stuff, @imstarryeyed! Thanks for that nomination. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.