Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – The Wider World of Atari | Xbox DLC Review
When I reviewed Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration back in late 2022, I was thoroughly impressed with its seamless blend as a video game compilation and interactive documentary. It allowed me, as someone without first-hand nostalgia, to experience an era I missed simply by not yet existing while also gaining an appreciation for the efforts of the legendary early pioneers of the industry. Now, with The Wider World of Atari DLC, once again developed by Digital Eclipse, the collection further builds on that foundation, enhancing an already excellent experience.
For the Love of Atari
The Wider World of Atari is the first of a two-part DLC expansion that continues Digital Eclipse’s work in preserving and celebrating Atari’s history, adding nineteen more games and a wealth of new historical collections of video interviews, concept art, flyers, and box art scans. All of this is organized in a new selectable timeline, sitting alongside the existing five timelines from the base game. It’s worth noting that the nineteen additional games include multiple versions of certain titles, rather than nineteen completely distinct games. This new selection introduces a variety of first-party titles across Atari’s arcade, home console, and 8-bit computer platforms. Notable highlights include the iconic Berzerk in its original arcade form, along with the various Atari home ports. This, along with its sequel Frenzy, makes these the first round of third-party titles to be added to the collection. Additionally, games like Avalanche and others from Atari’s 8-bit computer line are welcome additions, offering a deeper look into the company’s legacy beyond their more famous arcade hits. Lastly, another great but often forgotten vector graphic game, Red Baron, was added to the list. It’s a wonderful addition for those who have memories and experiences with other vector graphic classics like Tempest, Star Wars, and Battlezone.
While many of the newly added titles in The Wider World of Atari may not be as widely recognized as classics like Berzerk and Frenzy, they offer a fascinating glimpse into gaming’s past. Most of these games are more obscure and are nothing more than short-burst score-chasers, typical of the era. This design philosophy may not resonate with modern gamers accustomed to deeper narratives and more complex gameplay. Nevertheless, their inclusion represents a significant win for game preservation. It’s wonderful to see that even lesser-known games are being recognized and documented, ensuring they won’t be lost to history. I felt a similar appreciation when reviewing the base game, but I wish I had emphasized this aspect more. Each game, regardless of its popularity, adds to the rich tapestry of Atari’s legacy and serves as a reminder of the innovative spirit that defined early video gaming.
The Original Influencer
While having nineteen additional playable games is wonderful, my primary interest lies in the new pieces of gaming history this expansion offers. It’s safe to say I was not disappointed. Despite being a more compact downloadable content package, The Wider World of Atari remains just as fascinating, offering even more behind-the-scenes history of the company. One notable video clip features an interview with Al Alcorn, who discusses his memories in the development of Breakout, the iconic game created by future Apple Inc. founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
Another notable video interview features Evelyn Seto, a key member of Atari’s graphic design team. Along with her partner George Opperman, she played a crucial role in establishing Atari’s visual identity during fierce competition with Intellivision and Colecovision. Seto was instrumental in rebranding the Atari VCS to the Atari 2600 and designed the iconic packaging featuring a sleek silver background that prominently displayed the Atari logo and console number. This design would remain a hallmark of Atari’s brand lasting well into the 1990s. Did I mention she also had a hand in creating Atari’s iconic “Fuji” logo? You can even find some of the rejected logo designs in the timeline archives.
Final Thoughts
The Wider World of Atari DLC serves as a great extension to Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, not only by expanding the playable game roster but also by deepening the historical insight into Atari’s legacy. While some of the newly added games may cater more to nostalgic enthusiasts than to modern players, the collection’s commitment to preserving gaming history is commendable. Digital Eclipse has once again created an experience that both entertains and educates, making it clear that even the more obscure titles and moments in Atari’s history deserve recognition.
In short, this DLC is a must-have for those who enjoyed the base game. The inclusion of additional interviews and archival materials enhances the overall narrative of Atari’s impact on the gaming industry. If you have a passion for gaming history or simply want to explore titles that shaped the early days of video games, The Wider World of Atari is a worthwhile addition to your library. Also, as I wrap up this review, I’m already looking forward to the second part of this two-part DLC, titled The First Console War, which will explore Atari’s rivalry with Intellivision. It promises to add Intellivision games to the collection, a fascinating development since Atari recently acquired Intellivision—a piece of news I had completely forgotten about until now!
To hear me talk more about Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – The Wider World of Atari, be sure to listen to the October 17, 2024 episode of The Gaming Outsider podcast around the 1:23:09 time stamp.
This review is based on an Xbox copy of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration – The Wider World of Atari provided by Uber Strategist for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Atari VCS, and PC via Steam.
Atari 50 The Anniversary Celebration The Wider World of Atari
$7.99
Pros
- Diverse Game Selection
- Proof That All Games Deserve Preservation
- Expanded Historical Content
Cons
- Games Hold Limited Appeal Beyond Hardcore Enthusiasts
