The Atari 2600 is a classic console. There is no argument there. Where there is argument is the games. I am not going to try and tell you that the games chosen here are graphically impressive. They are not. That is just how these games look, there is only so much you can do within the limitations. What these games do though, is push the hardware in various ways. I pulled together five of the best independent homebrew Atari 2600 games that push the hardware. I am sure someone will have a problem with the games chosen so tell me in the comments below.

Street Fighter comes to Atari 2600

First up, we have Street Fight World, you know – Street Fighter II for the Atari 2600. Currently, there is not a lot to do here. What is there is impressive and relatable for fans. It is easy to see Ryu’s stage, even if only in spirit, standing tall for instance. In the video above you can check out not only Ryu’s stage but Ken’s stage as well. Can you tell what characters are featured in the video?

Doom joins the demake fun

When id Software released Doom in the early 1990’s it became a title that “made them” with gamers. It was a reason to own a computer. Doom was something to gloat at console only gamers for once as they could not play it. Over the years I have covered a lot of Doom ports. Planet Doom brings the spirit of the id Software classic to the first Atari console.

It is not perfect but, man, it captures the feel of Doom quite well. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Iconic Mortal Kombat fatality featured

When you think of the first Mortal Kombat game, do you think of the Pit Fatality? Well, the developer behind this 2D side scrolling port of Mortal Kombat for the Atari 2600 certainly does. It is integrated quite well as you can see in the video above.

Even more awesome about Netherrealm Journey is it is a good action adventure so far. The game is forgiving just enough to keep it fun but challenging. Check it out if you need a reason to pull out the Atari 2600 (make sure to have a flash cart too).

Super Mario 64 on Atari 2600

Yeah, you read that right. Someone is working on an independent homebrew port of the Nintendo 64 classic. Does it look remotely similar? Nope. No way. How could it?

What you do get with this download is a fair facsimile that captures the spirit. You start outside the castle, make your way inside, and find a picture to enter a level. Sound familiar? That is as close as we get with this one. When talking Nintendo 64 to Atari 2600 ports that is the best we can hope for. Still impressive.

Adventure Island

Called Expedition Island on the Atari 2600, Adventure Island is getting the demake treatment. This one is much closer than Super Mario 64 though. Considering the hardware limitations Expedition Island is quite impressive.

Run to the right side of the screen, collect fruit, and shoot enemies with your projectile. Does not sound too hard. Unfortunately, the enemies appear fast and make life tough in this one.

What independent homebrew release do you think should be featured in the future? Not just Atari 2600, any console, let me know in the comments below.

Carl Williams

It is time gaming journalism takes its rightful place as proper sources and not fanboys giving free advertising. If you wish to support writers like Carl please use the links below. https://www.paypal.me/WCW https://www.patreon.com/CarlWilliams