When you think of the Atari 2600, what comes to mind? Probably arcade games like Asteroids or Missile Command, or quick score based affairs requiring destroying something on the screen. Sure, there are games like Adventure or the Swordquest games that require more thinking and planning to advance but most gamers don’t think of those immediately. Similar to when asking about Nintendo, most gamers will say Super Mario Bros or another entry in that franchise before they mention something like Robowarrior or Swords and Serpents. Artefacto Games, a prolific developer for the 2600, have a new game available – Mission Ark. The question is, will you be able to save humanity or watch it burn?
Like I said, the Atari 2600 is not known for a lot of things. Such as multi-screen gaming. Mission Ark throws most of what you may think about the Atari 2600 out the window and goes in its own direction.
You are tasked with collecting eight DNA samples that are scattered around the world and bring them to the Ark ship. These samples will be used to seed another planet with humanity and the basic building blocks like we have here on Earth. The Ark ship also requires three power cells to enable launch.
Did I forget to mention the city sized asteroid heading towards Earth at an alarming speed? Yeah, the planet is toast, just a matter of how much time is left.
That asteroid is not waiting so explore as much as you can before it hits. You can traverse the levels in your quest as well as move around the regions of the planet in your ship in your quest.
You will face caverns, barren areas, mountainous terrain and more. There are also creatures that must be avoided. Some areas have defenses built in that must be avoided as well so watch for those.
Like Metroid, some areas are one way so choose wisely. You may not be able to escape easily.
Failure means the human race is done. A blink in the eye of the Universe.
Grab Mission Ark on itch.io, it is about $8 as of this writing. Artefacto Games have many other titles in different genres available so check their store out, you are likely to find something you will enjoy in your price range.
