Activision Decathlon, The (1983)
A bit of a Hyper Olympic rip-off in the eyes of some, this one, but it's not a bad effort, mainly due to how many events it has - an impressive ten. Some are similar, admittedly (100m and 400m), and it might wreck your joystick (waggle left and right to do stuff), but this is a decent multi-eventer for its time.
A bit of a Hyper Olympic rip-off in the eyes of some, this one, but it's not a bad effort, mainly due to how many events it has - an impressive ten. Some are similar, admittedly (100m and 400m), and it might wreck your joystick (waggle left and right to do stuff), but this is a decent multi-eventer for its time.
Adventure II (2007)
This is basically a homebrew release and I don't generally feature those in these lists, but this one is an exception since it's a sequel to the legendary 1980 VCS classic! The game world is obviously much more detailed here and there's more to do, but it retains the spirit of the original. And yes, you still play as a square.
This is basically a homebrew release and I don't generally feature those in these lists, but this one is an exception since it's a sequel to the legendary 1980 VCS classic! The game world is obviously much more detailed here and there's more to do, but it retains the spirit of the original. And yes, you still play as a square.
A.E. (1984)
This appears to be an unreleased prototype of the Apple II and Atari 8-bit Galaxian-style fixed shooter, but it's not a very good one. Or at least, this version isn't. It has less than half the stages of the other versions, the sprites are ultra-flickery, and it takes half an hour to draw each background before you can play!
This appears to be an unreleased prototype of the Apple II and Atari 8-bit Galaxian-style fixed shooter, but it's not a very good one. Or at least, this version isn't. It has less than half the stages of the other versions, the sprites are ultra-flickery, and it takes half an hour to draw each background before you can play!
Asteroids (1982)
Another unreleased one, this time a game that was supposed to be a launch title. In retrospect, most 5200 fans are probably glad it was pulled, for this version does not do service to the great name due to hyper-sensitive controls and much less colour than even the VCS version. Yes, I know the arcade version isn't colourful but still!
Another unreleased one, this time a game that was supposed to be a launch title. In retrospect, most 5200 fans are probably glad it was pulled, for this version does not do service to the great name due to hyper-sensitive controls and much less colour than even the VCS version. Yes, I know the arcade version isn't colourful but still!
Astro Chase (1984)
Like many 5200 games, this was originally an Atari 8-bit game, and a very pretty one at that. It's essentially a maze shooter, with planets and asteroids in place of walls, where your job is to defend earth from alien ships and 'megamines'. It can get a bit repetitive but it's addictive too, and is definitely a looker.
Like many 5200 games, this was originally an Atari 8-bit game, and a very pretty one at that. It's essentially a maze shooter, with planets and asteroids in place of walls, where your job is to defend earth from alien ships and 'megamines'. It can get a bit repetitive but it's addictive too, and is definitely a looker.
Ballblazer (1986)
I've always known this as a C64 game for some reason, but it was first made for the Atari 8-bits and was also one of the first titles from Lucasfilm Games too. It's basically air hockey played over a spacey chequered landscape from a first person view. Smooth graphics, great audio and addictive gameplay make this one a winner.
I've always known this as a C64 game for some reason, but it was first made for the Atari 8-bits and was also one of the first titles from Lucasfilm Games too. It's basically air hockey played over a spacey chequered landscape from a first person view. Smooth graphics, great audio and addictive gameplay make this one a winner.
Battlezone (1983)
Another conversion of a popular Atari arcade game that, for some reason, went unreleased. I haven't really played Battlezone much, admittedly, but this version doesn't seem too bad, all things considered. The vector graphics are now wireframe foregrounds and more colourful backgrounds but it plays more or less the same.
Another conversion of a popular Atari arcade game that, for some reason, went unreleased. I haven't really played Battlezone much, admittedly, but this version doesn't seem too bad, all things considered. The vector graphics are now wireframe foregrounds and more colourful backgrounds but it plays more or less the same.
Beamrider (1983)
I've played several versions of this now and they are all pretty enjoyable. Apparently the grid on which you play is a shield around our poor, neglected homeworld and you must keep it intact by repelling the invaders! The stages all look the same but there are a lot of them, and this is an addictive little blaster.
I've played several versions of this now and they are all pretty enjoyable. Apparently the grid on which you play is a shield around our poor, neglected homeworld and you must keep it intact by repelling the invaders! The stages all look the same but there are a lot of them, and this is an addictive little blaster.
Berzerk (1983)
I'm a big fan of the arcade original of this robot-blaster one so I was happy to find that this version is a corker. It even has the classic speech! It's a little slower and some sprites glitch now and then but I still spent way longer playing it than I needed to. Surely one of the system's best games. Fight like a robot indeed!
I'm a big fan of the arcade original of this robot-blaster one so I was happy to find that this version is a corker. It even has the classic speech! It's a little slower and some sprites glitch now and then but I still spent way longer playing it than I needed to. Surely one of the system's best games. Fight like a robot indeed!
Black Belt (1982)
Yet another prototype/unreleased game which, if it had been released, may have been the first ever one-on-one fighting game! Unfortunately, this prototype appears to be unfinished and isn't really playable. From what I can gather, it might have been okay for its day, but in this state it's just an intriguing curio.
Yet another prototype/unreleased game which, if it had been released, may have been the first ever one-on-one fighting game! Unfortunately, this prototype appears to be unfinished and isn't really playable. From what I can gather, it might have been okay for its day, but in this state it's just an intriguing curio.
Blue Print (1983)
This one is quite interesting. It's an arcade conversion and is basically a maze game where you have to run around grabbing items from the houses which will eventually assemble a big mecha at the bottom of the screen with which you can shoot the bad guy! Decent conversion and good fun to play, I enjoyed this one.
This one is quite interesting. It's an arcade conversion and is basically a maze game where you have to run around grabbing items from the houses which will eventually assemble a big mecha at the bottom of the screen with which you can shoot the bad guy! Decent conversion and good fun to play, I enjoyed this one.
Bounty Bob Strikes Back! (1984)
I can't remember which version of this I've played before but I don't remember it being as hard as this! It's the sequel to Miner 2049er so that means we're in platform-painting territory again, and speed as well as precision are required once more. Great fun, addictive and makes good use of the 5200's colour palette.
I can't remember which version of this I've played before but I don't remember it being as hard as this! It's the sequel to Miner 2049er so that means we're in platform-painting territory again, and speed as well as precision are required once more. Great fun, addictive and makes good use of the 5200's colour palette.
Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom (1983)
A conversion of the mighty Sega arcade game of the same name may have been ambitious, but this isn't bad at all. Stages are set over a series of colourful planetary landscapes with the odd spacey stage thrown in, and it's pretty good fun. The graphics can get a little flickery but that's about all that's wrong with it.
A conversion of the mighty Sega arcade game of the same name may have been ambitious, but this isn't bad at all. Stages are set over a series of colourful planetary landscapes with the odd spacey stage thrown in, and it's pretty good fun. The graphics can get a little flickery but that's about all that's wrong with it.
Centipede (1982)
What's this? A conversion of a popular Atari coin-op that was actually released? Crikey! I guess it was getting on a bit by this point but a decent version of Centipede can rarely be a bad thing, right? Happily, this is a decent version. I believe it's meant for use with a trackball though, so it can be tricky with a stick/pad.
What's this? A conversion of a popular Atari coin-op that was actually released? Crikey! I guess it was getting on a bit by this point but a decent version of Centipede can rarely be a bad thing, right? Happily, this is a decent version. I believe it's meant for use with a trackball though, so it can be tricky with a stick/pad.
Choplifter! (1984)
Ah, good old Choplifter! This version is based on the old Apple II version rather than the fancier (and non-existent at this point) Sega remake. It's also the first 5200 game I've played that requires more than one button (one shoots, the other changes direction). Not bad once you get used to this complication though (chortle!).
Ah, good old Choplifter! This version is based on the old Apple II version rather than the fancier (and non-existent at this point) Sega remake. It's also the first 5200 game I've played that requires more than one button (one shoots, the other changes direction). Not bad once you get used to this complication though (chortle!).
Congo Bongo (1983)
This one is a conversion of an isometric-view arcade platformer by Sega and unlike the conversion for their own console, this one is actually isometric too! That certainly makes it more authentic, but not by much. There are only half the screens here for one thing, and the controls are pretty poor too. Stick to the arcade version.
This one is a conversion of an isometric-view arcade platformer by Sega and unlike the conversion for their own console, this one is actually isometric too! That certainly makes it more authentic, but not by much. There are only half the screens here for one thing, and the controls are pretty poor too. Stick to the arcade version.
Countermeasure (1983)
This one is a real rarity as it is, as far as I can tell, a 5200 exclusive! It puts you in command of a tank with which you must trundle around the rural landscapes taking out enemy cannons and stuff. It's quite involving for a 5200 game too, even using multiple controller buttons. Definitely worth a go if you can find it.
This one is a real rarity as it is, as far as I can tell, a 5200 exclusive! It puts you in command of a tank with which you must trundle around the rural landscapes taking out enemy cannons and stuff. It's quite involving for a 5200 game too, even using multiple controller buttons. Definitely worth a go if you can find it.
Defender (1982)
Despite loving several clones, I've never quite got on with the original Defender, in arcade form at least. I do like this version though, mainly because of the simpler controls. Fear not though, it's still a fast and exciting blaster as it should be; impressively so, in fact. That means it's still really difficult too!
Despite loving several clones, I've never quite got on with the original Defender, in arcade form at least. I do like this version though, mainly because of the simpler controls. Fear not though, it's still a fast and exciting blaster as it should be; impressively so, in fact. That means it's still really difficult too!
Dig Dug (1983)
Some hate this Namco classic but most think it's... well, a classic. Luckily for 5200 owners, this is a good version too. I've never quite been sure what it is you're actually doing but the stages and colours look right and it plays just like the original too. Unless you do hate it then, this is one of the 5200's best.
Some hate this Namco classic but most think it's... well, a classic. Luckily for 5200 owners, this is a good version too. I've never quite been sure what it is you're actually doing but the stages and colours look right and it plays just like the original too. Unless you do hate it then, this is one of the 5200's best.
Dreadnaught Factor, The (2001)
Crikey, what's this? A vertical-scrolling shooter? Yes indeed! It's a port of an Intellivision game this time, which sees you taking on a series of large battleships (the dreadnaughts of the title) which are slowly descending on earth. There aren't too many alternatives on the 5200 but this is a good, challenging shooter anyway.
Crikey, what's this? A vertical-scrolling shooter? Yes indeed! It's a port of an Intellivision game this time, which sees you taking on a series of large battleships (the dreadnaughts of the title) which are slowly descending on earth. There aren't too many alternatives on the 5200 but this is a good, challenging shooter anyway.
Final Legacy (1982)
This was to be another port from the Atari 8-bit micros and it's another one that ended up without a release. It appears to be finished though, and it's a pretty interesting one, taking the form of a boat-based strategy/action war game. One of the few prototypes worth tracking down and putting some time into, I'd say.
This was to be another port from the Atari 8-bit micros and it's another one that ended up without a release. It appears to be finished though, and it's a pretty interesting one, taking the form of a boat-based strategy/action war game. One of the few prototypes worth tracking down and putting some time into, I'd say.
Frisky Tom (1982)
What's this? Yes that's right, it's another unreleased/prototype game. The 5200 has more of these than any other system I've even known! This one is a single-screen puzzler which features a pipeline whose flow is being interrupted by pesky rats and it's your job to get rid of them. Tricky but seems complete and it's not bad.
What's this? Yes that's right, it's another unreleased/prototype game. The 5200 has more of these than any other system I've even known! This one is a single-screen puzzler which features a pipeline whose flow is being interrupted by pesky rats and it's your job to get rid of them. Tricky but seems complete and it's not bad.
Frogger (1983)
Good old Frogger. It's one of my favourites of the early coin-on classics and I rarely find a version I don't enjoy. Happily, this is another example! Strangely, you have to press the fire button to make the thrill-seeking amphibian hop rather than just the joystick but aside from that, this version plays about as well as any other.
Good old Frogger. It's one of my favourites of the early coin-on classics and I rarely find a version I don't enjoy. Happily, this is another example! Strangely, you have to press the fire button to make the thrill-seeking amphibian hop rather than just the joystick but aside from that, this version plays about as well as any other.
Frogger II - Threedeep! (1984)
Does more variety make for a better game? This non-Konami, non-arcade sequel to the Konami arcade great has three different screens for Croaky to hop through - one with shallow water which he doesn't drown in and even one in the clouds - but is it more enjoyable? Not quite but it's still good fun and well worth playing.
Does more variety make for a better game? This non-Konami, non-arcade sequel to the Konami arcade great has three different screens for Croaky to hop through - one with shallow water which he doesn't drown in and even one in the clouds - but is it more enjoyable? Not quite but it's still good fun and well worth playing.
Galaxian (1982)
This Namco classic was getting on a bit by the time it appeared on the 5200 but it's always welcome on any system, isn't it? The sprites seem a bit squashed here but they are colourful and swoop around authentically enough, especially compared to the VCS version, so 5200-owning Galaxian fans may rejoice.
This Namco classic was getting on a bit by the time it appeared on the 5200 but it's always welcome on any system, isn't it? The sprites seem a bit squashed here but they are colourful and swoop around authentically enough, especially compared to the VCS version, so 5200-owning Galaxian fans may rejoice.
Gorf (1982)
This conversion of Midway's 1981 hit is pretty good, even if it does lose the Galaxian 'inspired' stage. The other four stages are still here though, and fairly well duplicated. Unfortunately, it seems the game makes use of the trackball controller or similar so it won't realistically be playable via emulation. One for collectors, I guess.
This conversion of Midway's 1981 hit is pretty good, even if it does lose the Galaxian 'inspired' stage. The other four stages are still here though, and fairly well duplicated. Unfortunately, it seems the game makes use of the trackball controller or similar so it won't realistically be playable via emulation. One for collectors, I guess.
Gremlins (1984)
Oh dear, an early movie tie-in? This promised to be ghastly. Amazingly, however, it isn't, although I'm not sure how faithful it is to the film either! Basically, it's a little like Robotron but you have to rescue Mogwai while taking out Gremlins with what looks like a sword. Good fun and lots of challenging stages.
Oh dear, an early movie tie-in? This promised to be ghastly. Amazingly, however, it isn't, although I'm not sure how faithful it is to the film either! Basically, it's a little like Robotron but you have to rescue Mogwai while taking out Gremlins with what looks like a sword. Good fun and lots of challenging stages.
Gyruss (1982)
This one is interesting. It's another fixed shooter like Galaxians but the aliens spiral out of a central vortex while your ship rotates around the outside shooting inward. It's basically like Tempest but without the vector-ish tunnels. The aliens don't have much space to floop about in but I still quite enjoyed this one.
This one is interesting. It's another fixed shooter like Galaxians but the aliens spiral out of a central vortex while your ship rotates around the outside shooting inward. It's basically like Tempest but without the vector-ish tunnels. The aliens don't have much space to floop about in but I still quite enjoyed this one.
Nice effort. Looks like Dig Dug would be my fave....
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