By Scott Stilphen
Although there are many more games that were planned or started than those listed here, this article only covers those which has some artwork associated with it (box art, artist renderings of screens, or actual screenshots) or are known to exist. It also covers known early versions of released games, and advertised artwork or screenshots that differed (sometimes drastically) from the released version.
*Thanks to Leonard Herman for the majority of these pictures.
FALL GUY
Appears to be a renamed port of Sirius’ Squish ‘Em,
which was released for the Atari 400/800 computers (picture #3), and for the
Colecovision under the name Squish ‘Em (featuring) Sam (picture #4).
Catalog description: “Let me tell ya, being a stunt man is no easy job – car
wrecks, falls, fights. I thought I’d done it all. Wrong! This new one is
really something else. See, I’ve gotta climb up the side of a 48 story building
and grab a suitcase on the top floor. But that’s not all! This is a monster
movie and this place is crawling with creepy creatures actually trying to knock
me off! And I didn’t even tell you about the bricks they throw at me from the
roof. I’m tellin’ ya, this is really a tough one! Well, gotta go now, time for
another ‘take’. I hope they remembered to put film in the camera this time.”
MELTDOWN
Discovered at CGE2K4 and released by Digital Press
(actual screenshot is picture #3).
Catalog description: “Watching the screen that monitors the reactor core, you
notice something odd, an atom is beginning to throb. Uh oh, this means
trouble! Closer inspection reveals a deadly Quark racing through the core
agitating the atoms. It has to be stopped before it causes a chain reaction of
exploding energy! You must line up the Stabilizing Emitter and fire cadmium
rods at the hot spots. Hurry, the action is really heating up in there. The
Geiger Counter is clicking at a frantic pace. Already the monitor is lit up
with furious pulsing action. This is your challenge – you must meet it or
MELTDOWN!”
3-D GHOST ATTACK
Catalog description: “They say the mansion is haunted. But
nobody really knows for sure. And you’ve just got to find out. Armed with your
photobeam, you begin your search. Suddenly, there’s a flash of light. Then
another. And another. They’re all around you, coming from the walls, doors,
windows, everywhere. You reach for your trusty photobeam. Now somebody knows
for sure…”
3-D HAVOC
2 different
screenshots have been found. Catalog description: “Your stellar cruiser begins to
shudder as the hyperwarp drive suddenly cuts out. Slowing down, you realize
you’ve entered an asteroid field. A BIG asteroid field. You bolt for the
high-density laser-pulse inverter. Your only chance is to blast your way out.
And you’d better start now…”
DEPTH CHARGE
Catalog description: “You know he’s down there. But where?
Your sonar is picking up indiscriminate blips. Then a pattern emerges. You’ve
found him. You launch a round of depth charges over the side, and the
explosions rock the ship. You smile confidently and check the scanner:
completely blank. Suddenly, there’s blip. And another blip. And another.
Or… You know he’s up there. But where… (a one or two-player,
machine-interactive game)”
OFF YOUR ROCKER
For use with Amiga's Joyboard controller. A prototype game that
was mass produced! It seems that Amiga sent these carts off to a company that
handled the task of labeling them. During this time Amiga was in trouble and the
games never got labeled or retrieved by Amiga. Years later they were sold off as
scrap to a videogame dealer who added his own label and sold them to the classic
community. Gameplay is similar to the handheld game, Simon.
THE POWER MODULE
A Supercharger-like device that contains its own microprocessor along with an
extra 6K of RAM. Games are loaded via cassette but the Power Module also has a
modem port to allow two players to connect directly to each other over the phone
line for interactive play. It also includes a "unique programming procedure"
that allows for 3-D games. Other features included expanded sound
capabilities and more complex graphics. Packaged with two games: 3-D Ghost
Attack and Depth Charge.
POWER PLAY ARCADE #1
This one featured all 3 of the 3-D games (Ghost Attack,
Genesis, and Havoc) along with a set of 3-D glasses.
POWER PLAY ARCADE #2
This one featured 1 Amiga game (Scavenger Hunt) and 4 US
Games (Gopher, Eggomania, Galleon's Gold, and Word Zapper).
S.A.C. ALERT
Catalog description: “You’re guiding your plane through a
routine surveillance mission when suddenly, you’re surrounded by enemy bombers
and fighters. But they’ve seen you first. And you’d better think fast. You
squeeze off a few rounds, just to let them know it isn’t going to be easy. You
pull back hard on the stick, and head straight for the sky. It’s not going to
be easy for you either…”
SCAVENGER HUNT
Catalog description: “The perfect game for kids of all ages
– from 6 to 60. The object is to locate each of the items the computer asks you
to find. A comb. An iron. A telephone. Or just about anything else. Just as
easy as you remember it, right? Well, does ‘Beware of Dog’ sound familiar? How
about, ‘you’d better be home before dark’? It’ll be just like ‘old times’…”
STRAFE
Catalog description: “Your objective: destroy all of the
enemy’s oil tanks and land-based missile silos. And, if you can, the central
missile battery: the heart of the enemy complex. But you’ve got to go it
alone. Fly low. Fly high. Through narrow canyons. Under bridges. Let your
instincts be your guide…”
SURF'S UP
For use with Amiga's Joyboard controller. There are approximately 6 known
prototypes found to date. The gameplay appears to be unfinished (flashing lines
and blocks appear in the upper-left corner as you approach the beach - picture
#3). Early box
art and screenshots (pictures #1 and #2) show you having to avoid sharks, and there does appear to be
unused graphics in the code.
LOST LUGGAGE
The first picture is from Electronic Games 5-84, and
shows different colors from the actual release (picture #2).
ALPHA BEAM WITH ERNIE
An Atari Kid’s Library brochure shows a screen picture (#1)
of what is actually a prototype version (#2). The release version (picture
#3) doesn’t have
lines above and below the space ship.
ASTEROIDS
Early catalog screen depictions (picture #1) showed reserve ship icons
in addition to the reserve counter. There is actual code in the program that
displays these icons, but it was disabled. The 2nd picture is
an actual screenshot showing
what it looks like enabled.
COUNTERMEASURE
A picture of a 2600 cart appeared in the 1983 Rev 1 2600 system
manual. Whether or not Atari actually had any plans to make a port of the 5200
title is unknown.
THE GRADUATE COMPUTER
This
was to be Atari's entry into the 2600 keyboard sweepstakes. It was originally
called the "2600 Computer", and was actually developed outside of Atari, by a
company (comprised of 3 former Commodore VIC-20/C-64 engineers) called
Peripheral Visions, Inc. A February 1983 press release states a suggested retail
price of less than $90 and was to be available by 3rd Quarter nationally. It
featured 8K of memory (up to 32K), 56 raised keys. A side cart slot ("expansion
port") could also be used for optional peripherals such as a portable cassette
recorder, printers, disk drives, and modems. The same press kit mentions the
official name was to be "My First Computer", even though "2600 Computer" is
shown as being trademarked. A drawing of it was first shown in Atari's 1983
"Ticket to the Stars" catalog (picture #1). Photos of the unit were shown in
both the Feb 1983 press kit (picture #2) and the May/June 1983 issue of
Atari Age magazine (picture #3). The unit shown was actually a mock-up
since the keys were simply glued on. The unit plugged into the VCS cart port,
suggesting was self-contained, much like how the 5200 VCS adapter works (using
the base system for power and display only). A 1983 TV commercial showed the
Graduate (picture #4), and a better photo from that spot appeared in the "2nd
Half" press kit (picture #5). A June 1983 press kit refers to it as "The
Graduate" (also trademarked) and states the unit had 8K of built-in Microsoft
BASIC. The accompanying photo also shows some of the optional devices (picture
#6). 9 software titles (in 4 different categories) were slated to be
available by October:
PROGRAMMING - $40.95 each:
An Introduction to Programming
Children's Introduction to Programming
HOME MANAGEMENT - $40.95 each:
Home Filing Manager
Family Finances
EDUCATION - $35.45 each:
Typo Attack
Monkey Up a Tree
GAMES - $40.95 each:
Donkey Kong by Nintendo
Robotron 2084
Caverns of Mars
The keyboard was eventually cancelled when James Morgan became the new CEO.
OSCAR'S TRASH RACE
Early
pictures from Electronic Games (picture #1) and an Atari Kid's Library
brochure (picture #2) resemble an actual prototype that was recently discovered
(picture #3), which is
noticeably different from the release version (picture #4).
PAC-MAN
Early screenshot (picture #1), shown in the 1982 green poster/catalogs. A
hacked version of the original was made by Jason Parlee in an effort to match
this photo (picture #2).
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
A 1982 dealer ad shows an artist’s rendition of the
Entrance screen (picture #1) that depicts the original location for the key! A modified
version of the game shows what the key would have actually looked like (picture
#2) - the code
for it still exists in the game! Picture #3 was
an actual screen photo that appeared in several publications in at least 5
separate instances: Consumer’s Guide book, How to Win at Home Video Games,
(page 56), Electronic Games magazine (November 1982, page 8), Electronic Games magazine (March 1984, page 24 - picture is upside-down),
Videogaming Illustrated magazine (December 1982, page 59),
Joystik magazine (November
1982, page 5 – picture is flipped horizontally), and in the
book, Videospelletjes - complete handleiding voor winnaars, (by
Arnie Katz, Bill Kunkel and Kees van Toorn, page 52). The photo is famous for showing graphics
artist Jerome M. Domurat’s initials (shown as a graphic “logo”) in the mesa
field. For reasons unknown, this graphic
was removed in the released version, although there are some "holes" in the
program that hint where it belonged and how it was to be used. A fake
pixel-perfect screenshot (picture #4) was created to more clearly illustrate the
photo, although the colors are wrong due to imperfect emulation.
REALSPORTS BASKETBALL
A 1983 catalog screen picture shows a referee at the bottom
of the screen (picture #1); although the only known prototype version doesn’t show one
(picture #2), the
graphics for him are in the code (picture #3).
SNOOPY & THE RED BARON
The first picture is from Atari Age magazine, and shows different colors
from the actual release (picture #2).
SPACE INVADERS
Early catalogs pictured a completely different version on
the introduction page (picture #1), while the entry description page showed an
accurate version compared to the release (picture #2).
STREET RACER
This photo (picture #1) appears on the original 1977 system
box. While all of the screenshots on the box are artist renderings, this is the
only one that is noticeably different from the actual game (picture #2).
SWORDQUEST WATERWORLD
2 Alternate artworks were first shown. The first (picture
#1) appeared in an early magazine ad. Afterwards, some catalogs showed a
different picture (picture #2). Just before its release, the Atari Age
magazine showed what would be the final released art (pictures #3 and #4),
although the artwork was a mirrored image, and the ad also included a box
showing the catalog art!
SWORDQUEST AIRWORLD
Although the game was never finished, 2 different artwork
pictures were circulated – one a small box art picture from an early ad (picture
#1) and the other a painting that was found within Atari when it closed up,
which may have ended up being the final art (picture #2). Note the Philosopher’s Stone just
under the rider’s left arm, which was to be the prize for that game’s contest.
TRACK & FIELD
An early photocopy of the cart's label was found with the game's original name
(and correct CX #) - Los Angeles 1984 Games (picture #1). Konami is
credited on this label as well, so apparently Atari bought the home rights for
Track & Field and planned to use it as a tie-in to the 1984 Olympics (which
Atari was a sponsor of) but for whatever reason decided not to. A prototype exists with the alternate name
(picture #3).
VOICE CONTROLLER
This was a
joint-collaboration between Atari and Milton Bradley, with MB to develop a
version of their TI MBX speech synthesis and voice recognition system for the
2600 and 5200. It used a combination headset/microphone which enabled players to
control games by voice commands. It was originally called the Voice
Commander, and a drawing was first shown in Atari's 1983 "Ticket to the Stars"
catalog (picture #1). A photo of the unit was shown in Atari's June 1983
press kit (pictures #2 and #3), and the accompanying letter states it was demoed at the
Chicago CES show, using a version of RealSports Baseball! It also included a
headset, and that 3 other VC games were Star Raiders, Battlezone, and Berzerk.
The unit was shown in press releases and at least 1 TV spot (where it was
referred to as a "voice module" - picture #4), but to date no prototype (or even a
mock-up) has been found. MB was also to develop a total of 18 (!) cartridges
over 3 years, with most to incorporate use of the Voice Commander. Suggested
Retail Price: $99.95. According to a CES Press Release, this unit was scheduled
for an October, 1983 release. Atari apparently backed out, pompting MB to sue
them for breach of contract. Atari's case design was eventually reused for their
2600JR system.
YARS’ REVENGE
This early catalog screen depiction
(picture #1) shows both the Zorlon
cannon and the Neutral Zone as being comprised of multi-colored horizontal
lines. At certain points in the released version, the Zorlon cannon has a
similar appearance, except that it is pink in color (picture #2).
SPLENDOUR
Catalog description: “Jaws bit and flight ambitiously in the ocean. Time is
limited and points will be given when the jaws clear up surroundings, do not
miss the bombs. Two players can play this game alternatively.”
KICK-MAN
Announced at the 1983 CES in press release. Also mentioned in CBS Columbia
flyers. The screenshot (picture #1) is most likely a mock-up, since it shows 5 balloons
falling at once (on rack 2!).
MADDEN FOOTBALL / MADDENESS
Boxes were shown in ads, but no screenshots. Programming was at least
started on it, and it closely resembled the Atari Football coin-op. Catalog
description: “The video football game for the coach in all of us! Developed by
the man who wrote the book on offense and defense: John Madden. Realistic
gridiron action with eleven players on a side and advanced play options!”
TARG
This actual screenshot (picture #1) appeared
in some 1983 CBS literature. A prototype version was found that is very
close to complete (picture #2). The
game was eventually released by Telegames under the name Universal Chaos, with
slightly altered graphics (picture #3).
WINGS
These actual screenshots (pictures #1 and
#2) appeared in some 1983 CBS literature. 2 prototype versions were found
(picture #4), but neither seems to have the night scene (picture #2). For more
information, check out this
DP article.
COSMIC AVENGER
Advertised in several VCS catalogs.
This screenshot (picture #1) is from a flyer, which is slightly different from the release - especially Donkey Kong himself (picture #2). The style (as well as the same score) were also used in the manual (picture #3).
DONKEY KONG JR.
This screenshot (picture #1) is from a publicity slide, which is
noticeably different from the release (picture #2).
FRENZY
This picture is from a flyer.
LADY BUG
Advertised in several VCS catalogs.
John Champeau (of Champ Games) did a spot-on port of the game in 2006 (picture
#3).
MR. DO!
This screenshot (picture #1) is from a publicity slide
(which was used as late as 1984 in Coleco's own literature!), and is
drastically different from the release (picture #2). Programmer Ed English was
given a prototype coin-op version of the game to use for programming the
conversion, which depicts Mr. Do holding a rake (picture #3) – just as shown in
the publicity slide!
MR DO!'s CASTLE
Advertised in a 1984 catalog. Somehow Parker Brothers (who ironically only
advertised it in a 1984 catalog of theirs) ended up releasing it instead. We're
guessing Coleco either worked out a deal with Parker Brothers, or they passed on
it, and whoever the subcontractor was sold it to PB. Coleco catalog description: "Mr.
DO! returns to do battle against meaner Badguys in an all-new adventure, inside
his castle. You race him around the castle, climbing ladders, jumping through
holes, and looking for keys. If you're quick enough, you can use Mr. DO!'s
hammer to knock out blocks onto unsuspecting Badguys below. Watch out, your
enemy can multiply! But if you can get the keys, maybe you can win an extra Mr.
DO!"
PEPPER II
The screenshot (picture #1) is from a flyer. Jerry Greiner found a labeled cart, sans board
(pictures #2 and #3).
ROCKY BATTLES THE CHAMP
This picture is from a publicity slide. It also appears on a flyer.
SMURF: RESCUE IN GARGAMEL'S CASTLE
This
screenshot (picture #1) is from a flyer, which is
drastically different from the release (picture #2). It also appears on the Colecovision
Module #1 box.
SMURFETTE’S BIRTHDAY
This picture is from a publicity slide. It also appears on a flyer.
TARZAN
These actual screenshot (picture #1) and
box art (picture #2) photos are from a 1984 CES catalog.
TURBO
The game was originally advertised in
several VCS catalogs, along with a picture of a labeled cart (pictures #1 and
#2), and even reviewed by Electronic Games! A sell sheet from Coleco's
1983 press kit shows a screenshot (picture #3), and had this to say: "GET READY
FOR LIFE IN THE FAST LANE! This high-speed racing game is not for the
faint-hearted! You control a high-performance car, speeding down the open road.
Accelerate - change lanes - but watch out! While controlling the car's speed and
direction, you've got to pass other racing cars, avoid treacherous obstacles,
and still make it in record time!" The screenshot also appeared on a flyer.
The 2nd screenshot (picture
#4)
is from a demo by Thomas Jentzsch to show the picture was as least technically
possible.
The 3rd screenshot (picture #5) is from the Colecovision Expansion Module #1 box, and it noticeably different from the original.
A prototype cartridge (picture #6) was discovered in 2006 by Anthony R. Henderson, who was one of 2 programmers who worked on it. Note the screenshot (picture #7) is drastically different from the earlier ones. Historian Leonard Herman states this version is not the same version he saw at a CES show, which he describes as such: " The screen shot that I used in ABC To The VCS (picture #3) closely resembles what I remember from CES. I also remember another city scene where there is water on the left and buildings on the right and the road is in the center. It gave the appearance of riding on a lake-view road."
WILD WESTERN
This picture is from a publicity slide. It also appears on a flyer.
MISSION OMEGA
Artwork was shown in even the earliest of CommaVid advertisements (it was
announced as one of CommaVid's 4 debut titles at the summer 1982 CES).
Description: "You are flying the last mission from Earth... Mission Omega, to an
artificial world built to rescue the population and supplies of the planet.
Somehow the power that propels the immense space world has been redirected by
BlackHeart. You must pilot your ship through the support columns and evade the
defensive fire from the interceptor ships sent to blast you. If you manage to
save your ship and pilot it accurately, you may be able to trigger the collapse
that will cause BlackHeart to consume itself and make the world safe to live in
once again."
NO ESCAPE
Different artwork was made for it (picture #1), when it was known by its
original title – Escape From Argos. It was eventually released with a different
name and artwork (picture #2).
SHOOTIN’ GALLERY
The original artwork shown (picture #1) is much different
from that shown on the actual release (picture #2).
SKY PATROL
The mock-up photo
(picture #1) shows a multitude of objects (including a
biplane, which is depicted in the artwork). Most of these actually appear in
the game - see the
DP article for
more info. Although the game was
planned to be a race between 2 hot air balloons, the name and artwork seem to
suggest something more war-themed. Picture #2 is an actual screenshot from
the prototype. Pictures #3 and #4 are of the prototype cart.
SUPER SCRAMBLE
Catalog description: “This exciting game is the 3-D version
of the popular amusement game “SCRAMBLE” and the player can enjoy a feeling as
if he were in the cockpit of the fighter plane. Take off from the aircraft
carrier. Control your fighter plane and attack enemy’s territory to destroy
their headquarters!! Get ready for enemy missile, antiaircraft guns and enemy
formation flights. Breakthrough all the enemy’s attack using powerful missiles
and machine guns. And then, come back safe to the aircraft carrier.”
(More information on unreleased/unfinished M-Network games can be found at: http://www.intellivisionlives.com/bluesky/games/credits/atari3.shtml)
ADVANCED DUNGEON & DRAGONS: TOWER OF MYSTERY cartridge
Never completed. It’s a 16K game, which also required 2K
of onboard RAM. Pictures #3-#5 are from the actual prototype. Catalog description: “Stuck on top of the Tower of Mystery, you
must preserve your strength and protect the treasure as you attempt to escape.”
ADVANCED DUNGEON & DRAGONS: TREASURE OF TARMIN cartridge
Programmed by Synth Corporation. Officially completed.
Pictures #2 and #3 are from the actual prototype. Catalog description: “You’ve found the secret map to the underground lair of the
dreaded Minotaur. You can go in, but you’ll never come out unless you slay the
Minotaur and claim the Tarmin treasure. As you make your way through the
hallways and chambers, monsters wield their conventional or spiritual weapons.
You must gather the proper defenses along the way. But use them sparingly, the
Minotaur looms closer!”
COMPUTER CORRIDOR
Never completed. Combination of two other games that were
in development – Computer Revenge and Moon Corridors (which was similar to
Battlezone). Marketing description: “You are captain of a star ship entering
unknown planets filled with hostile computer units. Score points by attacking
the computer force and hitting the computer units. Your mission is complete
when the full quadrant of planets is free of the computer force. Monitor your
fuel supply, shield strength, and phaser power. Use radar to locate units. Add
fuel by finding the computer friendlies. 3-dimensional graphics. Scrolling
grid. 1 player game.”
CUMULUS
Never completed. An original game by Jeff Ratcliff. He
was later pulled off the game to work on Masters of the Universe II. Game
description: “You must protect the cloud city of Cumulus from descending enemy
ships. Your first line of defense are battle pods that float above the city.
If the ships manage to destroy your pods, you must fight the enemy on the planet
surface where they will attack the generators that project a protective energy
shield around the city. Should the generators be destroyed, the city is
doomed!”
ELECTRONIC FOOTBALL
Port of the popular Mattel Electronic Football handheld
game.
FLAPPER
Unfinished game by Stephen Tatsumi. The drawing is from
Tatsumi’s original written proposal for the game. Game description: “You
control the Flapper to rescue baby Flappers from an underground maze. The maze
is filled with snakes, bats, and ghosts. Cave-ins and landslides keep opening
and closing the tunnels. Luckily, the Flapper is a unique fellow: he has three
types of beanies – chopper for flying, gun for shooting, umbrella for protection
– and four interchangeable types of legs: flying, jumping, running, and
walking. You have to find and change the appropriate beanie and legs for him to
overcome the obstacles and rescue the babies!”
IN SEARCH OF THE GOLDEN SKULL
Picture #1 is from an Amiga catalog. Picture #2 is an actual screenshot
from the prototype. Programmed by VideoSoft for Mattel. It’s a 16K game, which
also required 2K of onboard RAM. Catalog description: “Your engaged in a
worldwide search for a priceless artifact – a solid gold, prehistoric human
skull. Use the treasure map to determine the Golden Skull’s location, then
begin your perilous search. Along the way you’ll encounter air battles,
steaming swamps, and the pyramid maze. How far will your obsession take you!
(One player).”
INTERNATIONAL SOCCER
The catalog entry
(picture #1) shows a horizontally-scrolling game,
whereas the released version is a vertical affair (picture #2). Mock-up, or accurate
representation of an earlier version?
MISSION X
Port of the Data East arcade game. The artwork is from a
1983 full-size press catalog. A picture of a cart (picture #2) appeared online, but it’s
unknown whether or not this is a mock-up (used for advertising) or a fake.
According to the Keith Robinson (of the Blue Sky Rangers), programming never
started for the 2600 version.
MONKEY BUSINESS
Unfinished original game by Eric Del Sesto, which began as
his training project in mid-1983. The game featured a seven-page scrolling map
of the zoo with a new graphics technique called “hidden V-clocks”, which
produced wider, cleaner displays (it was a programming technique that eliminated
altogether the horizontal lines that appeared on the left side of the screen).
The drawing is from Eric’s original written proposal for the game. Game
description: “In the zoo, things have gone awry. Billy the Chimp has escaped
and is up to no good. As any curious monkey would, he has managed to free the
elephants! It’s up to you, as Mike the Zookeeper, to return the elephants to
their cages. Once you have restored order in the elephant section, you must
quickly run to the next section of cages. Perhaps you’ll have to capture the
loose Koalas. Maybe you’ll have to avoid soaring hawks, battle fierce tigers,
or try to grab the slippery penguins. Along the way, you’ll find items which
will be of help to you, such as a bag of peanuts or a net. So grab your hat and
stop this monkey business!”
SEA BATTLE
The catalog screenshot (picture #1) is a bit different from the actual game
(picture #2), as it shows the bases
on the sides of the screen, as opposed to the top and bottom.
TRON DEADLY DISCS
The catalog screenshot (picture #2) is a bit different from the actual game
(picture #2), as it shows a grid in
the playing area.
ARMORED COMMANDER + TANK BLITZ
Shown in a 1984 catalog. Was to be the 3rd
specialized “Commander” controller in the Power Arcade series, along with Flight
Commander and Cosmic Commander. Catalog description: “Now video game fans can
use a hand controller with some of the trappings you might expect in a real
battle tank! Players push both handles forward or back to move tank on TV
screen. Tank on screen comes to a stop when one handle is pulled forward and
the other pushed back. Picture in gun sight lights up, controller vibrates when
‘Fire’ buttons are pushed. Comes with ‘Tank Blitz’ game cartridge.”
SCRAMBLE
Port of the arcade game by Konami.
SPITFIRE ATTACK
Alternate artwork was shown in company literature.
STAR TREK
This was one of the 3 games that Western Tech was originally developing for
Kenner, back in 1981; when they backed out, Milton Bradley picked up the rights
to it. We're guessing this was to be similar to the Vectrex version.
Milton-Bradley planned to create games for the VCS to be distributed under the
GCE name. A sell sheet from their 1983 CES Press Kit had this to say:
"Congratulations on your Starship command! Your mission: Seek out and destroy
the enemy Klingon Mother ship. Chart your way through unexplored sectors of the
galaxy, wary of hostile spacecraft and their deadly torpedoes. Transport
yourself through mysterious Black Holes to face unknown new dangers. Let lasers
and protective shields help you survive, but careful not to drain your fuel
supply!".
SURVIVAL RUN
Alternate artwork was shown in company literature.
HAREM
The October 1983 issue of Videogaming Illustrated featured an article on
adult-themed video games, which included these actual screenshots of Multivision's
unreleased game, Harem.
CIRCUS CHARLIE
Boxes were shown in photos at the 1983 CES for the 2600, Colecovision, and
Commodore 64. A press-release description also mentions the 2600 version having
4 screens (the arcade had 6), and the others having 5.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Artist rendering screenshot and description (pictures #1 and #2) are from a 1983 catalog.
Pictures #3 and #4 are 2 different versions of the box art. Picture #5 is a
pixel-perfect recreation by Chris Bieniek based on the original. Here is a
description from a Parker Bros. press release: “Players learn to balance two
sides of a dangerously ‘explosive’ character. As the mild-mannered scientist
Bruce Banner, the player encounters obstacles which – when the danger
intensifies – propel Banner into the emotion-triggered green reaction,
transforming him into a raging monster.”
JAMES BOND 007
The mystery surrounding this game is worthy of a secret agent. Charlie Heath
worked on a demo version based on the
final scene in Moonraker, before leaving Parker Bros in late '82, but no copies of the game exist.
The first artwork/promotional material that appeared listed the title as JAMES BOND 007 and depicted the same artwork (picture #1) shown on the movie poster for Live and Let Die (picture #2).
Later ads - complete with a screenshot, a box, and even fake reviews and catalog entries (pictures #3 and #4) have it as JAMES BOND 007 As Seen In Octopussy. The title was reworked as JAMES BOND AGENT 007 and first appeared in a press release from Parker Brothers (picture #5 and #6), and later in a catalog with a picture similar to that of the Octopussy version. The 2 existing screens depict the film’s famous train fight scene. Historian Leonard Herman states that this was shown at a CES show.
The released version is based on 3 different movies -
Diamonds Are Forever, Moonraker, and The Spy Who Loved Me -
though all these "missions" are basically the same game.
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: JOURNEY TO RIVENDELL
Early catalog screen depictions showed fences (picture #1). The graphics for this are in the
program, at byte locations $028f - $029d, along with some of the code used to
display them. Thomas Jentzsch reconstructed the missing parts of the code so
that they appear in the game (picture #2). For more information, check out the
FAQ page
McDONALD'S
The early catalog screenshot (picture #1) resembles the (very) incomplete
prototype that was found (picture #2).
2 different prototype versions have been discovered for the Atari 400/800
computers, which are far more developed (but still unfinished) - you can see
pictures of them at:
http://www.digitpress.com/eastereggs/a48mcdonalds.htm
SKY SKIPPER
A port of a very obscure 1981 Nintendo game. The catalog screenshot (picture #1) shows a
horizontally-scrolling game (much like the arcade version), with the actual game
being vertically-scrolling. There is a section of the 2nd maze that looks very
similar to the catalog picture (picture #2), so perhaps it was a perspective
error on the artist’s part.
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI - EWOK ADVENTURE
The early catalog screenshot (picture #1) shows the base at the bottom of the
screen, instead of the top (picture #2).
PURSUIT OF THE PINK PANTHER
The Odyssey guys planned to bring games to the 2600, but the company blamed a
chip shortage for the reason none of its games came out. The game was originally
programmed by U.S. Games and early working titles were "Pink Panther" and "Trail
of the Pink Panther" (as advertised). How or when N.A.P. got the rights to the
game is unknown. It was announced in their summer 1983 CES literature as
"Adventures of the Pink Panther", although an Atari 8-bit version exists with
"Pursuit" in the title. This version looks very similar to the only 2 known 2600
prototypes to exist (collector Steve Averitt found one in Sept/Oct 1994. The
other was sold via Ebay in 2006, purportedly to Jose "wonder007" Artiles.
Unfortunately neither has released a copy.). Pictures #3-#6 are the few photos
we have of the prototype in action. Scheduled Release Date: September,
1983. Description: "Players control the Pink Panther as he sneakily makes his
way through several screens, attempting to outwit the Inspector. For his final
challenge, he must dangle from a swinging rope, steal the famous Pink Panther
diamond and escape unnoticed." The Pink Panther is the property of and was
licensed by MGM-UA Home Entertainment Group, Inc.
48 HRS.
Based on the movie of the same name. Mentioned in the Aug./Sep.'83 issue of
Video Games Player.
AIRPLANE!
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of
Video Games Player and April 1983 issue of Creative Computing magazines. Based
on the movie of the same name.
BUCK ROGERS: CAVERNS OF ZAGREB
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of
Video Games Player and April 1983 issue of Creative Computing magazines.
BUCK ROGERS: MARATHON OF ZENDA
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of
Video Games Player and April 1983 issue of Creative Computing
magazines.
BUCK ROGERS: SECRETS OF ZADAR
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of
Video Games Player and April 1983 issue of Creative Computing
magazines.
DRAGONSLAYER
Mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of Video Games Player.
FRIDAY THE 13th
This game isn’t based on the movie by the same name, but rather the nasty things
that can happen to a person on Friday 13th. 'Announced at the 1983 Winter CES.
Also mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of Video Games Player and April
1983 issue of Creative Computing magazines. This title was scheduled for
an October 1983 release.
MARATHON MAN
Based on the TV show of the same name.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE
Mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of Video Games Player. Based on the TV show
of the same name.
MUFFET
Described in the April 1983 issue of Creative Computing magazine as a “cute
cartoon game”.
STAR TREK II: IN SEARCH OF SPOCK
This one is a bit of a mystery. It was mentioned in flyers. Why it's titled “II”
and not “III” is unknown, since the second Star Trek movie was already out by
the time this was shown. Most likely a typo by the artist.
STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the Aug./Sep. ’83 issue of
Video Games Player and April 1983 issue of Creative Computing magazines. Based
on the movie of the same name.
SUBTERFUGE
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the April 1983 issue of
Creative Computing magazine. The 2nd box (picture #2) has the same artwork as Sub-Scan,
and given the original artwork, we're 99% sure Subterfuge was an early name for
Sub-Scan.
WAR OF THE WORLDS
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Also mentioned in the April 1983 issue of
Creative Computing magazine. The box art resembles the design of the Martian
war machines from the 1953 movie.
CAVE IN
Released for the VIC-20 (pictures #2 and #3). Catalog description: “After many years of futility,
your search is over! You have found the kingdom of Meese. Power and riches shall
soon be yours. But remember the legend of Meese. Are there really creatures
called ‘Meese-kites’? Are the ‘Magic Lips’ still hidden below? Are you brave
enough to find out?”
CHINA SYNDROME
The 1st artist rendering screenshot (picture #1) is from an early 1982 catalog,
and looks nothing like the actual game. A later version (picture #2) is from a later catalog the same year (titled “Meet
the Challenge Vol II 11/82”, which is accurate to the actual game (picture #4).
The box art is completely different as well (picture #3).
DRIVE ‘EM KRAZY
Port of the (very obscure) Status Games arcade game. Catalog description: “A
Spectravideo exclusive! Now the popular arcade game from Status Games comes to
the home with al the action of the original arcade version! Drive ‘em Krazy is a
fast action car chase that is sure to drive you crazy!”
EAGLE MOUNTAIN
Catalog description: “Far away from the civilized world high above the clouds
likes ‘Eagle Mountain’. Many stories are told by the natives about the great
treasures hidden in a secret labyrinth high on the peak. No one knows for sure
how many brave souls have attempted the journey up the Eagle Mountain – none
have returned. We dare you to take the journey!”
GLACTIC TACTIC
Announced at the 1983 Winter CES. Catalog description: “Intergalactic war has
broken out between those troublesome ‘MORPULS’ from the planet ‘TZORIS’ and the
‘MIRPODS’ from the planet ‘MAMZER’. As a SPECTRA-WARRIOR, your mission is to
protect the ‘GLACTIC TACTIC’ border observation station, and prevent contact
between the MORPULS and MIRPODS. The ‘GLACTIC TACTIC’ is protected by a high
energy force field and bi-directional laser cannons. The entire universe is
depending on you!”
MASTER CYLINDER
Catalog description: “The planet Spectra has enjoyed many years of peace and
prosperity since the evil Morpils from the Planet ‘Tzoris’ were defeated. But
now an evil force permeates the galaxy. The long range sensors have detected a
strange war machine in the Delta Quadrant. As a member of ‘Legion of the Chosen’
it’s your duty to destroy this unknown enemy before it can enter the ‘SPECTRASPHERE’.
Little did you know that this mysterious force is the evil ‘Master Cylinder’.“
PROTOBOB
Judging from the artwork, this looked to be a variant on Surround. Catalog
description: “Strategy is the name of the game! Challenge your opponent or the
computer to fill the screen with PROTOBOBS. Capture the majority of the
battlefield to win. Endless possibilities and combinations of play are sure to
make this game a classic!”
ROMPER ROOM SERIES
A series of early learning educational programs. Titles were DoBee’s First
Alphabet, Romper Room’s Countdown to Fun, and The Street Where You Live. Catalog
description: “Spectravideo is pleased to announce the official Romper Room
series of early learning educational programs. Join ‘DoBee’ and his friends in
teaching pre-schoolers about numbers, the alphabet and much more. Our experts
use the latest in proven educational methods to educate and entertain children.
These series of programs will add new value to your computer system.”
SECTOR ALPHA
Featured “Spectra-Sound” (speech) – first in a series of planned games. Catalog
description: “At the core of army defense command lies ‘Sector Alpha’. Equipped
with the latest computerized defense console, your mission is to repel the
invading enemy. The attack force is both by air and armoured land assault. Only
Sector Alpha remains to save the battle!”
TIME SCAPE
Catalog description: “The following message has been sent to SPECTRA COMMAND:
ATTENTION ALL INHABITANTS OF SPECTA ‘We are the Shieppers from the planet Yutz.
Our planet can no longer sustain our life form, so we have chose the planet
SPECTRA as our new home. We have placed two metanomic bombs somewhere in the
future or past of your planet. If you surrender immediately, your lives will be
spared and you will become our slaves. If you do not respond in 24 hours –
you’ll be destroyed!’ As a member of the Legion of the Chosen, you are the only
one capable of using the time penetrator to save Spectra!”
VERTINKO
Variation on Pachinko. Catalog description: “The famous oriental game of
‘Pachinko’ comes to VCS with an interesting twist! Catch the pellets as they
randomly fall from the grid. Only true skill can meet the challenge of the fast
paced game.”
VORTEX
Shown at the 1983 Winter CES, along with versions for the Atari computers, Vic
20 and TI 99/4A, and described in the April 1983 issue of Creative Computing
magazine as requiring typical red/blue 3-D ‘movie’ glasses. Gameplay involved
“navigating your ship through a meteor shower while defending yourself from
alien attack ships” (pretty much verbatim from the catalog description).
According to a press release, there was a pending patent for this game. The
artwork bears the signature “M. Fong”. Catalog description: “Introducing the
world’s first real 3-D video game for the home! Put on your special
‘Spectra-Vision’ 3-D Glasses and get ready for the most unusual game experience
ever! Maneuver your spectra shuttle through the meteor showers and repel the
Hostile Invaders in this action packed thriller. Once again, Spectravideo adds a
new dimension in computer game software!”
DRAGONSTOMPER
The original name for this was Excalibur. Picture #1 shows the artwork for it. Picture #2 was the early artwork for DragonStomper (note that the title is two words). Picture #3 is the released artwork.
SWEAT: THE DECATHLON GAME
An early marketing photo (picture #1) ended up being a picture of a later
prototype version (picture #3); an earlier version has a smaller athlete
(picture #4). The 2nd photo (picture #2) was on the Stella Gets A New Brain CD but it’s
unknown where it originally came from. For more information, check out:
http://www.digitpress.com/eastereggs/26sweat.htm
LOCOMOTIVE
The picture is from a brochure. According to Leonard Herman, this was shown at
the 1983 Summer CES show.
“Space Invaders-type clone”
This picture (actual screenshot) is from a brochure for the Expander System.
EXPANDER SYSTEM
An unreleased add-on peripheral similar to the Supercharger, except that the
tape unit plugged into the 2600's cartridge slot. Games specifically developed
for the Expander were to take advantage of the additional memory (16K) to
produce better graphics and enhanced game play. the Expander I basic system is
used only for playing 16K video games loaded into the system through its
built-in tape deck system. The video games were to be sold in cassette format
and retail for under $15.
The Expander II, in addition to playing 16K video games, can interface with the Expander Keyboard, turning the Atari 2600 into a 16K home computer with read and write capabilities. BASIC was also built-into the keyboard as well. Unitronics also planned to support the keyboard with peripherals such as a printer and modem. In addition, they had plans for optional equipment like a Speech Text Synthesizer. Unitronics planned to support its line of peripherals with a large repertoire of game cassettes. Several of the games were to be developed in a joint venture with ET Marketing, a coin-op manufacturer in Arizona.
SOLAR DEFENSE
This was the 2nd sequel to Rescue Terra I. The first screenshot below was shown in the
April '83 issue of Videogaming Illustrated magazine; the second appeared
in the May/June 1983 issue of Tilt magazine. A description of the
game from the company's 1983 CES press release reads: "You have traveled to
Terra I and destroyed the computer system thus returning planetary control to
the colonists. Terra I is now shipping Zenbar crystals to Earth's solar reactors
for energy conservation. Solar Defense is a 4K game depicting action on one of
Earth's orbiting solar reactors. The station is under heavy alien attack and you
have all you can do to defend it. Help is on the way if you can hold on long
enough."
FLESH GORDON
According to the programmer, the game was pretty much finished,
except for a few final touches. It was a horrible game with a lot of sex and the
payoff was the ability to hump using the joystick. He sent a review copy to
Wizard Video, who then refused to pay for it and went to publish the game using
the prototype!
THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
A prototype version exists (picture #1) that is completely different from the released
version (picture #2).
CAT-NAP
The catalog screenshot (picture #1) is accurate to the Atari 400/800 version
that was released (pictures #2 and #3). Catalog description: “Oh no! Not
again! Can you believe those cats are making all that racket? And just outside
your window! If you are ever to get back to bed you have to take steps – now.
But don’t wake the dog – he makes more noise than the cats. Watch out for the
police if it gets too noisy. A game of skill and chance that will leave you
howling for more – after, of course, a good nights sleep.”
