Collection essentials #5: Circus Atari (2600)

 

This is the first of several games I’m going to highlight that uses the “paddle” controller. This controller is basically a circular knob that you can turn either direction, and it makes for great precise controls for any Pong-like game where you only have to worry about moving in two directions. In this game, Circus Atari, you control a see-saw that you use to catapult a couple performers up high to pop the balloons at the top of the screen. You must have an airborne dude land on the unoccupied side of the see-saw to keep things going, and you can use the controller’s button to swap which direction the see-saw is facing instantly. A simple but fun game that’s a great fit for the Atari. 

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