Atari VCS Flashback Fridays Begins With with Basketbrawl 7800 and Desert Falcon 7800

Today, Atari introduced “Atari VCS Flashback Fridays,” a weekly celebration of Atari and other creators’ rich catalogs of classic console, arcade, and PC games. This program is another fun new addition to the ever-evolving all-new Atari VCS™ Videogame Computer System multimedia platform.

 

Atari VCS Flashback Fridays kicks off today with the release of Basketbrawl 7800 and Desert Falcon 7800, two iconic Atari titles originally released for the Atari 7800 Pro System game console. Both classic games are available for download now from the Atari VCS store for $2.99 each and are presented in their authentic formats thanks to the addition of native Atari 7800 emulation on the VCS.

Atari VCS Flashback Fridays will continue with weekly drops of classic video games arriving in the VCS store every Friday going forward. These games will include additional Atari 7800 titles, to later be joined by a variety of first and third-party titles curated from a rich history of console, computer, and arcade formats, all fully compatible with the Atari VCS Classic Joystick and/or Modern Controller. In addition, Atari plans to add a variety of DOS PC classics with both controller and keyboard/mouse support as the Flashback Fridays program expands.

“There is such a rich history of classic content to explore and reintroduce to gaming fans of all ages, so launching our Atari VCS Flashback Fridays program is something we have been looking forward to for a long time,” said Atari VCS COO, Michael Arzt. “The ability for the Atari VCS to seamlessly deliver many different eras of classic gaming — alongside popular indie titles, HD cloud game streaming, leading entertainment apps, and productivity tools — is just one more feature to compliment what is rapidly becoming the industry’s most capable and versatile gaming and entertainment device.”

About Basketbrawl 7800 (Originally released: 1990):

In a desperate attempt to stop inner-city gang wars, the city leaders organized a basketball league. The mayor figured that a friendly game of hoops would be a much more peaceful way to settle disputes — he was wrong.

Choose between 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 game modes and bounce right into the basketball bonanza! With six characters to choose from, each with their own health, speed, and power attributes you’ll choose the perfect athlete to jump, block, and defend around the court in a mad dash for the ball. Beware: the referee does not call fouls — they hurl knives!

About Desert Falcon 7800 (Originally released: 1987):

Many of the Pharaoh’s great treasures are lost throughout the desert, and your goal is to steal as many as you can to earn points. The game is an arcade-style shooter featuring a scrolling, isometric point of view as you control your falcon through the various desert landscapes.

Avoid enemies and obstacles such as vultures, warriors, flying fish, sphinxes and more, but don’t hesitate to unleash your dart projectiles! Keep an eagle-eye out for hieroglyphs that provide various power-ups and boosts as you glide through the arid skies.

With new games, services, and apps releasing regularly — and the ability to check emails, catch up on social media, school, work, shopping, or your favorite content via Chrome — the Atari VCS is a functional and fun addition to the home that can be utilized by everyone in the family.

The Atari VCS lineup of Videogame Computer Systems, bundles, and peripherals are available for purchase online and in-store from Best Buy, GameStop, Micro Center, and the Official Atari VCS web store in the United States and Canada. The system’s unique design allows for RAM upgrades and storage expansion and connects to most Bluetooth and Wifi-enabled accessories.

Louis Edwards

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