By Drew Wilson
In this review, we check out the Atari 2600 version of Berzerk. We find out if this top down shooter is worth playing again.
This particular version was released in 1982. We’ve already reviewed the Atari 5200 version, so we’ll simply focus on the differences.
This game is very similar to the Atari 5200. One thing we did notice is that as we advanced through the levels, the bullets traveled gradually faster. Also, the diagonal bullets that only you can shoot aren’t really at 45 degrees, so be wary of that while playing.
One major difference that we noticed was the lack of evil Otto. While playing, there was no bouncing smiley face that chased us off screen that we noticed.
Graphically, this game is pretty much the same. It had the usual stark black background, blue (electrified) walls and the bots changed colors after a round of two.
There’s less to appreciate in the audio in that there are no voice samples here. Instead of a gradual sliding of the levels as you advanced to each one, you had a simple wipe to black before the next level was loaded. Still, the thing to remember in all of this is the fact that this game was produced earlier on as well.
Overall, if you had the option to choose between the Atari 2600 and the Atari 5200 version, stick with the Atari 5200 version because, even though it was technically harder, there were some improvements involved in that game over this version. Still, this game was half decent to play if you ignored the fact that the graphics were basically bad.
Overall
Furthest point in game: Completed 20 levels and obtaining 7000 point before losing all of my lives.
General gameplay: 17/25
Replay value: 8/10
Graphics: 2/10
Audio: 3/5
Overall rating: 60%
Drew Wilson on Twitter: @icecube85
