Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Gem Iternational Corporation
- Publishers: Home Vision, Quelle
Alien’s Return: The E.T. Atari Game That Never Was
Released in 1983 for the Atari 2600, Alien’s Return is a rare and bizarre game that is loosely based on the 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Despite its rarity, the game is not particularly good, with repetitive gameplay and confusing level design. However, its strange history and unique premise make it an interesting footnote in Atari history.
Development
Alien’s Return was developed by a small European company called Arcadia Software. The game was originally intended to be an official E.T. game, but Atari rejected the proposal. Undeterred, Arcadia released the game in Europe under the title E.T. Go Come. However, due to a typo on the game’s packaging, most copies of the game still read E.T. Go Come.
Gameplay
Alien’s Return is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls E.T. as he collects pieces of his spaceship in order to return home. The game is divided into four levels, each of which is filled with obstacles and enemies. E.T. can jump, shoot, and use a jetpack to navigate the levels.
The gameplay is repetitive and the level design is confusing. The levels are all very similar, and there is little variety in the enemies. E.T.’s controls are also somewhat clunky, making it difficult to navigate the levels.
Reception
Alien’s Return was not well-received by critics. The game was criticized for its repetitive gameplay, confusing level design, and clunky controls. The game was also criticized for its lack of polish, with many glitches and bugs.
Despite its negative reviews, Alien’s Return has become a cult classic among Atari 2600 collectors. The game’s rarity and unique premise have made it a sought-after item for collectors.
Legacy
Alien’s Return is a reminder of the strange and wonderful world of Atari 2600 gaming. The game is not particularly good, but it is an interesting footnote in Atari history. The game’s rarity and unique premise have made it a cult classic among collectors.
Fun Facts
- Alien’s Return is one of the rarest Atari 2600 games, with only a few thousand copies ever produced.
- The game’s European cover shows E.T. standing near a parade of anthropomorphic jelly sandwiches, balloons, trees, and chicken nuggets. None of these creatures ever appear in the game.
- The game’s music is composed by Raymond Calheira, who also composed the music for the Atari 2600 game Pac-Man.
Conclusion
Alien’s Return is a rare and bizarre Atari 2600 game that is loosely based on the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Despite its rarity, the game is not particularly good, with repetitive gameplay and confusing level design. However, its strange history and unique premise make it an interesting footnote in Atari history.
Review Score
3/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
