On May 21st, Xbox and Activision introduced the game collection called Retro Classics, exclusively for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members. This collection, developed collaboratively with Antstream Arcade, features classic Activision games originally released on retro systems such as Atari 2600, DOS, Amiga, and others. Instead of playing these games directly on a console, players can stream them via Antstream’s cloud gaming service, much like Capcom’s Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, where you don’t play the game natively but through an online streaming platform instead.
If you’re enjoying fast internet connections, they provide an excellent means to explore these crucial retro game titles. However, with 50 retro games to select from and more on the horizon, picking your starting point might be challenging. To ease this choice, I’d like to highlight seven games that are definitely worth playing if you subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate and install Retro Classics.
1. Pitfall!
Without a doubt, it’s worth exploring Pitfall, a standout title in Retro Classics. This game played a significant role in establishing Activision as a major player and was among the earliest examples of the 2D platformer genre. It laid many of the foundational principles that video games would later build upon. Playing it can provide valuable insights into the evolution of gaming over time.
2. Atlantis
Among the less recognized titles in Retro Classics, the game known as Atlantis is actually a straightforward shooter experience. In this game, your mission is to protect Atlantis from incoming spacecrafts. You’re armed with the ability to fire at vessels from three specific angles, and you earn points for each spaceship you successfully eliminate. The challenge lies in enduring waves of enemies as long as possible until the city ultimately falls, yet despite its simplicity, I found playing Atlantis to be quite enjoyable.
3. MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat
MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat is an exceptional game, and it distinguishes itself among Retro Classics primarily because it’s a PlayStation 1 game. In the MechWarrior series, players command a colossal mech and must balance completing tasks with customizing and maintaining these massive weapons. Although MechWarrior 2 was released on various platforms, the one available in Retro Classics is the PS1 version. The charm of experiencing a game from that system through Xbox Game Pass shouldn’t be overlooked.
4. Zork 1: The Great Underground Empire
To truly appreciate the evolution of video gaming, take a look at the Zork series in the Retro Classics collection. The original game, Zork I: The Great Underground Empire, was one of the pioneers in text-based adventure games, where you navigate and interact by typing commands. It might feel a bit awkward to play on an Xbox controller with a virtual keyboard, but it’s a testament to a time when even real-time graphics were not yet commonplace in video games.
5. River Raid
Title “River Raid” is another timeless gem from Activision, a shoot-’em-up that lets players command a fighter jet amid enemy territory. The thrill lies in shooting down enemies and navigating obstacles while avoiding them, all while ensuring your plane refuels by passing through specific points. Despite its simplicity, this Atari 2600 game remains engaging due to these dynamic elements.
Moreover, if you value diversity in the gaming industry, it’s essential to note that this game was developed by Carol Shaw, one of the pioneering female game designers in history.
6. Bloody Human Freeway
The intriguing precursor to the Atari 2600 game, “Freeway,” known as “Bloody Human Freeway,”, was initially designed. In contrast to the final version where players maneuvered a chicken crossing the road, the original concept featured a human character who would splatter blood upon collision with a car. It’s fascinating that Activision chose to include this early version in collections like “Retro Classics“.
7. Space Quest 6
To sum up, Sierra’s adventure game takes a significant portion of the collection in the Retro Classics catalog at present. Each of these games is excellent, but among those currently accessible, I find myself most enjoying Space Quest 6. It’s a sci-fi comedy adventure game that I believe continues to be amusing even today. Though adventure games have waned in popularity compared to their peak, it’s heartening to see Sierra receiving the recognition it deserves through its inclusion in Retro Classics.
Read More
- PI PREDICTION. PI cryptocurrency
- WCT PREDICTION. WCT cryptocurrency
- Quick Guide: Finding Garlic in Oblivion Remastered
- ANKR PREDICTION. ANKR cryptocurrency
- How to Get to Frostcrag Spire in Oblivion Remastered
- BLUR PREDICTION. BLUR cryptocurrency
- This School Girl Street Fighter 6 Anime Could Be the Hottest New Series of the Year
- Botched’s Dr. Paul Nassif & Wife Brittany Reveal Sex of Baby No. 2
- Katy Perry Shares NSFW Confession on Orlando Bloom’s “Magic Stick”
- Badminton’s Huang Yaqiong Wins Olympic Gold Moments Before Engagement
2025-05-25 16:09