To think programmers were able to make a game look this good on a console from the 70's is really impressive. Solaris can easily pass for an early NES release 👍
Shows you a couple things: 1) the incredible longevity of the 2600. 2) As time went by & dev tools got better / ROM got cheaper, the complexity of 2600 games increased dramatically
It also helps that the guy who made the original Star Raiders for the Atari 8 bit computer line, did Solaris as well. Dude knows how to get alot from very little hardware
4:00 I am so grateful that I see the written name Zylon. When this video began you mentioned Cylon therefore I kept unwondering how the Battle Star producer and Universal Studiod allowed their franchise to be used on this game without them not trying to take Atari down. Not that the game was released in the 80's as you have stated. Edit: BatteleStar Galactica...
Loved this game as a kid. I especially enjoyed the planet and corridor raids, and I recall doing my best not to have to fight cobra fleets which seemed guaranteed to sap my lives.
The time you sunk into completing this review definitely paid off! Your explanation of the map screen was more complex than what I would expect from a 2600 game, but more complex games from a then nine year old console were probably what those still playing it were hoping for. Thanks for another entertaining and informative review!
Solaris rocks. Great looking and great playing game, huge improvement over Star Raiders. Very similar to Acclaim's Star Voyager on the NES and Namco's Star Luster on the Famicom.
This is one of the most complex games for the system. My younger self who never cared to read the manual was completely lost. Resulting in the game collecting dust in the shelves. Until a few years ago, when I started to use a more serious approach on these older games, I have never realized that I missed out on imho one of the Atari‘s greatest game. Awesome review!
Love this game; it just looks so much better than most of its peers & I’m amazed at its complexity. It’s also a game that took me months to conquer, and to this day, I’ve only beaten it once. It was without ‘phasing’ so each attempt would take 3+ hours. As tempting as it’s been to revisit this game, it just feels appropriate for me to leave it as is-I went out on top!
I don't understand why some of the 80's games cartridges got black, white and dark red labels. Makes them look a bit bland despite how great some of the actual games are. This Solaris game is a good example. The graphics are rather cutting edge for the console with decent attempts to make the game look 3D. I enjoy playing it quite a bit. Recently found a copy of it complete in box at a mom n pop game store here in Las Vegas for a decent price. I'm glad it came with the manual as it really adds to the experience by explaining what you are looking at. Picking up the people stranded on Xylon planets is rewarding. Thanks for the Phasing tip! Great video!
Solaris is top tier for the 2600. It felt like a game that seriously really pushed what you could do with the 2600 for graphics and game design. This is a massive game with interconnected star maps, wormholes that can change position, tough enemies, and super quick graphics that border on 3D with the scaling and planet surfaces. I think it should be *much* higher on your list, certainly is on mine!
I didn't realize we'd moved on to the next review in his list. I thought we were still on Sea Hunt, one of the worst Atari games. So I was wondering why you and others were saying it's one of your favorites. Made sense that you "still need to beat it," though. Maybe if you only had Sea Hunt and Combat?
Hahaha I was like 5 or 6 when I used to play this, and had NO IDEA what i was doing, or supposed to do.... But in watching your videos, my young self knew a lot more than I thought lmao!!!!
I've only played this on an emulator so I didn't get the full experience. I liked Activision's Star Master a lot but I guess if you read up on it, this one is even better.
I don't like Star Raiders and its imitators. I should have played it before buying, or returned it. I think the last game for the 2600 I bought new was Donkey Kong, Jr. on the red label (which came out in 1986), not realizing it was just a reissue of a 1983 game by Coleco. I didn't like it either. Looking back, I think I should have got Pitfall II or Star Gate, both from 1984. The other Atari games from 1986 look OK, but I don't know how much they cost new, and haven't played them.
Love this game; it just looks so much better than most of its peers & I’m amazed at its complexity. It’s also a game that took me months to conquer, and to this day, I’ve only beaten it once. It was without ‘phasing’ so each attempt would take 3+ hours. As tempting as it’s been to revisit this game, it just feels appropriate for me to leave it as is-I went out on top!
To think programmers were able to make a game look this good on a console from the 70's is really impressive. Solaris can easily pass for an early NES release 👍
The complexity of this was so amazing back in 86
Shows you a couple things: 1) the incredible longevity of the 2600. 2) As time went by & dev tools got better / ROM got cheaper, the complexity of 2600 games increased dramatically
It also helps that the guy who made the original Star Raiders for the Atari 8 bit computer line, did Solaris as well. Dude knows how to get alot from very little hardware
One of the 2600’s last hurrahs and one of the best games on the system. I never could make it to Solaris, sadly.
4:00 I am so grateful that I see the written name Zylon. When this video began you mentioned Cylon therefore I kept unwondering how the Battle Star producer and Universal Studiod allowed their franchise to be used on this game without them not trying to take Atari down. Not that the game was released in the 80's as you have stated.
Edit: BatteleStar Galactica...
It’s nice to see that there is still more that needs to be covered & discussed for the 2600
Loved this game as a kid. I especially enjoyed the planet and corridor raids, and I recall doing my best not to have to fight cobra fleets which seemed guaranteed to sap my lives.
The time you sunk into completing this review definitely paid off! Your explanation of the map screen was more complex than what I would expect from a 2600 game, but more complex games from a then nine year old console were probably what those still playing it were hoping for. Thanks for another entertaining and informative review!
I never knew this game was so complex. Great job.
Solaris rocks. Great looking and great playing game, huge improvement over Star Raiders. Very similar to Acclaim's Star Voyager on the NES and Namco's Star Luster on the Famicom.
Was always in my top 10. I bought this when it was brand new and it was worth every penny back then.
Appreciate all of your reviews....especially for my favorite console the 2600!
Keep the 2600 reviews coming, not been enough recently!
Oh definitely
It was a pleasant surprise to hear my name mentioned. Glad you were able to make it to Solaris and that my guide helped you.
Just what I need after a hard day at work, a new NSG vid. Thanks bro. Dude yer finish of this game was epic
Dang. This game is way more involved than I remember.
This is one of the most complex games for the system. My younger self who never cared to read the manual was completely lost. Resulting in the game collecting dust in the shelves. Until a few years ago, when I started to use a more serious approach on these older games, I have never realized that I missed out on imho one of the Atari‘s greatest game. Awesome review!
This must be that video that you mentioned in your post earlier. It better be worth all that time you took. ;) Glad to have you back sir.
I only started playing this game yesterday night, and... wow!!! So deep, so graphically astonishing, so challenging. This game is a masterpiece
Love this game. I got it at a dollar store. Is it the best dollar I ever spent? It’s possible. It’s quite possible.
It was my favourite game on the 2600. More variety in the gameplay than most titles, and the sounds & effects blew my mind at the time.
Love this game; it just looks so much better than most of its peers & I’m amazed at its complexity. It’s also a game that took me months to conquer, and to this day, I’ve only beaten it once. It was without ‘phasing’ so each attempt would take 3+ hours. As tempting as it’s been to revisit this game, it just feels appropriate for me to leave it as is-I went out on top!
One of the most impressive 2600 games ever. A wonderful feat.
I don't understand why some of the 80's games cartridges got black, white and dark red labels. Makes them look a bit bland despite how great some of the actual games are. This Solaris game is a good example. The graphics are rather cutting edge for the console with decent attempts to make the game look 3D. I enjoy playing it quite a bit. Recently found a copy of it complete in box at a mom n pop game store here in Las Vegas for a decent price. I'm glad it came with the manual as it really adds to the experience by explaining what you are looking at. Picking up the people stranded on Xylon planets is rewarding. Thanks for the Phasing tip! Great video!
I was stuck with us 7800 back when the NES was in it's heyday and this game held up really well next to 1st Gen NES games
Thanks for explaining this. I am enjoying learning about Atari games and the strategies for them through your channel and the evercade carts
Love that it looks like TIE Fighters, X-Wings AND Cylon Basestars in this game !
Solaris is top tier for the 2600. It felt like a game that seriously really pushed what you could do with the 2600 for graphics and game design. This is a massive game with interconnected star maps, wormholes that can change position, tough enemies, and super quick graphics that border on 3D with the scaling and planet surfaces. I think it should be *much* higher on your list, certainly is on mine!
i got this game for christmas in either 87 i think and it's one of my very favorite atari games and i still need to beat it. gg!
I didn't realize we'd moved on to the next review in his list. I thought we were still on Sea Hunt, one of the worst Atari games. So I was wondering why you and others were saying it's one of your favorites. Made sense that you "still need to beat it," though. Maybe if you only had Sea Hunt and Combat?
Agreed. This is a great game!
Hahaha I was like 5 or 6 when I used to play this, and had NO IDEA what i was doing, or supposed to do.... But in watching your videos, my young self knew a lot more than I thought lmao!!!!
Agree that this is a great game. Nice video.
I never knew that it was solvable.
The shear speed of the game is phenomenal.
this is one of best 2600 games
I think this same game was released as "Star Raiders 2" on the Atari 8 bit computer line at the time.
I used to own this and the graphics really impressed.
It’s definitely an incredible Atari 2600 game!
Such an impressive game for the system!
I have radar lock but not this. This looks better than radar lock!
Is that action figure wearing the gold helmet a Heman figure?
Great game. Underplayed because if timing.
BEST 2600'S game ever !
I've only played this on an emulator so I didn't get the full experience. I liked Activision's Star Master a lot but I guess if you read up on it, this one is even better.
Favourite game on the 2600 when I was a kid, anyone else shoot the refuel stations on the planet instead of refuel? Haha
Just imagine this game actualy being made for the atari 7800. Why the heck didn't jack tremiel do this.
I don't like Star Raiders and its imitators. I should have played it before buying, or returned it.
I think the last game for the 2600 I bought new was Donkey Kong, Jr. on the red label (which came out in 1986), not realizing it was just a reissue of a 1983 game by Coleco. I didn't like it either. Looking back, I think I should have got Pitfall II or Star Gate, both from 1984. The other Atari games from 1986 look OK, but I don't know how much they cost new, and haven't played them.
Solaris is hot and midnight magic is mean!
:)
I sucked at this game
Love this game; it just looks so much better than most of its peers & I’m amazed at its complexity. It’s also a game that took me months to conquer, and to this day, I’ve only beaten it once. It was without ‘phasing’ so each attempt would take 3+ hours. As tempting as it’s been to revisit this game, it just feels appropriate for me to leave it as is-I went out on top!