The Atari Lynx was ill-fated from the beginning. It was bounced from developer Epyx to Atari and then to the discount bin. Gamers never really gave this hand held a chance. Atari did do a great job in getting some high profile titles for their hand held though. From Batman Returns and Double Dragon, Atari was definitely trying. The arcade classics were represented with Joust, Ms. Pac-Man and Paperboy among others which helped those that did support the platform feel a little more at home.
Here we collect a short list of the games that every Atari Lynx owner should have in their collection and retro gamers in general should check out. The games on this list are here for one reason - being games that are entertaining and challenging. These titles were chosen based on replay and entertainment value. Titles that will make you proud to be an Atari Lynx owner.
Dracula the Undead adventure awaits
Dracula the Undead was an adventure title that was loosely based on the novel by Bram Stoker. Atari even created a reasonable facsimile of the author to open the game with a narrative. For those that don’t know, Dracula of the Undead is an adventure title, something that the Lynx was sorely lacking, that covers familiar territory (Dracula is not new to gaming) in a unique manner. This is almost like playing the old graphic adventures from computers. Obviously with a much simpler interface that works quite well on the portable screen. You don’t have to have read Dracula to understand the game but it couldn’t hurt.
Double Dragon arcade action on Atari Lynx
Double Dragon is one of those venerable franchises that gamers will probably know, no matter what generation they play. Most will recognize the influence of Double Dragon in other games as this was the standard bearer for the genre. The Atari Lynx version is lacking in a couple of key ways. The core game play is still quality through and through though. For one, you cannot see as much of the level as in other ports. Also, there are not as many enemies on the screen at a time (some would appreciate that fact).Switchblade II action adventuring fun
Switchblade II is a side scrolling action/adventure title. Fans will note some slight Metroidvania style levels with even more interaction and challenge. While not perfect, Switchblade II presents great challenge and level exploration that is not seen on the system in any other games (and very rarely on other platforms of this time period). Multiple weapons help in dispatching the enemies and add to the challenge. Figuring out the best way to handle the current obstacles you are facing is part of the charm.Crystal Mines II feels familiar
Crystal Mines II is similar to the classic Boulder Dash series in that you are collecting diamonds, avoiding enemies and watching out for boulders falling as gravity takes effect. The way that you dispatch enemies is similar to Dig Dug. That Namco title also saw enemies forcibly dispatched from the play field. There are a ton of levels here and tons of challenge, good thing the game is fun and challenging.California Games was the party game
California Games is one of the original party games years before Mario Party, Crash Bash and others of that ilk were even thought of. Containing a bunch of mini games such as the half pipe, hackysack/footbag, surfing and BMX racing. The variety of competitions available lent well to playing this at parties. Some players would be good at some of the games and suck at others. This also probably led to a lot of trash talk (I know it did in my group of friends).If you own an Atari Lynx, you owe it to yourself to grab these games. Experience the fun and challenge they represent and just game. Of the titles listed here, only Double Dragon is available on other hand held platforms in some form. These are all great titles that any retro gamer should at least try. All Atari Lynx owners should have in their collections.
This article was originally published on Retro Gaming Magazine.