Arcade Classics (prototype)

A rare glimpse into Atari Games’ past arrives with Arcade Classics (prototype), released internally in 1992. This two-player compilation features updated versions of established favorites—"Super Centipede" and "Missile Command II"—designed to celebrate the company's twentieth anniversary, though it never saw widespread distribution; only a handful of units are known to exist today. Players control familiar characters with trackball controls in “Super Centipede,” navigating insect swarms while aiming for precision targeting, or manage missile defense systems in "Missile Command II," intercepting incoming projectiles to protect cities. Both games benefit from enhanced graphics and sound compared to their predecessors, offering a fresh take on classic gameplay experiences. The "Missile Command II" game even features unique spaceships, one resembling a design originally featured in the book Spacecraft 2000 to 2100AD. Programmed by a team led by Kelly Turner, this prototype remains a fascinating artifact of Atari’s development process. The internal release of Arcade Classics (prototype) makes it an incredibly uncommon find for arcade enthusiasts and collectors, representing an intriguing what-might-have-been moment in gaming history.