Ranking the top 10 most rare and expensive Atari 2600 games can vary depending on factors like condition, scarcity, and collector demand. However, here’s a general list based on historical data and collector insights:
10. Birthday Mania:
Birthday Mania is a rare and sought-after game for the Atari 2600. Released by US Games in 1984, it features a unique gameplay concept where players must blow out candles on a cake by using the joystick controller. Its scarcity and novelty contribute to its high value among collectors.
9. Save Mary:
Save Mary, a prototype, is another rare title for the Atari 2600. Players control a firefighter who must rescue a woman from a burning building by bouncing her to safety on a trampoline. Its limited release and unconventional gameplay make it a coveted item for collectors.
8. Red Sea Crossing:
Red Sea Crossing is a biblical-themed game developed by Steve Schustack and released by Inspirational Video Concepts in 1983. Players control Moses as he crosses the Red Sea, avoiding obstacles and collecting items. Its religious theme and limited distribution contribute to its high value among collectors.
7. Killer Satellites:
Killer Satellites, released by Starpath (formerly Arcadia Corporation) in 1983, is a space shooter game where players must defend Earth from enemy satellites. It is notable for being one of the few games that utilized the Starpath Supercharger add-on, enhancing its graphics and gameplay. Its relative rarity and association with the Supercharger make it highly sought after by collectors.
6. Atlantis II:
Atlantis II, also known as Atlantis II (Hack), is a hacked version of the popular game Atlantis, released by Imagic in 1982. This unauthorized variant features enhanced gameplay and graphics compared to the original, making it a desirable item for collectors seeking unique variations of classic titles.
5. Video Life:
Video Life, released by CommaVid in 1981, is a simulation game where players control the life cycle of an organism in a virtual environment. Despite its simplistic graphics and gameplay, its rarity and historical significance as one of the first life simulation games for home consoles contribute to its high value among collectors.
4. Gamma-Attack:
Gamma-Attack, developed by Gammation and released in limited quantities in 1983, is a space shooter game where players control a spaceship battling alien invaders. Its scarcity, coupled with its association with the Gamma-Attack prototype console, makes it one of the most sought-after titles for the Atari 2600.
3. Extra Terrestrials:
Extra Terrestrials, developed by Skill Screen Games and published by Answers Software in 1984, is a rare and elusive game for the Atari 2600. Inspired by E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial for the Atari 2600, this unofficial sequel features improved gameplay and graphics. Its limited release and association with the infamous E.T. game contribute to its high value among collectors.
2. Air Raid:
Air Raid, released by Men-A-Vision in 1982, is one of the rarest and most valuable games for the Atari 2600. Players control a turret defending against enemy aircraft in a scrolling shooter gameplay. Its distinctive blue cartridge and scarcity make it a highly sought-after item among collectors, with complete copies fetching high prices at auctions.
1. Red Sea Crossing (Silver):
Red Sea Crossing (Silver) is a variant of the original Red Sea Crossing game, featuring a silver-colored cartridge. Only a handful of these cartridges are known to exist, making it one of the rarest and most valuable Atari 2600 games ever produced. Its unique appearance and extreme scarcity have elevated its value to astronomical levels, with complete copies fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auctions.
Keep in mind that prices and availability of these games can fluctuate over time, and this list represents a snapshot of the market as of the time of writing.
