8Bit/Digi

The Story of Namco in One Collection

When it comes to compilations of remastered arcade classics, Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration stands out as something truly unique. It’s less a collection of classic games and more an interactive documentary that chronicles the story of an industry pioneer through the works that defined a generation. It also happens to include a rich selection of retro titles you can play. The latest DLC tells the story of how Atari’s attempt to enter the Japanese market set the groundwork for what would become Namco Ltd.

Atari 50: The Namco Legendary Pack is not just a DLC but the story of Namco Ltd. and the role Atari played. This is the story of how an amusement machine company transformed into one of the entertainment juggernauts we know today. At the same time, players are invited to experience that history firsthand through the many games developed for Atari consoles.

Rooftop Horse Rides

Woven between the games is the story of Masaya Nakamura and how he built Namco Ltd. in post-war Japan. The company began by producing and managing amusement machines in malls and shopping centers during the 1950s and 1960s. In the 19970s, Namco began to enter the emerging video game industry, starting with the purchase of Atari Japan. The company started distributing Atari titles before starting to develop their own titles, starting with Pac-Man. This would set the groundworks for Namco to grow before it merged with Bandai in 2006 to become the powerhouse we know today as Bandai Namco Holdings.

Pong Comes to Japan

When it comes to this level of detail in presenting video game history, you’d usually have to attend a retro gaming convention or visit a museum. I’ve experienced this firsthand at events like the Sac Gamers Expo and California Extreme, where panels with industry pioneers and showcases of rare accessories or artwork. Having such history available as an interactive experience that also tells an often-overlooked story is remarkable. That’s the hallmark of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. The Namco Legendary Pack goes further, exploring not only how Namco’s story intersected with Atari’s but also how that pivotal moment set both legends on separate paths.

At the same time, being able to play these games offers its own glimpse into Namco’s history. Going back to my earlier comparison, I’ve played the arcade versions of Pac-Man and Dig Dug at events like California Extreme, and it’s fascinating to experience games from another era. For those who can’t attend such events, this collection provides an excellent alternative. Players can not only play the original Pac-Man but also the different versions released for Atari systems in the 1980s. At the same time, they have the opportunity to explore Namco’s lesser-known titles from that era. Not only can you play the different versions that were available, but you also gain a behind-the-scenes look through promotional materials, TV ads, and critical reviews from the time.

Game Over

When it comes to its shortcomings, they largely mirror the issues that have affected Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. Some games exhibit input problems and may not feel as responsive as expected, though they generally perform better than the original versions. Additionally, performance issues such as video stutters on the menu screens do happen sometimes and it makes the overall experience somewhat uncomfortable.

Despite these shortcomings with the base game, The Namco Legendary Pack is still a welcome addition to the collection.

A Bright Future

Atari 50: The Namco Legendary Pack tells the story of Namco Ltd. and the role Atari played in transforming it into an entertainment powerhouse. The DLC reflects on the rise of the company and the birth of a cultural icon. At the same time, players can experience the many titles Namco developed for the Atari consoles in the 1980s. Overall, it serves as an interactive documentary and museum of Namco Ltd., presented in the unique form of a video game.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Atari 50: The Namco Legendary Pack

8

Excellent

8.0/10

Pros

• It’s the story of Nacom Ltd. presented as a documentry with its Atari library.
• Play different versions of the same game just to see its evolution.
• Reading into the history of the company and the role Atari had.

Cons

• Issues that plague the base game are still present.