If you’re a fan of classic gaming and have a soft spot for handheld consoles, then the Atari Lynx is sure to hold a special place in your heart. Known for its innovative features and impressive library of games, the Lynx became a favorite among gaming enthusiasts when it was released back in the late 1980s. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best Atari Lynx games that continue to deliver timeless entertainment and nostalgic charm. So, whether you’re a seasoned Lynx player or just discovering this gem of a console, stay tuned to uncover the top picks that will transport you back to the golden age of handheld gaming.
Best Atari Lynx Games
The Atari Lynx, released in 1989, was a portable gaming console that offered gamers a unique and immersive gaming experience. Despite being overshadowed by its competitors, such as the Game Boy, the Atari Lynx boasted impressive technical specifications, including a color LCD screen, advanced graphics capabilities, and multiplayer functionality. This portable powerhouse had a library of games that showcased its capabilities and delivered memorable gaming moments. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Atari Lynx games that have stood the test of time.
1. California Games
California Games is a sports-based game that takes players to the sunny beaches of California. Developed by Epyx, this game offers a variety of sports activities, including surfing, skateboarding, rollerblading, BMX biking, and even flying a frisbee. The diverse range of events, combined with intuitive controls, makes California Games a must-play for fans of sports games. With up to eight players supported through the Comlynx cable, you can challenge your friends to see who can conquer the California beaches.
2. Blue Lightning
If you’re a fan of fast-paced aerial combat, Blue Lightning is the game for you. Developed by Epyx, this action-packed flight simulator puts you in control of an advanced combat aircraft. Your mission is to complete various missions, including dogfights, bombing runs, and escort missions. The game’s impressive graphics and smooth gameplay make it a standout title for the Atari Lynx. Strap in, take off, and engage in thrilling airborne battles that will keep you captivated for hours.
3. Rygar
Rygar, a conversion of the arcade classic, brings action-packed platforming to the palm of your hand. As the legendary warrior Rygar, you must traverse through various levels filled with enemies and obstacles to rescue the princess. Armed with a powerful weapon known as the Diskarmor, you can defeat enemies and uncover hidden secrets. The game’s challenging gameplay, coupled with memorable boss battles, makes Rygar a must-play for fans of the platforming genre.
4. Chip’s Challenge
Chip’s Challenge is a puzzle game that requires you to navigate through a series of increasingly complex levels filled with obstacles and traps. Developed by Epyx, this addictive game challenges your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter new puzzles and unlock additional abilities. Chip’s Challenge offers hours of brain-teasing fun and is a standout title in the Atari Lynx library.
5. Zarlor Mercenary
If you’re a fan of space shooters, Zarlor Mercenary is sure to impress. Developed by Epyx, this game combines fast-paced action with impressive graphics and sound. As a mercenary pilot, you’re tasked with defending the planet Zarlor from waves of enemy spacecraft. With multiple weapons and power-ups at your disposal, you’ll engage in intense battles and epic boss fights. Zarlor Mercenary’s challenging gameplay and captivating visuals make it a top choice for lovers of the shoot ’em up genre.
6. S.T.U.N. Runner
S.T.U.N. Runner, an arcade conversion, offers an adrenaline-fueled racing experience like no other. Developed by Atari Games, this futuristic racer puts you in control of a high-speed vehicle as you navigate through twisting tracks and dodge obstacles. With its smooth gameplay and impressive graphics, S.T.U.N. Runner delivers an exhilarating racing experience on the Atari Lynx. Strap yourself in and get ready for a high-octane thrill ride.
7. Gauntlet: The Third Encounter
Gauntlet: The Third Encounter brings the popular dungeon-crawling action of the Gauntlet series to the Atari Lynx. Developed by Atari Games, this game allows you to choose from four different character classes, each with unique abilities. As you venture through the dark and treacherous dungeons, you’ll encounter hordes of enemies and collect powerful artifacts. With its cooperative multiplayer mode, Gauntlet: The Third Encounter offers hours of addictive dungeon exploration and monster slaying.
8. Lemmings
Lemmings, a conversion of the popular puzzle game, finds its way onto the Atari Lynx. Developed by DMA Design, this addictive game requires you to guide a group of lemmings through perilous obstacles and traps. You must assign different skills to the lemmings, such as digging, building, and climbing, to ensure their safe passage to the exit. With its challenging gameplay and charming graphics, Lemmings provides hours of puzzle-solving fun on the Atari Lynx.
9. Gates of Zendocon
Gates of Zendocon is a side-scrolling shooter that takes you on a mission to rescue stranded astronauts from a hostile alien planet. Developed by Epyx, this action-packed game features multiple weapons, power-ups, and challenging boss battles. With its smooth controls and immersive graphics, Gates of Zendocon delivers an intense shooting experience on the Atari Lynx. Prepare for an intergalactic adventure filled with alien encounters and fast-paced combat.
10. Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden, a conversion of the popular console game, brings ninja action to the palm of your hand. Developed by Atari Games, this platformer follows the story of Ryu Hayabusa as he battles through various levels to avenge his father’s death and retrieve a stolen sword. With its fluid animations, intense combat, and memorable boss fights, Ninja Gaiden provides an engaging and challenging experience on the Atari Lynx.
In conclusion, the Atari Lynx may not have received the same level of recognition as its competitors, but it offered a unique and exciting gaming experience. The library of games available for the Atari Lynx showcased the console’s capabilities and provided gamers with memorable moments. Whether you’re a fan of sports games, platformers, shooters, or puzzles, the Atari Lynx had something to offer. The games mentioned in this article are just a glimpse of the fantastic titles available for this underrated console. So dust off your Atari Lynx, gather some friends, and get ready to rediscover the timeless classics that made it a beloved part of gaming history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best Atari Lynx games?
Atari Lynx, a handheld gaming console released in the late 1980s, featured a variety of games that stood out for their gameplay and graphics. Here are some of the best Atari Lynx games:
1. California Games
California Games offered a collection of sports events set in sunny California. Players could compete in skateboarding, surfing, BMX racing, and more. Its diverse gameplay and multiplayer options made it a popular choice.
2. Blue Lightning
Blue Lightning was an air combat simulator that showcased the Lynx’s impressive graphics capabilities. Players could pilot a fighter jet and engage in aerial battles, taking down enemy planes and completing challenging missions.
3. Chip’s Challenge
Chip’s Challenge was a puzzle game that captivated players with its addictive gameplay and clever level designs. The objective was to guide the protagonist, Chip, through a series of labyrinthine levels, solving puzzles and avoiding hazards along the way.
4. Gauntlet: The Third Encounter
Based on the popular arcade game, Gauntlet: The Third Encounter brought the classic dungeon-crawling experience to the handheld console. Players could choose from four different characters and cooperatively explore mazes while battling hordes of monsters.
5. Rampage
In Rampage, players took control of gigantic monsters, wreaking havoc in cities across the globe. The game’s destructive gameplay and humorous tone made it a great choice for those looking for a fun and chaotic experience.
6. Ninja Gaiden
Ninja Gaiden on the Atari Lynx offered an action-packed adventure, following the story of a ninja seeking revenge. With its fast-paced combat and challenging levels, it became a favorite among fans of the platformer genre.
Final Thoughts
The Atari Lynx remains a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts, and there are several standout titles that showcase its capabilities. Some of the best Atari Lynx games include “California Games” which offers a variety of fun sports challenges, “Ninja Gaiden” with its fast-paced action, and the addictive puzzle game “Chip’s Challenge.” “Blue Lightning” impresses with its impressive graphics and thrilling aerial combat, while “RoadBlasters” delivers intense racing action. Whether you’re a fan of sports, action, puzzles, or racing, the Atari Lynx has something for everyone. Experience the best Atari Lynx games and relive the nostalgia of this remarkable handheld console.