DOWN AND DIRTY REVIEWS:  ATARI 5200
 "Lots of improved 2600 games with better graphics and sounds!"  But NOT controls. 
The scores are out of 100.
SCORE / NAME
51 BERZERK (Atari, 1982)
this cool overhead shooter features random levels and great robot voice samples too. Plays very close to it's arcade counterpart. "Co-ward! Fight like a Ro-bot!"
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 7
gameplay: 5

47 CENTIPEDE (Atari, 1982)
Looks even better than the 7800 version and it's compatible with the Atari 5200 Track ball too. It's still a really basic shooter by Atari though.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

NEW!!
51 DEFENDER (Atari/Williams, 1982)
Other than the graphics being a bit blocky and larger, this is a near perfect arcade game of the classic Defender. Still a very choatic game with tons of enemies, bullets, and explosions on screen.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 6
sound: 4
gameplay: 5

39 DIG DUG (Atari/Namco, 1982)
a OK translation of the strange digging arcade game by Namco. But the confusing controller brings down the score when compared to the 2600 and 7800version of Dig Dug, your character may not know when to stop.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 4

23 GALAXIAN (Atari/Namco, 1982)
Terrible sound effects and repeatitive gameplay ruin this classic shooter by Namco.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 0
gameplay: 2

49 JOUST (Atari, 1983)
it's ok but it's too demanding on the sensitive controller.
For 1 or 2players.
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 5

33 JUNGLE HUNT (Atari, 1983)
Best to avoid this overly hard game.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 0
gameplay: 2

36 KANGAROO (Atari, 1983)
This game is similar to Nintendo's Donkey Kong but your a Kangaroo mom trying to rescue your kid from evil monkeys. This is the where the 5200controller is no help at all.
For 1 or 2 players.
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5

44 MARIO BROS. (Atari/Nintendo, 1984)
A ok version of the old Nintendo arcade game. A little choppy on the frame rate and Mario and Luigi heads look a little small but it's still playable and better than the Atari 2600game.
For 1 or 2 players.
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 5
SECOND OPINION!!
I think the 5200 had the BEST version of Mario Bros for the home systems. The only thing it is missing, is the falling ice of later levels. It had more animation than any other home version, including Nintendo's DISAPPOINTING NES version! While the graphics weren't arcade-perfect, the detail made a big difference.
-Darryl 3/31/01

57 MISSILE COMMAND (Atari, 1982)
a great arcade translation of the Atari classic complete with more realistic expositions.  The controller doesn't hurt this game too much. A safe bet for Atari 5200 owners.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 5
sound: 4
gameplay: 6

GAME OF THE MONTH COLLECTION!!
58 MS PAC MAN (Atari/Namco, 1993)
Another great Ms. Pac Man game on a Atari system. The only problem is that the controller isn't always responsive around corners and a few flickers now and again.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 5
sound: 5
gameplay: 6

62 MOON PATROL (Atari/Irem, 1983)
Plays and looks pretty close to the arcade game but I still prefer the Atari 2600version thanks to the weird button set up on the Atari 5200 controller side buttons. Still a amazing game, the scrolling 3Dbackgrounds are ahead of there time.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

50 PAC MAN (Atari/Namco, 1982)
a fairly decent arcade port that's almost like the original but a little wider side. Still kinda fun though even with the odd controller. But it's a little on the hard side.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 4
gameplay: 4

NEW!!
39 PENGO (Atari/Sega, 1993)
Throw ice at the enemy to destroy em. The control sucks for a game like this because it's too easy to destroy a ice block and not push it.
 For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 3
sound: 3
gameplay: 4

53 POLE POSITION (Atari/Namco, 1983)
This classic racer by Namco plays very well.
For 1player only
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 4

NEW!!
35 POPEYE (Parker Brothers, 1982)
Stiff controls do effect the gameplay negatively.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 5
gameplay: 4

BEST GAME FOR THE ATARI 5200
NEW!!
67 QIX (Atari/Taito, 1982)
My current favorite Atari 5200 game is the underrated drawing game of skill and speed. Guide the spaceship Stix to create your own field to conquer the area, but watch out for the evil Qix. Intelligent and demanding that can be played in many ways.
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 4
sound: 2
gameplay: 7

NEW!!
21 REAL SPORTS TENNIS (Atari, 1983)
A fancy looking game of Pong.
For 1 or 2players.
graphics: 4
sound: 3
gameplay: 4

NEW!!
18 REAL SPORTS FOOTBALL (Atari, 1982)
Football games suck!
For 1 or 2players.
graphics: 3
sound: 1
gameplay: 2

NEW!!
60 RIVER RAID (Activision, 1983)
The fun and challenging vertical scrolling shooter that's similar to Sega's classic Zaxxon game comes to the Atari 5200 with some graphical enhancements. How far can you get??
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 5
sound: 3
gameplay: 5

63 SPACE INVADERS (Atari/Taito, 1982)
a improved arcade translation with better alien animation and better sound effects. The aliens even change after a few levels but the classic gameplay is still intact. Very good upgrade that Space Invader fans shouldn't miss!
For 1 or 2players.
graphics: 6
sound: 5
gameplay: 5

16 STAR RAIDERS (Atari, 1982)
I never like this series. Early Atari systems just cannot handle a game of this scale and depth. Another boring flight simulator in 3D I can do without.

37 SUPER BREAKOUT (Atari, 1982)
fun but way too simple for this age.
For 1 or 4players
graphics: 2
sound: 1
gameplay: 2

29 VANGUARD (Atari, 1983)
actually worst than the Atari 2600version. It's nearly impossible to shoot up and down which is really annoying in the Rainbow stages. The unlimited continues were a bad idea I think. A shame!
For 1 or 2players (alternate).
graphics: 5
sound: 6
gameplay: 5
Don't Agree? Come on, you gonna! Email me!