Atari has been revitalizing its classic games lineup with modern twists, including the latest addition, Yars Rising. Unlike a mere update of its 1982 predecessor, Yars Rising ventures into the realm of Metroidvania, blending the essence of the original Yars gameplay with contemporary game design.
Presented at Summer Game Fest, the game begins with a motion comic introducing Yar, the main character, setting the stage for a narrative-driven experience.
Players assume the role of Emi Kimura, alias Yar, a skilled hacker embroiled in a heist at QoTech’s offices. The gameplay integrates hacking elements reminiscent of Atari’s original 2600 game, challenging players with mini-games embedded in terminals throughout the building. This homage to the past evolves as the game progresses, becoming more intricate and layered, as explained by game director James Montagna.
The storyline takes a turn when Yar’s mission goes awry, leading to her imprisonment and triggering a full-fledged Metroidvania adventure. Here, players navigate platforming challenges, combat enemies with energy weapons, and explore a sprawling high-rise environment. Despite the demo’s brevity, the responsive controls and engaging platform mechanics hint at deeper gameplay surprises awaiting the full release.
WayForward enriches Yars Rising with nods to Atari’s legacy beyond the hacking mini-games. Save points modeled after early Atari arcade consoles and encounters with bosses like Missile Commander showcase the game’s reverence for gaming history. These elements serve as more than mere Easter eggs, enhancing the experience with meaningful callbacks that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Yars Rising emerges as a standout in the Summer Game Fest lineup, blending solid Metroidvania gameplay with nostalgic tributes to Atari’s storied past.
While the fusion of Yars’ original concept with modern game design initially seemed ambitious, the hands-on experience suggests it’s a risk that’s paying off, promising an intriguing journey through gaming’s evolution. As anticipation builds, players eagerly await what surprises, references, and challenges lie ahead in Yars Rising’s full release.
