Rediscovering Earthquake: A Lost Atari 2600 Gem Unearthed in Texas

A long-forgotten title for a classic console has recently been rediscovered in a Texas museum, sparking excitement among vintage gaming enthusiasts.

The museum specializing in video game history in Frisco, Texas, has uncovered an unlisted Atari 2600 game from the 1980s called Earthquake. This long-lost game was found amidst a collection of old floppy disks that once belonged to an artist renowned for his contributions to well-known film projects such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and E.T.

The artist worked at Atari from 1981 to 1986 before moving on to contribute at Sega, where he lent his skills to notable titles like Jurassic Park for the Sega CD. After his passing in 2016, his personal archives were donated to the museum, which is now in the process of preserving and studying the materials.

Images shared by the museum illustrate various elements that hint at a natural disaster-themed game. The visuals include:

• Designs showing damaged structures, scattered debris, and the presence of an emergency responder.
• A particular screen featuring a professional navigating a maze-like environment while searching for those in need of assistance, using a flashlight to reveal parts of the scene, reminiscent of effects seen in other classic titles.

Given the impressive detail in the graphics, it is surprising that this game did not appear on any official development lists, suggesting that much work went into the visuals without any prior public acknowledgement.

Reflect on your own experiences with the Atari 2600—what were the titles that made a "that left an indelible mark on you during your early years"?