Before the Mad Bomber, Zachary Graves, Madame Q, Dr. Wily, and Bowser, There Was Evil Otto, One of the First and Most Menacing Big Bads of All Time
Atari fans rejoice: one of the most iconic games of the ’80s golden era is getting a new update that brings it into the 21st century. Berzerk: Recharged, the latest installment in Atari’s nostalgia-based Recharged series, is bringing back the classic top-down multidirectional shooter with updated graphics, twin-stick controls, and a new soundtrack from Megan McDuffee.
Released in 1980, Berzerk puts players in the shoes of a nameless hero tasked with blasting their way through a maze filled with hostile robots. The catch is, the robots talk back, taunting players with haughty messages like “Kill the Humanoid” and “Chicken, fight like a robot!” In addition, one of the most iconic and indestructible figures of the era — the ever-looming, smiling visage of Evil Otto — is also out for your doom. This bouncing, relentless smiley face can pass through walls, giving an extra challenge to your mission.
The Berzerk: Recharged update also comes with 20 hand-crafted levels and weapon modifiers, including a spread-shot, big shot, and a classic railgun. For players looking for a real ’80s throwback, the game will launch with an updated version of the original 2600 cartridge released in 2023.
The cartridge is fully equipped with diagonal firing and robot voice sampling, perfect for those looking for that old-school gaming experience.
Atari’s Berzerk: Recharged will be available later this year on Windows PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Atari VCS.
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