Circus Atari

A surprisingly good rendition of the 1983 arcade game, Crystal Castles for the Atari VCS features a whopping 12 different playfields. While the original has 16, and are designed in a more complex fashion, this port's pseudo-3D graphics are executed proficiently given the limitations of the VCS hardware. Also impressive are the colorfully detailed graphics, delightful sound effects, faithfully programmed music, and the inclusion of every enemy from the coin-op classic. Missing, of course, is the ability to enter high-score initials, which in the arcade game was incorporated into the design of one of the levels. Keeping the game from greatness is its controls, which are sluggish even when played using a trackball.