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Deeply Sinister Atari Ad, Featuring Yars' Revenge


We usually avoid posting random pre-historic retro stuff, but I have a soft spot for ultra-weird proto-shooter Yars' Revenge. Peerless gaming esoterica journal Offworld dug up this 1982 Atari 2600 TV ad that somehow manages to capture just how profoundly sinister Yars' Revenge actually is. The bizarre setup and constant droning of the game means it's quite a unsettling experience, and subsequently it often goes forgotten in retro musings. I'm amazed it was actually advertised on TV. The commercial goes on to have a monologue about Asteroids and Star Raiders too. Have a look at this and then stare out of the window for a moment, while considering how much modern advertising fails us. Clickwards for the ad.

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