Over the decades one of the most iconic brands in videogame entertainment, Atari, has done it all. From hardware to software, highs and lows, the brand is still going and due to make an appearance at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2018 this month. With videogames and a console to debut, Atari has now confirmed its first virtual reality (VR), RollerCoaster Tycoon Joyride for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation VR.
Currently there are no further details about RollerCoaster Tycoon Joyride other than its PlayStation support. Atari will obviously be revealing everything at the event. Hopefully it’s going to be more than just a rollercoaster simulator as the name seems to suggest, where you just ride around on digital coasters all day long. With such a long running series as RollerCoaster Tycoon, finger’s crossed that it’ll feature the same park building mechanics as previous titles, just with the added ability to jump on the rides or walk around your park.
All the other titles Atari has at GDC will be console or mobile based: Atari Flashback Classics Volume 3 – PlayStation 4; Tempest 4000 – PlayStation 4, RollerCoaster Tycoon – Nintendo Switch and Night Driver – iOS, Android. Plus there will be prototypes of the highly-anticipated “Ataribox” hardware and peripheral, Atari’s first major hardware platform in over twenty years and inspired by the silhouette and style of the Atari 2600 Video Computer System.
Of course those of a certain age will know this really isn’t Atari’s first foray into VR proper. While RollerCoaster Tycoon Joyride maybe the first title for this current crop of headsets, Atari created an unreleased VR version of Alien Vs. Predator for the Atari Jaguar back in the 90’s. Then in 2014, Atari CEO and Chairman Fred Chesnais said in an interview: “We have had discussions with Oculus and are considering VR integration in future games.”
So while Atari’s first VR experience may not be on Oculus, at least RollerCoaster Tycoon Joyride for PlayStation VR is a start. For any further updates from Atari, keep reading VRFocus.
via Mint VR