We get sent all kinds of stuff here at Checkpoint XP, not all of it is good or interesting, but every so often something crosses our desk that is so bizarre that we have to share it. This is one of those…Atari is making a rpg based off of their iconic video game franchise PONG. You heard me. PONG.
Here’s the press release…
Atari — one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers — and developer Chequered Ink, announced today that PONG Quest, a humorous new RPG reimagining of the flagship arcade classic PONG, is coming soon to Windows PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
It’s PONG like you’ve never thought it could be! Immerse yourself in a whole new world of PONG-inspired fun where you’ll adventure as a brave young paddle traversing a variety of treacherous dungeons, all loosely based on classic Atari hits, including Asteroids, Centipede, and more. Your journey will dictate the fate of PONG World as you reveal the mysteries of… the Spooky Door!
Atari COO Jean-Marcel Nicolai said of the project
“PONG as an RPG is something completely unexpected, but wonderful in execution, […] We are thrilled to bring PONG Quest to life to honor the classic IP and bring the beloved gameplay to a new generation of players and RPG fans. Atari has a rich portfolio of titles and exploring new ways to breathe new life into those franchises yields exciting results.”
Just wait until you see this trailer….
In PONG Quest, you’ll explore a fantasy world as you encounter a variety of paddle opponents in energetic, RPG-esque battles! Special unlockable PONG balls add new depths and strategy to the classic gameplay putting a fresh and modern spin on the original.
Additional Key Features Include:
- Paddle Customization: Design and personalize your own Paddle avatar with fun clothing, accessories, and more.
- Powerups Galore: Over 50 specialized PONG balls, each with their own unique attributes, grant players the ability to make their bounce-backs fiercer than ever.
- PONG for All: Engage in multiplayer mayhem with up to three other players, each with the ability to use specialized PONG balls, creating unpredictable twists and immeasurable fun.
And there you have it….PONG Quest in all its glory. I’m not quite sure what to make of this. Obviously the game isn’t taking itself too seriously, which is good, but calling it ‘humorous’ makes me nervous. What’s clear is that this makes just as much sense as making a movie out of Tetris.