E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Help E.T. Call Home
Step into the shoes of a lonely alien trying to find his way back to his home planet. In this classic Atari 2600 adventure, you control E.T. as he navigates a strange and somewhat confusing world. The goal is simple in theory but tricky in practice: collect three pieces of an interplanetary telephone so you can call Elliott for help.
You start in a top-down view of a yard filled with trees, fences, and wells. Your main job is to explore this area carefully. You will need to navigate through various pits and wells scattered across the map. These holes are not just obstacles; they are essential parts of the level design. You can climb out of them by levitating, which gives you a moment of freedom but also makes you vulnerable.
While exploring, keep an eye out for Reese's Pieces. These candy pieces are crucial because they help restore your energy. If you run out of energy, E.T. will fall asleep and be unable to move until he rests. Collecting nine Reese's Pieces allows you to call Elliott, who can provide assistance or a phone piece if you have found one already.
The game features six different environments based on settings from the movie. As you progress, you will move between these areas, each with its own layout and challenges. The camera changes from room to room, which can be disorienting at first. You need to remember where you were and how to get back, especially since the path isn't always clear.
One of the most famous aspects of this game is the difficulty of getting out of pits. Many players find themselves stuck in wells for long periods. The levitation mechanic allows you to rise above the ground, but it requires precise timing. If you time it wrong, you might end up falling back in or hitting a tree.
Another key challenge is the timer. Once you have collected all three pieces of the telephone, you must guide E.T. to a landing zone before time runs out. This adds pressure to your exploration. You cannot just wander aimlessly; you need to move with purpose toward the exit point.
The game is known for its hidden Easter eggs. If you look closely, you might find references to the developer's initials and the graphic artist's initials tucked away in the scenery. These small details add a layer of discovery for those who take their time exploring every corner.
Playing this game offers a unique experience that is both frustrating and memorable. It captures the feeling of being lost and alone, much like E.T. himself. The graphics are simple, with blocky shapes and limited colors, but they create a distinct atmosphere. You will spend most of your time looking down at the ground, searching for the next piece of candy or the next phone part.
As you play, you will notice that the controls can feel a bit stiff. This is typical for games from this era, but it adds to the challenge. You need to plan your moves carefully because E.T. does not turn quickly. This sluggish movement makes avoiding enemies and navigating tight spaces more difficult.
The story is straightforward: you are an alien who has crash-landed on Earth and wants to go home. You meet a young boy named Elliott, who helps you hide from the government agents looking for you. Your mission is to repair the broken telephone so you can contact your people in space.
Many players remember this game for its difficulty, but it also has a charm that comes from its simplicity. There are no complex menus or tutorials. You just start playing and figure out what to do as you go. This direct approach makes the experience feel raw and unfiltered.
If you enjoy games that test your patience and memory, this is a good choice. It requires you to pay attention to every detail, from the position of the trees to the location of the wells. The sense of accomplishment when you finally reach the landing zone is significant, even if it takes many attempts.
The game's legacy is mixed. Some people criticize it for being too hard or confusing, while others appreciate its bold design and connection to a popular film. Regardless of your opinion, it remains one of the most well-known games from the Atari 2600 era.
When you play, try to take your time. Do not rush through the levels. Explore every nook and cranny to find all the hidden items. This approach will help you understand the layout better and make it easier to navigate when the timer is ticking down.
Overall, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial offers a nostalgic look at early video game design. It is a simple game with deep challenges that have kept players engaged for decades. Whether you are playing for the first time or returning to revisit the past, it provides a unique adventure that is hard to forget. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.