Extra Terrestrials
A Rare Two-Player Adventure
Extra Terrestrials is one of the most unusual and sought-after titles for the Atari 2600. Unlike many other games from that era, this was not a mass-market release. In fact, it is incredibly rare, with only 100 copies ever produced. These copies were sold door-to-door locally in Ontario by Skill Screen Games, making it a true collector's item for enthusiasts and a unique experience for players today.
Before you start playing, it is important to clarify that this game is completely unrelated to the famous E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial title. While the names sound similar, Extra Terrestrials is a distinct creation programmed by Herman Quast. It offers a different kind of challenge and atmosphere, focusing on a specific two-player dynamic rather than the single-player exploration of its more well-known counterpart.
The game requires two players and two joysticks to function. You cannot play it alone. This cooperative or competitive setup is central to the experience. One player takes on the role of an Extra Terrestrial, while the other controls a Ranger. The alien's goal is to find an invisible friend and eat candy scattered throughout the environment. Meanwhile, the Ranger's objective is to capture these aliens. This creates a tense cat-and-mouse scenario where both players are working toward opposing goals simultaneously.
As the Extra Terrestrial, you will navigate through the game world searching for your hidden companion. The sense of mystery is heightened by the fact that your friend is invisible, requiring you to rely on other visual cues and perhaps memory or pattern recognition to find them. Along the way, you must collect candy, which likely serves as points or a necessary resource for your mission. The pressure mounts as the Ranger pursues you, trying to tag or capture you before you can complete your tasks.
For the player controlling the Ranger, the experience is one of pursuit and strategy. You must track the alien's movements and anticipate where they might go next. Since the alien is looking for something invisible, their path might be unpredictable. The Ranger needs to cut off escape routes and corner the alien to succeed in capturing them. This role requires quick reflexes and a good understanding of the game's layout.
One interesting feature of Extra Terrestrials is the variety available to players. You can select from up to four different alien types. This adds a layer of customization and possibly slight variations in gameplay or appearance, allowing you to choose your preferred look for your character. It gives each session a fresh feel, even if the core mechanics remain the same.
Playing this game feels like stepping into a niche piece of gaming history. The rarity of the original cartridge adds to the allure. Knowing that only 100 copies were ever made and sold in a specific region makes playing it today feel special. It is not just about the gameplay, although the two-player dynamic is engaging and fun, but also about experiencing a title that almost no one else has touched.
The challenge lies in balancing your own objectives with the actions of your opponent. If you are the alien, you must be stealthy and efficient to gather candy and find your friend without getting caught. If you are the Ranger, you must be aggressive and smart to track down the elusive target. The game does not hold your hand; it throws you into this dual-role conflict immediately.
Because it is a two-player only game, Extra Terrestrials is best enjoyed with a friend or family member. It encourages interaction and direct competition in a way that single-player games from the Atari 2600 era often do not. The simplicity of the controls allows you to focus on the strategy of the hunt and the evasion.
Overall, Extra Terrestrials is worth trying for its uniqueness alone. It offers a glimpse into a very specific moment in gaming history where small publishers like Skill Screen Games experimented with niche concepts. Whether you are a collector curious about what made this title so special or just a player looking for a different two-player experience on the Atari 2600, this game delivers a memorable and distinct adventure.
Remember to have two controllers ready before you begin. The fun comes from the back-and-forth tension between the hunter and the hunted. Enjoy exploring the world as an alien searching for connection, or take on the role of the Ranger enforcing the law in this rare digital landscape. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.