Atari 2600 Video Game Release Dates for 1984
With pop culture atmosphere.
Information compiled by Duane Alan Hahn, a.k.a. Random Terrain.
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Out Of Control BG ???
Shuttle Orbiter BG ???
Berenstain Bears BG ???
Robin Hood DSEBG ✔
Sir Lancelot DSEBG ✔
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Page last updated on: 2023y_08m_14d_0052t
Below is an incomplete list of Atari 2600 video game release dates by month in the USA for the year 1984 along with lists of top 100 music (selected hits in the order they charted), new movies at the theater, and new TV shows to help summon your treasured memories of the Atari 2600 years with the bonus of recreating the magical feelings of that special time.
If you were too young or not even born yet, play the songs in the order they are listed and watch video clips or commercials for the movies and TV shows (in order) and you might get a sense of what it was like living from month to month back in 1984. There were no smartphones with an Internet full of knowledge and entertainment at your fingertips. If you wanted to know something, you had to go to the library and try to find the information in a book. If you were lucky, you had an encyclopedia set at home, but it would probably be many decades out of date.
Links that jump to other places on this page are blue. Links that lead to other pages online are red.
For those who only want release dates and nothing else, the game entries are listed in the Page Table of Contents. This page also has an Index to help you find a specific game. There's also an Atari 2600 NTSC Game Index for 1977 to 1991.
Most of the release dates below are not set in stone. Games will be moved as better information is found, so be sure to check back once in a while.
Many games are marked as a best guess. Some guesses are worse than others. Below is a list of the types of guesses that might be on this page.
Best Guess (BG): At least one magazine or newsletter mentioned the month a game was released or supposed to be released or newspaper ads have been found.
Extreme Best Guess (EBG): A vague mention of the release month in a magazine or newsletter.
Super Extreme Best Guess (SEBG): The Video Game Update newsletter only had a review for the game (no release month mentioned), so it's a semi-educated wild guess. The review could have happened the same month the game was released or the review could have been published a month or more later.
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess (DSEBG): There might be an ad in a magazine to go on if we're lucky. It's a desperate semi-educated wild guess.
I signed up for the most expensive subscription option at Newspapers.com in November of 2020 so I could finally look up games for myself. As I find the earliest newspaper ads for a game, I'll add a green check mark for that entry to indicate that the definitive release date has probably been found for that game.
≈ ✔ An almost equal symbol with a green check mark means that the game might have been available in some areas in the previous month. The entry is close enough.
☹ ✔ A sad face with a green check mark means that I couldn't find any useful newspaper ads, but there is enough evidence showing that the entry probably belongs in that month.
✳ A green eight spoked asterisk means that the entry might need to be moved if more information is found, but ads or news items suggest that the entry might be close enough to the correct month.
??? Three orange question marks indicate that I searched the newspapers and couldn't find anything helpful, so a more accurate release date for that game still needs to be found.
Remember, the date on the box, cartridge, manual, and copyright screen can be different from the actual release date. For example, Atari 2600 Pac-Man was released in March/April of 1982, but the box, cart, manual, and copyright screen have 1981 as the copyright date. It usually took around 6 months for a programmer to make an Atari VCS game back then and that’s not counting the time it took to make the manuals, boxes, and cartridges.
To help make your experience more enjoyable, most items listed on this page have a link to related search results at YouTube (YT) where you can watch music videos, scenes from movies, or clips from TV shows. The movies and TV shows listed on this page also have links to web sites such as the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) and Wikipedia (WP).
If you find a mistake, or have more information to add, such as month/year release dates for games, please contact me. Every little bit of credible information helps, no matter how insignificant you think it might be. Thanks for your help.
January 1984
“Wrapped Around Your Finger” by The Police (Jan 7) YT
“Bang Your Head (Metal Health)” by Quiet Riot (Jan 7) YT [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“Jump” by Van Halen (Jan 14) YT
“I Want A New Drug” by Huey Lewis & The News (Jan 14) YT
“New Moon On Monday” by Duran Duran (Jan 14) YT
“This Woman” by Kenny Rogers (Jan 14) YT
“For A Rocker” by Jackson Browne (Jan 14) YT
“She's Trouble” by Musical Youth (Jan 14) YT
“Nobody Told Me” by John Lennon (Jan 21) YT
“Runner” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (Jan 21) YT 70%
“New Song” by Howard Jones (Jan 21) YT 95%
“You Make My Heart Beat Faster” by Kim Carnes (Jan 21) YT
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins (Jan 28) YT 75% [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell (Jan 28) YT 80%
“Here Comes The Rain Again” by Eurythmics (Jan 28) YT 60%
“Automatic” by Pointer Sisters (Jan 28) YT 75%
“Got A Hold On Me” by Christine McVie (Jan 28) YT
“Red, Red Wine” by UB40 (Jan 28) YT
“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol (Jan 28) YT
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson (Jan 28) YT 80%
January 1984
Night Court NBC (Jan 4) YT IMDb WP
Blue Thunder ABC (Jan 6) YT IMDb WP
The Master NBC (Jan 20) YT IMDb WP
January 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Jan 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
January
Kick Man (CBS) [unreleased]
Targ (CBS) [unreleased]
February
Wings (CBS) [unreleased]
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
Text below from The Video Game Update (January 1984)
For our readers who want to know “what’s happened to...”, here’s an update on various games. The board games (e.g. RISK, CHESS, and MONOPOLY) are still in development and have been bumped to the second half of ‘84. Meanwhile, JAMES BOND 007 has “gone back to the drawing board” as they want to expand the interest beyond that of the originally planned tie-in with the recent Bond film, Octupussy. Parker Bros, plans scenes from several Bond films. Don’t look for that title until at least the second quarter of the year.
February 1984
Pitfall II: Lost Caverns (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads.
[Pitfall II: Lost Caverns was reviewed in the February 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Mark Gallagher (Mar 4, 84)
Soon available exclusively for the Atari 2600: Private Eye, H.E.R.O., and one of the first video game sequels, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns.
Newspaper: Mark Gallagher (Apr 15, 84)
Even a year ago, Pitfall had been around for quite awhile, and it was (and still may be) the company's flagship title. Although later games (River Raid, Enduro, Robot Tank, etc.) have done quite well, none has matched Pitfall's success. Correspondingly, Activision has just released Pitfall II: Lost Caverns in an attempt to recapture some of the magic.
Newspaper: Michael Blanchet (Mar 31, 84)
Newspaper: Lou Hudson (Jul 14, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $23.88 (Feb 17, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ (Feb 19, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $28.97 (Feb 24, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $26.94 (Feb 26, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $25.49 (Mar 1, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $28.95 (Mar 1, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $24.99 (Mar 3, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $25.99 (Mar 11, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ (Mar 11, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $26.88 (Mar 12, 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ $29.97 (Mar 14, 84)
Looks Like You’re Ready - Electronic Games (May 84)
Newspaper: Pіtfall IІ (Jun 3, 84)
February 1984
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update, Rawson Stovall review below, and newspaper ads.
[Private Eye was reviewed in the February 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Mark Gallagher (Mar 4, 84)
Soon available exclusively for the Atari 2600: Private Eye, H.E.R.O., and one of the first video game sequels, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns.
Newspaper: Rawson Stovall (Feb 15, 84)
Activision now has come out with two more great ones for the Atari 2600— Private Eye and H.E.R.O. I can't make up my mind which I like better, but because Private Eye is to be released this month, I'll review it now.
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe NEW (Feb 17, 84)
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe $14.97 (Feb 18, 84)
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe $17.97 (Feb 29, 84)
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe $16.99 (Mar 1, 84)
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe $18.88 (Mar 12, 84)
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe $15.88 (Mar 15, 84)
Newspaper: Prіvate Eуe $23.99 (Mar 15, 84)
February 1984
“The Language Of Love” by Dan Fogelberg (Feb 4) YT
“Back Where You Belong” by 38 Special (Feb 4) YT
“Come Back And Stay” by Paul Young (Feb 4) YT
“Don’t Let Go” by Wang Chung (Feb 4) YT 60%
“Strip” by Adam Ant (Feb 4) YT
“She Was Hot” by The Rolling Stones (Feb 4) YT
“Fields Of Fire” by Big Country (Feb 4) YT
“Breaking Up Is Hard On You” (a/k/a “Don’t Take Ma Bell Away From Me”) by The American Comedy Network (Feb 4) YT
“That Was Then But This Is Now” by ABC (Feb 4) YT
“Hold Me Now” by Thompson Twins (Feb 11) YT 55%
“Livin’ In Desperate Times” by Olivia Newton-John (Feb 11) YT
“Beast Of Burden” by Bette Midler (Feb 11) YT
“Adult Education” by Daryl Hall & John Oates (Feb 18) YT
“Girls” by Dwight Twilley (Feb 18) YT
“Radio Ga-Ga” by Queen (Feb 18) YT 60%
“The Kid's American” by Matthew Wilder (Feb 18) YT
“Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) ” by Phil Collins (Feb 25) YT
“Hello” by Lionel Richie (Feb 25) YT
“They Don’t Know” by Tracey Ullman (Feb 25) YT
“Tonight” by Kool & The Gang (Feb 25) YT
“White Horse” by Laid Back (Feb 25) YT
“Holding Out For A Hero” by Bonnie Tyler (Feb 25) YT
“One In A Million” by The Romantics (Feb 25) YT
“Runaway” by Bon Jovi (Feb 25) YT
“Hyperactive” by Thomas Dolby (Feb 25) YT
February 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Feb 84)
GYRUSS DEBUTS FROM PARKER BROS
Parker Bros, debuted their home translation of GYRUSS, the hit arcade game. Although not all formats were completed and ready to show, what we did see looked like Parker Bros, may have another hit on their hands! They plan versions for 2600, 5200, ColecoVision, C64, and Atari computers. Meanwhile, they worked faster than expected on the brand new version of JAMES BOND 007 and will start shipping in various formats as soon as this month! The tie-in with Octopussy is totally gone. Segments included in this new version include “The Spy Who Loved Me”, “For Your Eyes Only”, “Moonraker”, “Diamonds Are Forever”, and “Live and Let Die”. Only after the player has successfully negotiated all five adventures can he be awarded the opportunity of attaining the 007 rating. In order to inherit the Bond number, players must decode a diabolical puzzle designed by Dr. No to test the intuitive skills of Bond.
March 1984
Out Of Control (Avalon Hill) ???
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update.
[Out Of Control was reviewed in the March 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
The Video Game Update (Aug 83)
Avalon Hill has told us they will ship a new 2600-compatible game in October named OUT OF CONTROL. In this game, you will control your spaceship through a racetrack in space—around pylons, etc.. Once through the course, you must hit ten different objects with the ship and then go through a docking sequence The game will feature 14 different “tracks” with two speed variations.
March 1984
Shuttle Orbiter (Avalon Hill) ???
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update.
[Shuttle Orbiter was reviewed in the February 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
The Video Game Update (Aug 83)
A second game, SHUTTLE ORBITER, is also planned for October. This is a multi-screen, timed contest where you control a space shuttle in orbit around earth and you must build a space station . It involves docking with an orbiting factory so your astronaut can get pieces for the space station, and then rendezvous with the station to add the piece(s) you’ve brought. It will feature 4 play levels.
March 1984
Berenstain Bears (Coleco) ???
[Kid Vid Voice Module required.]
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. [Not reviewed in TVGU.]
March 1984
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess. I've found one newspaper ad so far (March), so that's where I'll put this entry until more information is found. Video Games (Mar 84 p34) reported that the game was supposed to be released in the spring of 1984, so we know that it wasn't available in 1983.
From Altruism to Avarice: Questing Games - Videogaming (Oct 83 p67)
Will Xonox Video Games Be K-Tel’s “Greatest Hits”? - Video Games (Mar 84 p32)
Newspaper: Rоbin Hoоd $7.99 (Mar 14, 84)
Double-Trouble - Electronic Games (Sep 83) [mentioned]
Double-Trouble - Video Games (Oct 83) [mentioned]
March 1984
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess. I've found one newspaper ad so far (March), so that's where I'll put this entry until more information is found. Video Games (Mar 84 p34) reported that the game was supposed to be released in the spring of 1984, so we know that it wasn't available in 1983. Sir Lancelot was reviewed in the December 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.
From Altruism to Avarice: Questing Games - Videogaming (Oct 83 p67)
Will Xonox Video Games Be K-Tel’s “Greatest Hits”? - Video Games (Mar 84 p32)
Newspaper: Sіr Lаncelot $7.99 (Mar 14, 84)
Double-Trouble - Electronic Games (Sep 83) [mentioned]
Double-Trouble - Video Games (Oct 83) [mentioned]
March 1984
“Miss Me Blind” by Culture Club (Mar 3) YT
“To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before” by Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson (Mar 3) YT
“Don’t Answer Me” by Alan Parsons Project (Mar 3) YT
“A Fine Fine Day” by Tony Carey (Mar 3) YT
“Leave It” by Yes (Mar 3) YT 70%
“The Sun And The Rain” by Madness (Mar 3) YT
“No Parking (On The Dance Floor)” by Midnight Star (Mar 3) YT
“Love Somebody” by Rick Springfield (Mar 10) YT
“Sister Christian” by Night Ranger (Mar 10) YT
“You Might Think” by The Cars (Mar 10) YT 75%
“Borderline” by Madonna (Mar 10) YT
“Eat It” by Weird Al Yankovic (Mar 10) YT 70%
“No More Words” by Berlin (Mar 10) YT 75%
“Illegal Alien” by Genesis (Mar 10) YT
“Baby Come Back” by Billy Rankin (Mar 10) YT
“Head Over Heels” by The Go-Go’s (Mar 17) YT 75%
“The Authority Song” by John Cougar Mellencamp (Mar 17) YT
“Dancing In The Sheets” by Shalamar (Mar 17) YT
“Love Me In A Special Way” by DeBarge (Mar 17) YT
“Breakdance” by Irene Cara (Mar 24) YT
“The Longest Time” by Billy Joel (Mar 24) YT
“Rock You Like A Hurricane” by Scorpions (Mar 24) YT
“It’s My Life” by Talk Talk (Mar 24) YT 75%
“Catch Me I'm Falling” by Real Life (Mar 24) YT
“Wouldn't It Be Good” by Nik Kershaw (Mar 31) YT 65%
“Communication” by Spandau Ballet (Mar 31) YT 55%
March 1984
Against All Odds (Mar 2) YT IMDb WP
This is Spinal Tap (Mar 2) YT IMDb WP
Children of the Corn (Mar 9) YT IMDb WP
The Ice Pirates (Mar 16) YT IMDb WP
Police Academy (Mar 23) YT IMDb WP
Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (Mar 30) YT IMDb WP
March 1984
a.k.a. Pablo ABC (Mar 6) YT IMDb WP
Kate and Allie CBS (Mar 19) YT IMDb WP
Shaping Up ABC (Mar 20) YT IMDb WP
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Syndication (Mar 31) YT IMDb WP
March 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Apr 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
March [compiled from Apr 84 and Mar 84 availability updates]
Beamrider (Activision)
Berenstein Bear - Voice (Coleco)
x - Crystal Castles (Atari)
H.E.R.O. (Activision)
x - Millipede (Atari)
x - Oscar’s Trash Race (Atari)
Out Of Control (Avalon Hill)
x - Pitfall II (Activision)
x - Private Eye (Activision)
x - Shuttle Orbitor (Avalon Hill)
x - Taz (Atari)
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
April 1984
Crystal Castles (Atari) ✔
Scheduled for April release according to Atari Age (newspaper ads seem to confirm it). The game was shipped in March according to The Video Game Update.
[Crystal Castles was reviewed in the May 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Crystаl Cаstles $27.99 (Apr 1, 84)
Newspaper: Crystаl Cаstles $24.99 (Apr 15, 84)
April 1984
Scheduled for March release according to Atari Age and it was shipped in March according to The Video Game Update. Millipede was advertised throughout the month of April by Lowe's in newspapers on the eastern side of the USA. Matches: North Carolina (8), South Carolina (7), Delaware (2), Florida (2), Louisiana (2), Mississippi (2), Tennessee (2), Kentucky (1), Maryland (1), Ohio (1).
[Millipede was reviewed in the May 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Michael Blanchet (Apr 21, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $27.99 (Apr 1, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $26.95 (May 19, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $29.97 (Jun 6, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $29.99 (Jun 10, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $29.97 (Jul 28, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $28.88 (Aug 22, 84)
Newspaper: Millіpede $9.95 (Nov 18, 84)
April 1984
Scheduled for April release according to Atari Age and newspaper ads seem to confirm that. The game was shipped in March according to The Video Game Update.
[Taz was reviewed in the February 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Atari Age (V2N5 Mar/Apr 84 p8)
Newspaper: Tаz $27.95 (Apr 15, 84)
Newspaper: Tаz $26.97 (Apr 18, 84)
Newspaper: Tаz $26.95 (May 19, 84)
Newspaper: Tаz $29.99 (Jun 10, 84)
Newspaper: Tаz $8.88 (Nov 22, 84)
April 1984
H.E.R.O. (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads.
[H.E.R.O. was reviewed in the February 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Rawson Stovall (Mar 16, 84)
Newspaper: Mark Gallagher (Mar 4, 84)
Soon available exclusively for the Atari 2600: Private Eye, H.E.R.O., and one of the first video game sequels, Pitfall II: Lost Caverns.
Newspaper: HЕRO $27.95 (Apr 1, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $22.88 (Apr 15, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $24.95 (Apr 15, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $26.99 (May 6, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $26.99 (May 8, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO (May 13, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $24.95 (May 19, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $24.99 (May 23, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO (Jun 3, 84)
Not Necessarily - Electronic Games - Magazine (Jul 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $15.88 (Aug 12, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO (Aug 16, 84)
Newspaper: HЕRO $27.97 (Nov 4, 84)
April 1984
Front Line (Coleco) ≈ ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. I found one newspaper ad in March that claimed the game was being sold, then nothing until June.
[Front Line was reviewed in the April 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Videogaming (Nov 83 p6)
Coleco projects a December release for a 2600 version of Front Line, the arcade hand-to-hand and tank game.
Newspaper: Frоnt Lіne $14.99 (Mar 15, 84)
Newspaper: Frоnt Lіne $16.97 (Jun 10, 84)
Newspaper: Frоnt Lіne $7.99 (Nov 28, 84)
Newspaper: Frоnt Lіne $1.99 (Dec 10, 84)
Newspaper: Frоnt Lіne $1.99 (Dec 14, 84)
April 1984
Espial (Tigervision) ???
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. [Not reviewed in TVGU.]
The Video Game Update (Sep 83)
Tigervision has just licensed four titles from Orca Corp. of Tokyo, Japan. Among the games planned for eventual conversion by Tigervision are: ESPIAL (which ranks number 6 in Japan arcades), a high resolution graphic space attack game. Use your full fire power to destroy the massive scrolling spy space station; SUPER CRUSH, an auto demolition derby; SKY LANCER, a 21st century space warrior game; and CHANGES, touted as the ultimate maze game.
The Video Game Update (Jan 84)
Tigervision has told us of plans for four new games that will be shown at C.E.S. Planned for multiple systems (2600, TI994/A, C64, Atari computers, and IBM PCjr), they include CHANGES in which you guide a caterpiller through a maze infested with monster insects; SUPER CRUSH, has you driving in a demolition race car; SKY LANCER is a game in which you are abandoned in space with only a laser gun to defend yourself; and ESPIAL has you as a space attack pilot flying over a gigantic Starship. By the way, RIVER PATROL is now planned to only be available for the 2600.
April 1984
Miner 2049er Volume II (Tigervision) ???
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess. The placement of this entry is based on the news below.
Newspaper: Mark Gallagher (Mar 18, 84)
TIGER, the company that was successful with its partial adaptation of Miner 2049er for the 2600, is continuing on in the same tradition. Soon available will be Miner 2049er Volume II (featuring three more of the original games ten screens).
Newspaper: Mark Gallagher (May 13, 84)
Is Tiger still roaring like one? The company was last year, with its adaptation of Miner 2049er for the Atari 2600 making it a viable contender for a spot in home video gaming's elite circle of independent software manufacturers (members of this circle would now be Activision, Imagic and Parker Brothers). Even after releasing a sequel to Miner, though, Tiger was denied this status. Since I haven't been following the escapades of Tiger lately, I really don't know what's become of the fledging company, but I suspect that it's given up on the industry. If so, it's a loss.
April 1984
“Let’s Hear It For The Boy” by Deniece Williams (Apr 7) YT
“Oh, Sherrie” by Steve Perry (Apr 7) YT 75%
“Run, Runaway” by Slade (Apr 7) YT 80%
“My Ever Changing Moods” by The Style Council (Apr 7) YT
“She's Strange” by Cameo (Apr 7) YT
“Relax” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood (Apr 7) YT [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“Beat Box” by The Art Of Noise (Apr 7) YT [Bubbling Under Top 100]
“Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper (Apr 14) YT
“Self Control” by Laura Branigan (Apr 14) YT
“Terms Of Endearment Theme” by Michael Gore (Apr 14) YT
“The Reflex” by Duran Duran (Apr 21) YT 75% [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“Heart Of Rock & Roll” by Huey Lewis & The News (Apr 21) YT 60%
“You Can't Get What You Want (Till You Know What You Want)” by Joe Jackson (Apr 21) YT
“Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung (Apr 21) YT 75%
“Modern Day Delilah” by Van Stephenson (Apr 21) YT
“What Is Love?” by Howard Jones (Apr 21) YT 55%
“Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream)” by Icicle Works (Apr 21) YT
“Jump (For My Love)” by Pointer Sisters (Apr 28) YT
“Love Will Show Us How” by Christine McVie (Apr 28) YT
“I Want To Break Free” by Queen (Apr 28) YT
April 1984
Hard To Hold (Apr 6) YT IMDb WP
Moscow on the Hudson (Apr 6) YT IMDb WP
Up the Creek (Apr 6) YT IMDb WP
Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter (Apr 13) YT IMDb WP
April 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Apr 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
Second Quarter [compiled from Apr 84, Mar 84, and Feb 84 availability updates]
Changes (Tigervision) [unreleased]
Espial (Tigervision)
x - Frontline (Coleco)
River Patrol (Tigervision)
Scraper Caper (Tigervision) [unreleased]
Sky Lancer (Tigervision) [unreleased]
Super Crush (Tigervision) [unreleased]
Tower Of Mystery (Mattel) [unreleased]
Treasure Of Tarmin (Mattel) [unreleased]
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
May 1984
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads. [Not reviewed in TVGU.]
Atari Age (V2N5 Mar/Apr 84 p8)
Atari Connection (Spring 84 p80)
Atari Age (V1N5 Jan/Feb 83 p11)
Radio Electronics (Jun 83 p72)
Video and Computer Gaming (Mar 84 p6)
Newspaper: Oscаrs Trаsh Rаce $24.97 (May 5, 84)
Newspaper: Oscаrs Trаsh Rаce $11.99 (Nov 18, 84)
Newspaper: Oscаrs Trаsh Rаce $8.88 (Nov 22, 84)
May 1984
James Bond 007 (Parker Brothers) ≈ ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads. Going by newspaper ads, it's possible that some people might have been able to buy James Bond 007 in April.
[James Bond 007 was reviewed in the May 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Rawson Stovall (Apr 26, 84)
Newspaper: Michael Blanchet (May 19, 84)
Newspaper: Lou Hudson (May 26, 84)
[Unreleased Version With Train] - Electronic Games (Aug 83 pBC)
Newspaper: 007 $29.95 (Apr 28, 84)
Newspaper: 007 $28.60 (May 16, 84)
Newspaper: 007 $26.95 (May 19, 84)
Newspaper: 007 Rebate Mentioned (Jun 11, 84)
May 1984
River Patrol (Tigervision) ???
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. [Not reviewed in TVGU.]
The Video Game Update (Jan 83)
For those of you looking for RIVER PATROL, it has been bumped until January. The company, feeling that this will be a strong title for them, “went back to the drawing board” and have redesigned it into a multi-screen game.
The Video Game Update (Jan 84)
Tigervision has told us of plans for four new games that will be shown at C.E.S. Planned for multiple systems (2600, TI994/A, C64, Atari computers, and IBM PCjr), they include CHANGES in which you guide a caterpiller through a maze infested with monster insects; SUPER CRUSH, has you driving in a demolition race car; SKY LANCER is a game in which you are abandoned in space with only a laser gun to defend yourself; and ESPIAL has you as a space attack pilot flying over a gigantic Starship. By the way, RIVER PATROL is now planned to only be available for the 2600.
May 1984
“Eyes Without A Face” by Billy Idol (May 5) YT 75%
“I Can Dream About You” by Dan Hartman (May 5) YT
“Stay The Night” by Chicago (May 5) YT
“Who’s That Girl” by Eurythmics (May 5) YT 75%
“Obscene Phone Caller” by Rockwell (May 5) YT
“Music Time” by STYX (May 5) YT 55%
“Heart Don't Lie” by LaToya Jackson (May 5) YT
“King Of Suede” by Weird Al Yankovic (May 5) YT
“Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno & Ann Wilson (May 12) YT
“If Ever You're In My Arms Again” by Peabo Bryson (May 12) YT
“It’s A Miracle” by Culture Club (May 12) YT 75%
“No Way Out” by Jefferson Starship (May 12) YT
“The Ghost In You” by Psychedelic Furs (May 12) YT
“Little Lady” by Duke Jupiter (May 12) YT
“Tell Me I’m Not Dreamin’ (Too Good to Be True)” by Jermaine Jackson (May 19) YT Wiki 90%
“What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner (May 19) YT [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“Legs” by ZZ Top (May 19) YT
“Magic” by The Cars (May 19) YT 65%
“Romancing The Stone” by Eddy Grant (May 19) YT
“Prime Time” by Alan Parsons Project (May 19) YT
“Love Of The Common People” by Paul Young (May 19) YT
“I Pretend” by Kim Carnes (May 19) YT
“Robert De Niro's Waiting” by Bananarama (May 19) YT
“Dancing In The Dark” by Bruce Springsteen (May 26) YT 50%
“Infatuation” by Rod Stewart (May 26) YT
“Sunglasses At Night” by Corey Hart (May 26) YT 80%
“Doctor! Doctor!” by Thompson Twins (May 26) YT 55%
“Don't Walk Away” by Rick Springfield (May 26) YT
“Alibis” by Sergio Mendes (May 26) YT 60%
“Farewell My Summer Love” by Michael Jackson (May 26) YT 80%
May 1984
Sixteen Candles (May 4) YT IMDb WP
Firestarter (May 11) YT IMDb WP
May 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (May 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
May
x - James Bond 007 (Parker Bros)
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
June 1984
Beamrider (Activision) ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update, Rawson Stovall news below, and newspaper ads. The earliest newspaper ad that I've found so far was in June and the Rawson Stovall news was in June, so it seems like this entry belongs in June.
[Beamrider was reviewed in the April 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Rawson Stovall (Jun 8, 84)
Beamrider is available or will be soon for the Commodore 64 (disk and cartridge), Atari 2600, ColecoVision, Adam, Atari computers, Intellivision and Atari 5200.
Newspaper: Beаmrider $22.97 (Jun 22, 84)
Newspaper: Beаmrider NEW (Aug 16, 84)
June 1984
Star Wars: The Arcade Game (Parker Brothers) ✔
Extreme Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. I included newspaper ads that clearly mention Star Wars: The Arcade Game or have a photo of the box. But there are other ads that only mention Star Wars and don't show the box, so it's hard to tell if they were advertising one of the other Star Wars games.
[Star Wars: The Arcade Game for multiple systems was reviewed in the July 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Computer Games (Nov/Dec 84 p49)
Newspaper: SWTAG $24.94 (Jun 3, 84)
Newspaper: SWTAG $24.97 (Aug 8, 84)
Newspaper: SWTAG $27.88 (Aug 15, 84)
Newspaper: SWTAG $26.95 (Aug 25, 84)
June 1984
“When Doves Cry” by Prince (Jun 2) YT
“Breakin’…There’s No Stopping Us” by Ollie & Jerry (Jun 2) YT
“Jam On It” by Newcleus (Jun 2) YT
“Sad Songs (Say So Much)” by Elton John (Jun 9) YT
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr. (Jun 16) YT 75%
“The Glamorous Life” by Sheila E. (Jun 16) YT 65%
“Round And Round” by Ratt (Jun 16) YT
“I’m Free (Heaven Helps The Man)” by Kenny Loggins (Jun 16) YT 75%
“Turn To You” by Go-Go’s (Jun 16) YT
“Breakaway” by Tracey Ullman (Jun 16) YT
“A Chance For Heaven” by Christopher Cross (Jun 16) YT
“Missing You” by John Waite (Jun 23) YT
“Stuck On You” by Lionel Richie (Jun 23) YT
“Panama” by Van Halen (Jun 23) YT
“It Can Happen” by Yes (Jun 23) YT
“State Of Shock” by The Jacksons (Jun 30) YT [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“The Warrior” by Scandal (Jun 30) YT
“Sexy Girl” by Glenn Frey (Jun 30) YT
“High On Emotion” by Chris De Burgh (Jun 30) YT
“I Lost On Jeopardy” by Weird Al Yankovic (Jun 30) YT
June 1984
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (Jun 1) YT IMDb WP
Streets of Fire (Jun 1) YT IMDb WP
Ghostbusters (Jun 8) YT IMDb WP
Top Secret! (Jun 8) YT IMDb WP
The Karate Kid (Jun 22) YT IMDb WP
Rhinestone (Jun 22) YT IMDb WP
Bachelor Party (Jun 29) YT IMDb WP
July 1984
Extreme Best Guess. The Logical Gamer (V2N4 Nov/Dec 83 p3) claimed that the game would be released in the first quarter of 1984. I haven't been able to find any newspaper ads until July of 1984.
Newspaper: Pеngo $26.99 (Jul 10, 84)
Newspaper: Pеngo $27.88 (Aug 15, 84)
Newspaper: Pеngo $28.88 (Aug 22, 84)
Newspaper: Pеngo $9.95 (Nov 18, 84)
July 1984
Roc’N Rope (Coleco) ???
Extreme Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. According to the news below, Coleco started shipments of this game in June, so July seems like a good place to put this entry.
[Roc’n Rope was reviewed in the July 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Coleco Ships New Software (Jun 19, 84)
Coleco Industries Inc. has started shipments of another game for its ColecoVision and ADAM home computer products, which can also be used with the Atari 2600 VCS. Coleco, which makes all its products at factories in Montgomery and Fulton counties, said the Roc'N Rope game involves a search for the Golden Roc, or bird of fortune.
Newspaper: Lou Hudson (Oct 20, 84)
Newspaper: Röc Rpe $7.99 (Nov 28, 84)
Newspaper: Röc Rpe $9 (Nov 29, 84)
July 1984
Extreme Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. Newspaper ads for the game started in April, but who knows if they can be trusted. Same for the ads in May and June. A Pay Less in Salem, Oregon apologized for not receiving the game in late June.
[Gyruss for multiple systems was reviewed in the July 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Electronic Games (July 84 p12)
Newspaper: Gуruss $29.95 (Apr 28, 84)
Newspaper: Gуruss $26.95 (May 19, 84)
Newspaper: Gуruss $24.99 (Jun 24, 84)
Newspaper: Gуruss $29.97 (Jul 28, 84)
Newspaper: Gуruss $19.97 (Aug 8, 84)
Newspaper: Gуruss $27.88 (Aug 15, 84)
July 1984
“Rock Me Tonite” by Billy Squier (Jul 7) YT
“Leave A Tender Moment Alone” by Billy Joel (Jul 7) YT
“Mama Weer All Crazee Now” by Quiet Riot (Jul 7) YT
“Lights Out” by Peter Wolf (Jul 14) YT
“When You Close Your Eyes” by Night Ranger (Jul 14) YT
“She Bop” by Cyndi Lauper (Jul 21) YT 85%
“If This Is It” by Huey Lewis & The News (Jul 21) YT
“Cruel Summer” by Bananarama (Jul 21) YT
“Dynamite” by Jermaine Jackson (Jul 21) YT 70%
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister (Jul 28) YT 55% [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“Go Insane” by Lindsey Buckingham (Jul 28) YT
July 1984
The Gods Must Be Crazy (Jul 9) YT IMDb WP [Limited US release of a movie from 1980.]
The Last Starfighter (Jul 13) YT IMDb WP
The Muppets Take Manhattan (Jul 13) YT IMDb WP
Best Defense (Jul 20) YT IMDb WP
Electric Dreams (Jul 20) YT IMDb WP
Revenge of the Nerds (Jul 20) YT IMDb WP
Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers (Jul 27) YT IMDb WP
July 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Jul 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
Second Quarter
x - Gyruss (Parker Bros)
x - Rock N Rope (Coleco)
x - Star Wars [The Arcade Game] (Parker Bros)
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
August 1984
Extreme Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update. So far I haven't been able to find any newspaper ads until November when the game was marked way down. [Not reviewed in TVGU.]
Newspaper: Michael Blanchet (Aug 18, 84)
Electronic Games (March 85 p67)
Newspaper: Gremlns $9.95 (Nov 21, 84)
Newspaper: Gremlns $7.97 (Nov 22, 84)
Newspaper: Gremlns $7.99-$9.99 (Sep 19, 87)
August 1984
Extreme Best Guess. Scheduled for June release according to Atari Age, but it was delayed until the third quarter according to The Video Game Update.
Newspaper: Michael Blanchet (Nov 7, 84)
Newspaper: Stаrgate $27.88 (Aug 15, 84)
Newspaper: Stаrgate $27.88 (Aug 23, 84)
August 1984
Eli’s Ladder (Simage) ???
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess. Eli’s Ladder was reviewed in the August 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter. The cartridge was available directly from the manufacturer.
August 1984
“Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince & The Revolution (Aug 4) YT 75%
“Drive” by The Cars (Aug 4) YT 60%
“Hard Habit To Break” by Chicago (Aug 4) YT
“I’m So Excited” by Pointer Sisters (Aug 4) YT
“Cleanin' Up The Town” by The BusBoys (Aug 4) YT
“She Loves My Car” by Ronnie Milsap (Aug 4) YT 70%
“Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run)” by Billy Ocean (Aug 11) YT
“Cover Me” by Bruce Springsteen (Aug 11) YT
“There Goes My Baby” by Donna Summer (Aug 11) YT
“I Just Called To Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder (Aug 18) YT
“On The Dark Side” (re-issue) by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band (Aug 18) YT
“Are We Ourselves?” by The Fixx (Aug 18) YT
“Torture” by The Jacksons (Aug 18) YT
“Bop ‘Til You Drop” by Rick Springfield (Aug 18) YT 65%
“Video” by Jeff Lynne (Aug 18) YT
“Close (To The Edit)” by The Art Of Noise (Aug 18) YT [Bubbling Under]
“Lucky Star” by Madonna (Aug 25) YT
“Strut” by Sheena Easton (Aug 25) YT 55%
“Some Guys Have All The Luck” by Rod Stewart (Aug 25) YT
“Flesh For Fantasy” by Billy Idol (Aug 25) YT
“You Take Me Up” by Thompson Twins (Aug 25) YT
“Pearl in the Shell” by Howard Jones (Aug 25) YT [Bubbling Under]
“Wet Dream” by Kip Addotta (Aug 26) YT [Dr. Demento Show]
August 1984
The Philadelphia Experiment (Aug 3) YT IMDb WP
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (Aug 10) YT IMDb WP
Cloak & Dagger (Aug 10) YT IMDb WP
The Woman in Red (Aug 15) YT IMDb WP
August 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Aug 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
Third Quarter [compiled from Aug 84 and Jul 84 availability updates]
Choplifter (Atari) [unreleased]
x - Gremlins (Atari)
Jr Pac-Man (Atari) [not released until 1986]
Last Starfighter (Atari) [unreleased (name later changed to Solaris and released Nov 86)]
Stargate (Atari)
The A-Team (Atari) [unreleased]
Tarzan (Coleco) [unreleased]
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
September 1984
Frogger II ThreeeDeep! (Parker Brothers) ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads. There was one Sears newspaper ad in August (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and the rest of the Sears newspaper ads around the country started in late September. Looks like it's safe to say that Frogger II was available in September.
[Frogger II ThreeeDeep! was reviewed in the September 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Phil Wiswell (Jul 28, 84)
Newspaper: Lou Hudson (Aug 11, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ [Sears] $24.99-$34.99 (Aug 15, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ [Sears] $24.99-$34.99 (Sep 29, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ [Sears] $24.99-$34.99 (Oct 1, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ [Sears] $14.99-$34.99 (Oct 28, 84)
Beyond the Pond - Electronic Games (Oct 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ $29.99 (Nov 4, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ $24.99 (Nov 8, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ $29.97 (Nov 11, 84)
Newspaper: Frоgger IІ $29.97 (Nov 22, 84)
September 1984
Montezuma’s Revenge (Parker Brothers) ✔
Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads. There was one Sears newspaper ad in August (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and the rest of the Sears newspaper ads around the country started in late September. Looks like it's safe to say that Montezuma’s Revenge was available in September.
[Montezuma’s Revenge was reviewed in the September 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter.]
Newspaper: Lou Hudson (Aug 11, 84)
Newspaper: Phil Wiswell (Sep 16, 84)
Game of the Month - Electronic Games (Dec 84 p59)
Newspaper: Montеzumas Rеvenge [Sears] (Aug 15, 84)
Newspaper: Montеzumas Rеvenge [Sears] (Sep 29, 84)
Newspaper: Montеzumas Rеvenge [Sears] (Oct 1, 84)
Newspaper: Montеzumas Rеvenge [Sears] (Oct 28, 84)
Newspaper: Montеzumas Rеvenge $24.99 (Nov 8, 84)
September 1984
Best Guess. There was one Sears newspaper ad in August (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and the rest of the Sears newspaper ads around the country started in late September. Looks like it's safe to say that Tapper was available in September.
Tapper was reviewed in the November 1984 issue of Computer Entertainer The Newsletter. Tapper was marked as NEW in a Sega advertisement in November of 1984. Compute! reported in October of 1984 on page 190 that Sega released Tapper and Spy hunter for various computers, so there's a good chance that the Atari 2600 version was released around the same time. A Wico/Sega rebate included in the box said that all purchases had to be made between November 1, 1984 and December 31, 1984.
Newspaper: Tаpper [Sears] $24.99-$34.99 (Aug 15, 84)
Newspaper: Tаpper [Sears] $24.99-$34.99 (Sep 29, 84)
Newspaper: Tаpper [Sears] $24.99-$34.99 (Oct 1, 84)
Newspaper: Tаpper [Sears] $14.99-$34.99 (Oct 28, 84)
Newspaper: Tаpper $29.97 (Nov 22, 84)
Newspaper: Tаpper $29.99 (Nov 30, 84)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Nov 84 p34)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Nov 84 p84)
Our Arcade Games - Compute! (Nov 84 p42)
Our Arcade Games - Compute!'s Gazette (Nov 84 p58)
Newspaper: Tаpper $24.99 (Dec 10, 84)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Dec 84 p50)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Dec 84 p42)
Our Arcade Games - Compute! (Dec 84 p56)
Our Arcade Games - Compute!'s Gazette (Dec 84 p46)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Jan 85 p46)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Jan 85 p28)
September 1984
“A Girl In Trouble (Is A Temporary Thing)” by Romeo Void (Sep 1) YT
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! (Sep 8) YT 80%
“I Feel For You” by Chaka Khan (Sep 8) YT 75%
“Desert Moon” by Dennis DeYoung (Sep 8) YT
“Who Wears These Shoes?” by Elton John (Sep 8) YT
“Better Be Good To Me” by Tina Turner (Sep 15) YT
“Blue Jean” by David Bowie (Sep 15) YT
“I Can't Hold Back” by Survivor (Sep 15) YT
“Sugar Don't Bite” by Sam Harris (Sep 15) YT
“Cool It Now” by New Edition (Sep 22) YT
“Out Of Touch” by Daryl Hall & John Oates (Sep 29) YT 65%
“I Can't Drive 55” by Sammy Hagar (Sep 29) YT
“Girls With Guns” by Tommy Shaw (Sep 29) YT
September 1984
September 1984
Heathcliff Syndication (Sep 5) YT IMDb WP
Kids Incorporated Syndication (Sep 7) YT IMDb WP
Dragon’s Lair ABC (Sep 8) YT IMDb WP
Mighty Orbots ABC (Sep 8) YT IMDb WP
Pink Panther and Sons NBC (Sep 8) YT IMDb WP
Voltron: Defender of the Universe Syndication (Sep 10) YT IMDb WP
Snorks NBC (Sep 15) YT IMDb WP
The Get Along Gang CBS (Sep 15) YT IMDb WP
Jim Henson’s Muppet Babies CBS (Sep 15) YT IMDb WP
Pole Position CBS (Sep 15) YT IMDb WP
Pryor’s Place CBS (Sep 15) YT IMDb WP
Punky Brewster NBC (Sep 16) YT IMDb WP
The Transformers Syndication (Sep 17) YT IMDb WP
Hunter NBC (Sep 18) YT IMDb WP
Highway to Heaven NBC (Sep 19) YT IMDb WP
The Cosby Show NBC (Sep 20) YT IMDb WP
Who’s the Boss? ABC (Sep 20) YT IMDb WP
Cover Up CBS (Sep 22) YT IMDb WP
Paper Dolls ABC (Sep 23) YT IMDb WP
Three’s a Crowd ABC (Sep 25) YT IMDb WP
It’s Your Move NBC (Sep 26) YT IMDb WP
Partners in Crime NBC (Sep 27) YT IMDb WP
Miami Vice NBC (Sep 28) YT IMDb WP
October 1984
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess. I've found one newspaper ad so far (October), so that's where I'll put this entry until more information is found.
Will Xonox Video Games Be K-Tel’s “Greatest Hits”? - Video Games (March 84 p32)
Newspaper: Motоcross Rаcer $9.97 (Oct 11, 84)
October 1984
“Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution (Oct 6) YT
“All Through The Night” by Cyndi Lauper (Oct 6) YT 65%
“The War Song” by Culture Club (Oct 6) YT 60%
“Centipede” by Rebbie Jackson (Oct 6) YT
“We Are The Young” by Dan Hartman (Oct 6) YT
“Shangri-La” by Steve Miller Band (Oct 6) YT
“Sea Of Love” by The Honeydrippers (Oct 13) YT
“No More Lonely Nights” by Paul McCartney (Oct 13) YT
“Don't Stop” by Jeffrey Osborne (Oct 13) YT
“Had a Dream (Sleeping With the Enemy)” by Roger Hodgson (Oct 13) YT
“All I Need” by Jack Wagner (Oct 20) YT
“Valotte” by Julian Lennon (Oct 20) YT
“Two Tribes” by Frankie Goes To Hollywood (Oct 20) YT
“I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister (Oct 20) YT
“Sex Shooter” by Apollonia 6 (Oct 20) YT
“We Belong” by Pat Benatar (Oct 27) YT
“Do What You Do” by Jermaine Jackson (Oct 27) YT
“Jungle Love” by The Time (Oct 27) YT
“Hello Again” by The Cars (Oct 27) YT 65%
“I Do’ Wanna Know” by REO Speedwagon (Oct 27) YT
“Stranger In Town” by Toto (Oct 27) YT
“Pride (In The Name Of Love)” by U2 (Oct 27) YT
“Body” by Jacksons (Oct 27) YT
“Hot For Teacher” by Van Halen (Oct 27) YT
October 1984
Text from The Video Game Update (Oct 84)
Availability Update
(Based on projected release dates by manufacturers. May change without notice.)
Fourth Quarter [compiled from Jan 85, Oct 84, and Aug 84 availability updates]
Circus Charlie (Parker Bros) [unreleased]
Elevator Action (Atari) [unreleased]
x - Frogger II: Threedeep (Parker Bros)
Mindlink System (Atari) [unreleased]
x - Montezuma’s Revenge (Parker Bros)
Mr Do’s Castle (Parker Bros)
Peek-A-Boo (Atari) [unreleased]
Note: Any program noted with an “x” indicates it has shipped prior to our going to print. May not be in national distribution yet, however.
November 1984
Mr. Do!’s Castle (Parker Brothers) ✔
Extreme Best Guess using info from The Video Game Update and newspaper ads. I can't find even one newspaper ad before November so far.
Newspaper: Lou Hudson (Sep 29, 84)
There’s Not a Second - Electronic Games (Oct 84)
Newspaper: Mг Dоs Cаstle $24.99 (Nov 8, 84)
Newspaper: Mг Dоs Cаstle $29.97 (Nov 11, 84)
November 1984
Spy Hunter (Sega) ✔
Extreme Best Guess. Newspaper ads started in November. Spy Hunter was marked as NEW in a Sega advertisement in November of 1984. Compute! reported in October of 1984 on page 190 that Sega released Tapper and Spy hunter for various computers, so there's a good chance that the Atari 2600 version was released around the same time. A Wico/Sega rebate included in the box said that all purchases had to be made between November 1, 1984 and December 31, 1984.
Newspaper: Spу Huntеr $21.95 (Nov 17, 84)
Newspaper: Spу Huntеr $29.97 (Nov 22, 84)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Nov 84 p34)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Nov 84 p84)
Our Arcade Games - Compute! (Nov 84 p42)
Our Arcade Games - Compute!'s Gazette (Nov 84 p58)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Dec 84 p50)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Dec 84 p42)
Our Arcade Games - Compute! (Dec 84 p56)
Our Arcade Games - Compute!'s Gazette (Dec 84 p46)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Jan 85 p46)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Jan 85 p28)
November 1984
Up ‘n Down (Sega) ???
Extreme Best Guess. Up ‘n Down was marked as NEW in a Sega advertisement in November of 1984. A Wico/Sega rebate included in the box said that all purchases had to be made between November 1, 1984 and December 31, 1984. Up ‘n Down was reviewed in the February 1985 issue of Computer Entertainer The Newsletter.
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Nov 84 p34)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Nov 84 p84)
Our Arcade Games - Compute! (Nov 84 p42)
Our Arcade Games - Compute!'s Gazette (Nov 84 p58)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Dec 84 p50)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Dec 84 p42)
Our Arcade Games - Compute! (Dec 84 p56)
Our Arcade Games - Compute!'s Gazette (Dec 84 p46)
Our Arcade Games - Electronic Games (Jan 85 p46)
Our Arcade Games - Creative Computing (Jan 85 p28)
November 1984
“Run To You” by Bryan Adams (Nov 3) YT
“The Wild Boys” by Duran Duran (Nov 3) YT
“Catch My Fall” by Billy Idol (Nov 3) YT
“The Boys Of Summer” by Don Henley (Nov 10) YT
“Born In The U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen (Nov 10) YT
“Hypnotize” by Scritti Politti (Nov 10) YT 80%
“Solid” by Ashford & Simpson (Nov 10) YT
“The Wild Life” by Bananarama (Nov 10) YT
“You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago (Nov 17) YT
“Jamie” by Ray Parker Jr. (Nov 17) YT
“Like A Virgin” by Madonna (Nov 17) YT
“Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins (Nov 24) YT 80%
“Neutron Dance” by Pointer Sisters (Nov 24) YT 65%
“Misled” by Kool & The Gang (Nov 24) YT
“Foolish Heart” by Steve Perry (Nov 24) YT 65%
“Big In Japan” by Alphaville (Nov 24) YT
November 1984
The Killing Fields (Nov 2) YT IMDb WP [New York]
A Nightmare on Elm Street (Nov 9 limited, 16 wide) YT IMDb WP
Oh God, You Devil! (Nov 9) YT IMDb WP
Night of the Comet (Nov 16) YT IMDb WP
December 1984
Birthday Mania (Personal Games Company)
Desperate Super Extreme Best Guess. According to a post at AtariAge, Waggie found out that Personal Games Company was registered on August 13, 1984. Only three ads have been found and they were all in December.
Newspaper: Bіrthday Manіa (Dec 20, 84)
Newspaper: Bіrthday Manіa (Dec 22, 84)
Newspaper: Bіrthday Manіa (Dec 27, 84)
December 1984
“Loverboy” by Billy Ocean (Dec 1) YT
“Missing You” by Diana Ross (Dec 1) YT
“Operator” by Midnight Star (Dec 1) YT
“I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner (Dec 8) YT
“The Heat Is On” by Glenn Frey (Dec 8) YT 85%
“Lovergirl” by Teena Marie (Dec 15) YT
“Method Of Modern Love ” by Daryl Hall & John Oates (Dec 15) YT 75% [Related video: Hooked on Polkas.]
“I Would Die 4 U” by Prince & The Revolution (Dec 15) YT
“Naughty Naughty” by John Parr (Dec 15) YT
“Mistake No. 3” by Culture Club (Dec 15) YT
“Careless Whisper” by Wham! (Dec 22) YT 75%
“Sugar Walls” by Sheena Easton (Dec 22) YT
“The Old Man Down The Road” by John Fogerty (Dec 22) YT
“Mr. Telephone Man” by New Edition (Dec 22) YT
“Turn Up The Radio” by Autograph (Dec 22) YT
“Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid (Dec 22) YT
December 1984
Beverly Hills Cop (Dec 5) YT IMDb WP
The Cotton Club (Dec 14) YT IMDb WP
Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (Dec 21) YT IMDb WP
The Flamingo Kid (Dec 21) YT IMDb WP
December 1984
Need a Month
??? 1984
Extra Terrestrials (Skill Screen Games) ???
According to a post at AtariAge, awhite2600 found out that the game wasn't finished until after Christmas of 1983 and was sold locally in Ontario, Canada during late winter or early spring of 1984.
??? 1984
Gas Hog (Spectravideo) ???
Mostly sold in Canada and supposedly through Columbia Video Game Club Magazine (Columbia House). The copyright date on the back of the manual is 1984.
??? 1984
Quest for Quintana Roo (Sunrise Software) ???
According to a post at AtariAge, bfstats purchased Quest for Quintana Roo at retail in December of 1986, but it had already been available for a while. He wasn't certain if it was around prior to 1986. Telegames bought the rights to this game and started selling it in 1989.
Games Checklist #1 - Atarian (Jul/Aug 89 p29)
??? 1984
Tomarc The Barbarian (Xonox) ???
Video Games (Mar 84 p34) reported that the game was supposed to be released in the spring of 1984, so we know that it wasn't available in 1983. Tomarc The Barbarian was reviewed in the December 1984 issue of The Video Game Update newsletter. The copyright date on the back of the manual is 1984.
From Altruism to Avarice: Questing Games - Videogaming (Oct 83 p67)
Will Xonox Video Games Be K-Tel’s “Greatest Hits”? - Video Games (Mar 84 p32)
Double-Trouble - Electronic Games (Sep 83) [mentioned (Thundarr The Barbarian)]
Double-Trouble - Video Games (Oct 83) [mentioned (Thundarr The Barbarian)]
Double-Trouble - Electronic Games (Nov 83) [mentioned (Thundarr The Barbarian)]
1984
Information Compiled From the Following Sources
The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers
Atari History Museum (Atari Historical Society)
Rock on the Net: The Ark Weekly Top 40 Archives
WP: List of Years in Television
Buy an E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Cartridge at Amazon (#ad)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial T-Shirt (#ad)
I Paused My Game to Be Here T-Shirt (#ad)
Retro Pop Culture A to Z: From Atari 2600 to Zombie Films (#ad)
Adventure: The Atari 2600 at the Dawn of Console Gaming (#ad)
Atari Flashback: The Essential Companion (#ad)
ATARI 2600 Unofficial / Unauthorized Reference Manual Vol. I (A-M) (#ad)
Atari 2600 Unofficial / Unauthorized Reference Manual Vol. II (N-Z) (#ad)
A Compendium of Atari 2600 Games - Volume One (#ad)
Racing the Beam: The Atari Video Computer System (#ad)
Atari Owners Club Bulletin / VCS Owners Club Bulletin
Find release dates for Atari 2600 games that were sold in the UK.
A chronological history of computers, video games, and related technologies (at archive.org).
Interesting Article
Did you know that Trump's rushed Operation Warp Speed rona jab has less than one percent overall benefit? Some people call it the depopulation jab and it has many possible horrible side effects (depending on the lot number, concentration, and if it was kept cold). Remember when many Democrats were against Trump's Operation Warp Speed depopulation jab, then they quickly changed their minds when Biden flip-flopped and started pushing it?
Some brainwashed rona jab cultists claim that there are no victims of the jab, but person after person will post what the jab did to them, a friend, or a family member on web sites such as Facebook and they'll be lucky if they don't get banned soon after. Posting the truth is “misinformation” don't you know. Awakened sheep might turn into lions, so powerful people will do just about anything to keep the sheep from waking up.
Check out these videos:
If You Got the COVID Shot and Aren't Injured, This May Be Why
Thought Experiment: What Happens After the Jab?
The Truth About Polio and Vaccines
What Is Causing the Mysterious Self-Assembling Non-Organic Clots and Sudden Deaths?
Take a look at my page about the famous demonized medicines called The H Word and Beyond. You might also want to look at my page called Zinc and Quercetin. My sister and I have been taking zinc and quercetin since the summer of 2020 in the hopes that they would scare away the flu and other viruses (or at least make them less severe). Here's one more page to check out: My Sister's Experiences With COVID-19.
Some people appear to have a mental illness because they have a vitamin B deficiency. For example, the wife of a guy I used to chat with online had severe mood swings which seemed to be caused by food allergies or intolerances. She would became irrational, obnoxious, throw tantrums, and generally act like she had a mental illness. The horrid behavior stopped after she started taking a vitamin B complex. I've been taking Jarrow B-Right (#ad) for many years. It makes me much easier to live with. I wonder how many people with schizophrenia and other mental mental illnesses could be helped by taking a B complex once or twice a day with meals (depending on their weight)?
Unfermented soy is bad! “When she stopped eating soy, the mental problems went away.” Fermented soy doesn't bother me, but the various versions of unfermented soy (soy flour, soybean oil, and so on) that are used in all kinds of products these days causes a negative mental health reaction in me that a vitamin B complex can't tame. The sinister encroachment of soy has made the careful reading of ingredients a necessity.
I started taking AyaLife (99% Pure CBD oil) as needed in April of 2020. So far it's the only thing that helps my mood when I've mistakenly eaten something that contains soy. AyaLife is THC-free (non-psychoactive) and is made in the USA. I also put a couple dropper fulls under my tongue before leaving the house or if I just need to calm down.
It's supposedly common knowledge that constantly angry Antifa-types basically live on soy products. What would happen if they stopped eating and drinking soy sludge and also took a B complex every day? Would a significant number of them become less angry? Would AyaLife CBD oil also help?
If you are overweight, have type II diabetes, or are worried about the condition of your heart, check out the videos by Ken D Berry, William Davis, and Ivor Cummins. It seems that most people should avoid wheat, not just those who have a wheat allergy or celiac disease. Check out these books: Undoctored (#ad), Wheat Belly (#ad), and Eat Rich, Live Long (#ad).
Negative ions are good for us. You might want to avoid positive ion generators and ozone generators. A plain old air cleaner is better than nothing, but one that produces negative ions makes the air in a room fresher and easier for me to breathe. It also helps to brighten my mood.
Never litter. Toss it in the trash or take it home. Do not throw it on the ground. Also remember that good people clean up after themselves at home, out in public, at a campsite and so on. Leave it better than you found it.
Climate Change Cash Grab = Bad
Seems like more people than ever finally care about water, land, and air pollution, but the climate change cash grab scam is designed to put more of your money into the bank accounts of greedy politicians. Those power-hungry schemers try to trick us with bad data and lies about overpopulation while pretending to be caring do-gooders. Trying to eliminate pollution is a good thing, but the carbon footprint of the average law-abiding human right now is actually making the planet greener instead of killing it.
Eliminating farms and ranches, eating bugs, getting locked down in 15-minute cities, owning nothing, using digital currency (with expiration dates) that is tied to your social credit score, and paying higher taxes will not make things better and “save the Earth.” All that stuff is part of an agenda that has nothing to do with making the world a better place for the average person. It's all about control, depopulation, and making things better for the ultra-rich. They just want enough peasants left alive to keep things running smoothly.
Watch these two videos for more information:
Charlie Robinson had some good advice about waking up normies (see the link to the video below). He said instead of verbally unloading or being nasty or acting like a bully, ask the person a question. Being nice and asking a question will help the person actually think about the subject.
Interesting videos:
Charlie Robinson Talks About the Best Way to Wake Up Normies
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