December 15^th, 2004 (12:22am) - Atari will revisit the roots of modern video games with a contemporary spin with its upcoming Retro Atari Classics for the Nintendo DS. The game, expected to be available in March 2005, will reinvent 10 classic Atari titles with fresh graphics provided by world renowned graffiti artists. The game will also take advantage of the Nintendo DS’ features, including dual screen gameplay, touch screen controls, and wireless play.

“Some of gamers’ favorite classics are getting tagged for the 21st century by some of the most talented graffiti artists in the world,” said Wim Stocks, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Atari. “With its blend of old school addictive gameplay and new school artistry and technology, Retro Atari Classics is the must have game for all Nintendo DS gamers, young and old.”

Retro Atari Classics will feature 10 original Atari games, including Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede, Tempest, Warlords, Gravitar, Lunar Lander and Sprint. Each title will be playable in its original form as well as in the all new “Tagged” mode, featuring brand new looks from some of today’s most popular graffiti artists, including REAS, Delta and Obey Giant.

The game will take advantage of all the technical innovations the Nintendo DS brings to gaming including touch screen functionality for tighter game controls, up-to-four player wireless multiplayer, dual screen gameplay for larger game environments, and the ability to play head-to-head against another player on the same Nintendo DS in classic arcade fashion.

Developed by Los Angeles-based Taniko, Retro Atari Classics is expected to be available in March 2005.