Iconic Game Designer Jeff Minter Returns with a Psychedelic Take on Atari’s Forgotten Classic, I, Robot

Jeff Minter, a renowned game designer, is back with another modern interpretation of a long-forgotten Atari title. Minter has applied his distinctive psychedelic style to the 1984 arcade cabinet I, Robot. His version updates the visuals, introduces techno music, and incorporates new game modes.

A Flop in its Time, I, Robot Gets a New Lease on Life

The original I, Robot was a commercial failure, despite being created by Dave Theurer, the visionary behind Missile Command and Tempest. Maybe it was ahead of its time. As the first commercial video game to utilize real-time, flat-shaded 3D polygon graphics, I, Robot laid the groundwork for future 3D gaming.

Retaining the Core Gameplay, with a Modern Twist

Minter’s version retains the core gameplay mechanics of the original, but amplifies the speed and introduces new elements. The game features tube shooter levels and an exploration mode called Ungame. This modern take on the classic game promises to be visually stunning.

A Look Back at Jeff Minter’s Notable Works

If the name Jeff Minter seems familiar, it’s because he’s the creator of Tempest 2000 and its various sequels. More recently, he remade an unreleased Atari prototype called Akka Arrh, which dates back to 1982. He has also provided visuals for a Nine Inch Nails video.

Availability and Platform Support

Minter’s version of I, Robot is scheduled for release this spring on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The design team is also working on a port for PlayStation VR2.

The full content remains unchanged, with the original length and proper headings and titles retained.