Description

"Bumper Bash" is a lively and engaging video game for the Atari 2600/VCS, released in 1983 by the lesser-known Spectravideo. The game offers an innovative twist on the traditional shooter genre by combining elements of driving and obstacle avoidance, making it a unique entry in the Atari 2600 library. Players control a vehicle from a top-down perspective, navigating through a scrolling field cluttered with enemies and obstacles. The goal is to survive as long as possible while collecting valuable items and avoiding or bumping enemies off the road to gain points. The game incorporates two significant gameplay features: a fuel gauge that depletes over time and must be replenished by collecting fuel canisters, and a variety of power-ups that enhance the vehicle's speed, durability, or firepower, adding layers of strategy to the game.

While "Bumper Bash" did not achieve widespread recognition, likely due to the video game market crash around its time of release, it remains an interesting artifact from the era. Its gameplay mechanics set it apart from more straightforward shooters and driving games available on the Atari 2600, offering a more complex challenge to players who sought more than the typical fare. The game supports both single-player and a competitive two-player mode, where players can directly interact by attempting to sabotage each other's progress, adding a competitive edge. Although not a blockbuster hit, "Bumper Bash" exemplifies the experimental spirit of early video game development, combining various gameplay elements to create a unique experience for the classic console.

Title

Bumper Bash - Title

Close

Gameplay

Bumper Bash - Gameplay

Close