Back to main list of All our 2600 Games
The Atari 2600 was first released in North America in September 1977 and featured 9 launch titles: Air-Sea Battle, Basic Math, Blackjack, Combat, Indy 500, Star Ship, Street Racer, Surround and Video Olympics. The final licensed Atari 2600 game released in North America was Secret Quest in 1989, and the final licensed game released in Europe was Klax and Acid Drop in 1990 and 1992. Even with their 1980s limited colors and block graphics these games are still entertaining to play today! We have over 500 Atari 2600 games for you to play online for free using our Atari 2600 Javascript Emulator.
This game is mobile device friendly and Iphone compatible. Enjoy!
Instructions and Keyboard Controls towards bottom of page.
Click “Game Reset” or F12 to Start Game
INSTRUCTIONS:
If you grew up in the 80’s you shouldn’t need instructions!! You might find some help at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Atari_2600_games and look up the game you need assistance playing.
CONTROLS:
Click “Game Reset” or F12 to Begin/Restart Game
Arrow Keys – Move
Space bar to fire/action button
US Games
VC2004
PICNIC
U.S. Games Corporation
A Subsidiary of The Quaker Oats Company
1515 Wyatt Drive
Santa Clara, California 95054
Picnic
Picnic is a one or two player, full color game designed to be
played on the Atari Video Computer System or the Sears Video Arcade.
You call this a picnic!!?? Just when you are ready to sit down
and eat your juicy cheeseburgers, a swarm of nasty bugs comes along
intent on beating you to the munch. They start eating and you
start swatting, and the battle has begun. It's a good thing you
brought along your bug zapping trap. Now, swat those critters into
the trap, and just maybe there will be something left for you to
eat for lunch.
Set-Up Instructions:
1. Connect the Atari Video Computer System or Sears Video Arcade
following manufacturer's instructions.
2. Install the paddle controller in the left controller outlet.
3. Insert the cartridge - making sure the power is OFF.
4. Move the POWER switch to ON.
5. Difficulty switches:
Right difficulty switch Position A = Large swatter
Position B = Small swatter
6. Select the game of your choice.
7. Start game by pushing fire button.
8. Each wave of bugs is followed by a "Super Bug." If you can
successfully swat him into your trap, you get a moment's rest.
Start the next attack by pushing your fire button.
9. Push the reset switch to start a new game any time.
10. After the game is over, a new game can be started by pressing
the fire button.
Controls:
* Turn paddle controller clockwise or counterclockwise to maneuver
swatter.
* Push fire button to swat!
Game Variations:
Game 1 Single player, beginner skill level
Game 2 Single player, intermediate skill level
Game 3 Single player, advanced skill level
Game 4 Two player, beginner skill level
Game 5 Two player, intermediate skill level
Game 6 Two player, advanced skill level
Note: The two player variations use the left paddle controller only,
which can be passed back and forth when turns change. Each
player's turn is indicated by different colored scores on the
screen. Scores of each player are displayed, flashing
alternately when the game is over.
Scoring:
* Swatting a bug = 10 points
* Swatting a bug into trap = 20 points
* Swatting Super Bug = 40 points
* Swatting Super Bug into trap = 1000 points
Playing Hints:
* For starters, you should know some basic (sneaky) attributes of the
game; if you haven't already noticed, the bugs can shoot through
your paddle and eat your burgers unless you activate it by pressing
the "fire" (or "swat" in this case) button at the exact time the
bug extends his needlelike tongue. Also, note that you can't hold
the paddle in swatting position - as it returns to its normal
position a split second after activation. This calls for exact
timing on the swat! Anticipate the bug's hunger and get him before
he eats your lunch!
* The best swatting position is near the center, between trap and
burgers on either side. Even though this area puts the most bugs
in the jar, you are trying to save your burgers! Therefore, it is
good strategy, nay - necessity - to swat bugs even if you don't
trap them; otherwise, you may really be out to lunch without
the food!
* Beware of "Super Bug" as he comes on screen immediately after you
complete a wave. He can and will shoot from high altitudes, so home
in on him early. When he gets into feeding position, swat away at
that two-tongued devil.
* Now, stay cool, don't get bugged, and save those burgers before
your Picnic turns into a bugfest!!
Look for more U.S. Games video games wherever you buy game cartridges.
Drop us a note and we'll be glad to add your name to our mailing list
and keep you posted on new game cartridges when they become available.
REQUIRMENTS:
Our Atari 2600 emulator utilizes Javascript to run in your browser. No plugin is required, but a fast modern web browser will enhance the game play.
Emulation on mobile devices will drain your battery quite fast. I recommend playing while device is plugged into charger.
KEYBOARD CONTROLS
