Publisher Atari has announced that it is reviving a once-iconic racing gem for the Nintendo Switch called Fatal Run 2089. Based on the original Fatal Run for the Atari 2600 and 7800, the game features vehicular combat gameplay as you race across 20 tracks located across 4 distinct global regions.
Developed by MNSTR Studio, Fatal Run 2089's debut trailer showcases an apoccalyptic wasteland in which several Mad Max-inspired vehicles race across deadly tracks filled with lasers and explosions, all the while fighting off enemy vehicles and even ferocious boss characters.
It looks like a solid reimagining of the original title, though we're keen to see what kind of replayability features will be included to boost its longevity. 20 levels doesn't sound like a great deal, but if it's bolstered by score attacks, time trials, and online leaderboards, it could keep us busy for quite some time.
The original Fatal Run launched in 1990 from developer Sculptured Software. Having only launched in Europe at the time, it was known for its relative scarcity, though Atari has since relaunched a cartridge of the game in other regions to coincide with the Atari 2600+ and upcoming Atari 7800+.
Let's check out the key features for Fatal Run 2089:
- Race through four diverse landscapes, each filled with branching paths, hidden shortcuts, and explosive set pieces that keep every run intense and unpredictable.
- Face off against four formidable bosses, each with unique abilities and tactics that will test your driving skills and push your strategic thinking to the limit.
- Conquer classic arcade-style challenges, where you must race against the clock and manage ARC decay. Fail to deliver your payload in time, and you’ll need to restart your mission.
- Collect currency during your runs to enhance your vehicle with powerful upgrades. Tailor your ride with custom modifications to gain an edge in the toughest encounters.
- Choose from seven distinctive vehicles, each with unique performance traits. Whether you prefer a nimble, agile ride or a heavy-hitting powerhouse, your choice will shape your strategy. You can only select one vehicle per run, so choose wisely!
Fatal Run 2089 is currently set to launch for the Nintendo Switch in 2025.
What are your thoughts on this one? Did you play the original Fatal Run? Share your thoughts with a comment down below.
Comments 38
That gameplay is definitely not from a switch 😄 also, those were some pretty barren tracks, opponents-wise.
I really like this one on the 7800, but something about this interpretation looks empty. As of now, it looks like less of a remake, and more of "the same game, with better graphics."
A racing game with racing music?
That haven't been much of a thing since 1990's.
Need for Speed 1 and 2, Motorhead, Screamer and many others had that in 1990's.
Funny thing is that all Forza games only have "sunday driving" music..
50 shades of gray
Funny, I also wondered if the music alone was making the trailer.
Nice that Atari is finally reviving its IPs for the modern gaming again. Though I'm not familiar with the original Fatal Run on Atari 7800, this new entry definitely open my eyes. Looking forward to it.
Don't think I'll get this myself but still, interesting that it's a thing in the first place and hope it will be good for those that want to give it a try!
Wait a minute. Did Atari do return to doing something...good? I'm not usually into car games, but this looks like a good time.
I owned a 7800 and have never heard of Fatal Run until today 😅😅😅
Looks promising
Oh god that looks so good!!! Now I gotta go play Twisted Metal: Head On.
@DioBrando If you think this'll be a good time, get your hands on Burnout Legends or Twisted Metal.
The production value on these games just keeps raising. Eventually they (nor Nintendo or any other outlet) will be able to try and call them "indie" anymore. Though that paradox of a marketing lie is probably why this was revealed today instead of tomorrow: no idea which one of the double feature to put it in.
Atari has never been indie. Atari is was and always will be the original old man on the mountain top.
@DioBrando Wade has been doing a lot of good recently. They're pretty much the most lawful good company in western gaming right now.
Looks like a dumb and fun arcade racer so I'm 100% in. I got triggered by this trailer cause it reminded me of that 40K Twisted Metal like that is looking amazing...and drops at the end of the trailer that it's ftp.
I will probably get this for 1.99 at some point.
@Toastmaster I was just thinking this playing Super Wooden GP2, with it's ridiculous 90s techno. I was like "wait...they made a racing game ost!" It was a good feeling.
My word its cool to see some budget go into a long-dormant Atari IP. Good as the recharged games can be, their mobile phonesque visuals are offputting. This looks, like Likely put it, a dumb and fun arcade racer and I'm here for it.
I see a lot of people say this looks good. I couldn't tell if it was sarcasm. I thought this looked very dated, even for switch. It looked like a mobile game to me. I almost thought a little nostalgic for the Dreamcast. I'd love another dreamcast style game.
@LadyCharlie I feel like that’s most of Atari’s games- and it has been for decades
@Toastmaster
+1
All the classic era NFS games (original, from 1 to 6) had original racing music, and it really is a great soundtrack, I miss that kind of soundtrack in today's games; Now, most of them are just licensed songs from some top trending or TikTok that are, most of the time, not even relevant for racing games...
"Iconic" has to be one of the most overused words in modern media. Mario is iconic. Pac-Man is iconic. Whatever this is, it's definitely not iconic.
This actually looks like a lot of fun.
Violent vehicular games have been a guilty pleasure of mine since Spy Hunter - they've got my attention!
Really, I've played and liked a bunch of these Atari revamps - they do the old games justice, and Atari is very good about releasing them physically, too. Keep up the good work!
Loving the track design! Nice and twisty. I do hope there are the occassional insane jump or two. Looks like a solid racer. (I thought it was Roadblasters for a minute lol.)
When was Fatal Run ever iconic?
Will there be more colors in the final release, or are we just racing through a b/w world?
Like it! But… I just want Blur on Switch
Looks rad enough to me. Hopefully runs okay on Switchy
Looks great! Hopefully it will get a physical release, too
MotorStorm Apocalypse meets Road Blasters?
@SakuraHaruka
Yes, EA had hired game composers back then making their own music instead of licensing it. In fact there weren't much licensing of music back then in general.
This is spot on. "top trending or TikTok"
Forza have multiple radio channels and all of them only use Tik Tok songs which is sad.
When you tune cars to run like a rocket in Forza, the fastest song in those games are slow drum beats. They are totally mis-placed in these games even without for sports cars without tuning.
I think several of the newest NFS Games also uses Tik Tok music.
Why not have a separate channel in these games to please more than only Tik Tok users?
They even used this kind of music in Gladiator 2 trailer and it backfired hard as it got more downvotes than upvotes because of the mis-placed music. Since when did Jay-Z fit in with The Roman Empire?
@LikelySatan Yes.
In fact Super Wooden GP2 have a better soundtrack than Forza.
I wonder why companies spend millions on licensing music instead of hiring a good composer, where they also keep the license forever.
The theme of this looks a little too dark, metal and gnarly for my tastes, but I imagine it might be right up Metal Jesus' street.
Good to see a 3D game from Atari. Looking forward to playing this one.
Oh my god, if it's anything like MotorStorm Apocalypse or Split/Second, I will eat it right up no matter how janky it is
Man Atari is really making some moves! You have to give credit to Wade and the gang for the retro direction they’ve taken.
I just preordered my 7800+ and a few new 7800 games never available before. Some were homebrews that Atari just happens to own the IP. The Atari age purchase made that possible & that move is coming to fruition. And buying Digital Eclipse was a slick move too when your focus is retro. Been a huge Atari fan since my 2600 was under my Xmas tree Christmas 1978!!
Jaguar+ system next PLEASE!! 😁
@tektite_captain It's so 'iconic' that I'd never heard of it until now and I've been gaming since the 2600 days.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...