Megamania for the Atari 2600 – It’s Gonna Drive you Insane

"If the lyrics 'You got to shoot to survive, you got to run to stay alive' resonate with you, then the chances are high that you've already encountered the mesmerizing commercial for the Atari 2600 classic, Megamania. But if this jingle hasn't yet graced your ears, prepare for a delightful treat. This commercial, featuring the San Francisco-based theater rock band, The Tubes, exudes a vibrant allure. With its frenetic energy, dazzling visuals, and a tune that sticks in your mind, the commercial captures the very essence of the 1980s. It's a true embodiment of that era's awesomeness.

Behind the scenes, the mastermind Steve Cartwright took the reins of game design, resulting in a favorite at the Retroist household. Back in the day, my cousin Nick and I would embark on Megamania marathons during weekends, and I use the term 'marathon' quite literally. Starting on a Saturday morning, we'd find ourselves immersed until the dinner hour rolled around, necessitating our reluctant exit from the virtual universe.

Megamania's premise was ingeniously simple—a ceaseless, ever-accelerating rendition of Space Invaders. Yet, in a playful twist, the targets morphed into everyday objects with a whimsical twist, defying their true identities. Imagine shooting at hamburgers and bow ties, a concept that mirrors the game's knack for playful deception. Here, feast your eyes on a screenshot from a hamburger-themed level.

Just like a hamburger, huh?

And let's not forget the allure of becoming a Megamaniac, a feat achievable in the realm of Activision games. To secure this coveted title, one needed to amass 45,000 points and document the triumph with a snapshot sent to Activision. It's an emblem of accomplishment, a tangible badge of dedication in the digital arena."