E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Guide E.T. to rebuild his phone and return home.

gamePuzzle Adventure strategy adventure action

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Our Verdict

Best for

Retro Atari collectors seeking a historic, quick-play experience

Skip if

Players demanding polished graphics or refined gameplay

What is E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial?

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a 1982 adventure game for the Atari 2600, designed by Howard Scott Warshaw. Players control the alien E.T., navigating simple screens to collect three telephone pieces needed to contact his home planet. The game is infamous for its difficult controls and sparse graphics, and it is often cited as a major factor in the 1983 video game crash. Despite its reputation, it remains a notable piece of gaming history for collectors and retro enthusiasts.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

developerAtari

publisherAtari

age ratingESRB E

multiplayerSingle player

release date1982-12-01

Key Features of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Players move E.T. across a series of static screens using a joystick.

The objective is to locate and assemble three telephone parts hidden throughout the levels.

Each screen contains hazards such as pits and enemies that can reduce E.T.'s limited lives.

The game includes a time limit that forces players to act quickly to avoid losing progress.

Collecting phone pieces triggers a short animation that confirms successful acquisition.

After assembling the phone, players must guide E.T. to the home planet to complete the game.

The simple sound effects and monochrome visuals reflect the hardware constraints of the Atari 2600.

A hidden Easter egg allows players to discover a secret screen by performing a specific sequence.

Use Cases for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Retro Gaming Night

Play E.T. as part of a classic console showcase.

Game Design Study

Analyze early adventure mechanics and design pitfalls.

Collector's Display

Showcase the cartridge in a retro gaming collection.

Nostalgic Challenge

Attempt to beat the game with original difficulty settings.

Pros & Cons of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Pros

Historical significance in video game history
Simple controls suitable for beginners
Short playtime for quick sessions
Collectible cartridge for retro collectors

Cons

Poorly designed gameplay leads to frustration
Very limited graphics and sound
Hard to progress without trial-and-error

Frequently Asked Questions

What platform was the original game released on?

It was released for the Atari 2600 console in 1982.

Is there a modern re-release?

The game has been included in various retro compilation collections, but no official modern remake exists.

How many telephone pieces must be collected?

Three pieces must be found and assembled to complete the game.

Can the game be saved?

No, the Atari 2600 version does not support saving; progress is lost when the console is turned off.

Pricing Overview

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