Eradicator (2014)

Eradicator immerses players in a high-stakes mission on a sprawling alien planet, challenging them to infiltrate and disable an automated fortress that has mysteriously reactivated. Humanity's very future rests on your shoulders as you navigate a massive citadel, combating hordes of destructive, cunning enemies to safeguard the wealth of the galaxy held captive within its guns. Players select from three distinct characters, each armed to the teeth with over 20 unique weapons, including deadly options like the agile spider bomb, to blast through 25 puzzle-filled levels. The game offers the flexibility of both 1st- and 3rd-person perspectives, allowing strategic views of enemies approaching from behind and enhancing character movement control. This title earns its place among the best games by Atari due to its innovative features that pushed boundaries, even as a 2014 re-release under the Atari banner. The inclusion of three distinct characters not only triples potential gameplay hours but also makes the 8-player network feature more dynamic and challenging. Unique picture-in-picture views further distinguish the experience, enabling players to simultaneously monitor two areas, seamlessly switch views, and manage weapons or enemies with advanced tactical awareness. While its origins predate direct Atari development, the company's subsequent acquisition and distribution of Eradicator allowed a new generation to discover its sophisticated mechanics and robust multiplayer, cementing its legacy as a pioneering action game in their diverse catalog.