Atgames Arcade Legends Ultimate 1.2 Review: Everything You Need
The AtGames Legends Ultimate 1.2 is a comprehensive home arcade machine designed to bring the classic arcade experience into your living room. With its extensive game library, advanced connectivity features, and customizable controls, it offers a unique gaming experience that caters to both nostalgic gamers and new enthusiasts.
Specifications and Design
The Legends Ultimate 1.2 stands at an impressive 66 inches tall, 28.5 inches wide, and 21 inches deep, replicating the look and feel of full-size arcade machines from the 80s. The cabinet is constructed from MDF wood, with plain black side panels that can be customized with decal prints provided by AtGames. However, the supplied screws for attaching these decals are noted to be weak and easily stripped, making a printed design on the wood a preferable option.
The machine features a 24-inch 1080p LCD display, which, while offering excellent black levels and a wide screen aspect ratio, may look aesthetically different from the traditional 4:3 CRT displays of classic arcade cabinets. This can be adjusted in-game to match the correct aspect ratio for classic games.
Control Panel and Gameplay
The control panel is equipped with an array of controllers, including two joysticks, six action buttons per player, a high-performance trackball, and two spinners. These controls are designed to allow players to experience games as they were originally intended, making it ideal for games like Tempest, Arkanoid, Centipede, and Millipede.
While the controls are not of the highest quality, they are decent and easy to replace, using standard arcade parts. This makes maintenance and customization straightforward for frequent gamers.
Game Library and Content
The Legends Ultimate 1.2 comes with 300 built-in games, including a mix of classic arcade titles like Asteroids, Space Invaders, and Tempest, as well as console games from the Atari 2600 and SEGA Genesis. This diverse library allows players to switch between arcade and console versions of games, although some users may find the inclusion of inferior console versions unnecessary.
In addition to the built-in games, the machine supports the ArcadeNet subscription service, which provides access to 200 more games, online multiplayer, global leaderboards, and downloadable content.
Connectivity and Features
One of the standout features of the Legends Ultimate 1.2 is its connectivity. The machine supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections, enabling system updates, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming streaming. Users can also connect their Steam library to the cabinet via HDMI, allowing for a unique gaming experience with modern games on an arcade setup.
The machine includes 16 gigabytes of internal storage and supports various AtGames devices like the Blast™ and Boom™ consoles. Non-AtGames HDMI-based devices can also use the existing controls, making it a versatile gaming solution.
Assembly and User Interface
Assembling the Legends Ultimate 1.2 is relatively straightforward, taking about 45 minutes from unpacking to powering on. The instructions are concise and easy to follow, although some users may find the lack of side panels in certain versions to be a minor inconvenience.
The user interface is largely intuitive but can be a bit clumsy for beginners. Navigation requires using the menu button, which is not labeled, and some users may find the sheer number of games overwhelming. However, once familiar with the interface, it becomes easy to navigate and customize.
Customization and Expansion
The Legends Ultimate 1.2 offers several expansion options. The Arcade Play Link (APL) allows connection to prior AtGames products, instantly upgrading the game library. The Legends BitLCD marquee is an optional upgrade that provides high-resolution representations of original arcade marquees, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
For those looking to expand multiplayer capabilities, the Legends QuadPlay 4-Player Control Panel is available, providing four eight-way digital joysticks and additional buttons for a more immersive multiplayer experience.
Pinball and Additional Features
The machine also supports virtual pinball, although it is not the ultimate way to play pinball. The included pinball buttons enhance the experience, and users can opt for the Pinball Kit for a more authentic pinball experience.
Other features include the ability to save, rewind, and load games, as well as an open-API interface for further customization. These features make the Legends Ultimate 1.2 a versatile and engaging home arcade solution.