Atari 2600 · Shooter / Action
Centipede
Certified classic
| System | Atari 2600 |
|---|---|
| Genre | Shooter, Action |
| Developer | Atari |
| Publisher | Atari |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Centipede |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 8 |
Developed by Atari, Centipede arrived on the Atari 2600 as a shooter. It blends shooter and action elements.
Among the 26 2600 shooters in our database, it ranks #2 by legacy score.
It is part of the Centipede series; on the 2600 you can also try Millipede. The series also appears on other systems with Centipede (5200) and Centipede (ColecoVision). Atari also made E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Combat and Asteroids for the 2600.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you want to experience one of the 2600's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you are not a fan of fast-paced aiming and twitch reflexes
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Centipede is like
Shooters are built around aiming and firing, from first-person corridor blasters and light-gun games to run-and-gun stages and multidirectional arcade shooters.
Tip for newcomers: Retro shooters were designed for CRT TVs and original controllers; light-gun games in particular need special hardware or alternative controls on modern screens.
Centipede walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Centipede.
If you like Centipede, the Matrix also picks…
Asteroids Classic
Star Fox Deep cut
Medal of Honor Classic
Medal of Honor: Underground Classic
The Dreadnaught Factor Deep cut
Playing 2600 games today
Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.
Centipede FAQ
Who made Centipede?
It was developed by Atari.
Is Centipede multiplayer?
No. Centipede is a single-player game.
How long does Centipede take to play?
As a shooter, Centipede typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Centipede on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.