Frostbite 2600 box art

Atari 2600 · Platformer / Action

Frostbite

Deep cut

SystemAtari 2600
Released1983
GenrePlatformer, Action
DeveloperActivision
PublisherActivision
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Released for the Atari 2600 in 1983, Frostbite is a platformer developed by Activision. It blends platformer and action elements.

It landed about 6 years into the 2600's life. Other notable 2600 releases from 1983 include Mario Bros., E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Halloween. Among the 31 2600 platformers in our database, it ranks #17 by legacy score.

Activision also made River Raid, Kaboom! and Barnstorming for the 2600.

Frostbite supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the 2600 hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Frostbite is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Frostbite gameplay screenshot on 2600
In-game screenshot (2600)

Frostbite walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Frostbite.

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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.

Frostbite FAQ

When did Frostbite come out on the 2600?

Frostbite was released for the Atari 2600 in 1983.

Who made Frostbite?

It was developed by Activision.

Is Frostbite multiplayer?

Yes. Frostbite supports up to 2 players.

How long does Frostbite take to play?

As a platformer, Frostbite 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 Frostbite 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.

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