Asteroids Classic
Atari 7800 · Shooter / Shoot 'em Up
Centipede
| System | Atari 7800 |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 (originally 1981) |
| Genre | Shooter, Shoot 'em Up |
| Developer | Atari |
| Publisher | Atari |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Centipede |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 7 |
Centipede is a shooter released in 1987 for the Atari 7800, developed by Atari. This 7800 release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1981. It blends shooter and shoot 'em up elements.
It came out in the 7800's second year on the market. Other notable 7800 releases from 1987 include Asteroids and Choplifter.
It is part of the Centipede series. The series also appears on other systems with Centipede (2600) and Centipede (5200). Atari also made Asteroids, Alien Brigade and Basketbrawl for the 7800.
Centipede supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
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 have a friend to play against
Maybe skip it if…
- you are not a fan of fast-paced aiming and twitch reflexes
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.
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Playing 7800 games today
The 7800 has a compact library with a handful of standout arcade ports and a lively homebrew scene. The Atari 2600+ and 7800+ reissues play original 7800 cartridges over HDMI.
Centipede FAQ
When did Centipede come out on the 7800?
Centipede was released for the Atari 7800 in 1987; the original game dates back to 1981.
Who made Centipede?
It was developed by Atari.
Is Centipede multiplayer?
Yes. Centipede supports up to 2 players.
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.