Jeff Minter, the notable indie developer, known for his unconventional style since the early 1980s, is remaking the classic arcade game I, Robot, originally released by Atari in 1984. Expected to launch this spring, the remake promises to maintain the original’s charm while integrating modern features.

Gameplay Overview
In I, Robot, players will navigate a “3D kaleidoscopic visualizer” while avoiding the gaze of an all-seeing eye that can eliminate them if they jump at the wrong time. Once evading the visualizer, they must defeat enemies in a tube level. The remake introduces 55 platforming and arena levels interspersed with tube-shooting segments. Moreover, it will feature procedural music, intense visuals, and online leaderboards. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there’s an “Ungame” mode allowing players to explore without adversaries.

“I, Robot, a reimagining of an obscure Atari arcade cabinet featuring a robot who has problems with authority, is quintessential Minter,” stated Ethan Sterns of Atari. “Even if I had no prior knowledge about it, the announcement trailer would instantly scream, ‘That’s a Minter game.’”

For context, the original I, Robot was not considered an Atari classic initially. It poorly fared at launch, with a production of just about 1,000 units. However, it was later praised for its groundbreaking graphics as the first commercial game to utilize real-time 3D polygons, earning it a spot in Atari’s 50th-anniversary compilation.

While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, Minter’s remake of I, Robot is anticipated for spring 2025 on PC and various consoles, including the Atari VCS.