Summary
- Release Year: 1981
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari ST/STE, BBC Microcomputer System
- Developers: Atari
- Publishers: Atari, Atari Corporation
Asteroids Deluxe: A Detailed Retrospective
Introduction
Asteroids Deluxe is a fixed shooter arcade game developed and released by Atari, Inc. in 1981. It is a sequel to the 1979 arcade game Asteroids, and features improved graphics and gameplay. Asteroids Deluxe was a commercial success, and is considered one of the greatest arcade games of all time.
Gameplay
The objective of Asteroids Deluxe is to score as many points as possible by destroying asteroids and flying saucers. The player controls a ship that can rotate left and right, fire shots straight forward, and thrust forward. Asteroids come in three different sizes: large, medium, and small. Large asteroids are worth 20 points, medium asteroids are worth 50 points, and small asteroids are worth 100 points. Flying saucers are worth 1000 points.
The player’s ship is equipped with a shield that can absorb enemy fire. However, the shield is not invincible, and will eventually deplete if it is hit too many times. If the player’s ship is hit by an asteroid or a flying saucer, it will be destroyed and the player will lose a life.
Asteroids Deluxe features a number of different types of enemies, including:
- Asteroids: Asteroids are the most common enemy in the game. They come in three different sizes, and can be destroyed by shooting them with the player’s ship.
- Flying saucers: Flying saucers are worth more points than asteroids, and they can fire shots at the player’s ship.
- Killer satellites: Killer satellites are a new enemy type that was introduced in Asteroids Deluxe. They fire shots at the player’s ship, and they can also break apart into smaller ships.
Graphics and Sound
Asteroids Deluxe uses bitmap graphics, which are a significant improvement over the vector graphics used in the original Asteroids game. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
The sound effects in Asteroids Deluxe are also very good. The game features a variety of realistic sound effects, such as the sound of asteroids exploding and the sound of flying saucers firing shots. The game’s music is also very catchy, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Legacy
Asteroids Deluxe was a commercial success, and it is considered one of the greatest arcade games of all time. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the PC. Asteroids Deluxe has also been included in a number of retro video game compilations.
The game’s legacy is still felt today. Asteroids Deluxe is still played by many people around the world, and it continues to be a popular choice for arcade enthusiasts and retro gamers. The game has also been cited as an influence on a number of other video games, including the popular first-person shooter Doom.
Conclusion
Asteroids Deluxe is a classic arcade game that still holds up today. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, excellent graphics and sound, and enduring legacy, Asteroids Deluxe is a must-play for any fan of video games.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
