Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: First Star Software
- Publishers: Exidy
Astro Chase (1982): A Detailed Retrospective
Released in 1982, Astro Chase is a classic arcade game that combines the fast-paced gameplay of Space Invaders with the maze-like levels of Pac-Man. As the pilot of a spaceship, your mission is to destroy eight mega mines before they reach Earth, while dodging enemy saucers and collecting power-ups.
Astro Chase was developed by Sega, and was one of the first games to use a trackball for player control. The trackball allows for precise movement of your spaceship, which is essential for dodging enemy fire and navigating the tight corners of the maze.
The game is set on a single screen, which wraps around on both sides. The maze is made up of walls and obstacles, which you must use to your advantage to avoid enemy fire. Scattered throughout the maze are power-ups, which can give you temporary invincibility, increased firepower, or extra lives.
Enemy saucers will constantly be chasing you around the maze. They can be destroyed with your lasers, but they will respawn quickly, so you must be careful not to get overwhelmed. The mega mines are much more dangerous than the saucers. They are large, slow-moving objects that will home in on Earth. If a mega mine reaches Earth, it will explode and cause damage. You must destroy all eight mega mines before they reach Earth, or the game will be over.
Astro Chase is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The fast-paced gameplay and simple controls make it easy to pick up and play, but it takes skill and practice to master. With its addictive gameplay and retro charm, Astro Chase is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Gameplay
Astro Chase is played from a top-down perspective. You control a spaceship that can move in any direction. Your spaceship is equipped with lasers, which can be used to destroy enemy saucers and mega mines.
The game is played in a single screen maze. The maze is made up of walls and obstacles, which you must use to your advantage to avoid enemy fire. Scattered throughout the maze are power-ups, which can give you temporary invincibility, increased firepower, or extra lives.
Enemy saucers will constantly be chasing you around the maze. They can be destroyed with your lasers, but they will respawn quickly, so you must be careful not to get overwhelmed. The mega mines are much more dangerous than the saucers. They are large, slow-moving objects that will home in on Earth. If a mega mine reaches Earth, it will explode and cause damage. You must destroy all eight mega mines before they reach Earth, or the game will be over.
Power-ups
There are three types of power-ups in Astro Chase:
- Invincibility: This power-up makes your spaceship invincible for a short period of time.
- Firepower: This power-up increases the firepower of your lasers.
- Extra lives: This power-up gives you an extra life.
Power-ups are scattered throughout the maze. They are usually hidden behind walls or obstacles, so you must explore the maze to find them.
Scoring
You score points by destroying enemy saucers and mega mines. You also get bonus points for collecting power-ups. The more points you score, the higher your rank will be.
Legacy
Astro Chase was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of 1982, and it helped to popularize the use of trackballs in video games. Astro Chase has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. It is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of all time.
Conclusion
Astro Chase is a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding arcade game. Its simple controls and addictive gameplay make it easy to pick up and play, but it takes skill and practice to master. With its retro charm and timeless appeal, Astro Chase is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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