Summary

• Release Year: 1982
• Genres: Arcade
• Platforms: Arcade, Atari 2600
• Developers: Gottlieb
• Publishers: Gottlieb, Parker Brothers

Reactor (1982): A Nostalgic Journey into the Depths of a Nuclear Reactor

Introduction

Released in 1982 for the Atari 2600, Reactor is an action-puzzle game that takes place within the confines of a nuclear reactor. The player controls a spaceship that must navigate a maze of walls and particles in order to prevent a meltdown. Reactor is a challenging and addictive game that will test your reflexes and strategic skills.

Gameplay

The goal of Reactor is to prevent the reactor core from melting down. To do this, the player must bump all of the particles into the deadly walls of the core. If the core has already expanded due to meltdown, the player can try to bump the particles into two sets of four rods in order to reverse the process.

The player’s spaceship is equipped with a tractor beam that can be used to attract and repel particles. This tractor beam is essential for maneuvering the particles into advantageous positions for bumping them into the core wall or into the rods.

The player can also use decoys to attract the particles. This can be helpful for setting up multiple particles for a single bump, or for getting particles out of the way so that the player can navigate the maze more easily.

Levels

Reactor has a total of 32 levels. The first few levels are relatively easy, but the difficulty increases as the game progresses. The later levels require quick reflexes and careful planning in order to succeed.

Graphics and Sound

Reactor’s graphics are simple but effective. The maze of walls and particles is clearly visible, and the player’s spaceship is easily distinguishable from the other objects in the game. The sound effects are minimal, but they do a good job of conveying the紧张感 of the game.

Legacy

Reactor was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its challenging gameplay and innovative use of the Atari 2600’s hardware. Reactor has been ported to a number of other platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Tips for Playing Reactor

Here are a few tips for playing Reactor:

• Use the tractor beam to attract and repel particles. This is essential for maneuvering the particles into advantageous positions for bumping them into the core wall or into the rods.
• Use decoys to attract the particles. This can be helpful for setting up multiple particles for a single bump, or for getting particles out of the way so that you can navigate the maze more easily.
• Be patient. Reactor is a challenging game, and it takes time to master the controls and develop a strategy for success.
• Don’t give up! If you get stuck on a level, take a break and come back to it later. With practice, you’ll eventually be able to beat all 32 levels of Reactor.

Conclusion

Reactor is a classic Atari 2600 game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its challenging gameplay and innovative use of the Atari 2600’s hardware make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming. If you’re looking for a challenging and addictive game to play, then Reactor is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots