Summary
Space Race (1973)
Introduction
Space Race is the second arcade game created by Atari and was released in July, 1973. It is a simple but addictive game that challenges players to guide their rocketships from the bottom of the screen to the top, while avoiding obstacles such as asteroids. Space Race was a commercial success and helped to establish Atari as a major force in the video game industry.
Gameplay
Space Race is a two-player game. Each player controls a rocket ship that is displayed on the screen as a small rectangle. The object of the game is to be the first player to guide their rocket ship to the top of the screen.
The player’s rocket ship is constantly moving upwards. The player can control the rocket ship’s left and right movement by pressing the left and right arrow keys. The player can also fire missiles by pressing the space bar.
The game screen is filled with obstacles that the player must avoid. These obstacles include asteroids, mines, and enemy rockets. If the player’s rocket ship collides with an obstacle, it will explode and the player will lose a life.
The player has three lives. If the player loses all of their lives, the game is over.
Scoring
The player scores points by destroying obstacles. The player scores 10 points for destroying an asteroid, 20 points for destroying a mine, and 30 points for destroying an enemy rocket.
The player also scores bonus points for completing the level without losing a life. The player scores 100 points for completing the first level, 200 points for completing the second level, and so on.
Legacy
Space Race was a commercial success and helped to establish Atari as a major force in the video game industry. The game was ported to a number of home consoles, including the Atari 2600 and the ColecoVision.
Space Race has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay. The game is easy to learn, but it is challenging to master. Space Race is a classic arcade game that is still fun to play today.
Critical reception
Space Race was well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its innovative use of color graphics.
In a review for The New York Times, critic John J. O’Connor wrote: “Space Race is a simple game, but it is one of the most addictive and challenging games I have ever played. The game’s simple graphics and gameplay belie its depth and complexity.”
In a review for Video Magazine, critic Arnie Katz wrote: “Space Race is a classic arcade game that is still fun to play today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of color graphics make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.”
Awards
Space Race was nominated for the Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year in 1983.
Cultural impact
Space Race has had a significant cultural impact. The game has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and it has been referenced in popular culture.
In the 1982 film Tron, Space Race is one of the games that is played in the virtual world of the Grid.
In the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption, Space Race is one of the games that is played by the prisoners in Shawshank State Penitentiary.
In the 2018 television show Stranger Things, Space Race is one of the games that is played by the characters in the arcade.
Space Race is a classic arcade game that has stood the test of time. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of color graphics make it a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
