Page 33 - Old School Gamer Magazine Issue #39 FREE Edition

capture to get different power ups (better firepower, shields, or smart bombs). The enemy saucers are
here but they are large and can fall victim to the asteroids as well. Sound effects are nicely done but there is no heartbeat sound on this version. I’m not sure why that was not included. On this port you have shields instead of hyperspace. A white bar on the right side of the screen lets you see how much shield power you have
left. A bar on the left lets you know how much time you have left for
each of the power ups. This version
of Asteroids is well made and one I highly recommend if you own a Lynx.
Game Boy/Game Boy COLOR
Both the Game Boy and GBC received ports of Asteroids. The former was programmed by The Code Monkeys for Accolade and released in 1992, while the latter was programmed by Syrox Developments for Activision and published in 1998. The GB version does a graphical update of the original by using spinning asteroids, flashing stars in the background,
and adding music each time a level is completed. The saucers are here and they also have a spin animation but they are rather slow-moving. This port offers gameplay like the original arcade but also has other options to make the game more challenging.
Some variations alter the speed and movement of the asteroids when they are shot unpredictably, making the game more difficult. The GBC version is even more sophisticated visually because it is more than just a colorful version of the GB port. This has introduction animation, music, different ships for the player to select, various backgrounds, dozens of power-ups, wild card weapons and impact shields, more than 90 levels in 6 zones, and multi-player modes that include co-op and death match modes. This version probably shares only the name in common with the original but it is a fun version as well.
ATARI VCS (2023)
field is full of moving stars and morphing backgrounds that progress as the game advances. Like other “Recharged” games, neon colors are used for the ship and other gaming elements and these also change as the game progresses. Perhaps the only thing that could have been enhanced more is your ship! It’s the same shape as the original, though the shield looks nice. The power ups enhance your firepower by giving you multi-shots, rotatable lasers, and missiles. You have a hyperspace function like in the original. Asteroids Recharged can be played in arcade mode or with one of various challenges but, regardless of how you play it, you will have a
Released in 2021, Asteroids Recharged was programmed for Atari by Adamvision and SneakyBox Studios. This version of the game takes the classic gameplay and enhances it for the 21st Century. While available for the Atari VCS, this version can also
be purchased on modern systems like the PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. The game is reimagined for modern gameplay, with vibrant visuals that do simulate the vector graphics of the original, powerful new abilities, and an original soundtrack from composer Megan McDuffee. The playing
blast!
CONCLUSION
Asteroids is a classic that can
be enjoyed whether playing the original or any of the many home ports. All of the ports capture the gameplay of the original, even if they introduce new elements to the game. Whether played alone or with friends in either competitive or cooperative modes, you will certainly have fun. Now go and shoot some asteroids!
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