Blasteroids

Blasteroids is Atari Games’ 1988 arcade sequel to Asteroids, designed by Ed Rotberg and Peter Lipson. Image Works ported it to home computers in 1989.

Gameplay

It keeps the classic Asteroids idea of rotating and thrusting a ship to shoot asteroids, but adds colourful raster graphics, power-ups and a boss.

• Transforming ship: Switch between Speeder, Fighter and Warrior forms.
• Energy: Thrust and shields share one energy supply.
• Asteroids: Red ones give power crystals, others hatch leeches or chase you.
• Power-ups: Extra shots, shields and more.
• Boss: Mukor, a giant creature whose tentacles you must shoot.
• Two players: Play together, and dock your ships for more firepower.

The additions make it busier and more varied than the original, though some feel it loses the original’s purity. The home ports vary in quality.

Verdict

Blasteroids is a fun, colourful update of Asteroids. The two-player docking and transforming ship are great touches. Computer and Video Games gave it a C+VG Hit award.