Definitely not an Asteroids clone
Ok, let's face it: this is Asteroids clone. And Asteroids is a very hard game, and there is no winning. No matter how well you play, it will end in your failure. This being the case, I was trying to make a balanced and fun game. And I think I did succeed. This is my homage to great classic, well worth playing and why not making my own version too!
History of Asteroids
Asteroids, developed and released by Atari, Inc. in 1979, stands as a monumental title of arcade gaming, representing a pinnacle of ingenuity and the dawn of a gaming revolution. This vector-based game captivated players with its addictive gameplay, where the objective is to navigate and survive in a space filled with asteroids and occasional hostile flying saucer.
Atari's Asteroids was conceived in the late 1970s, a period marked by rapid advancements in video game technology. Designed by Lyle Rains, Ed Logg, and Dominic Walsh, it quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most popular and influential games of its time. The game's success was not just a testament to its enjoyable gameplay but also to its technical innovations, such as the use of vector graphics, which set it apart from the raster displays common in other video games of the era.
Vector Graphics Technology
Unlike the pixelated images seen in most video games of its time, Asteroids utilized vector graphics to render its shapes and characters. This technology uses lines drawn between points to create images, resulting in a crisp, clean aesthetic that was revolutionary for its time. This not only allowed for more precise and visually appealing graphics but also contributed to the game's futuristic feel, perfectly complementing its space exploration theme. Like many other modern version, my asteroids game simulates this early vector look, but is made completely with sprites.
1980s Clones and modern takes
The immense popularity of Asteroids inevitably led to the creation of numerous clones and adaptations for home consoles throughout the 1980s. These games sought to capture the essence of "Asteroids" by offering similar gameplay in a format accessible to home users. While these clones varied in quality and fidelity to the original, their proliferation underscored the enduring appeal of "Asteroids"' gameplay mechanics.
In the years following its release, Asteroids"has seen various modern iterations and reimaginings, both official and fan-made. These versions have sought to retain the core gameplay of the original while introducing new graphics, features, and platforms, including mobile and web-based games. Today, "Asteroids" remains a beloved classic, its legacy evident in the continued popularity of space-themed shooters and the enduring appeal of vector graphics in certain gaming circles.
Conclusion
Asteroids is more than just a game; it is a cultural icon that represents a pivotal moment in the history of video gaming. Its introduction of vector graphics technology, coupled with its significant impact on the arcade industry and its influence on subsequent generations of games and gamers, cements its place in the pantheon of classic video games. Even decades after its release, "Asteroids" continues to be celebrated, played, and revered, a testament to its timeless appeal and enduring legacy.
My Asteroids Game
Like most modern takes of classic games, my version of asteroids tries to add and mix something different to the familiar formula. Some notable changes worth mention includes the behavior of UFO: in my version it's a real bitch of a thing. Always shooting at the player. Stand still → get shot. Other thing is the shield. Idea is taken from the deluxe asteroids: In my version shield can take three hits either from asteroids or UFO bullets. Other smaller differences include no screen wrap for bullets, slightly different score counting, asteroid speeds and speed differences are adjusted, bullet speeds are adjusted as well. And million other small things someone might or might not notice.