 |
 |
|
Yet another classic arcade game, this time Asteroids, receives a port. While gamers frequently rhapsodize about the "good old days" of gaming, playing a old game such as Asteroids immediately debunks the idea of 15+ year old games surpassing today's in overall quality. While not a bad game, Activision's new version of Asteroids logically retains the same basic gameplay of the original arcade game. As a result, Asteroids remains quite simple in comparison to today's games, as well as repetitive overall. Depending on how much the player desires a quick and easy-to-play game, Asteroids' simplicity may be a selling point. However, most gamers probably will prefer the added gameplay elements found in more modern titles.
As players of the original arcade game know, the gameplay involves guiding a spaceship across a single-screen field while destroying asteroids and other space debris. After killing a certain number of enemies, the player progresses to the next field and starts the shooting cycle over again. To add a bit of variety to the otherwise static backgrounds as well as a small element of strategy, Activision included some obstacles such as black holes and stars that flare up in various positions on the screen. Additionally, the game offers a few power-ups, though none of them make the ship feel terribly different or stronger. Also, although not Activision's fault, the GameBoy's small screen combined with the numerous amount of enemies causes the player to lose track of the ship occasionally.
Along with the minor gameplay upgrades, Activision enhanced the graphics as well. Like the rest of the game, the graphics' detail still remains simple compared to many of today's titles, but they do exceed the quality of the original arcade game. Levels and enemies now display more colors, as well as some background art. Also, even with the great number of enemies as well as other background objects, the game remains free of slowdown problems. Just as with most GameBoy games, the music exists, but doesn't enhance or detract from the game in any noticeable way.
Even with its recent makeover, Asteroids remains simple overall. Fortunately, the GameBoy platform is probably the best one for relatively easy games. Indeed, Asteroids does complement the many other quick puzzle games on the platform well, and gamers who desire another uncomplicated game will consider Asteroids a fine purchase. However, after the initial sense of pureness and nostalgia wears off, most players won't find the game terribly engaging for a long period of time. For those who want a slightly more recent shooter port, R-Type DX is probably a better choice.
-- Rachel Lewis
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Review
|
System
Gameboy
|
Developer
Activision
|
Publisher
Activision
|
Medium
Cartridge
|
Players
One
|
|
|
| |
|
