ASTEROIDS DELUXE (1981)

Asteroids Deluxe was the 1981 sequel to the original Asteroids of 1979. Asteroids itself was an extremely successful vector graphics title by Atari. This is also a vector title, but this time in colour! Vector graphics are unique, due to the technology of the monitor. The images on screen are drawn with lines of light rather than pixels of colour, which really makes it a vibrant experience, like playing a video game on an oscilloscope!

Asteroids Deluxe had some changes made to it, compared to the original, mostly making the game harder than the first, which to many is classed as a difficult game in itself! Asteroids gained a very competitive edge of expert players and the original game encouraged these players to hunt down the enemy spaceship that appears, to continually rack up points. The sequel made changes to prevent this. The main difference to us casual players is that the ‘Hyperspace’ feature of the original has been swapped for a ‘Shield’ feature.

The game and cabinet as a whole are a beautiful experience, with amazing side artwork and UV backdrop to the monitors image, go grab some quarters, blast those asteroids and enemy ships and get engrossed in this classic title.