|
Activision really made lots of enemies after their 2600
Classics debacle. Its Atari 2600 compilation for both
Playstation and PC were atrocious emulations of the original,
and not only insulted the intelligence of the classic gamer
but also did a disservice to videogame newcomers by telling
them that the games in the CD were true to the originals.
After half-assing such an easy effort, would the company
ruin yet another treasured franchise? Thankfully, with its
Asteroids remake, Activision has somewhat righted
the ship.
Taking the virtues from the original Atari coin-op and enhancing it
for the 90's, Asteroids is an example of a classic game properly
updated. It's apparent that its developers carefully thought through
the elements which should be retained (nearly everything) while
adding some pizzaz without compromising the gameplay. The vector
graphics have been replaced by a breathtaking 3D polygonal playfield
and filled it with snazzy visual effects, earth-shattering explosions
and dual-shock rumble ability.
And while they went balls out in the audiovisual department, its
creators played it safe with respect to gameplay (which is a good thing!)
The familiar rotate, thrust, fire and hyperspace are there, along
with the shield which found its way on Asteroids Deluxe. Tasteful
power-ups have been added, among them which include a plasma drill,
smart bomb (called Armageddon) and homing missiles. While the
general gist of the game is still to clear the area of floating
Asteroids, there is much more emphasis on battling alien forces
(yep, the flying saucers are also present) in this one. In addition,
you'll have to contend with crystal rocks and floating satellites
that get in your way.
The new Asteroids is mission based. You receive a briefing from the
commander who clues you in on your objective. It's really only an
excuse to play the game, and it wasn't necessary. The goal is still
the same: to blow up everything in sight. There are five missions
in all, with fifteen screens (or levels) in each mission.
By respecfully keeping the original's gameplay intact while
juicing up the graphics and sound and adding powerups and new
enemies, the developers managed to walk a perfect tightrope in
bringing Asteroids into the 90's. The graphics, while not
cutting edge by today's PlayStation standards, are still gorgeous.
The lighting effects, animation and explosions are tastefully
done. The presence of environmental effects such as a black hole --
which sucks you in unless you're not careful with the thrust button --
add to the challenge and graphical experience. Music isn't anything
special, but it's subtle, and effectively gives you a feeling that
you're out in space on your own. As a thoughtful touch, the sound
effect of your ship's fire is reminiscent of the original. Explosions
will rock your speakers and your hands (if you own a dual shock
controller.)
If there's any gripe to be had, it's with the classic Asteroids
that is hidden in the game (don't worry, it's easy to unlock.)
It sucks. The sound effects are way off, the speed of the asteroids
are much faster than the original, and the physics is nothing
like what you're used to. And since when did the tiny UFO appear on
the screen within ten seconds of play? Listen up, Activision: If you're
going to spend considerable time and resources to do a modern update,
for god's sake please get the original right! A minor gripe for some,
but I'm deducting a full point from the score.
|
Title |
Asteroids |
|
Publisher |
Activision |
|
System |
Sony Playstation |
|
Graphics |
7 |
|
Sound |
6 |
|
Gameplay |
7 |
|
Overall |
7 |
|
Reviewer |
Keita Iida |
|
