Spacechase is a fixed shooter video game for the Atari Video Computer System (later called the Atari 2600) written by Ed Salvo and published by Games by Apollo in 1981.[1][2]
| Spacechase | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Games by Apollo |
| Publisher(s) | Games by Apollo |
| Designer(s) | Ed Salvo[1] |
| Release | 1981 |
| Genre(s) | Fixed shooter |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, 2 players alternating |
Gameplay
edit
In orbit of an unnamed "moon," the player uses a Starcruiser to destroy formations of alien enemy raiders that attack from above. The lunar surface rotates in the background, but has no effect on gameplay. The player's ship can maneuver in eight directions within the lower third of the game screen. As the game advances, the aliens attacks begin to include "Lazer-Directed Heat-Seeking Proton Missiles".
There are single and two-player games; players alternate turns in the latter. The game can be handicapped for each player by setting the Atari's Difficulty Switch. In the "A" position the player's shots are slower than when the switch is in the "B" position.[3]
Reception
editSpacechase became Apollo's best selling title. Apollo also marketed Spacechase with an offer to make customized or "monogrammed" versions of Spacechase. Less than 10 were sold, and several were given to press including Electronic Games magazine co-founder Arnie Katz.
PM Magazine visited Apollo's offices to film a segment on Apollo and Spacechase, with Leeza Gibbons doing the interview. The segment included programmer Ed Salvo making a customized Spacechase for Gibbons, changing three shapes in the explosion graphic to her initials. When her ship was destroyed, Leeza's initials appeared.[2]
Reviews
editThe Atari Times, reviewed by Ethan C. Nobles, gave it a 75% rating.[4]
neXGam (German), reviewed by Michael Tausendpfund, gave it a 63% rating.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b Hague, James. "The Giant List of Classic Game Programmers".
- ^ a b Stilphen, Scott, DP Interviews....Ed Salvo, retrieved 2007-11-16
- ^ "Atari 2600 Manuals (HTML) - Spacechase (Apollo)". AtariAge. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
- ^ "The Atari Times". The Atari Times. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
- ^ "Spacechase". Nexgam.de. 2012-07-30. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
External links
edit- Spacechase at Atari Mania
- Spacechase can be played for free in the browser at the Internet Archive