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| Classic Arcade Action
Revisit the classic fire-shield-
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Explosive Weapons Arsenal
Pilot one of four ships using homing
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The Ultimate Multiplayer
Blastfest Compete against a friend on a
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Any of you who remember playing this
classic game will find much to enjoy here.
Wisely enough, developer Syrox didn't stray
too far from the original concept. In
Asteroids, you still rotate your ship with the
goal of obliterating every last piece of
space debris from the screen while trying to
avoid an ugly death-by-collision. In this
modern update, you still have thrusters and
the ability to warp out of harm's way. Added
to the basic concept is the introduction of
power-ups. A large variety of weapons is
available for the taking, including homing
missiles, plasma swords, plasma drills,
shield energy, etc. These power-ups
randomly float by, giving you the opportunity
to fly after them or simply wait until they drift
by you. Other subtle changes include the
presence of onscreen environmental
effects, such as black holes, which will
slowly draw you in unless you keep tapping
at the thruster button. Elements like these
add needed strategy to what would be an otherwise basic
32-bit update.
Simply put, this game is fun. The graphics look great, with all
manner of particle effects, special effects, and sound effects
conspiring to create a vintage, yet thoroughly modern game.
All the sounds from the original arcade game are used here,
but they've been augmented considerably. For example,
whenever you get crushed by an asteroid, you really feel as if
you've just been totaled. On a good sound system, this game
will blow your walls off. Unlike the old days, where everything
was just a bright outline, now you have huge polygonal
asteroids floating your way, and the same goes for the UFOs
who randomly appear to attack you, power-ups, and wrecked
space stations too. Your little ship even looks cool with
thrusters burning whenever you rotate or propel your ship. On a
side note, the game also is littered with impressive CG
cutscenes. Not bad for a fairly basic game. Depending on your
scores (yes, there're high scores), you'll also access various
secrets hidden in the game. Original Asteroids anyone?
Basically, if you liked the old Asteroids, you'll definitely like the
new one. Sure, a lot of old games don't necessarily translate
into a swell time these days, but this is an exception. With the
variety of challenges found in the game, there's a surprising
amount of replay value. Value, it should be noted, that is
improved when a friend joins in. While it might make a better
rental than a straight-up purchase, either way you won't go
wrong. For old-school gamers and young ones alike, this
game is worthy enough.
Hidden Fourth Ship
At the title screen press and hold SELECT, then
press Triangle, Circle, Circle, Triangle, Square, Circle, Square.
Play Classic Asteroids
To get the original game you must go all the
way through the first mission until you get to level 15. Once you
get to level 15,
continue to play but look for a greenish wire-frame
asteroid to come into the screen.
Shoot the green asteroid and big words in green
will appear on the screen letting you know the game is unlocked, but don't
stop just yet. Finish level 15 and save
your game so you can save the original version for fun.