Summary
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Bomb
- Publishers: Bomb
Assault: A Classic Atari 2600 Shoot-‘Em-Up
Released in 1982, Assault is a classic shoot-’em-up game for the Atari 2600. It was one of the first games to use vector graphics on the console, and its fast-paced gameplay and challenging difficulty made it a favorite among gamers.
The goal of Assault is to destroy all of the enemy ships while avoiding their fire. The player controls a spaceship that can move in all directions and fire in eight directions. The player’s ship is equipped with a limited number of shots, which can be replenished by collecting power-ups.
There are a total of 16 levels in Assault, each with its own unique layout and enemy formations. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, and the later levels require quick reflexes and strategic thinking to complete.
Assault was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the Atari 2600 as a major force in the video game industry. The game has been praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and innovative use of vector graphics.
Gameplay
Assault is a top-down shoot-’em-up game in which the player controls a spaceship that can move in all directions and fire in eight directions. The player’s ship is equipped with a limited number of shots, which can be replenished by collecting power-ups.
The goal of the game is to destroy all of the enemy ships while avoiding their fire. The player’s ship can be destroyed by enemy fire or by colliding with an enemy ship.
There are a total of 16 levels in Assault, each with its own unique layout and enemy formations. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, and the later levels require quick reflexes and strategic thinking to complete.
Graphics
Assault was one of the first Atari 2600 games to use vector graphics. Vector graphics are created using lines and curves, and they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This gives Assault a clean and crisp look that is still impressive today.
The game’s graphics are simple but effective. The player’s ship is a small triangle, and the enemy ships are simple geometric shapes. However, the game’s use of color and animation helps to create a sense of depth and excitement.
Sound
Assault’s sound effects are simple but effective. The player’s ship fires a laser that makes a high-pitched sound, and the enemy ships explode with a satisfying thud. The game also features a catchy tune that plays in the background.
Controls
Assault is controlled using the Atari 2600’s joystick and fire button. The joystick controls the movement of the player’s ship, and the fire button fires the ship’s laser.
The controls are simple and responsive, and they allow the player to easily maneuver their ship and fire at enemies.
Difficulty
Assault is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player’s ship is relatively fragile, and it can be easily destroyed by enemy fire. However, the player can also collect power-ups that give them an advantage over the enemy.
The game’s difficulty is well-balanced, and it provides a sense of accomplishment when the player finally completes all 16 levels.
Conclusion
Assault is a classic Atari 2600 shoot-’em-up that still holds up today. It’s a simple but addictive game with challenging difficulty and innovative use of vector graphics. If you’re a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Assault.
Review Score
7.5/10
