Summary
- Release Year: 1982
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 8-bit, Commodore VIC-20, Intellivision, Odyssey 2 / Videopac G7000
- Developers: Imagic
- Publishers: Digiplay, Imagic
Atlantis (1982): A Classic Arcade Defender
Released in 1982, Atlantis is a classic arcade game that tasks players with defending the lost city of Atlantis from waves of attacking Gorgon vessels. Developed by Atari, Inc., Atlantis was one of the first games to use raster graphics, which allowed for more detailed and colorful visuals than vector graphics.
Gameplay
The player controls a series of command posts located at the edges of Atlantis. The Gorgon vessels fly across the screen in varying numbers and flight patterns, and the player must use the command posts to fire missiles and destroy them before they reach the city. If an enemy vessel makes it past the command posts and reaches Atlantis, it will destroy one of the city’s buildings.
As the player progresses through the game, the enemy vessels will increase in speed and become more difficult to destroy. The game ends when all of the buildings in Atlantis have been destroyed.
Controls
Atlantis is controlled using a joystick and a single button. The joystick is used to move the cursor around the screen and to aim the missiles. The button is used to fire the missiles.
Graphics and Sound
Atlantis uses raster graphics to create a detailed and colorful world. The city of Atlantis is rendered in great detail, and the Gorgon vessels are all unique and distinctive. The game’s soundtrack is composed of simple but effective electronic music.
Legacy
Atlantis was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was one of the first arcade games to use raster graphics, and its gameplay was praised for its simplicity and addictiveness. Atlantis has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Critical Reception
Atlantis received positive reviews from critics upon its release. Arcade Express praised the game’s graphics, sound, and gameplay, calling it “one of the best arcade games of the year.” Video Games magazine also praised the game’s graphics and gameplay, saying that it was “a must-have for any arcade fan.”
Commercial Performance
Atlantis was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 arcade cabinets worldwide. It was one of the top-grossing arcade games of 1982, and it remained popular for several years after its release.
Home Ports
Atlantis was ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, ColecoVision, and Commodore 64. The home ports were generally well-received, although they were not as graphically impressive as the arcade original.
Legacy
Atlantis is considered to be one of the classic arcade games of the early 1980s. It was one of the first games to use raster graphics, and its gameplay was praised for its simplicity and addictiveness. Atlantis has been ported to a variety of home platforms, and it remains a popular game among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you succeed in Atlantis:
- Use the joystick to move the cursor quickly around the screen.
- Aim your missiles carefully to avoid wasting ammo.
- Prioritize destroying the enemy vessels that are closest to Atlantis.
- Don’t let the enemy vessels get too close to the city, or they will destroy the buildings.
- If you are overwhelmed by enemy vessels, use the special weapon to clear the screen.
Conclusion
Atlantis is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its simple but addictive gameplay, challenging difficulty, and colorful graphics make it a must-play for fans of retro gaming.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
