Summary
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Meteors (1981)
Meteors is a classic arcade game released in 1981 by Atari. It is a simple but challenging fixed shooter game in which the player controls a spaceship that must shoot down meteors and other objects falling from the top of the screen. Meteors was one of the first arcade games to use raster graphics, and its unique gameplay and visuals helped it to become a popular hit.
The player controls their spaceship with a joystick and a single button to fire. The spaceship can move left, right, up, and down, and can fire an unlimited number of shots. The player’s goal is to shoot down all of the meteors and other objects that are falling from the top of the screen. If any of the objects reach the bottom of the screen, the player loses a life.
The game is divided into waves, and each wave becomes progressively more difficult. The speed of the objects increases, and more and more objects appear on the screen at the same time. The player must also contend with enemy spaceships that fly across the screen and fire at the player’s ship.
Meteors was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of 1981, and it has remained popular with retro gamers ever since. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Gameplay
Meteors is a simple but challenging game to play. The player controls their spaceship with a joystick and a single button to fire. The spaceship can move left, right, up, and down, and can fire an unlimited number of shots. The player’s goal is to shoot down all of the meteors and other objects that are falling from the top of the screen. If any of the objects reach the bottom of the screen, the player loses a life.
The game is divided into waves, and each wave becomes progressively more difficult. The speed of the objects increases, and more and more objects appear on the screen at the same time. The player must also contend with enemy spaceships that fly across the screen and fire at the player’s ship.
Meteors is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. The game is also very challenging, and it can be difficult to progress past the later waves. However, the game is also very rewarding, and it is a great feeling to finally beat a difficult wave.
Graphics
Meteors was one of the first arcade games to use raster graphics. Raster graphics are a type of computer graphics that are created by scanning a beam of electrons across a phosphor-coated screen. This allows for a much higher level of detail and realism than vector graphics, which were the most common type of computer graphics used in arcade games at the time.
The graphics in Meteors are simple but effective. The meteors and other objects are all distinct and easy to recognize, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game also uses a variety of special effects, such as explosions and flashing lights, to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Sound
The sound in Meteors is simple but effective. The game uses a variety of sound effects, such as explosions, gunfire, and sirens, to create a sense of excitement and urgency. The game also has a catchy theme song that plays in the background.
Legacy
Meteors was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of 1981, and it has remained popular with retro gamers ever since. The game has been ported to a variety of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Meteors has been praised for its simple but challenging gameplay, its unique visuals, and its catchy sound effects. The game is considered to be one of the classics of the arcade era, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Conclusion
Meteors is a classic arcade game that is still a lot of fun to play today. The simple but challenging gameplay is perfect for a quick pick-up-and-play session, and the retro graphics and sound effects are charming. If you are a fan of classic arcade games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Meteors.
Review Score
8/10
