Summary
Space Duel (1982): The Classic Arcade Shooter That Still Packs a Punch
Space Duel is an arcade game released in 1982 by Atari Inc. It is a direct descendant of the original Asteroids, with asteroids replaced by colorful geometric shapes like cubes, diamonds, and spinning pinwheels. The player has five buttons: two to rotate the ship left or right, one to shoot, one to activate the thruster, and one for force field. Shooting all objects on the screen completes a level.
Space Duel was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade games of all time. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and innovative use of color and graphics.
Gameplay
Space Duel is a single-player game in which the player controls a spaceship that is constantly moving forward. The player’s goal is to shoot all of the objects on the screen, which include cubes, diamonds, spinning pinwheels, and enemy ships. The player has five buttons: two to rotate the ship left or right, one to shoot, one to activate the thruster, and one for force field.
The player’s ship is equipped with a laser cannon that can be used to shoot objects. The player can also activate a thruster to give the ship a burst of speed, and a force field to protect the ship from enemy fire.
The game is divided into levels, each of which becomes progressively more difficult. The player must shoot all of the objects on the screen to complete a level. If the player is hit by an object, they will lose a life. The player has three lives, and if they lose all of their lives, the game is over.
Graphics and Sound
Space Duel was one of the first arcade games to use color graphics. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they create a sense of depth and space. The game’s sound effects are also well done, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere and excitement.
Legacy
Space Duel was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best arcade games of all time. It was one of the first games to use color graphics, and its fast-paced gameplay and challenging levels helped to set a new standard for arcade games. Space Duel has been ported to a number of home platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Conclusion
Space Duel is a classic arcade game that still packs a punch. Its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and innovative use of color and graphics make it a must-play for any fan of arcade games.
Tips for Playing Space Duel
- Use the thruster to give your ship a burst of speed, which can be helpful for dodging enemy fire or getting out of a tight spot.
- Use the force field to protect your ship from enemy fire. The force field will only last for a short period of time, so use it wisely.
- Try to shoot the objects in groups. This will help you to clear the screen more quickly and earn more points.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies. There is no one right way to play Space Duel, so find a strategy that works for you.
Trivia
- Space Duel was one of the first arcade games to use color graphics.
- The game was originally going to be called “Asteroid II”, but the name was changed to “Space Duel” to avoid confusion with the original Asteroids game.
- Space Duel was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1980s.
- The game has been ported to a number of home platforms, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
