Asteroids Game by Activision Reviewed by pikamom pikamom@supernet.com Save: password Released: 1998, 1999 Works with: black "color" pak works with any gameboy **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: I got this game for my husband since I'm not really into space stuff or shooters, but he likes it, and that says alot, since he just doesn't like to play video games. **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: Actually, even though this isn't my kind of game, I find it enjoyable. There are two versions of Asteroids in this pak, a new and improved color version, and the original black and white. This game is very simple: you are in control of a space ship, and there are asteroids floating around that you have to shoot. Once you clear the screen of all obstacles, you move on to the next level. Liked: Well, the color version is very pretty, you get to choose your difficulty level and what type of ship you'll use. Also, the save system is password, so if you just can't get to the next level, just look for a list of passwords on the internet or a game magazine, and there you go. There are cheat codes, to, that I've used, to make my ship invincible!!! Cheating is good when you want to see the end of a game you don't really care about. Now, if it's an RPG or some game I just love, I want to beat it fair and square, and find every secret to boot! Hated: It's hard to control the ship, especially once you get it moving. That was the most frustrating thing for me in this game. **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: The new color version is beautiful, and in between zones you get a story. The original looks just like I remember (I think I played it in the arcades with my hubby a long time ago.) Liked: If you turn all the lights out and play at night with your worm light, you can feel like you are really in outer space. Well, not really....but hey, I had to put something in this slot. Hated: Nothing to hate. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: Appropriately outer space-ey. Run of the mill sound effects. Liked: There's nothing I can think of that stands out as exceptional. Hated: Again, it's all ordinary, nothing that's annoying. The best thing to do is to play this game in the dark with a worm light, and put on headphones to get the full effect. You really do get an atmosphere of being in outer space since the graphics and music both fit in with that theme. **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: I'm just not good at these shooter-type games, I'm not fast enough. I think that's why I like RPG's where you have time to check out your inventory and decide what your next move will be. But as much as I've played shooters, this one has good control. If you aim in the right direction and shoot before the asteroid hits you or you run into it, you'll be alright. Liked: Different ships do slightly different things. Passwords and cheat codes! The choice of playing the original version (it's not available until you do something special to unlock it, and that gives you a challenge and incentive to keep playing.) You can choose your difficulty level, and choose a one or two player game. Also there is an option screen where you can tweak things like your button layout. Hated: Once you get your ship moving it is hard to control and easy to run into the asteroids. The high scores don't save when you turn your gameboy off. I hate that in these old school games where the biggest challenge is trying to beat your or your buddy's top score. You can write your scores in the instruction manual, but it just isn't the same. **************************************************************************** Improve: This IS the improved sequel, and they did a good job. Just put in a way to save your scores! RIYL: This is the only shooter I have in my gameboy library, but from what I've read, it is probably something like R-Type (I think that's the name of it.) **************************************************************************** Final Words: Asteroids is a classic that would be a good addition to anyone's gameboy library. I try to maintain a well-rounded library, and even types of games I don't appreciate I try to have at least one of. My collection is heavy on the RPG's, puzzles, and platformers, some racers (for my son), one fighter, one shooter, one RTS, a camera and Beatmania, even the Bible! I have one fishing game, a sim (farming in Harvest Moon), and just a couple sports. I also like to collect rare finds, and recently ordered Great Greed from Funcoland.com, which I hope will arrive tomorrow! But I digress.... **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: **** Graphics: **** Sound/Music: *** Play Control/Game Design: **** Personal Opinion: *** Total:18 stars Final Score:72 % **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: enter CHEATONX at the password screen to open the cheat menu. Then in the middle of a game press select for the menu. Press up or down to choose a level, and right or left to choose a zone. Press A for invulnerability. For new ships enter these codes at the password screen: PROJECTX (Excalibur Ship). To play the classic mode enter this at the password screen: QRTREATR.