Blasteroids

Atari Games

Industry	Video games
Founded	1979
Headquarters	United States

Blasteroids represents the third official sequel to the 1979 multidirectional shooter classic Asteroids. Developed and launched by Atari Games in arcades in 1987, this installment departs from its predecessors by employing raster graphics rather than vector graphics. It also introduces new gameplay elements such as power-ups and a challenging boss encounter.

Published in the United States, home computer editions were distributed by Image Works across various systems including Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, MSX, MS-DOS, and ZX Spectrum. Additionally, an emulated version is accessible as a hidden mini-game within Lego Dimensions.

Gameplay

The fundamental gameplay preserves the original's essence: players pilot a spacecraft from a two-dimensional perspective, maneuvering by rotating and applying thrust. The ship relies on a finite "Energy" resource that powers both propulsion and shields; if depleted, the ship is destroyed. Players engage by firing at asteroids and adversaries, while having the option to switch their vessel among three specialized forms: Speeder (emphasizing speed), Fighter (focused on firepower), and Warrior (prioritizing armor).

Players choose from four difficulty tiers—Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert—each containing several galaxies composed of either 9 or 16 sectors. Successfully clearing all asteroids in a sector opens an exit portal leading back to the galactic map. The sectors feature screen wraparound mechanics.

Asteroids differ in size and behavior: larger ones break into smaller fragments when shot, with only the tiniest being completely destroyed. Red asteroids release Power Crystals that provide temporary enhancements upon destruction. Popcorn Asteroids require multiple hits to grow larger; once fully grown, they cease spinning and become indestructible but can be neutralized to clear the area. Egg asteroids spawn leeches that drain the player's energy; these can be destroyed. Seeker asteroids actively home in on the player after being struck.

After all sectors are cleared, players face the alien boss Mukor, who attacks via ramming and deploying smaller enemy ships. Mukor possesses multiple tentacles that must be individually destroyed through repeated hits; defeating him rewards players with unique equipment. As players progress through subsequent galaxies, Mukor returns with an increased number of tentacles, escalating the challenge. Complete elimination of Mukor across all galaxies is necessary to achieve victory.

When a second player joins by pressing Fire and inserting a credit, multiplayer mode activates. Players collaborate by providing mutual support and can dock their ships if one chooses Speeder and the other Warrior. Docking converts the Speeder into a powerful stationary Turret mounted atop the Warrior, which transforms into a Spiaret with reduced firepower but full navigational control. Undocking occurs if either player switches ship forms. The first player to exit through the portal receives a significant bonus and gains control over the Galactic Map.

Reception

In 1989, Computer and Video Games magazine honored Blasteroids with its "C+VG Hit" award.

External links

• Blasteroids at Arcade History