Other Formats
This product is also available in the following formats:
- Space Attack [1979] [Video Game – Arcade]
- Space Attack [1980] [Video Game – Atari Video Computer System]
- Space Attack [1979] [Video Game – Other]
Space Attack
Space Attack takes the idea of outer space combat on the Atari 2600 to a different level. Your mother ship is coming under attack from six enemy fleets of different strengths. You have only three fleets of three ships to defend your ship. If the enemy gets too close, your mother ship is defenseless. Only by acting quickly and appropriately can you hope to survive.
The game has two modes of play. In the radar mode, you direct your ships to intercept and attack enemy fleets. Once one of your flight groups reaches an enemy fleet, you jump into battle mode and attempt to destroy them all.
The enemy won't remain idle, though. They'll be gunning for you as you try to kill them. The enemy fleets can hold between 6 and 13 ships, all of which must be destroyed before the battle is over. Every time you take a hit, one ship in the fleet is destroyed.
You will have to act fast to succeed, because the enemies are coming from all different directions. Sending all your ships away can leave the mother ship vulnerable and defenseless. ~ Steve Honeywell, All Game Guide
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Product Details
| UPC: | |
|---|---|
| Release Date: | 1982 |
| Platform: | Atari Video Computer System |
| Genre: | Shooter |
| Style: | Fixed Screen Shooter |
Review
The idea for Space Attack is very original; to my knowledge, no other game has taken this precise spin on space combat. The idea of defending a defenseless mothership with fighter squadrons is an interesting one and worthy of some consideration.In the game, you have a trio of fighter squadrons facing off against six enemy fleets of random sizes, averaging about 10 ships each. You can dispatch any of your squadrons to attack these enemies at any time; however, only one squadron can be targeted to attack a specific enemy group. Additionally, only three enemy fleets appear on the screen at a time, so it is possible that the enemy can come in from an undefended area and kill off the mothership.
Space Attack start in the radar mode, which is bland and dull. Groups of squares move silently in toward the center of the screen while you launch trios of colored boxes after them.
Battle mode is a different story; this portion of the game is quite colorful and active. The enemy ships look good, and your targeting sight is easy to move and handles well. You learn quickly that you have to lead the enemy ships, since it takes a few seconds for your lasers to hit.
One of the nicer aspects of the game is that each time an enemy is hit, it explodes dramatically, often taking out other enemy craft. It's possible to start a chain reaction and decimate the enemy fleet in a few seconds of pyrotechnics.
The main problem with Space Attack is that the battle mode is too easy. Enemy shots move in so slowly that they can easily be avoided -- you only lose one of your ships if the shot hits your targeting area. Setting the right difficulty switch to 'A' changes this, since the computer will fight any other battles that occur while you are in battle mode, and will generally take out the enemy poorly, losing one ship for every four or so it kills.
Space Attack is still a fun game, though. Experienced gamers will have little trouble mastering it, but novices will find a great deal of complexity and challenge. ~ Steve Honeywell, All Game Guide
Credits
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Mattel Electronics | Developer |
| M-Network (Mattel) | Manufacturer/Publisher |
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© 2009 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Game Guide®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. 
