Description

"Astroblast," released for the Atari 2600/VCS console, is a fast-paced shoot 'em up game developed by Mattel under its M Network label. The game was originally designed for Mattel's Intellivision console as "Astrosmash," but was ported and renamed when it crossed over to the Atari platform. In "Astroblast," players control a laser cannon that moves horizontally across the bottom of the screen, tasked with the objective of shooting down falling meteors, spinning bombs, and other space debris. The player's score increases by shooting down objects, and the game's intensity escalates as the player advances, with the objects falling faster, increasing the challenge.

Originally designed by John Sohl, "Astroblast" features a unique gameplay mechanic where the player’s score can increase or decrease. Each shot meteor increases the score, but allowing them to hit the ground results in a score deduction. Adding another layer of complexity, the game's difficulty automatically adjusts based on the player's performance: shooting down more objects intensifies the challenge, while struggling players might notice a slight slack in the game’s pace. This dynamic difficulty adjustment made "Astroblast" particularly accessible to a wide range of skill levels, ensuring both novice and veteran gamers could enjoy and be challenged. The game could be played both with paddle and joystick controllers, providing players with different gameplay experiences. This title is remembered for its engaging gameplay and its place in the pantheon of classic Atari 2600 games.

Title

Astroblast - Title

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Gameplay

Astroblast - Gameplay

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