STP: When the original Asteroids arcade game was released 30 years ago, it was a much more original concept than Asteroids Gunner is today. This latest installment is a freemium twin-stick shooter like the many we've seen on the App Store in recent years, but it clings to its roots with a mighty grip. In other words, Atari has taken their enduring classic, slapped on a new coat of paint, added some features, and released it once again to the world.
Though Atari was one of the founding fathers of the games industry, for many it will always be synonymous with the video games crash of 1983.
The firm’s fast and loose approach to publishing, and its lack of quality control, was so severe that it killed faith in the sector resulting in a market collapse in the US.
Since then, the name has passed through a number of hands, including Tramel Technology, Hasbro, Infogrames and IESA.
Then in 2009, Atari parent company Infogrames rebranded itself as Atari SA.
The once dominant brand has seen its worth diminish during the years, to the point when, in 2013, three of Atari’s subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy. Re-emerging wounded, but still alive.
lol wtf Pridefest.. besides that retardedly obvious grasp for gay customers I think they'll do good coming back into the scene and I'd really like another Test Drive Unlimited from them.
CalmDownTom says, "Asteroids dates back to 1979, before I was even born; before I was even a twinkle in my parents’ eyes. Thirty two years later Atari are still cashing in on this classic."
Pocket Gamer: Nostalgia is a funny emotion. On one hand, it’s incredibly comforting to reminisce about the good old days, getting caught up in happy memories of past events. But at the same time such rose-tinted recollections can cripple your judgment and mask glaring faults.
That’s why updating a game like Asteroids is a tremendously risky endeavour to undertake. The original release is regarded as a Holy relic by many retro gamers - it took wire-frame visuals and created what is arguably the forerunner of every twin-stick shooter currently available on the App Store.
