Astro Chase

Atari console exclusive

Astro Chase is a multidirectional shooter written by Fernando Herrera for Atari 8-bit computers. It was published by First Star Software in 1982 as the company's first game. Parker Brothers licensed it, releasing cartridge versions for the Atari 8-bit family and Atari 5200 console in 1983 and a Commodore 64 version in 1984. Exidy licensed it for arcade use with its Max-A-Flex cabinet.

Released: 1982
Platforms: Arcade Atari 2600 Atari 5200 Atari 8-bit Commodore 64 Commodore C64/128/MAX
Genres: Arcade Shoot 'em up Shooter
Developers: First Star Software Aackosoft
Publishers: First Star Software
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric Side view
Themes: Action Science fiction
Country: United States

About

Astro Chase is a multidirectional shooter written by Fernando Herrera for Atari 8-bit computers. It was published by First Star Software in 1982 as the company's first game. Parker Brothers licensed it, releasing cartridge versions for the Atari 8-bit computers and Atari 5200 console in 1983 and a Commodore 64 version in 1984. Exidy licensed it for arcade use with its Max-A-Flex cabinet.

Gameplay takes place on a 2D scrolling map of space around Earth, which the player has to defend from an alien force. The primary target is a number of Mega-Mines, which approach the Earth and must be destroyed. Contemporaneous reviewers were impressed by the graphics, but retrospective evaluations have called the game simplistic.

›Story

As pilot of a spaceship, your job is to save the planet Earth! Eight mega mines are slowly homing in, and you need to destroy them all before they reach Earth. Trying to stop you are a variety of flying saucers which will constantly be chasing you around the planet. Your ship is equipped with lasers which can be used to destroy enemy saucers and the mega mines.

Located throughout the space around Earth are eight shield depots; if you fly through one of these, you will temporarily become invincible. Your spaceship also has a limited energy supply; if you get too low on energy, it can be resupplied at one of the generators located in the four corners of the play area. When all of the mega mines have been destroyed, you will move on to the next, faster chase!

Keywords

aliens
retro
space

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

The game opens with the player looking at a scene at a spaceport, in a simulated 3D view. A flying saucer is hovering just to the right of center, and the player's character is seen exiting a terminal building on the left, walking to the spaceship, waving goodbye, and then beaming aboard.

The view then cuts to space, where the player uses the joystick to cause the screen to rapidly scroll in the selected direction, creating the illusion of flight. The screen is filled with planets and other objects. When the user presses the fire button on the joystick, the stick stops causing the ship to move, and instead fires its weapon in the chosen direction. The ship can simultaneously move and fire in different directions.

Development

In 1981, Atari, Inc. introduced the Atari Star Award for the best new program distributed though their Atari Program Exchange. The winner of the first $25,000 grand prize was Fernando Herrera for My First Alphabet, a children's game.

Fernando was working at a computer retail store owned by Billy Blake. Blake was also a feature film producer, along with his business partner Richard Spitalny. They decided to start and fund an interactive software company to showcase Fernado's talents, naming it First Star Software. Astro Chase was the first title from the new company, released on 7 December 1982.

Reception

The Atari 8-bit computer version of Astro Chase was reviewed by Video magazine in its "Arcade Alley" column where it was described as "a state-of-the-art space shoot-out" and as "a revolutionary game with graphic achievements of stunning virtuosity". Reviewers specifically praised the game's innovative "single thrust propulsion" mechanic. The game was awarded "1984 Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Computer Game" at the 5th annual Arkie Awards, where judges described it as "slam-bang space battle" and praised its animated intermissions.

Allen Doum reviewed the game for Computer Gaming World, and stated that "What qualifies Astro Chase as "state of the art" is the graphics presentation. The full scrolling playfield is not only drawn beautifully, but changes with each chase." Softline stated that "Astro Chase is just about all you could ask for in an arcade game ... an exercise in class and style", citing its "Tremendous graphics".

Legacy

In 1994, MacPlay released a first-person reworking of the game for Classic Mac OS as Astro Chase 3D.

Releases by platformdates and regions as published

Platform	Released	Regions
Atari 8-bit	7 December 1982	North America
Atari 2600Cancelled	31 December 1983	North America
Arcade	31 December 1984	North America
Commodore C64/128/MAX	31 December 1984	North America