Review - Asteroids: Recharged

Developer: SneakyBox

Publisher: Atari

Available on: PlayStation5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)

Review console: PlayStation

Keep it simple and make it fun. That is the philosophy behind Atari, the maker of video games that laid the groundwork for all to follow. Asteroids is an arcade game that was first released in the late 1970s. The arcade booth featured gorgeous artwork work, but the game was far more simple. Your ship was a triangle and the asteroids were geometric shapes. The goal was to shoot everything on-screen for the highest possible score. This game, simple as it is, was fun and exciting pulling in coins left and right and laying the groundwork for video games in the future. This game is Asteroids.

Now, Asteroids has returned as Asteroids: Recharged. This neon-lit modern imagining of the classic game takes the unforgettable shooting mechanics of the original and puts them in a modern, albeit light, gaming package.

Insert Coin for Asteroids Recharged

Asteroids would be the inspiration for so many games going forward from Defender to Starlight Galaxy Warriors. With the exception of a reimagining in the late 90s for the PSone, there hasn't been a new interpretation until now. Atari and sneakybox studios have brought back the coin-dropping classic ASteroids in the form of Asteroids Recharged. This new interpretation brings back the classic gameplay everyone knows and loves and brings it gracefully into a generation.

Asteroids is all about gameplay. there is no story. Part of the charm of early video games like this is to use your imagination. If you want to create a story, you can make anyone you want. Perhaps Asteroids is a sequel to the movie Armageddon in which Earth gets payback against the asteroid for the death of US astronaut and Oil driller Harry Stamper. Asteroids Recharged is all about the gameplay and the presentation of that gameplay. With that established, Asteroids Recharged is amazing!

Timeless gameplay

The original Asteroids featured white, burning vector-based graphics against a black background. Moving the ship required one joystick and shooting the laser was a single button. The goal was to destroy as many asteroids as possible before eventually losing all lives. The screen had a "burning effect" The white vector graphics had a remarkable burn effect that made the effects bright and mesmerizing. Asteroids Recharged has a presentation that may not have that sensation but it is filled with color and personality.

The background has more substance, being a grid in outer space. The ship and enemies retain their basic geometric shapes but they have more personality with color. A big change to the gameplay is the introduction of power-ups. SIngularity bombs, triple shots, and anime laser cannons are just some of the powerups players can obtain for that sweet juicy high score. The controls are tight and responsive, as should be expected.

A blast from the past

Playing feels pure and euphoric. Chasing the score and dominating the leaderboards feels thrilling and enjoyable. The best way to describe Asteroids Recharged is taking an old car that's been sitting in a garage for a while and giving the car a full-fledged restoration, with a few new modern parts too. After all these years, the gameplay formula is immaculate, and the smaller updates work very well.

Asteroids Recharged isn't all sunshine and rainbows. The game is on the short side and can be completed quickly. It does have a platinum trophy for those that are completionists but the experience doesn't last long. However, that's okay. In this day and age, where games can last 40 hours or more, it's good to have something quick and simple for a few hours.

Arcade Fever

Asteroids: Recharged is a retro-charged blast. The visuals are striking, the gameplay is timeless, and the modes offer something for everyone to enjoy. While it's light on content, Asteroids: Recharged is a reminder of the simplest joys in video games. You can't put a number on that, but you can put a lot of smiles. Mine included.

ASTEROIDS RECHARGED IS RECOMMENDED