Space Rocks

[Opry99er]

Forgive me if I am ignorant on this one, but I just watched a video on Space Rocks, an Asteroids clone.

 

Flippin' beautiful game!! So much nicer and more featured than the original Asteroids for the VCS...

 

Are there copies available of this game anywhere?

[Albert]

Yes, it's available in the AtariAge Store:

 

https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1031

 

It's really an amazing rendition of Asteroids for the 2600, also borrowing elements from Asteroids Deluxe. Darrell Spice, Jr. created a special Tournament Edition version of the game for the Classic Game Fest last weekend, which ensured that most people died relatively quickly.

 

..Al

[CPUWIZ]

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/240716-atariage-booth-at-classic-game-fest/?p=3282929

[AtariLeaf]

It's my favorite homebrew, hands down. I did a youtube review of it when it first came out and it quickly became one of my most regularly played 2600 games. Just awesome. The same author is working on a Bosconian clone that I'm really looking forward to.

[Opry99er]

Yep... It was actually YOUR video that got me interested.

 

Thanks for the info guys... This game looks to be off the chain... Almost as good as having the stand up cabinet right there in my game room.

[+sramirez2008]

You must get this game! Don't give it a seoond thought. IMHO this is the best Asteroids clone for the 2600. It's full of options...classic (popcorn looking) asteroids or vector, head-to-head or co-op play and you can even choose to add the Magna-Mines from Asteroids Deluxe. The list goes on, but then again, you've seen the video...no all you need to do is buy the game.

[Albert]

It would be fantastic if people could leave some reviews for the game as well.

 

..Al

[AtariLeaf]

I could have sworn I left a review on the store page but it's not there. It was the text of my video review IIRC. Maybe I'm thinking of another homebrew.

[Andromeda Stardust]

I could have sworn I left a review on the store page but it's not there. It was the text of my video review IIRC. Maybe I'm thinking of another homebrew.

I thought I remembered doing a write up and submitting it last year. I think I may have copied the text somewhere. I use one of these babies to play generally since it supports the extra "C" button:

 

[+DrVenkman]

I love this game! I play the rom regularly on my Harmony Cart, and it's the first homebrew cart I plan to buy once my wife gets back to full-time work. Amazing graphics, gameplay and sound. It's the perfect home Asteroids game.

[Opry99er]

Damn... Thats one nice arcade stick!!! Never had one of those.

[+SpiceWare]

Thanks all!

 

I could have sworn I left a review on the store page but it's not there.

 

I thought I remembered doing a write up and submitting it last year.

There used to be 2 store entries for Space Rocks: one with the box, one without. I think your reviews were on the one that was consolidated away. Al might be able to recover them and add them to the remaining entry.

[Albert]

There used to be 2 store entries for Space Rocks: one with the box, one without. I think your reviews were on the one that was consolidated away. Al might be able to recover them and add them to the remaining entry.

Yes, I'm going to fix that this weekend for a few games I consolidated in this fashion.

 

..Al

[Opry99er]

SpiceWare,

 

You are the author of this game, I gather... I have not played it, but the physics look fantastic. Well done, sir.

 

As a programmer myself (not 6502) I know how difficult it can be to achieve decent physics in game development.

 

Question... I imagine this thing is multi-paged... Given the complexity. Hpw many 4k banks make up the game?

[Andromeda Stardust]

Thanks all!

 

 

 

 

There used to be 2 store entries for Space Rocks: one with the box, one without. I think your reviews were on the one that was consolidated away. Al might be able to recover them and add them to the remaining entry.

You bring a valid point. Especially since the boxed versions of games often had more reviews posted than the loose versions of games. When Albert consolidated the store, the loose version had the boxed option added to the listing, then either deleted or hid from the public the original boxed listing. The product IDs for most of the retired products show up as unavailable for viewing.

 

For instance, the boxed Seaweed Assault and Space Rocks I purchased in 2014 prior to loose carts being an option.

https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1028

https://atariage.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1026

 

I think it is good that Albert is placing boxed option on the same page with loose game carts. Boxed is good for collectors and loose is good for gamers on a budget. Some go as far as to pass on games that only have one option and not the other. I was hesitant to pick up Space Rocks and Seaweed Assault last year because of the $20 boxed surcharge, but am glad I got them as they are excellent games.

 

Also I checked my laptop. I've got text files for draft copies of my reviews for Pacman 4k, Pacman Collection, Jr Pacman, Halo 2600, and Crazy Otto. I though I'd written a review for Space Rocks but I may not have.

Edited August 1, 2015 by stardust4ever

[Army Of 2600]

Space Rocks is an amazing game! It is a nearly flawless version of Asteroids, with incredible control, myriad options and smooth graphics. Even my non Atari playing friends do a double take with this game and invest some time playing it. Epic. I am so ready for Star Castle now, please.

[Opry99er]

Wow... Some serious rave reviews here!

 

I love homebrew games as much as the next guy, but this game seems to be universally loved like a system launch title or a GoTY!

 

I never spend more than a few bucks at a time on games, but I'd shell out the $$ for a cart-only copy of this.

 

Once I get my TeleGames 6er, this will be my first game purchase.

[+DrVenkman]

Wow... Some serious rave reviews here!

 

I love homebrew games as much as the next guy, but this game seems to be universally loved like a system launch title or a GoTY!

 

I never spend more than a few bucks at a time on games, but I'd shell out the $$ for a cart-only copy of this.

 

Once I get my TeleGames 6er, this will be my first game purchase.

 

Seriously, if you like Asteroids/Asteroids Deluxe, this game - with the variations and options! - is THE definitive home edition. To me, it's the best version outside of an actual cab.

[Opry99er]

Asteroids is one of my favorite arcade cabs on the planet.

[+sramirez2008]

Currently on vacation in Las Vegas. We picked up tickets for shows, planned out our week and happened to find an arcade (Pinball Hall of Fame) with Asteroids.

 

Anyway, on my second quarter I turned it over and ended up with a high score of 85,300. Asteroids is my favorite cabinet too.

 

Edited August 2, 2015 by sramirez2008

[+sramirez2008]

By the way, the only thing better than Space Rocks, is Space Rocks Tournament Edition!

Thanks again Darrell Spice, Jr.

 

[Andromeda Stardust]

By the way, the only thing better than Space Rocks, is Space Rocks Tournament Edition!

Thanks again Darrell Spice, Jr.

 

image.jpg

Space Rocke TE is a death trap, but an awesome death trap!

[+SpiceWare]

SpiceWare,

 

You are the author of this game, I gather... I have not played it, but the physics look fantastic. Well done, sir.

 

As a programmer myself (not 6502) I know how difficult it can be to achieve decent physics in game development.

 

Question... I imagine this thing is multi-paged... Given the complexity. Hpw many 4k banks make up the game?

 

Yes I am, thanks!

 

Space Rocks is an unusual game for the 2600. While the game is a 32K ROM, there's only a single 4K bank as far as the 6507 is concerned. The rest of the ROM is utilized for data storage and code for the ARM processor on the Melody board.

 

If you'd like to learn more about what's going on, check out my DPC+ ARM Development series. Do note that the series is on a temporary hiatus. You can also look over my Space Rocks blog series, which documents the development of the game.

[Lynxpro]

Is there any native support for the Starplex controller? There's a couple of videos up on YouTube of someone playing the game with that controller. Perhaps it's just operating in something like joystick-mode on the Trak-Balls… I don't know for sure because I don't own one of those controllers but this Space Rocks might be reason enough to purchase one...

[mckafka99]

Is there any native support for the Starplex controller? There's a couple of videos up on YouTube of someone playing the game with that controller. Perhaps it's just operating in something like joystick-mode on the Trak-Balls I don't know for sure because I don't own one of those controllers but this Space Rocks might be reason enough to purchase one...

Space Rocks with the Starplex controller is awesome!