Wishing for Intellivision Game Refresh - Astrosmash

[First Spear]

It's been a while since I thought about one of these, so here goes.

Adding some dimension to Astrosmash that could enhance the fun but still make it recognizable would be a couple of power-ups. Maybe something that you can only get a few at 3x and 6x, or maybe the game starts with 5 of them and no more can be obtained for the duration of the game.

Mega artillery smart bombs - hit the "call for big artillery" button, and 3 seconds later all rocks on the screen are destroyed.

a. The sound channels aren't really used much in the game, so when the player calls for an incoming one a 3 second droning sound plays as it gets closer.

b. Making the smart bomb take a while to get there means the player still has to think/survive, it's not an instant fix.

c. Having only audio for the bomb and then destroying everything on the screen that isn't the player also means not impacting the MOBs in the game.

Shoot a hover-magnet, hit a button and a magnet pops launches from the player, with a parachute at random screen altitude, and it slowly drifts down and off the screen.

a. All rocks and missile and saucer shots are all attracted to it. It's not a clear and easy life saver, but can add strategy to the play.

[+BBWW]

I thought that was Space C*nt? :-)

 

I do like the launching of a mid air weapon to spin and shoot...rather than clear the screen.

[+fdr4prez]

I was never a big fan of the hyperspace. It didn't seem to do much. so maybe fix that up a bit.

 

I'd rather have a short duration force field bubble for the ship. Maybe start off with 2 or 3 and more are gained during play. Either automatic force field on collision, or a manual force field that the player needs to activate. Spinners can still get you, but not the meteors, guided missiles, or the alien shots.

 

Even a power up for splitting your shot in two or three; like many other space shooter games.

 

A two player mode where you are both out there defending the planet.

[+fdr4prez]

A power up that slows down the falling objects, for a short duration. You and your shots remain at normal speed. This'll represent you doubling your speed. Like a speed burst.

 

Also need to add in the competition timer, and saving high scores.