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Asteroid 2012 – Classic Space Blaster in 3D

Posted Thursday, October 6th, 2011 at 2:32 pm by Paul Wilks 2 Comments

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Asteroid 2012 is a strap-yourself-in space blaster based on the old Atari game. This time putting you into a full 3D environment with alien ships and infinite asteroids to destroy, the game is a quality update of an old-school classic. Graphics, sound and gameplay are truly scintillating and make for a haunting yet action-packed space shooter. This is an updated review, which will highlight some of the recent game changes and enhancements.

Price: PocketChange supported free version, $1.99 for full version

Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Everyone

AndroidTapp.com Android Game Review:

Pros & Cons:

Pros

• Silky and sharp 3D graphics!
• Superb atmospheric sound!
• Accelerometer controls!
• Updated retro fun!

Cons

• Some might find it a bit repetitive.
• Limited number of free turns, however more than enough to decide if you want the full game.

Features:

So often retro games show up in shiny new packages and then proceed to massively disappoint fans. However, because they sell, they keep coming back regardless. Thankfully Asteroid 2012 is one of those apps which is actually good, and should not only satisfy old-school gamers but encourage a new generation of asteroid-blasters.

The first thing to dazzle is the immersive 3D, 360-degree space environment you find yourself in. The space is a deep inky black and the stars, planets, asteroids and aliens dazzle brightly. However, the action quickly takes you away from the beautifully rendered surrounds and concentrates you to the matter at hand. Simply put- you have to blast a succession of huge asteroids. Aliens also turn up and you have to blow them out of the sky too.

You control your craft by accelerometer so be ready to twist and turn like a Top Gun pilot as you blast away everything in sight. You have a 3D radar which helps you locate the asteroids and enemies, which is especially useful when you have action in every possible direction. You have an on-screen fire button which shoots glowing blue lasers at your targets, in addition to a booster button which you can use in short bursts.

The sound is also a massive winner. Haunting and atmospheric, it makes you feel quite alone out there, yet this pulls you into the game more. It creates genuine ‘experience’ and is incredibly immersive and compelling. The game is simple to play, but still hugely rewarding. All-in-all Asteroid 2012 is a superb game; immersive and fun with staggering 3D graphics, cool sound and brilliant gameplay.

Updates

The game has witnessed a number of updates recently, some aesthetic, some administrative. Firstly the graphics not dazzle more than ever; they are sharper, more detailed and benefit from higher definition. Gone is the 2D radar, replaced by one with a far more 3D perspective. There are new weapons, new enemies and, or so it seemed to me, more asteroids! the accelerometer is far better than when I first reviewed the title, you never lose control and there’s actually a useful feature that will put you back into the direction of the action if you go astray.

Administratively, Openfeint has been sacrificed for HeyZap social integration which certainly seems less intrusive than Openfeint often feels. There are two specific versions of Asteroid 2012 now. You have a free title called Asteroid 2012 PocketChange Edition, which uses the PocketChange gaming platform. This essentially allows you a certain number of free goes on the game and the option to buy more game ‘tokens’ should you want to play more. Alternatively you can buy the full version, called Asteroid 2012 3D for $1.99. While these options reduce the times you can play the game for free, you still have enough opportunity to grasp the gameplay and decide whether you want to invest in the full title.

The updates certainly make for an even slicker experience in terms of gameplay. It is an extremely visceral experience that captures the daunting threat of world destruction with the loneliness of floating in the inky blackness of space. The music is as threatening and as scary as ever, creating a game that has to be experienced to be properly grasped.

Watch on Mobile via PlayAndroid.com

Fun Factor:

Lots of blasting fun can be had as you shoot around the skies. Some people might find this a little repetitive, perhaps a little too old-school, but the game is an honest and persuasive update of a gaming classic and deserves respect.

Now with additional weaponry and aggressive enemies in the mix the game is perhaps less repetitive but I would still suggest it might have that effect on some gamers who demand constant action.

Addictive:

There is something genuinely rewarding about destroying aliens and huge asteroids in this game; it could be the terrific sounds or the amazing visuals you get when something explodes, or it could just be that you’ve twisted and turned long enough and timed your shots just right for such a pleasing result. Regardless, it’s compelling, sublime and very addictive.

Graphics:

The graphics are incredibly smooth; both in gameplay and the environment around you. As mentioned ‘space’ is beautifully created and explosions are incredibly cool. There are flashes of pink trail as aliens pass you by and delightful bursts of orange as an asteroid explodes under your electric blue laser fire. It’s like a huge interactive firework display and subsequently drips both quality and beauty.

Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:

The accelerometer is accurate and fun to use in the game- the control is now far more accurate and responsive than before. The sound is atmospheric and very rich indeed- really polishing the game and making it truly excellent.

Updating...