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The Atari Times

Star Raiders


The origin of 3D space games
By Gregory D. George

February 18, 2002
 
Star Raiders

(c) Atari

3D space battles were born here.

 

Star Raiders! The inspiration for so many, including the BattleSphere team.

 

The galactic chart in Star Raiders.

 
 More Star Raiders Reviews

8-Bit Star Raiders
by Troy Wilkins, 100%


Atari-ST Star Raiders
by Lawrence Armstrong, 90%



 Reader Average Score
91%
(9 scores.)


Excellent!

 

To write a 3D space action game in the days when 2D overhead Star Trek games were the norm was an audacious undertaking for author Doug Neubauer. It was that glorious achievement that has garnered Star Raiders to be one of the greatest games of all time as well as creating it's own genre: The 3D space action game.

In Star Raiders, your goal is to defend your star system against the invading Zylon armada. Your spaceship is equipped with shields, warp drive, a targeting computer, long and short range scans, as well as the all-important forward and rear photon weapons. Your only support in this campaign are the few starbases throughout the system who you are charged to defend.

The graphics in Star Raiders are truly amazing. Stars zip past relative to the speed you are traveling. The ships dart around you quick as gnats and explode in glorious fashion. And the starbases have cute little drones that come out to service your ship.

When Star Raiders was originally released in the early 80's it was a truly incredible experience. Today, it has become a milestone in gaming and a legend within the minds of those who have played it. It's gameplay and it's legacy have earned it my highest rating.

Game Data

Scores

Title Star Raiders Graphics 70%
Publisher Atari Sound/Music 80%
Genre Action Gameplay 95%
System 5200 Control 95%

 

 

Overall

100%


 

Reader Comments for Star Raiders

 

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