Review of Alien Abduction!, a New Title by Audacity Games for the Atari 2600
Alien Abduction!
New Atari 2600 action/adventuregame by John Van Ryzin
In theever-expanding universe of current games for classic consoles, Audacity Gameshas delivered a nice dose of nostalgia with their latest release, Alien Abduction! for the Atari 2600. This new title, programmed by H.E.R.O. designer John Van Ryzin, echoes the classic gameplay of that great title while having enoughdifferences, such as fresh level designs, to set it apart. It's a labor of lovethat respects the constraints of vintage technology, designed without hardwareacceleration or modern enhancements that weren't available during the goldenage of Atari classics like Pitfall!, Keystone Kapers, and H.E.R.O.
Alien Abduction!had been available digitally for the Atari VCS since May of 2023, but itsphysical release brings an extra layer of authenticity and fun that collectorscrave. The physical package includes a high-quality box, cartridge, and manual,created with care to replicate the feel of classic Activision releases. Thegame itself certainly feels like a classic title.
As a lowly TechSpecialist, Grade 3, you embark on a perilous mission to rescue PrincessZyrvanni, who has been captured by malevolent aliens. Equipped with a spacesuit featuring jet boots, an energy defense shield, and a plasma gun, you mustnavigate through a treacherous spaceship filled with aliens, drones, and robotswhile dodging superheated walls and radioactive floors and managing your healthand energy levels. In H.E.R.O., you are equipped with dynamite for demolishingwalls. Here, you trigger bombs that are positioned in various spots throughoutthe levels.
The controls andgameplay of Alien Abduction! might take a little getting used to, but once youget the hang of it, the game reveals itself to be a lot of fun, boasting thataddictive "just one more time" quality. Points are awarded fordestroying enemies, collecting items, and rescuing the princess to completeeach level. A modern twist is the ability to submit your scores online via QRcode technology, adding a competitive edge to this retro experience.
Graphics in AlienAbduction! are solid and serve the gameplay well. While they may not push theboundaries of the Atari 2600’s capabilities, they effectively create animmersive environment for the player. The sparse sound effects further add tothe retro charm, delivering a minimalistic audio experience that complementsthe game's visuals without overwhelming them.
The pedigree ofAlien Abduction!'s development team is noteworthy. John Van Ryzin, a seasonedprogrammer from the Atari 2600 days, spearheaded the project with additionalprogramming by the legendary David Crane. These names alone are enough toexcite any retro gaming aficionado, as both Van Ryzin and Crane played pivotalroles in creating some of the most beloved games of the era. The game’spackaging and manual were designed by Sean Kelly, co-founder of the National Videogame Museum, who also served as a beta tester along with John Hardie,another NVM co-founder. This attention to detail and involvement of industryveterans ensures that Alien Abduction! not only plays like a classic but alsolooks and feels like one.
Alien Abduction!is a commendable effort by Audacity Games to bring a new yet familiarexperience to the Atari 2600. It’s a game that respects its roots whileoffering fresh challenges and fun gameplay. Garry Kitchen, another legend fromthe Atari days, personally handed me a copy at the Corgs Retro Gaming Expo, ahighlight of that great convention.
Whether you're along-time fan of the Atari 2600 or a newcomer curious about all the hypesurrounding retro gaming, Alien Abduction! is a title worth adding to yourcollection. If you ever wanted to play H.E.R.O. in space, now’s your chance!
