Review of Alien Abduction!, a New Title by Audacity Games for the Atari 2600

Alien Abduction!

Audacity Games

New Atari 2600 action/adventure game by John Van Ryzin

In the ever-expanding universe of current games for classic consoles, Audacity Games has 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 enough differences, such as fresh level designs, to set it apart. It's a labor of love that respects the constraints of vintage technology, designed without hardware acceleration or modern enhancements that weren't available during the golden age 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 its physical release brings an extra layer of authenticity and fun that collectors crave. The physical package includes a high-quality box, cartridge, and manual, created with care to replicate the feel of classic Activision releases. The game itself certainly feels like a classic title.

As a lowly Tech Specialist, Grade 3, you embark on a perilous mission to rescue Princess Zyrvanni, who has been captured by malevolent aliens. Equipped with a space suit featuring jet boots, an energy defense shield, and a plasma gun, you must navigate through a treacherous spaceship filled with aliens, drones, and robots while dodging superheated walls and radioactive floors and managing your health and energy levels. In H.E.R.O., you are equipped with dynamite for demolishing walls. Here, you trigger bombs that are positioned in various spots throughout the levels.

The controls and gameplay of Alien Abduction! might take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, the game reveals itself to be a lot of fun, boasting that addictive "just one more time" quality. Points are awarded for destroying enemies, collecting items, and rescuing the princess to complete each level. A modern twist is the ability to submit your scores online via QR code technology, adding a competitive edge to this retro experience.

Graphics in Alien Abduction! are solid and serve the gameplay well. While they may not push the boundaries of the Atari 2600’s capabilities, they effectively create an immersive environment for the player. The sparse sound effects further add to the retro charm, delivering a minimalistic audio experience that complements the game's visuals without overwhelming them.

The pedigree of Alien Abduction!'s development team is noteworthy. John Van Ryzin, a seasoned programmer from the Atari 2600 days, spearheaded the project with additional programming by the legendary David Crane. These names alone are enough to excite any retro gaming aficionado, as both Van Ryzin and Crane played pivotal roles in creating some of the most beloved games of the era. The game’s packaging 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 industry veterans ensures that Alien Abduction! not only plays like a classic but also looks and feels like one.

Alien Abduction! is a commendable effort by Audacity Games to bring a new yet familiar experience to the Atari 2600. It’s a game that respects its roots while offering fresh challenges and fun gameplay. Garry Kitchen, another legend from the Atari days, personally handed me a copy at the Corgs Retro Gaming Expo, a highlight of that great convention.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the Atari 2600 or a newcomer curious about all the hype surrounding retro gaming, Alien Abduction! is a title worth adding to your collection. If you ever wanted to play H.E.R.O. in space, now’s your chance!

Game Informer Shuts Down, Lays Off Staff - RIP to an Iconic Magazine

 

After 33 remarkable years, Game Informer is shutting down, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential video game magazines ever published. This decision comes as a significant blow to the gaming community (although not entirely surprising), which has relied on Game Informer for insightful reviews, previews, and industry news since its inception. Well, not so much in recent years, but you get the idea.

For me personally, Game Informer's closure is particularly poignant. For their Classic GI column, Greatest Game of All Time, I had the honor of writing about Mr. Do!, my favorite video game. Additionally, they interviewed me years ago, and several of my books were featured in their holiday and reading guides, further solidifying my connection to this iconic publication. Up until a decade or so ago (yeah, I’m part of the problem), I was a steady subscriber, thanks in part to their GameStop rewards program, which was icing on the proverbial cake—it saved me a lot of money over the years!

Founded in 1991, Game Informer became a staple in the gaming world, covering everything from the retro scene (I was surprised and excited when they reviewed Lady Bug for the ColecoVision) to the Super Nintendo (debuting the year they began) to the modern era of what are essentially interactive movies. The magazine's ability to evolve with the industry while maintaining a dedicated readership speaks to its quality and relevance. However, like many print publications, Game Informer faced increasing challenges in the digital age. The decision to close was not made lightly but was influenced by a combination of factors, including financial pressures and shifts in how audiences consume media.

GameStop, the parent company of Game Informer, has been undergoing significant restructuring, which included substantial layoffs and strategic shifts. This restructuring effort aimed to adapt to the changing retail climate but unfortunately also led to the discontinuation of the magazine.

Reflecting on the legacy of Game Informer, it's clear that the magazine was more than just a source of gaming news; it was a community hub that brought gamers together. The farewell message on the website appears to have been written by AI, with statements like "the early days of pixelated adventures to today's immersive virtual realms," but it was a very good magazine for many years with strong editorial content. Yeah, not everything they published was great (some articles were outright clunkers), but they cranked out a ton of deep-dive features, news items, previews, and reviews that were well-written and thoroughly researched.

As we bid farewell to Game Informer, it's important to acknowledge the contributions of its talented team (including my buddy Ben Reeves, who wrote the foreword to my book, The SNES Omnibus Vol. 2). Their passion and expertise helped shape the magazine into what it was, and their work will be remembered fondly by readers worldwide. While the presses may stop, the impact of Game Informer will continue to resonate in the gaming community for years to come.

The closure of Game Informer signifies the end of an era, but it also serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of media consumption. As gamers, we’ve already adapted and found new ways to stay up to date on the the video game industry. In fact, we did that years ago via such websites as GameSpot and IGN, as well as social media. And yes, Game Informer’s own website. Although Game Informer will no longer be there, the legacy it leaves behind will inspire future generations of gamers and journalists alike.

Game Informer's shutdown is a significant loss for the gaming community. It was a publication that not only informed but also connected and inspired its readers. As we look back on its 33-year history, we can appreciate the immense contribution it made to the world of video games and hold on to the memories and insights it provided. Farewell, Game Informer, and thank you for being a part of our gaming journey.

Hopefully, someone will write a retrospective on the publication in Old School Gamer, which is an independent publication and one of the few print video game magazines left.