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!