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Beamrider [Model AZ-037]

Atari 2600 cart. published 40 years ago by Activision, Inc.

Listed in MAME

Beamrider [Model AZ-037] screenshot

Beamrider © 1984 Activision, Inc.

A beam matrix of iridescent blue engulfs the distant blackness of Earth-Space. You stand watching. First mesmerized, you now realize the beams carry weapons. Frightening creations in endless configurations. Intriguing to watch, but will you, yes you, dear reader, take action? You will??!! Then roll up your sleeves, mount these beams and... ride!!

Animated graphics create a 3-D perspective that virtually pulls you into the screen. Pulsating sound effects intensify the constant array of new objects that zip from beam to beam. Beamrider combines tomorrow's technology with designer Dave Rolfe's fantastic imagination to forge the challenge you'll return to again and again!

TECHNICAL

Model AZ-037

TRIVIA

Beamrider for Atari 2600 was released on January 24, 1984 in North America.

TIPS AND TRICKS

Greetings from sector 26 and moving! If you want to make it to the outer sectors, pay attention to these tips.

Maintain precise control by learning to TAP the Control Stick to move your ship a single beam at a time. And stay near the center beams so you won't get boxed into a corner with nowhere to run.

Zap the white enemy saucers as early in their approach as possible. And check this out: You can hit them when they're slightly off the beam, before they can drop their missiles.

When you see a yellow rejuvenator, don't abandon all caution as you move to catch it or you'll likely wreck your ship. If an enemy object is blocking the rejuvenator, you can use a torpedo to blast it out of the way. Then, catch the rejuvenator. But remember, you only have three torpedoes and they're your only weapon against the Sector Sentinel.

And while we're on the subject, when the Sentinel is about to approach, don't sit on the beam you plan to shoot from. Green Blockers will swarm on to it immediately! Instead, wait on a beam you're not going to shoot from (like the one nearest the Sentinel's first sighting). As soon as the Blockers are 'locked' onto that beam, zip over to an unblocked beam and torpedo the ship.

Last, but not least, take time to notice the enemy attack movements. They generally follow a pattern of motion that allows you to anticipate many of their moves.

STAFF

Developed by Cheshire Engineering.

Programmer: Dave Rolfe

PORTS

CONSOLES:
usa Sony PlayStation 2 (nov.19, 2002) "Activision Anthology [Model SLUS-20588]"
europe australia Sony PlayStation 2 (2003) "Activision Anthology [Model SLES-51313]"

HANDHELDS:
usa Nintendo Game Boy Advance (dec.9, 2003) "Activision Anthology [Model AGB-BAVE-USA]"
usa Sony PSP (nov.8, 2006) "Activision Hits Remixed [Model ULUS-10186]"
europe Sony PSP (feb.9, 2007) "Activision Hits Remixed [Model ULES-00640]"
australia Sony PSP (feb.14, 2007) "Activision Hits Remixed [Model ULES-00640]"

COMPUTERS:
usa PC [Microsoft Windows, CD-ROM] (oct.2003) "Activision Anthology: Remix Edition"
usa Apple Macintosh [CD-ROM] (2003) "Activision Anthology: Remix Edition"

OTHERS:
usa Android (aug.30, 2012) "Activision Anthology"
usa Apple iPhone/iPad (aug.30, 2012) "Activision Anthology [Model 542727742]"
usa "Atari Flashback 8 Gold Edition" (sept.22, 2017) by AtGames
usa "Atari Flashback 8 Gold Activision Edition" (sept.22, 2017) by AtGames

SOURCES

Game's ROM.