Asteroids Deluxe

Following the success of the arcade classic sci-fi shooter Asteroids, Atari launched a sequel the following year that aimed to bring an increased level of difficulty to the original game’s core gameplay. UFO’s were made even more deadly, with increased aggression and new variants like the Killer Satellite being introduced. The hyperspace ability was replaced by shields, which depleted over time and could not be engaged at whim.

Asteroids Deluxe also brought a visual upgrade over the original, featuring a background image of an asteroid field to add depth and color to the original’s black-and-white vector graphics.

The phosphorus effect – Don’t adjust your glasses. The vector monitors used in arcade machines like this one moved electron beams across the screen without regard for square dots, similar to an oscilloscope. The electron beam excited the phosphorus that would then glow brightly then fade over time.