Empire Strikes Back 4 nes - Star Wars - http://maxpages.com/dons/Empire_Strikes_Back_4

The Empire Strikes Back
Released: 1982, 1983
Systems: Atari 2600, Intellivision.

The Basics

The original Atari 2600 cartridge.
Five years after Star Wars was released in theaters, the first video game based on an episode of the trilogy arrived on a home console. Based on 1980's The Empire Strikes Back, the game focuses on the Battle of Hoth, in which Luke Skywalker and the Rogue Squadron confront the Empire's AT-ATs (all terrain armored transports), giant walking machines designed to crush the rebel forces.

The Details

Just getting started.
Your vehicle is a standard-issue rebel snowspeeder, and your mission is to prevent the endless waves of AT-ATs from reaching the rebel base. There are two ways to accomplish this. You can weaken the AT-AT until it explodes by repeatedly pelting its body with fire from your laser cannon (it takes 48 direct hits). Alternatively, if you can find its weak point (a small glowing area on the AT-AT's body); a single shot will cause immediate destruction.

As with most games of this era, the gameplay of The Empire Strikes Back is based on a simple premise that repeats itself until you run out of lives. Similar to Space Invaders or Galaga, the AT-ATs in this game never stop coming, and their attack becomes increasingly relentless as the game progresses.

Going in for the kill.
However, the game is also surprising in its complexity and attention to detail. For every eight times you hit an AT-AT, it changes to a different color, signifying the strength of its shield. Your ship also changes color each time you are damaged. Your ship will take up to five hits, but you can repair your ship up to two times per life by landing in a valley.

There is also an additional ally to aid you in your battle: the Force. Every two minutes, the Star Wars theme music will play, signifying that the Force is with you. For the next 20 seconds, you are invincible to all enemy fire. You can also repair your ship two more times.

Use the force, Luke.
The game's graphics are impressive for the time period, giving the impression of depth as you fly through the landscape. The snowspeeder and AT-ATs are easily recognizable, as is John Williams' famous score.

The Verdict
The Empire Strikes Back is a worthy beginning to the long history of Star Wars video games, and it stands on its own as one of the best games to appear on a classic system. The only thing missing is the ability to use the grappling hook and tow rope to trip up the AT-ATs, a tactic used in the movie and included in later games featuring the Battle of Hoth.

don_kenobi@yahoo.com

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Page Updated Tue Sep 14, 1999 10:30pm EDT