Homebreviews - part 1
Entry posted by Nathan Strum
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I always look for reviews before I buy something (especially games), so I can get some idea of what I'm going to plunk down my hard-earned money for. So, after my recent haul of homebrew games from AtariAge, I promised Albert I'd write up some reviews.
Be careful what you ask for... 
The ratings (out of 5) have to do with how much I enjoy playing a game, and how likely it is the cartridge will see a lot of time in my 2600. Technical merit has a little to do with it, but not much. Gameplay and replay value are the big factors.
I'll post the reviews here as well as in the AA store, so the programmers will have an opportunity to retaliate. 
I'll start off with one I wrote some time ago:
Star Fire
5/5
Star Fire may be the best first-person space shooter for the 2600. It's a fantastic tribute to the original arcade game, that manages to improve upon the original. There can be an overwhelming number of enemy ships onscreen, and when they get aggressive, they'll challenge you like few other games have. Star Voyager, Starmaster and even Phaser Patrol can't match the level of unrelenting action in this game. Everything is first-rate: the graphics, sound, gameplay, and even the manual. There's attention to detail everywhere. Only two words left to say - buy it!
Hunchy II
5/5
Hunchy II is a first-rate platformer, with 14 levels to master. The layouts are fiendishly clever, and some of them will take you quite a few tries to figure out the correct solution. The difficulty ramps up gradually as new challenges are added with each level, so each game you'll learn just enough to get a little bit farther in the next one. The graphics are excellent and flicker-free, and the controls are precise - which is absolutely essential for a game like this. The sounds are a little on the plain side, but the addictive gameplay more than makes up for it. This game belongs in everyone's 2600 collection. It's the kind of game Miner 2049er and other games of its ilk only wish they could have been.
Fall Down
5/5
Fall Down is one of the most addictive games I've ever played on the 2600. It's a fast, frenetic game where momentum is your best friend, and your enemy is the dreaded BLUE. As you continually fight your way to the bottom of the screen, capturing platforms as you go, you need to descend as fast as possible; but BLUE is also racing to the bottom of the screen, and will not only steal platforms from you, but take power-ups that you need, and even block you from getting to the next platform. Most of the reviews for Fall Down have focused on its two-player action, but even as one player vs. the computer, it's fantastic fun! Few things are as satisfying as slamming into your opponent at just the right moment to force him off the top of the screen. It's the perfect, quick game for the 2600, and one you'll be coming back to again and again.
Seawolf
5/5
Seawolf is one of the all-time great arcade videogames, and Manuel has done an amazing job bringing this classic to the 2600. The graphics and sound are excellent, with large, colorful sprites, a variety of enemies, and no flicker. But what really makes Seawolf great is the gameplay. The original feel of the arcade game comes through intact, but there are also new additions to the game which add more challenges, increasing replay value and longevity. Having to manage both your fuel and torpedoes, while still sinking enough enemy ships to keep playing becomes quite a trick at higher levels. The difficulty ramps up gradually, but you can also choose to start the game with everything being thrown at you at full-speed. So no matter what your skill level, you'll find something to challenge you with Seawolf.
Hmmm... all 5 out of 5 so far! Can that possibly continue?
Well, no. 
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