I think the Tempest proto sucks...

[Opa Opa]

I downloaded this and frankly...

 

 

IT SUCKS!

 

But thats just me talking....

[NE146]

Well yeah of course it does, we all know that. But it's not finished!

[Atari 7800.com]

Not only do we know it sucks, but the guys at Atari knew it sucked too. That's the main reason it was never released nor completed. They didnt want to dissapoint excited gamers as they had done with their lousy conversion of Pac-Man, etc. But I have to admit, its pretty cool to finally get to play it.

 

I think Ill stick to Tempest 2000 for now.

 

Justin

[Tempest]

quote

Not only do we know it sucks, but the guys at Atari knew it sucked too. That's the main reason it was never released nor completed. They didnt want to dissapoint excited gamers as they had done with their lousy conversion of Pac-Man, etc

 

Well that's not exactly true... When Ray Kassar was fired as CEO of Atari in 1983, James Morgan was hired to take his place. James put all projects on hold for 30 days while he reviewed what had been going on. Since the 7800 was deemed high priority, most 2600 and 5200 projects got cancelled (like Tempest, Xevious, Sinistar, and Elevator Action). Many good games were lost this way.

 

The current version of Tempest isn't the best game out there, but it's pretty damn good considering the 2600's limitations. I feel you can't judge this proto since it's only about 55% complete. I've seen many rough protos that turned into good games.

 

Tempest

[jsoper]

You say it sucks ???

 

That's funny, it always has nice things to say about you.

[Pitfall Harry]

Let's face it. Tempest sucks. Nevertheless, this unfinnished proto is a dazzling gem of a game if you compare to Skeet Shoot, which IS finished.

 

Ben

[ubersaurus]

If that proto was ever completed, it probably wouldn't suck so bad (provided it was set to use the driving controller). It's just unfortunate it had no hit detection. Or other levels. Were other levels planned, or even possible?

[Blackjax]

I still say it looks like a game they bought from one of those porno game companies that would have originally named it CRAB CRISIS!

 

"Help your girlfriend with her little problem and SCORE!@"

[DuckandCover]

I think if Tempest had been completed, it probably would have been at least a servicable game. It would have been interesting to see how the game turned out in its final form. Considering the strictures involved in programming for the 2600, I think it's a pretty good effort. I agree that the driving controllers would have been a must.

 

In its current form it's...well...a pretty frustrating gaming experience.

[Stella'sGhost]

The best Tempest yet is the Atari Anniversary Advance cart on the Gameboy Advance, it plays just like the Arcade version. Never mind the puny screen, it's just very addictive, really quite excellent.

 

Go and buy it now damn it.

[Tempest]

quote

I still say it looks like a game they bought from one of those porno game companies that would have originally named it CRAB CRISIS!

 

You know ever since I read that on your site I think it everytime I play Tempest...

 

My best guess (and this is only a guess), is that the final game would have had four different level structres. I can't see them only making one type of level, the replay value would be too low. Of course the only person that knows for sure is Carla, and I have yet to track her down.

 

Tempest

[Cassidy Nolen]

I do not think its a bad version considering everything it was faced with. I agree that it would have had a few boards, but given what the system could do, its not a bad attempt.

 

Certainly its the stuff proto-lore is made of.

 

Cassidy