Asteroid Field
Name: Asteroid Field
Programmer(s): Jim L. Nitchals
Publisher: Cavalier Computer
Year: 1980
Description:
Asteroid Field, released in 1980 by Cavalier Computer, launched players into the dangerous frontier of space combat on the Apple II computer. This arcade-style shooter challenged players to navigate their spaceship through treacherous asteroid belts while battling enemy craft.
Players controlled a small triangular ship using the Apple II keyboard or paddle controllers. The goal was to destroy asteroids and enemy ships while avoiding collisions. As asteroids were shot, they split into smaller pieces, creating an increasingly complex field of obstacles. The game featured vector-style graphics typical of the era, with white outlines against a black background.
The game stood out from other Apple II space shooters by including multiple play zones. Players had to complete various sectors, each with increasing difficulty. Enemy ships became more aggressive, and asteroid patterns grew more complex as players progressed. A unique scoring system rewarded both accuracy and survival time.
The game's technical achievements were notable for 1980. It utilized the Apple II's high-resolution graphics mode to create smooth movement and collision detection. The game ran at a consistent speed, which was challenging to achieve on the 1MHz processor of the Apple II.
Power-ups appeared occasionally, giving players shields or extra firepower. These temporary advantages helped players survive the later, more challenging levels. The game included a high score table that saved the top ten scores, giving players a reason to return and compete for better rankings.
While not as well-known as its arcade cousin Asteroids by Atari, Asteroid Field earned respect among Apple II gamers for its responsive controls and increasing challenge level. It influenced later space shooters on the platform and demonstrated the Apple II's capability to deliver arcade-quality gaming experiences at home.
The game required 48K of RAM and ran on both the Apple II and Apple II Plus computers. Its success led to several similar games on the platform, though Asteroid Field remained a favorite among early Apple II space combat titles.