Astro Blaster

From Sega Retro

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Astro Blaster Title.png

Astro Blaster
System(s): G80
Publisher: Gremlin/Sega, Sega
Developer:
Distributor: Löwen-Automaten (DE), Sonic (ES)
Genre: Shoot 'em Up

















Release Date RRP Code
Arcade (G80)
JP
¥? ?
Arcade (G80)
US
$1695[3] ?
Arcade (G80)
DE
DM ? ?



































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Astro Blaster (アストロブラスター) is a vertical shoot-'em-up arcade game developed by Gremlin/Sega in 1981.

Gameplay

It is similar to Space Invaders and Galaxian, but features synthesized speech. Also unlike previous games before it, the player must monitor his fuel supply and temperature gauge, to make sure that the ship does not explode or lose its firing ability. The enemies also have varying flight patterns.

History

Release

Older versions of Astro Blaster were criticised for being too difficult as the large numbers of enemies would mean the player's ship would overheat too quickly. Newer versions of the game were altered to make the game more user-friendly. Though not confirmed, the different versions can be identified by the colour of the cabinet - the older "cyan" models likely correspond with the harder game, while the newer "blue" models use the easier ROM set.

Though originally just released as an upright cabinet, Gremlin/Sega later released cocktail and "mini" versions. Most Astro Blaster cabinets have woodgrain finish, however rare "white" versions have also been spotted, the origins of which are not fully understood.

Legacy

Astro Blaster did not see a home conversion during the 1980s, although an Astro Blaster arcade cabinet appears in the Sega Dreamcast game Shenmue (however is marked as "out of order" and cannot be played). It finally saw a home release as part of the PlayStation Portable version of Sega Mega Drive Collection in 2006, though has not been re-released in any form since.

Production credits

This article needs a list of production credits, either from the game itself, a manual, or other reliable source.
  • Designed & programmed by: Gary Shannon, Barbara Michalec

Magazine articles

Main article: Astro Blaster/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

AstroBlaster G80 US Flyer.pdf

PDF
US flyer
AstroBlaster G80 US Flyer.pdf

AstroBlaster G80 US Flyer Alt.pdf

PDF
US flyer (alt)
AstroBlaster G80 US Flyer Alt.pdf

AstroBlaster G80 DE Flyer.pdf

PDF
DE flyer
AstroBlaster G80 DE Flyer.pdf
AstroBlaster G80 ES Flyer.jpg
ES flyer
AstroBlaster G80 ES Flyer.jpg

AstroBlaster Arcade US GameCard BattlePlan.pdf

PDF
US "Battle Plan" Game Card
AstroBlaster Arcade US GameCard BattlePlan.pdf

AstroBlaster Arcade US GameCard AdvancedPlayer.pdf

PDF
US "Advanced Player" Game Card
AstroBlaster Arcade US GameCard AdvancedPlayer.pdf

Photo gallery

Physical scans

G80 (upright; cyan/wood), US
AstroBlaster G80 US Manual.pdf
Manual
G80 (upright; cyan/white), US
AstroBlaster G80 US Manual.pdf
Manual
G80 (upright; blue/wood), US
AstroBlaster G80 US Marquee Upright Newer.jpg
AstroBlaster G80 US Manual.pdf
Manual
G80 (mini), US
G80 (cocktail), US
G80 (upright), DE
AstroBlaster G80 DE Manual.pdf
Manual

References