Tempest Arcade Machine
Tempest Arcade Machine is a 1981 arcade game by Atari Inc., designed and programmed by Dave Theurer. It takes place on a three-dimensional surface divided into lanes, sometimes as a closed tube, and viewed from one end.
In 1981, Tempest is a new dimension beyond the boundaries of imagination. An extra-sensory visual and futuristic play experience that goes beyond any video game concept ever developed. Tempest offers high-velocity battle action and never-ending challenge.
Objective:
- To survive for as long as possible, and score as many points as possible, by clearing the screen of enemies that appear on the playing field.
Gameplay:
- The player controls a claw-shaped “blaster” that sits on the edge of the surface, snapping from segment to segment as a rotary knob is turned.
- Blaster is limited to the rim of the playfield
- When all enemies on the field have been destroyed, the player “warps” to the next level by traveling down the field and into the space beyond it.
- Avoid or destroy any spikes in the way
- Lose a life when blaster is destroyed or captuired
- Game ends when all lives are lost
Features:
- 16 unique levels of different shapes
- Continuous fire button
- Blaster – rapid-fire shots down individual lanes of the field and is equipped with a “Superzapper”
- Superzapper – once per level, destroys all enemies currently on the field. Second use in the same level destroys one random enemy. Recharged between each level.