Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space
Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space | |
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Developer(s) | Activision |
Publisher(s) | Activision |
Designer(s) | Steve Kitchen |
Programmer(s) | Atari 2600 Steve Kitchen Atari 8-bit/5200 Bob Henderson |
Platform(s) | Atari 2600, Atari 8-bit, Atari 5200, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, MSX |
Release | 1983: 2600 1984: Atari 8-bit, 5200, C64, Spectrum 1985: Amstrad, MSX |
Genre(s) | Flight simulator |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space is a space flight simulator game designed by Steve Kitchen for the Atari 2600 and published by Activision in 1983.[1] It is one of the first realistic spacecraft simulations available for home systems. Space Shuttle was adapted to the Atari 8-bit family and Atari 5200 by Bob Henderson (1984),[2][3] then ported to the ZX Spectrum (1984),[4] Commodore 64 (1984),[5] Amstrad CPC (1986), and MSX (1986).[6] The 1984 Activision Software catalog also mentions an Apple II version.[7]
The player controls the most critical flight phases such as Launch, Stabilizing Orbit, Docking, Deorbit Burn, Reentry, and Landing, each with its own set of instructions to follow.[1] The original Atari 2600 version came with an overlay since it made use of all the switches.[8]
Reception[]
In an April 1984 review for Video Games magazine, Dan Persons wrote:
Space Shuttle is not a game for everybody. It requires a considerable amount of patience and, perhaps not too surprisingly, a considerable amount of brainpower. Players who seek the visceral thrills of the standard shoot'em-up may ultimately find this simulation's complexity frustrating. But those of you who are ready for a richer, more sophisticated experience will probably recognize Space Shuttle for the monumental achievement it is.[9]
References[]
- ^ a b "Space Shuttle: A Journey Into Space magazine ad". archive.org. 1983.
- ^ Atarimania, Atari 8-Bit Box and Instructions, complete scans
- ^ Atariage Atari 5200 Space Shuttle Information
- ^ Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space - World of Spectrum
- ^ Lemon - Commodore 64, C64 Games, Reviews & Music!
- ^ Space Shuttle - A Journey into Space (1986, MSX, Activision) | Generation MSX
- ^ Activision Software Catalog 1984, page 2
- ^ AtariProtos.com - All Your Protos Are Belong To Us!
- ^ Persons, Dan (April 1984). "Space Shuttle". Video Games. 2 (7): 58–59.
- 1983 video games
- Activision games
- Amstrad CPC games
- Atari 2600 games
- Atari 5200 games
- Atari 8-bit family games
- Cancelled Apple II games
- Commodore 64 games
- MSX games
- Realistic space simulators
- Space flight simulator games
- Video games developed in the United States
- ZX Spectrum games