Audacity Games, a gaming company comprised of former Activision legends such as co-founder David Crane and designers Garry and Dan Kitchen, has officially announced the release of a new game for the classic Atari 2600 console. The game, titled "Alien Abduction!" has been developed by John Van Ryzin, who is renowned for his work on the beloved 1984 Activision game H.E.R.O. This new title marks a notable return for Van Ryzin to the video game industry after a lengthy hiatus since the 1990s.
John Van Ryzin’s career was distinguished with his initial work on H.E.R.O, which was highly acclaimed for its innovative gameplay during the Atari 2600 era. After his tenure at Activision, Van Ryzin moved on to other platforms like Commodore 64, NES, and SNES with Absolute Entertainment and Imagineering. Despite stepping away from game development as the 90s ended, his unexpected comeback with "Alien Abduction!" has excited many in the gaming community.
Initially, "Alien Abduction!" was only released digitally via the Atari VCS, leaving hardcore enthusiasts and collectors hoping for a tangible cartridge release. Audacity Games responded to this demand by planning not just a standard cartridge release but also multiple collector’s editions.
Scheduled for release on June 15th at 12:00 PDT, the game will be available in three distinct physical editions. The standard edition, priced at $60, includes a full-color box, a game cartridge, and a printed manual, providing a complete retro gaming experience. The collector’s edition, available for $99, adds collectible posters and a digital copy of the game for emulation purposes. The most lavish option, the VIP collector’s edition priced at $140, features numerous extras such as a signed box by John Van Ryzin, an alien-themed figurine, and a commemorative hat, making it a premium package for the most dedicated fans.
"Alien Abduction!" invites players on a thrilling rescue mission inside an alien spaceship to save an abducted princess. The game challenges players to navigate through hostile environments filled with lethal aliens, robotic guards, and armed drones. Players will need to manage their suit’s energy, avoid deadly traps like superheated walls and radioactive floors, and utilize their plasma gun to eliminate threats. The game boasts 20 initial levels and up to 60 additional levels upon achieving "HERO" status, each level increasing in difficulty and testing the player’s reflexes and strategic thinking.
In addition to the gripping gameplay, "Alien Abduction!" integrates modern features like a STATUS screen displaying the game timer for those interested in speedrunning. Moreover, each game ROM is uniquely numbered and includes cryptographic features to ensure the authenticity and collectibility of every copy.
For those eager to revisit the golden era of gaming or to experience it for the first time, "Alien Abduction!" offers a perfect blend of nostalgic arcade action and challenging modern mechanics. More details about this exciting release are available on the Audacity Games website, where fans can also sign up for updates and prepare for the upcoming pre-order date. This launch not only revitalizes the Atari 260_tulatform but also celebrates the enduring legacy of its iconic games and creators, offering a fresh adventure for both new players and veteran gamers.
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