Asteroids: Recharged

While Asteroids is iconic entertainment, this installment (like the Recharged series in general) is too conservative to vouch for at launch price. When I can say versions of these games from 40 years ago are just as fun, if not more, there is a problem. This series is running out of steam and needs a change in approach to revive interest.

69%Game Brain Score

graphics, music

atmosphere, monetization

82% User Score Based on 115 reviews

Critic Score 70%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

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About

"Asteroids: Recharged" updates the classic space shooting game with modern visuals and new power-ups, while introducing challenging levels and co-op play. The game features an original soundtrack and local/global leaderboards, allowing players to compete for high scores. Blast pink UFOs to pick up deadly bonuses and test your skills in this reimagined arcade experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

82%

Audience ScoreBased on 120 reviews

graphics11 positive mentions

atmosphere1 negative mentions

Asteroids: Recharged is a solid modern remake of the classic arcade game, featuring updated graphics and enjoyable co-op play.
The game retains the core mechanics of the original while introducing new power-ups and challenges that enhance gameplay.
It offers multiple game modes, including Classic and Recharged, allowing players to choose their preferred style of play.

The game lacks the wave-based gameplay of the original, leading to a less engaging experience as asteroids spawn continuously.
Power-ups can feel forced and diminish the challenge, as they automatically come to the player rather than being strategically collected.
Some players have reported technical issues, including control recognition problems and occasional bugs that hinder the overall experience.

graphics
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
69%
8%
The graphics of "Asteroids: Recharged" feature a modernized take on the classic vector style, with higher detail and vibrant colors that shift during gameplay, successfully blending retro aesthetics with contemporary visuals. While many players appreciate the polished look and nostalgic feel, some critiques highlight inconsistencies in effect rendering and a desire for an option to toggle the original graphics. Overall, the game is praised for its visual enhancements, though opinions vary on the execution and fidelity to the original's charm.
- “Asteroids: Recharged isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a redefinition, meticulously preserving the retro aesthetic while seamlessly integrating modern technology.”
- “The graphics are in the line art style of the original, but they're higher detail and more colorful, with the colors shifting as you play.”
- “The graphics are updated and polished, while still maintaining the retro feel of the original game.”
- “Graphically, the asteroids themselves look bad, and the inclusion of a graph overlay is very odd.”
- “The lack of vector graphics is unfortunate.”
- “All in all, it's very lackluster and very boring. I get the impression that the new Atari company is just out for a quick buck and doesn't really care about their classic franchises, as all of their recharged titles seem to come from the same cookie cutter formula: 1 life, vector graphics, no levels, and no classic modes included. Very sad.”
music
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
81%
10%
10%
The music in the game is generally described as nice and effective, setting an ominous mood and increasing tension, though it lacks the iconic themes of the original titles. While some players find it somewhat boring, the modern sound design and good sound effects are appreciated. Additionally, the use of classic rock references in achievement names adds a fun layer for fans.
- “Also, the sound design is very nice, more modern with good sound effects and really nice music.”
- “It is a very simple approach to music but it does a nice job of setting an ominous mood at first and then cranks up the tension as it gets faster and faster.”
- “[classic asteroids action with clever power-ups and enjoyable co-op play, great music and unambiguous neon visuals, challenges are varied and rewarding].”
- “The music does not go anywhere close to the aural atmosphere of the originals.”
- “All the Steam achievements are named after Queen songs, and I noticed another recharged game, Breakout, is using Pink Floyd songs as achievement names.”
gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
The gameplay retains the classic top-down shooter mechanics that arcade veterans cherish, enhanced by updated elements and new features like weapon pickups and co-op play. While the developers have successfully preserved the original's charm and simplicity, some players feel the overall experience lacks excitement and originality, suggesting that those seeking deeper mechanics might look elsewhere. The addition of challenges does provide some variety, but the core gameplay remains familiar and less innovative than expected.
- “Its ability to retain the simplicity and charm of the original while enhancing playability with contemporary mechanics and crisp visuals is truly commendable.”
- “If you're looking for something with many more mechanics, equipment, RPG mechanics, etc., I would suggest looking up the Drox Operative games instead.”
- “At its core, this is still the same classic, top-down shooter gameplay that arcade veterans all know, and most of the time, playing this title feels extremely close to the original.”
- “The old familiar mechanics of the game are well-honored by the developers, who have also updated some elements and added small but significant new mechanics.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The atmosphere of the game is criticized for its music, which fails to capture the immersive aural quality of the original titles. Reviewers feel that the soundtrack does not enhance the overall experience as expected.
- “The music does not come anywhere close to the aural atmosphere of the originals.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as a quick cash grab, leading to a rushed gameplay experience that detracts from overall enjoyment.
- “It just plays and feels like a super rushed title and a quick cash grab when you play it.”