Perhaps the Best Game for the Jaguar

Atari's Tempest was originally unleashed on the world in 1980, as a vector graphic arcade game programmed by Dave Theurer. Since that time, there have been several unsuccessful attempts to bring the excitement of the original game to the realm of the home console (including the 2600, 5200, etc.), but all that changed with the release of Atari's update, Tempest 2000 for the Atari Jaguar. Released in 1994, Tempest 2000 is the premier version of Tempest for the home console and a veritable "how to" lesson to those publishers thinking of updating classic arcade franchises. This is due in no small part to skills and vision of the programmer of T2K, Jeff Minter.

Let's get one thing straight, there is no story. If you are the kind of gamer that needs a story with your game to have fun, then T2K is not the place for you. Save your money for the RPG of the week. Only old-school gamers need apply. T2K is a direct descendant of it's arcade ancestor, and while this is a good thing, it is not for the gamer that finds a story integral to their enjoyment of a game.

T2K revolves around three main modes of play, Tempest, Tempest Plus, and Tempest 2000. Variations on these three modes include two player co-op and a versus duel mode. Tempest is a fantastic version of the original arcade game. Tempest Plus, falls halfway between Tempest and Tempest 2000. Although the other modes are fun to play for a while, Tempest 2000 is where the bulk of the play on this cartridge lies.

For those not familiar, Tempest involves playing a ship on the top of a vector web, destroying enemies climbing from the bottom of the web, as well as attacking in a variety of manners. T2K takes this concept and expands it in a manner consistent with it's arcade roots. Adding power-ups, such as the AI Drone, to assist in the fast paced levels. It is, without a doubt, easy to pick up and play, but difficult to master. Speed and precision are at a premium.

T2K offers one hundred levels for you gaming enjoyment, each unique in it's own way, plus bonus levels, so it will take some time to work your way through the web, but it will be time well spent. The co-op is a good time when friends drop by, and, for a change of pace, the original is a blast as well. Don't forget about the duel mode. What could be more fun than blasting friends into space dust? There is a good amount of playtime available on this cart, especially for the price at which it can be had now days.

The graphics are a definite strong point for this title. The webs are colorful in a psycadelic manner, as are the effects in general. At times, when the web is really busy, it can be difficult to see through all the cool effects, though. It is obvious that great care was taken when crafting the look of T2K and it pays off for the player in a cohesive graphical experience from the time the cart is plugged into the jag to the game over screen.

In addition to the graphics, the audio is also a strong part of the game, perhaps, arguably, the most important part of the game. It's not just your average, video game techno music, it is some of the best video game music that you will ever hear. The soundtrack is only the beginning though. Sound effects are used very effectively and really add to the experience. Nothing is too plain or poorly done. Everything in it's place to add to the immersive nature of the game. This is especially evident when played through a stereo system. There is a reason that a soundtrack of this game was released as a stand alone product.

When all is said and done, when the web is clear and the corpses are smoking pixel dust, this is a killer app for the Jaguar. Its super-streamlined game play, impressive visuals, and immersive sound create, perhaps, the best update of an arcade classic of all time. If you are a Jag owner, there is no excuse to not have this title as part of your collection.