Sunnyvale, California
January 5, 1981
Zipping along in the home video entertainment field, ATARI unveiled the latest innovation - an advanced and more remote control version of its Video Computer System.
Sleek, futuristic styling combines with up to date technology making video games more convenient and enjoyable than ever before. Two remote controllers eliminate the cumbersome wires allowing the user to play the game without interference, and any where in the room he chooses. You can play, reset, and select the game without using the console controls - the transmitting handheld controllers provide for this. The joystick/paddle combination controls act as quick as though they were physically attached to the console.
An LED lighted control panel provides light touch to activate a certain function, and a hinged dust cover on the console back provides convenient storage for the remote controllers when not in use, with more room underneath for TV cable and power supply storage.
Ports on the side allow the use of standard controls (wired) and all the VCS game programs can be used on the system.
REVIEW: ATARI Space Invaders
Robert Hartman ANALOG Technical Staff
Space Invaders, one of the most popular arcade games, is now available for the ATARI Computers. As in the tradition of the game, Space Invaders is fast and exciting. This machine language program displays 10 colors in a mode similar to Graphics 7 in ATARI Basic.
It is however different from the arcade version. The ATARI game has no barriers to protect you from laser bombs - this may be to your advantage or lead to an early death depending on your point of view and skill in the game. A large spaceship descends slowly on your left as you pick off each group of bizarre looking aliens, from this ship they emerge.
Though no great surprises become apparent during the game, there is one occurrence that is interesting. It happens when you are fairly well through the game (around 1000 points), and when this happens the first time you may be a bit startled. It will get you thinking - 'why did the guy who wrote this program do this?' But Space Invaders is a great program and game. The Apple 11 Space Invaders runs 20K+ while the ATARI version runs 8K with color! This game should most definitely be part of everyone's software collection.
New Products Release
Sunnyvale, California
January 5, 1981
After years of research and development, ATARI is able to bring the fascinating 'magic' of holography to electronic games. The COSMOS Programmable Game System featuring Holoptics(tm), combines 3-D holoptic images and advanced LED game playing, with the most sophisticated and realistic sound effects available in an electronic game.
Two microprocessors account for the sound and exciting LED playfield. The system uses cartridges, which are inserted into the slot, positioning the holoptic image over the LED array. The player sees a green 3-D image over red game figures (cars, missiles, gunfighters) lit up by the LEDs.
At critical moments during the game the 3-D image changes to indicate an outcome or other aspect. The game can be played player vs. computer, or player vs. player. The game is AC powered and 8 cartridges will be available: Superman, Football, Basketball, Outlaw, Sea Battle, Space Invaders, Road Runner, and included with the game Asteroids.
