Description
The Atari 2600 version of Vanguard was reviewed by Video magazine in its “Arcade Alley” column where it was described as “a marvellous home-arcade translation” of the original arcade version. Reviewers commented that in contrast to some of Atari’s other less-successful efforts with licensed titles, the “anonymous Atari designer made elegant simplifications in the graphics” that faithfully evoke the look and “the same breathtaking action” of the original. Note was also made of the fact that this version of Vanguard marked the first time a continued play option was offered in a game cartridge.
The Atari 5200 version was rated B+ by Raymond Dimetrosky of Video Games Player magazine, stating that it is “a lot of fun” but has worse controls than the Atari VCS version. The 5200 version was awarded the “1984 Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Videogame” at the 5th annual Arkie Awards, where judges described it as “a scrolling shootout extravaganza” and praised its “outstanding graphics”. Computer Games magazine reviewed the Atari versions, praising the Atari computer and VCS versions for “great shooting action” while stating the 5200 version “looks good but plays bad”.
Another great retro game available at Escapist Gamer – Pole Position II (Atari 7800)
