Random Game O' the Day: Space Battle

[digitalpress]

The DP "So Random It Doesn't Seem Random" Random Game Generator (tm) has chosen an Intellivision classic, Space Battle on this lovely morning, to close our our 2003 series of "Random Game O' the Day".

In its day, this was the pinnacle of hi-tech space sims for home consoles. Space Battle wasn't a NEW concept, but its execution was surprisingly well-done on the fledgling Mattel console, and now many years later when we can see the "big picture" of games designed by David Rolfe it all makes sense. The man is a genius.

Some of you may even remember the battle sequences, which were "dumbed down" for the Mattel release Sharp Shot, used on TV programs. In the NY area, we had channel 11 (WPIX). Between segments of the afternoon kids' shows, a lucky caller would get through to the station, who was broadcasting a scene from Sharp Shot. The caller would shout out "PIX!!" and each time, the broadcasted game would fire a shot. It was a little frustrating at times because the shots could never be in sync with the caller's frantic shouts... but it sure was fun to watch, and it's left a lasting image with me, personally.

What's your opinion of this classic space sim? Write your mini-review here!

DP Guide sez:

Designed by David Rolfe. The original release for the Action Network (red box) series was considered "too easy" for most gamers and discontinued. Space Battle was one of the first titles available for Intellivision and was programmed for Mattel by APH Technologies because Mattel had no in-house programmers at the time. c1979 Mattel. #2612.

Space Battle (Action Network) (Intellivision, by Mattel/INTV) $7/R3
Designed by David Rolfe. The original release for the Action Network (red box) series was considered "too easy" for most gamers and discontinued. Space Battle was one of the first titles available for Intellivision and was programmed for Mattel by APH Technologies because Mattel had no
in-house programmers at the time. c1979 Mattel. #2612.

Space Battle (Space Network) (Intellivision, by Mattel/INTV) $2/R1
Designed by David Rolfe. The "blue box" version of Space Battle with increased difficulty is much more common than the red box. c1979 Mattel. #2612.

Space Battle (Intellivision, by Sears) $3/R1
Designed by David Rolfe. Sears cartridge labels are typically white and typically without the licensing Mattel acquired, but this is not always the case. You may find color, licensed cartridge labels inside brand new Sears boxes. c1979 Mattel. #4975212.

http://www.digitpress.com/dpsightz/intellivision/spacebattle.gif

[ubersaurus]

My first experience with this game was on the 2600, and I remember absolutely loving it. When I picked up my intellivision, it came with this game, so of course I was eager to check out the original. Was it better? I'd say the sound effects were cooler, so sure. I always liked how it seemed related to battlestar galactica, and then I find out that it actually was, and well...the game gets even more respect.

Definitely a quality INTV title, albeit an easy one.

[neotokeo2001]

Q: Is is true Space Battle (and its M-Network counterpart, Space Attack) was to be based on Battlestar Galactica? Was the problem that Mattel couldn’t secure the rights for it?

A: Yes, originally it was going to be based on Battlestar Galactica, but I'm not sure of the specifics of why it had to be changed. Originally there was music based on the BG theme song, which got taken out. The ships were originally supposed to look like Cylon flying saucers, and that never changed. The graphics back then were crude enough that the resemblance wasn't strong enough to be a concern.

I'm in the process of making a Battlestar Galactica hack of this game.

[TNTPLUST]

Some of you may even remember the battle sequences, which were "dumbed down" for the Mattel release Sharp Shot, used on TV programs. In the NY area, we had channel 11 (WPIX). Between segments of the afternoon kids' shows, a lucky caller would get through to the station, who was broadcasting a scene from Sharp Shot. The caller would shout out "PIX!!"

This was also done here locally in Southern California. The difference was that the caller would shout "POW". While the promo only lasted a few months it has been drilled into my head. At CGE 2K3 while watching players at the Intelivision booth play this game uttering under my breath, "pow, pow, pow".... LOL

From my memories I never remember the "POW" timing correctly with the shots. I always figured the off camera player was just going about his business of destroying the space craft. Ahhh Memories.

[Ze_ro]

My first experience with this game was on the 2600, and frankly, I didn't like it at all. I still don't. It's boring and monotonous.

It seems to be amung the most common games around here, and it shows up at the thrift store all the time, almost mocking me :P

--Zero

[IntvGene]

I've never heard of TV stations doing that before... pretty funny stuff.

The game is not one of my favorites, but I do respect it. I enjoy playing Space Spartans more when it comes to this type of game. I don't remember playing the 2600 game much either.

At INTVFunhouse (http://www.intvfunhouse.com), Steve has a picture of the screenshot from the original Intellivision box. Quite a difference in the way the game ended up.
http://www.intvfunhouse.com/mattel/games/spacebattle-prerelease.jpg