Asteroids Driving Controllers Plus
Dodge, Shoot, and Survive in Space
Step into the void of space where survival depends on your quick reflexes and steady hand. Asteroids Driving Controllers Plus offers a unique twist on a classic arcade experience. Instead of using a standard joystick, this version is designed specifically for the Atari 2600 driving controller. This gives you a different feel to the gameplay, requiring you to steer through the chaos with a wheel rather than a stick.
The screen fills with jagged rock formations drifting toward your ship. Your main goal is simple but demanding: shoot these asteroids before they crash into you. When you hit a large asteroid, it splits into two smaller pieces. Those small pieces split again into even tinier fragments. You must clear the screen of all debris to stay safe. If any piece touches your ship, you lose a life.
As you play, you will notice that this version is slightly more challenging than the original arcade classic. The rocks move with a bit more aggression, and the pseudo-vector graphics give the game a sharp, retro look that mimics the old arcade cabinets. Every shot counts because you need to manage your ammunition while keeping an eye on the incoming threats.
Keep your eyes on the top of the screen where your reserve ships are displayed. This counter also shows which player is currently active if you are playing with a friend. The game supports one or two players, making it easy to take turns or compete against each other. In two-player mode, the action becomes even more frantic as both ships share the same screen space.
Look out for the mysterious UFO that occasionally flies across the top of the screen. It moves quickly and unpredictably. Shooting the UFO gives you bonus points, but chasing it can be dangerous. You might leave your ship exposed to asteroid fire while trying to earn those extra points. Decide carefully if the risk is worth the reward.
The driving controller adds a layer of difficulty that many players find refreshing. Steering with a wheel feels different than using a joystick. It takes some time to get used to the sensitivity and turning radius. Once you master it, however, you will find you can dodge debris with surprising precision. This hack was created by Thomas Jentzsch in 2002, bringing new life to an old system. A related page worth opening after this one is Sprint Master Driving Controllers, especially if you want another nearby game from the same series.
The label design for this cartridge version was handled by Dale Crum, giving it a polished look that matches the spirit of the original Atari releases. While this is a fan-made modification and not an official Atari product, it captures the essence of what made the arcade version so addictive.
As you progress, the asteroids will spawn faster and in larger numbers. You will need to prioritize which rocks to shoot first. Clearing a cluster of small pieces can be tricky because they move erratically. Try to keep your ship moving constantly. Staying still makes you an easy target for both asteroids and the occasional UFO.
If you enjoy this style of gameplay, you might also like other titles that utilize the driving controller for a unique experience. For example, Sprint Master Driving Controllers offers a different kind of challenge on the same platform. It is worth checking out if you want to test your steering skills in a racing context.
Remember that this is not the 1981 arcade original. This is a 2002 alteration that changes how you interact with the game. The core loop remains the same: shoot, split, survive. But the control scheme gives it a fresh feel for veteran players who have played the original dozens of times.
Play until your ships run out. There is no final boss or ending level. The challenge is endless. See how long you can last and how high you can score. The combination of simple rules and difficult controls makes this a timeless experience for Atari 2600 fans. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.