Seaquest

Rating
Graphics: 5
Sound: 4
Control: 4
Depth: 4
Overall: 5

Seaquest

By: Steve Cartwright
Published By: Activision
Released: 1983

Seaquest is an early shoot 'em up game (with a dash of Frogger) and probably my favorite Activision title on the Atari. The graphics are detailed and crisp, and the sounds are minimal but well done. However, the finely tuned gameplay is the main attraction.

Your goal is to rescue treasure divers with your submarine, while shooting or avoiding sharks and enemy subs. Once you have six divers, it's time to surface and start the next wave. Take too long, and you'll need to surface for air and lose one diver in the process.

The game starts off slow, allowing you to get used to picking up divers and guiding your torpedoes. As the speed and number of enemies increases, gameplay eventually reaches a frantic pace. The enemy patterns don't seam to repeat, giving the gameplay a nice sense of progression. Like a good pinball machine, you can really get into the zone and rack up points. Even when the game hits full speed, it never seems impossible. It also helps that the game is generous with extra lives. Little details like avoiding the submarine on the surface and chasing after divers that reverse direction are nice touches.

One of Activision's best, Seaquest is a must have.

- Ben Langberg

Media

Game Variations

Difficulty Switches:
Switches in the B position will cause fast continuous fire from your submarine. Set switches in the A position for slower continuous fire.

Join The Activision Sub Club

Once your sea legs are steady, you can propel yourself into the "Sub Club." Reach a score of 50,000 points (or more) and you'll be eligible to join this prestigious organization. Just send us a picture of your TV screen with your name and address and we'll present you with an official "Sub Club" emblem.