Planetoids (video game)

Planetoids is a vector graphics-based, multi-directional shooter arcade game developed by Vectorbeam and released in 1979. It is conceptually similar to Atari's Asteroids, which was released the same year, although Planetoids boasts several differences in gameplay mechanics and graphical style.

In Planetoids, the player controls a spaceship tasked with destroying large, irregularly shaped asteroids in space. The player can rotate their ship, thrust forward, and fire projectiles. Unlike Asteroids, Planetoids allows the player to replenish their shields by flying to and docking with space stations that appear periodically. Contact with asteroids, enemy saucers, or their projectiles depletes the ship's shields, and depletion results in the destruction of the ship and the loss of a life.

Gameplay progresses through waves of asteroids. As the player destroys larger asteroids, they break into smaller pieces, which are then also targeted for destruction. Periodically, enemy saucers appear and attempt to destroy the player's ship. These saucers increase in frequency and difficulty as the game progresses.

Planetoids distinguishes itself visually with its bright, colorful vector graphics, a contrast to the monochromatic display of Asteroids. The game also features distinctive sound effects. Vectorbeam, the developer, went bankrupt shortly after releasing Planetoids, making the game relatively rare compared to other arcade titles of the era. Its limited distribution contributes to its status as a cult classic among arcade game enthusiasts.