Question

Find an online site at which to play Asteroids (Left/Right arrow keys to turn, Up to move forward, Down to warp to a random location, Spacebar to fire). After playing for a few minutes, you should notice a strategy that makes it easier to manage the number of objects on the screen (by reducing the number and speed of the asteroids).

Asteroids is an action arcade game, but there is strategy in how you play it. But, it is not considered to be a strategy game. Why is that?

HERE IS THE QUESTION: How does this "strategy" differ from the "strategy" described in the Strategy Game section of this chapter?

Answer 1

The strategy in "Asteroids" and the strategy in a typical strategy game differ in their nature and goals, which is why "Asteroids" is not classified as a strategy game. Let's explore the differences:

Game Genre:

"Asteroids" is primarily an action arcade game. The core gameplay involves reflexes, coordination, and survival as you navigate a spaceship and destroy incoming asteroids. The primary objective is to achieve a high score and survive as long as possible.

Strategy games, on the other hand, are a distinct genre where the primary focus is on making decisions and strategic planning. These games often involve resource management, long-term planning, and controlling units or resources to achieve specific objectives.

Strategy in "Asteroids":

In "Asteroids," the strategy is more tactical. It involves making split-second decisions about movement, shooting, and avoiding collisions with asteroids. The primary goal is personal survival and achieving a high score.

The strategy in "Asteroids" is reactive and immediate. You make decisions on the fly to deal with the current situation and threats.

Strategy in Strategy Games:

In strategy games like chess, Civilization, or StarCraft, the strategy is broader and long-term. Players make decisions that impact the game's outcome over an extended period.

Strategy games often involve resource management, planning, and making choices that affect the overall progress of the game. Victory in strategy games is achieved through achieving specific objectives, which may involve conquering territory, building an empire, or achieving a particular goal.

Strategic Depth:

Strategy games tend to have more significant depth in terms of planning and decision-making. They require players to think several moves ahead and anticipate the consequences of their actions.

In contrast, "Asteroids" offers a simpler, more immediate form of strategy focused on survival and high scores.

In summary, the "strategy" in "Asteroids" is different from the strategy in typical strategy games because of the nature of the games and their goals. "Asteroids" involves immediate, tactical decision-making to survive and achieve a high score, while strategy games encompass long-term planning and resource management to achieve specific objectives. The distinction lies in the depth and nature of strategic thinking required in each type of game.

Answer 2

I'm unable to browse the internet to find specific websites for you, but I can provide some guidance on how to approach Asteroids with a strategy and how that strategy differs from strategy games.

In Asteroids, the primary goal is to survive and accumulate as many points as possible. While it is an action arcade game, there is indeed a strategy involved in playing it. Here's how the strategy in Asteroids differs from the strategy in typical strategy games:

Real-time Action vs. Turn-Based: Asteroids is a real-time action game, meaning that everything happens in real-time, and you must react quickly to changing circumstances. In contrast, traditional strategy games, like chess or Civilization, are turn-based, allowing you time to think and plan your moves carefully.

Limited Resource Management: In Asteroids, your ship has limited resources, mainly in the form of lives and ammunition. You must manage these resources efficiently to survive and progress. Strategy games often involve more complex resource management, such as economy, technology, and troop deployment, with decisions made over multiple turns.

Twitch Reflexes vs. Long-Term Planning: In Asteroids, success often depends on your reflexes and quick decision-making. You need to react to the immediate threat of asteroids and other enemies. Strategy games typically involve long-term planning and require you to think several steps ahead to outmaneuver or outsmart your opponent.

Objective: The objective in Asteroids is straightforward - survive, destroy asteroids and enemies, and accumulate points. In strategy games, the objectives can be more varied, including defeating opponents, conquering territory, or achieving specific goals.

Competitive vs. Puzzles or Simulations: Asteroids is a competitive game where your goal is to outlast other players and achieve the highest score. Strategy games may involve competition, but they can also focus on solving puzzles or simulating complex systems (e.g., city-building, resource management) without direct competition.

Win Conditions: In Asteroids, the game continues until you lose all your lives or decide to stop playing. Strategy games often have clear win conditions, and the game ends when one player or faction achieves them.

In summary, the "strategy" in Asteroids is more about survival and quick decision-making in a fast-paced, competitive environment, while traditional strategy games involve long-term planning, resource management, and achieving specific win conditions in a turn-based or real-time strategy context. The two types of strategy differ significantly due to their core gameplay mechanics and objectives.

Step-by-step explanation: