Backdrop artwork for Vanguard
Back to games
Vanguard box art

Atari 5200

Vanguard

1984 1 Players 71% E - Everyone

Vanguard for the Atari 5200 would be an exceptional port of the 1981 arcade game were it not for the control. While the coin-op has a four-button arrangement for aiming lasers, this version uses the joystick, meaning the ship fires in the same direction it is moving as long as the fire button is pressed. This is inexcusable, as each 5200 controller is equipped with four fire buttons (not to mention a keypad). As with many 5200 titles, this one responds sluggishly to the non-centering joysticks, making for a less enjoyable experience. Fans of the original will notice a couple of other differences between versions. The 5200's ship slows down when it fires and can be set to single shots or rapid fire in the options screen.

Release date
January 1, 1984
Developer
Atari
Publisher
Atari
Players
1

Gameplay video

Watch Vanguard in motion.

Play the attached preview here or download a copy after a quick verification.

Vanguard

640 x 480 / H264 / 0:37 / 3.7 MB

About this game

Vanguard

Vanguard for the Atari 5200 would be an exceptional port of the 1981 arcade game were it not for the control. While the coin-op has a four-button arrangement for aiming lasers, this version uses the joystick, meaning the ship fires in the same direction it is moving as long as the fire button is pressed. This is inexcusable, as each 5200 controller is equipped with four fire buttons (not to mention a keypad). As with many 5200 titles, this one responds sluggishly to the non-centering joysticks, making for a less enjoyable experience. Fans of the original will notice a couple of other differences between versions. The 5200's ship slows down when it fires and can be set to single shots or rapid fire in the options screen.

Genres

Shooter

Modes

Single Player

Perspectives

Side view

Themes

ActionScience fiction

Series and collections

Vanguard

Studios and credits

Developer
Tose
Publisher
Atari
Publisher
Centuri
Publisher
Polyvox
Publisher
SNK

Regional releases

Release date

WorldwideJuly 1, 1981 · ESRB E
WorldwideOctober 1, 1981 · ESRB E
WorldwideDecember 31, 1981 · ESRB E
WorldwideDecember 31, 1982 · ESRB E
WorldwideDecember 31, 1983 · ESRB E
WorldwideJuly 19, 2011 · ESRB E
WorldwideSeptember 7, 2011 · ESRB E

Artwork gallery

10 images

Add artwork

Help this listing look its best.

Share missing box backs, screenshots, clear logos, cartridges, discs, and other useful art. Nothing appears publicly until an administrator reviews it.