Sinistar

created and published by Atari in 2010, running on Atari 5200

This game has not passed the prototype stage.

type: shooter
genre: Arena shooter, Multi-directional shooter
perspective: bird's-eye
player options: single player

other: Prototype
languages: eng

Official description

YOUR INTERGALACTIC CRYSTAL-MINING MISSION takes you to the antipodes of the known universe.
But your parametric Deep Space scanner faithfully displays the sector of the galaxy you presently occupy (including an area fully 3 parsecs across, no less)!

KEEP THE GALAXY SAFE for all it's sinizens! Fiendish Worker ships from the planet Sporg will attempt to fabricate a Sinistar from the remains of derelict planetoids in your very sector.
You must not let them do this for two reasons:
(1) These planetoids contain the life-sustaining crystals that your civilisation requires for it's vital technologies.
(2) With the eminently unstable Sinistar in their possession, the Sprogites can lay waste to any civilisation in your sector.
You alone stand in their way.

YOU MUST MINE THE SINISITE CRYSTALS.
Williams has equipped you with the latest heuristic electret cannon technology.
All you need to do is aim at a planetoid and shoot.
Now collect your motherlode!

IN FACT, ONLY WITH SINISITE CAN YOU MANUFAC- TURE SINIBOMBS to eradicate the Sinistar.
But you must also rebuff the Workers and disintegrate their even more aggressive comrades-at-arms, the evil skelomorphic Warriors! Intelligent beings everywhere depend on your courage, your dedication, your reserve, your shre command of tactical invention! It's up to you space cadet!