Tempest 4000 is coming to the PC this Holiday season


Atari today announced Tempest 4000, a visually stunning, action-packed shooter based on the classic arcade game, Tempest, will be available this holiday season on the PC. Developed by legendary game designer Jeff Minter, Tempest 4000 remains faithful to the original fast-paced gameplay while adding exciting new features and updated graphics.

The original Tempest, one of the first video games to use 3D vector graphics, represents one of Atari’s hallmark titles and is considered one of the most popular arcade games of all time. It has been featured prominently across pop culture – including in Ernest Cline’s dystopian Ready Player One novel.

Jeff Minter, Executive Producer of Tempest 4000 and founder of Llamasoft, said:

“At the end of the day, video gamers always win. I am very happy to work with Atari again to bring a long-awaited sequel of Tempest to our legion of fans and a new generation of gamers worldwide.”

Just as in the original game, players are once again in control of the Claw, a powerful spacecraft equipped to destroy deadly creatures and other obstructions with rapid-fire shots on vibrant geometric prisms. With three game modes to choose from and 100 levels to conquer, players must eliminate all enemies as quickly as possible to survive, aiming for the coveted spot at the top of the leaderboards.

Here are the key features of Tempest 4000:

  • Arcade Style Shooter: Blast down hordes of enemies in this fast-paced arcade style shoot ‘em up.
  • Unparalleled Graphics: Experience Tempest 4000’s mind-blowing graphics in beautiful 4K resolution.
  • Multiple Game Modes: Pick from three different game modes including Standard, Pure and Endurance that will push your skills to the limit.
  • Level Up: Progress and clear through 100 unique geometric levels by destroying enemies with various weapons and power-ups, and earn upgrades through bonus rounds.
  • Climb to the Top of the Leaderboards: Post your high score in your quest to be recognized as number one on the leaderboards.
  • Retro Techno Soundtrack: Enjoy the beats of a thumping soundtrack inspired by early 1990’s techno.
  • Old School Gameplay: Feeling nostalgic? Relive the traditional gameplay of the original Tempest with enhanced graphics on current generation consoles.

Todd Shallbetter, Chief Operating Officer of Atari, added:

“The original Tempest is a beloved arcade classic with a unique style and intense, edge-of-your-seat gameplay. We’re thrilled to be able to work with Jeff Minter again, someone who is a legend in the industry and has made a huge impact on the history of video games, to develop this highly-anticipated next installment of the Tempest franchise, updated with today’s technology.”