Tube Shooter

Tempest

Defend the tube from alien invaders! The classic 1981 vector arcade game.

TEMPEST

Defend the tube from invaders!

Shoot enemies before they reach you

Controls:

← → or A/D: Move around tube

Space/W/↑: Shoot

Z/X: Superzapper (bomb)

ESC: Pause

Left/Right to move • Top to shoot • Center for Superzapper
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Games Played
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High Score
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Enemies Destroyed
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Levels Completed

About Tempest

Tempest is a groundbreaking arcade game released by Atari in 1981. It was one of the first games to use Atari's color vector display technology, creating stunning geometric graphics that were ahead of their time.

You control a claw-like spacecraft at the edge of a 3D tube, shooting down into the depths to destroy alien invaders before they reach you. The unique perspective and fast-paced gameplay made it an instant classic.

This browser version recreates the vector graphics style and intense gameplay of the original, featuring multiple tube shapes, various enemy types, and the powerful Superzapper weapon.

How to Play Tempest

1

Move Around the Edge

Use left/right arrows or A/D keys to move your ship around the outer edge of the tube.

2

Shoot Down the Tube

Press Space, W, or Up Arrow to fire lasers down into the tube and destroy approaching enemies.

3

Use the Superzapper

Press Z or X to activate the Superzapper and destroy all enemies instantly. Limited uses per level!

4

Clear All Enemies

Destroy all enemies to complete the level and advance to a new tube shape with harder challenges!

Frequently Asked Questions

Use left/right arrow keys (or A/D) to move around the tube edge. Press Space, W, or Up Arrow to shoot down the tube. Press Z or X to use the Superzapper and destroy all enemies!
Flippers (red diamonds) can move between lanes. Tankers (green squares) split when shot. Spikers (purple) leave dangerous spikes. Fuseballs (yellow) are fast and worth the most points!
The Superzapper is a special weapon that destroys all enemies on screen instantly. You get one per level (sometimes two on later levels). Use Z or X to activate it!
Flippers: 150 points, Tankers: 250 points, Spikers: 500 points, Fuseballs: 750 points. Complete a level for 500 bonus points!
Spikes are left behind by Spikers. They grow up from the center and can damage you when you zoom through the tube between levels. Shoot them to destroy them!
Each level has a different tube shape with varying numbers of lanes. Clear all enemies to advance. Later levels are faster with more enemy types!
Yes! Tempest is completely free to play in your browser with no downloads required.
Yes! Touch left/right sides to move, top to shoot, center for Superzapper.
If an enemy reaches your position at the tube edge, you lose a life. Keep shooting and moving to stay safe!
Your high score and statistics are automatically saved in your browser's local storage.

Tips & Strategies

  • •Keep moving - stationary targets are easy prey for Flippers
  • •Save the Superzapper for emergencies when overwhelmed
  • •Watch for Flippers moving between lanes - they're unpredictable
  • •Prioritize Fuseballs (yellow) - they're fast but worth the most points
  • •Shoot spikes before advancing to the next level
  • •Learn each tube shape - some have blind spots, others are easier

Why Play Tempest?

Vector Classic

Revolutionary 1981 graphics

Unique Perspective

3D tube shooter gameplay

Fast-Paced Action

Intense arcade gameplay

Multiple Stages

Different tube shapes each level

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