Tempest 2000
Llamasoft’s neon rebirth of an arcade classic
In 1994 Jeff Minter reimagined Atari’s vector shooter for the Jaguar, delivering a rave-worthy soundtrack and hypnotic visuals.
Overview
Commissioned by Atari, Tempest 2000 updates the 1981 arcade game with polygonal webs, particle storms, and a techno soundtrack. Jeff Minter layered in bonus modes and power-ups while preserving the original’s frantic, tube-based shooting.
Fast facts
- Original platform: Atari Jaguar, later ported to PC, Saturn, PlayStation, and modern collections.
- Soundtrack: composed with Yak’s signature trance influences; often cited as one of the Jaguar’s best.
- Legacy: set the tone for later Llamasoft revivals like TxK and Polybius.