The Intellivision, released by Mattel in 1979, was a groundbreaking console that brought innovative gaming to living rooms everywhere.
While it’s often remembered for its sports titles, the Intellivision also delivered some stellar space-themed games that captured the imagination of players with their cosmic adventures.
Whether you were blasting aliens or navigating the void, these games made the most of the console’s unique disc controller and keypad. Here’s my countdown of the top five Intellivision space games that still shine brightly in retro gaming history.
5. Space Hawk
If you ever wanted to feel like a lone space warrior adrift in the galaxy, Space Hawk was your ticket. Released in 1981, this game puts you in the boots of a jetpack-equipped astronaut floating through space, armed with a laser gun to take down waves of enemy ships and bizarre space creatures.
The controls could be a bit tricky—using the disc to maneuver and the keypad to adjust your speed—but once you got the hang of it, the satisfaction of racking up points was undeniable. The infinite expanse and relentless enemies gave it a hypnotic, almost meditative quality. Simple? Sure. Addictive? Absolutely.
4. Star Strike
Think Star Wars trench run meets Intellivision, and you’ve got Star Strike. Launched in 1981, this game tasked you with piloting a spacecraft through a narrow corridor on an alien planet, dodging obstacles and firing at targets before a countdown timer hit zero.
The stakes? Destroy an enemy base before it wipes out Earth. The pseudo-3D graphics were impressive for the time, and the tension of weaving through those tight spaces kept your adrenaline pumping. It wasn’t the deepest game, but its cinematic flair made it a standout space shooter.
3. Space Spartans
What happens when you mix space combat with a dash of strategy? You get Space Spartans, released in 1982. This ambitious title cast you as the commander of a starbase defending against alien fleets. You’d juggle repairing your ships, managing shields, and engaging in dogfights—all while synthetic voices (thanks to the Intellivoice module) barked updates and warnings.
It was a multitasking nightmare in the best way possible, and the voice feature felt like a glimpse into the future. Space Spartans wasn’t just about reflexes; it demanded you think like a fleet admiral. For its era, that was pretty out-of-this-world.
2. Astrosmash
A name that says it all: Astrosmash (1981) had you smashing asteroids, UFOs, and anything else the cosmos threw your way. This fast-paced shooter started as a riff on Asteroids but carved its own niche with relentless action and a hypnotic rhythm.
The Intellivision’s disc controller let you zip your ship side-to-side as rocks rained down, and the auto-fire feature (a rarity back then) kept your thumbs from cramping. The real kicker? Your score could go down if you missed too many targets, adding a layer of pressure that kept you glued to the screen. It’s a classic that’s still a blast to revisit.
1. Space Battle (aka Space Attack)
Topping the list is Space Battle, released in 1979 and later rebranded as Space Attack in some regions. This game was Intellivision’s answer to the sci-fi craze of the late ‘70s, and it delivered a two-phase cosmic showdown. First, you’d monitor a tactical radar screen, deploying squadrons to intercept incoming alien fleets—a bit like a simplified Galactic Civilizations. Then, you’d jump into the cockpit for first-person shooter action, blasting enemy ships with crosshairs. The keypad was your command center, and the disc was your weapon. It wasn’t just a game; it was a mini space opera. For its strategic depth and sheer cool factor, Space Battle earns the crown as the best Intellivision space title.
The Intellivision may not have had the arcade polish of Atari or the later flash of Nintendo, but its space games had heart, creativity, and a certain rough-edged charm.
From the tactical thrills of Space Battle to the reflex-testing chaos of Astrosmash, these titles showed that even with limited tech, you could explore the stars. Got a favorite Intellivision space game that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your cosmic picks!