Save your quarters for laundry. I have an updated version of the ultimate "Asteroids" clone. And get this. It works on Mac (OS 9 or higher), Windows, Linux, and BeOS.

It's called Maelstron 3.0.5 and I have Joel to thank for sending it to me. Ambrosia Software created the original Mac version and allowed Sam Lantinga to port it to Linux and Windows for a school project.

Download the file, unzip it, and start playing. Use the Tab key to shoot and the arrow keys to move. If you don't like that setup, type C (or click on the C button) when you start up to configure your controls.

Important hints

• Turn up your speaker volume for the full arcade experience.
• To add a little oomph, why not try one of the Star Wars or Star Trek sound packages? Both are available along with additional sounds from this add-on site.

Download Maelstrom for Windows and Linux

Download Maelstrom for Mac

Ambrosia offers the program as shareware and it's $15 to purchase.