hypercycle
mode · bonus stage
The hypercycle is the bonus stage in Asteroid Pong: between two campaign levels the table rolls up into a tube and you get 45 seconds to survive against the CPU and rack up points. It uses its own energy bar, so you never lose lives.
When the hypercycle appears
The hypercycle shows up at random between two normal campaign levels.
- Chance: 35 % each time it is allowed to appear.
- Frequency: at most one every 6 levels; the earliest is after level 3.
- Never next to a boss: it does not appear right before or right after a boss level.
- Modes: it does not appear in endless, boss rush, the daily challenge or 2 players.
It starts with a seamless cutscene: the background rolls toward the camera and closes right on the music drop.
How it plays
Your paddle runs around the rim of the tube and balls come from deep in the tunnel; the goal is to survive 45 s while scoring as much as you can.
- Balls: it starts with 3 and adds 1 every 7 s, up to 7.
- Speed: everything speeds up 30 % over the course of the bonus.
- Overdrive: the last 10 s run 25 % faster and points are doubled ("overdrive!").
- Drones: shooter, kamikaze and shield drone. They stun you and drain energy, never lives.
Energy
In the hypercycle you have an energy bar (1up) instead of lives; if it empties, the bonus ends with "out of energy!", but you lose no lives or points.
| what happens | energy |
|---|---|
| a drone shot hits you | −8 % |
| a kamikaze hits you | −20 % |
| goal against you | −15 % |
| you grab a repair | +25 % |
After every hit you get 2.5 s of invulnerability. A repair shows up in the tube now and then, only when you are missing energy ("repair in the tube").
Score and combo
Every action scores points that get multiplied by the combo, the ×2 item and overdrive.
| action | points |
|---|---|
| hit | 50 |
| goal on the CPU | 250 |
| coin | 100 |
| shooter drone | 200 |
| kamikaze | 250 |
| shield drone | 400 |
- Combo: goes up +1 every 4 hits in a row, up to ×4. A goal against you breaks it ("combo lost").
- Score ×2: the item doubles everything for 8 s.
- Overdrive: another ×2 for the last 10 s.
- Score cap: the bonus has a maximum worth about 5 normal levels. When you hit it you see "score cap!" and keep playing without scoring.
Items and coins
Items travel down the tube and you grab them with your paddle.
| item | chance | effect |
|---|---|---|
| coin | 50 % | +100 points and one more coin at the end |
| score ×2 | 28 % | everything counts double for 8 s |
| wide paddle | 22 % | wider paddle for 8 s |
| repair | separate | +25 % energy |
Coins at the end: 2 base, up to 6 more depending on how close you got to the score cap, plus the coins you grabbed in the tube (up to 8). Up to 16 in total.
Control and camera
The first time, the game asks "how do you want to play the hypercycle?" and lets you choose between two control styles.
- drag: your paddle stays at the bottom and the tube spins. Slide sideways with your finger, or use the stick or ◄ ►.
- circular: the tube stays still and the paddle goes around. Move in a circle with your finger or the stick.
The hypercycle camera can be current, close or follow (the default). Both are changed in Settings › game, where you can also have it ask for the control again.
Music and retro view
The hypercycle has its own techno track at 148 bpm, with the build-up and drop synced to the intro cutscene (see genres).
Frequently asked questions
Can I lose lives in the hypercycle?
No. The hypercycle uses its own energy bar; if it runs out the bonus ends, but you lose no lives or points.
How often does the hypercycle appear?
At random between campaign levels, with a 35 % chance when it can appear and at most one every 6 levels. It never comes right next to a boss.
How many coins does the hypercycle give?
Up to 16: 2 base, up to 6 based on your score and up to 8 coins you grab in the tube.
How do I change the hypercycle control?
In Settings › game, with the hypercycle control option (drag or circular). The hypercycle camera is there too.
Related
campaignmode · arcade
retro modesecret · unlockable modeDescribes version 0.8.26 · 2026-10-09