Overall, River Raid is a splendid game, which utilizes the limited power capacity of the machine very well. A vertical scrolling dodge and shoot game, with fun sound effects, and very addictive game play.
With the most basic of stories, you fly a jump jet on missions to destroy key bridges to stop the enemy supplying its forces, and not much more depth-wise, players are then strapped into the cockpit for what is ultimately an enjoyable experience. 
Nice graphics, and delightful sound effects, the re fuelling is one I remember from my childhood, coupled with a lay out that is difficult enough to catch you out until you learn the patterns of enemies makes for a game that you will come back to many times. Realising the restrictions upon graphics and sounds with the machine, the developers concentrated more on game play, using the environment to create narrow tunnels, which must be negotiated with care.
The game is not too difficult, but certainly has its moments where concentration and good hand-eye co-ordination are needed. A technique to consider using is to keep the down direction held constantly, this slows the jet down and makes it slightly easier to shoot, dodge and refuel. I suspect you will fly over the fuel even when you have a full tank, such is the delight of the sound effect.
This, along with Pitfall were my favourite games on this console, I was at the age when home computers were just coming out, but I remember going back to the Atari for this game.

not a bad review but could use a little more depth . and could use some score ratings as well....puttting more depth in your reviews will get your more Viz. just remember that when your reviewing a game next time. i already rated this review a 3/5

SuperCrash64 : Thanks for the advice, and taking the time to reply. Will add more depth to my next review.

Saunter77 : well your a new user . so this first review is actually pretty good. at least it its long enough to count as a review .rather than a short setence like some of the other new users have been doing.   anyways its a pretty decent review.for a new user.  i hope too see more reviews soon