Attack Force

written by Matthew Reed

Title:Attack Force
Authors:Bill Hogue and Jeff Konyu
Publisher:Big Five Software
Released:1980
Compatibility:Model I and III, disk and tape
Sound:Yes
Voice:No
Joystick:Yes

The first advertisement in 80 Microcomputing


Many people remember the distinctive prelude to Attack Force, which was obviously inspired by the opening to the television show The Outer Limits. The final part of the prelude takes the video screen out of focus and makes a buzzing sound (without any audio amplifier attached). This effect is created by rapidly switching between normal and double-wide video mode, destabilizing the video synchronization on a Model I or III. The Model 4 features a more robust video system and the video just becomes fuzzy. The buzzing sound is created by rapidly toggling the cassette relay.

Prelude to Attack Force

Prelude

Title screen for Attack Force

Title screen

Attack Force was based on the arcade game Targ, which was released by Exidy in 1980. The playing field is made up of a 5 by 7 grid of blocks. Your task is to move your ship through the spaces between the blocks while avoiding the ramships which (not surprisingly) try to ram you. Your ship can stand still or move at two speeds. You can fire at and destroy the ramships, but they can’t fire back at you. The Flagships at the well at the right side of the screen occasionally zap one of the ramships, turning it into a clone of your ship. If you shoot this clone, you will be destroyed as well.

Instructions screen in Attack Force

Instructions

Start of gameplay in Attack Force

Start of game play

After you destroy all of the ramships, the Flagships move onto the playing field. To complete the levels, you need to destroy all of the Flagships. A single shot will destroy a Flagship. At the same time, the Flagships shoot at you with lightning bolts. If the bolts hit you (and they often miss), then you are not immediately destroyed. Instead, you will only be destroyed if any single Flagship shoots you six times. This might sound like good odds, but the Flagships will destroy you quickly if you aren’t careful.

Gameplay in Attack Force

Notice the Flagship to the right

Reward for bonus points in Attack Force

Reward for bonus points

One distinguishing feature of Attack Force is the flashy transitions from one level to another. You receive these displays as a reward for bonus points.

Attack Force is a difficult game, and it becomes more difficult as it goes along. It is also one of my favorites.

Categories: Arcade Games, Software