Fort Apocalypse

Fort Apocalypse is a side-view arcade shooter set in a multi-directional cave system. Unlike an automatically scrolling shooter, the map allows free movement in every direction and is divided into four vertical sections, ending at the titular fortress.

The two middle areas—Draconis and the Crystalline Caves—feature landing pads that save progress and allow the player to reappear there after being destroyed. Each contains eight hostages to rescue. Special walls divide the cave into sections and can be opened by gunfire or bombs.

The helicopter is vulnerable to cavern walls, enemy fire, laser traps, and moving walls. Its gun and bombs are controlled through a single joystick button: the button normally fires, but drops bombs when the helicopter faces out of the screen. Enemy missiles briefly track the helicopter, while hostile helicopters patrol the map.

Game Details

• Release date: December 31, 1981
• Platforms: Atari 8-bit, Atari 800, Commodore C64/128/MAX
• Genre: Arcade, Shooter
• Developer: Steve Hales
• Publisher: Synapse Software