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Rescue on Fractalus!

Developer: Lucasfilm Games Publisher: Epyx
1985
Glitchwave rating
3.75 / 5.0
0.5
5.0
 
 
#69 for 1985
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Somehow the Atari 8-bit always has those pioneering games that hit the spot and predict the future of games in lots of ways people overlook.

Rescue on Fractalus is a truly remarkable game. What it offers as a gameplay objective is not terribly convoluted, but as a way the developers at Lucasfilm Games have depicted the playing field and the 3D engine, it is a real programming art.

You fly on the planet Fractalus, which is a procedurally generated 3D surface with various mountains, and your goal is to rescue stranded pilots by landing and opening the cockpit so they may enter. Think Choplifter, but only with cool 3D effects and A LOT of instruments that can help you traverse the mountains and fend off enemy turrets shooting at you, day-and-night. The world you enter and the fully detailed cockpit and measuring instruments, that also offer a wide array of controls comparable to Star Raiders are incredibly immersive, and lends itself to a playing session brimming with awe. And also bring a stout heart. Some of the pilots you're rescuing may be aliens in disguise, so be prepared for an occasional jump scare.

The Atari 8-bit version has 20 levels that are selectable, and I recommend playing the game in increments of four: Levels 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 offer a fair progression, while you can also use level 1 as a sweet tutorial. Even as deep as the level 16 the game is remarkably easy, and does not subscribe to the idea of the fiendeshly cruel convention of the current arcades.
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Clownboss 2017-05-08T21:35:10Z
2017-05-08T21:35:10Z
4.0
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Gem Best of: A800
I'll dedicate the rest of this review to explaining the controls a bit for those playing the Atari 8-bit: When you fly near a stranded pilot(with a relative distance of 2 or less on the "R" sign on your right side of the dashboard), you should land to pick them up. You land with "L", and next you have to deactivate your shield with "S" so you may allow them entry. You also need to press "A" to open and close the airlock to let them in. Once you've picked up your pilot(or vaporised an enemy alien by re-activating the shield), you can take off by pressing the right arrow key on your keyboard.

The right arrow key increases thrust(speed), while the left one lowers it.

Once you've rescued a sufficient number of pilots(indicated by the "P" count in the lower right part of your dashboard), you may then fly back to your base ship, by pressing "B". Make sure you've met your quota of rescued pilots, otherwise you have the option of returning to the mothership prematurely, which forces you to replay the level until you get it right.
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Catalog

Giann96 Rescue on Fractalus! 2024-01-19T02:48:52Z
Atari 8-bit • XNA
2024-01-19T02:48:52Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
gb7b5 Rescue on Fractalus! 2023-09-09T12:56:43Z
2023-09-09T12:56:43Z
1
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
nbatman Rescue on Fractalus! 2023-07-06T01:01:06Z
2023-07-06T01:01:06Z
4.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
1068396 Rescue on Fractalus! 2023-07-05T17:16:31Z
2023-07-05T17:16:31Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Pluginmonkey Rescue on Fractalus! 2021-12-28T23:28:17Z
2021-12-28T23:28:17Z
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Clownboss Rescue on Fractalus! 2019-02-19T13:56:25Z
C64/C128 • GB
2019-02-19T13:56:25Z
3.0
1
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Towhgdk Rescue on Fractalus! 2017-09-30T17:32:16Z
2017-09-30T17:32:16Z
4.0
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Clownboss Rescue on Fractalus! 2017-05-08T21:35:10Z
Atari 8-bit • XNA
2017-05-08T21:35:10Z
4.0
1
In collection Want to buy Used to own  
Gem Best of: A800
Player modes
Single-player
Media
1x Floppy 5.25"

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