Air Fortress (1987-)
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: HAL Laboratory
Genre: Scrolling Shooter
Designer: Hiroaki Suga
Composer: Hideki Kanazashi
Air Fortress was developed by HAL Laboratory and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. Published by HAL Laboratory in Japan and by Activision in North America, the game combines elements of side-scrolling shooter and action-adventure genres. It stands out for its unique structure, where players pilot a spacecraft through open-air environments before landing on massive enemy fortresses to engage in on-foot combat. The game was notable for its ambitious gameplay design on the NES hardware.
The gameplay consists of two distinct parts: a flying section where players navigate through hazardous skies avoiding enemies and obstacles, and a fortress exploration segment involving intricate platforming and combat challenges. Players must destroy critical targets within the fortress to progress, which requires both precision and strategy. The inspiration behind Air Fortress seems to be drawn from sci-fi themes popular in the 1980s, blending fast-paced shooting with more methodical action sequences, offering a varied experience.
The soundtrack in Air Fortress complements the intense and futuristic atmosphere with a mix of energetic and suspenseful tunes. The NES sound chip is used effectively to create memorable melodies that enhance both the flying and fortress phases. Sound effects provide clear cues for player actions and enemy behavior, contributing to the immersive quality of the gameplay. The music and audio design helped establish the game’s tone as both challenging and engaging.
Air Fortress did not have any prequels or sequels, making it a standalone title in the NES library. It was promoted through gaming magazines and word of mouth, particularly appealing to players who enjoyed hybrid gameplay styles that combined shooting and platforming. The game received positive reviews for its originality and technical achievements, although some players found certain sections difficult due to the shift in gameplay style. Over time, it has gained recognition as a cult classic among NES enthusiasts.
Images from MobyGames
Buy Air Fortress
Click one of the Ebay or Amazon buttons below to check the latest prices and purchase Air Fortress for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Related Searches
Air Fortress is available to purchase and download from a range of vendors. Always shop around...
Various repositories around the internet have scanned and archived a range of retro manuals. Search now to.....
We don't host or link to rom sites for this game. However, there are many sites out there that may be...
Many sites - particularly YouTube - host a range of walkthrough videos to guide you in your quest to get...
There are various sites out there that can offer cheat codes for games. Search now to find all available...
This information can often be obtained through the user manual. Alternatively there are many sites out there...
The initial release date for Air Fortress is stated as 17th August 1987. Other ports of the game may....
There are many sites out there that have collated and documented historic reviews of this game. Search now...
As a Nintendo Entertainment System release, this game was also likely also available on the Famicom. This....
There is now a community of competetive speedrunners who will try and gain the fastest possible time on their....