Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Atari 8-bit, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox 360
- Developers: Atari Corporation
- Publishers: Atari Corporation
Desert Falcon: A Detailed Retrospective
Released in 1987 by Atari, Desert Falcon is a 3D (isometric) flying shooter game that was released for the Atari 2600, 7800, and XE Game Systems of the Atari 8-bit family. The game was developed by Atari’s internal development team, and was one of the first games to use the company’s new “Atari Action” chip, which allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay than previous Atari 2600 games.
Gameplay
Desert Falcon is a vertically scrolling shooter game in which the player controls a helicopter that is tasked with destroying enemy aircraft and ground targets. The game is played from an isometric perspective, which gives the player a three-dimensional view of the battlefield. The player’s helicopter can move in all directions, and can fire missiles and bombs at enemies.
The game features a variety of different enemy aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and helicopters. Each type of enemy has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and the player must use different strategies to defeat them. The game also features a variety of ground targets, such as tanks, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns.
Desert Falcon is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s fast-paced action and intense graphics make it a lot of fun to play. The game also features a variety of different levels, each with its own unique challenges.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Desert Falcon’s graphics were some of the best that the Atari 2600 had to offer. The game’s isometric perspective gives the player a great view of the battlefield, and the sprites are large and detailed. The game also features a variety of different visual effects, such as explosions and smoke trails.
The game’s sound is also very good. The music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive.
Reception
Desert Falcon was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. It was also one of the first Atari 2600 games to use the “Atari Action” chip, which allowed for more advanced graphics and gameplay.
Desert Falcon was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game was ported to a number of different platforms, including the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.
Legacy
Desert Falcon is considered to be one of the best Atari 2600 games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound helped to set a new standard for the Atari 2600. Desert Falcon also helped to popularize the isometric perspective in video games.
The game’s legacy continues to this day. Desert Falcon was re-released on the Atari Flashback 2 and Atari Flashback 4 consoles, and it is also available for download on a number of different online platforms.
Conclusion
Desert Falcon is a classic Atari 2600 game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, graphics, and sound make it a must-play for fans of classic arcade games.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
