Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series
- Developers: Iconographics
- Publishers: Cross Media Soft, SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)
Fortress (1983)
Fortress is a real-time strategy game developed by Atari, Inc. and released for the Atari 2600 in 1983. The game is played on a grid-based map, and the objective is to build castles and control more territory than your opponent.
Fortress was one of the first real-time strategy games ever released, and it was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its simple but effective graphics, and its addictive nature.
Gameplay
Fortress is played on a grid-based map, and the objective is to build castles and control more territory than your opponent. Each player starts with a single castle, and they can build additional castles by capturing empty spaces on the map.
Castles can produce units, which can be used to attack enemy castles and capture empty spaces. Units can also be used to defend your own castles from attack.
There are three types of units in Fortress: foot soldiers, knights, and catapults. Foot soldiers are the weakest unit, but they are also the cheapest to produce. Knights are more powerful than foot soldiers, but they are also more expensive to produce. Catapults are the most powerful unit in the game, but they are also the most expensive to produce.
In addition to building castles and producing units, players can also research upgrades. Upgrades can improve the strength of your units, the speed at which you can produce units, and the range of your catapults.
Reception
Fortress was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its simple but effective graphics, and its addictive nature.
Fortress was one of the first real-time strategy games ever released, and it helped to define the genre. The game’s simple but effective gameplay has made it a favorite of retro gamers for decades.
Legacy
Fortress has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay has inspired many other real-time strategy games, including the popular StarCraft series.
Fortress is also one of the first video games to feature a female protagonist. The game’s protagonist, Anya, is a skilled warrior who must defend her kingdom from attack. Anya was a groundbreaking character at the time, and she helped to pave the way for other female protagonists in video games.
Conclusion
Fortress is a classic real-time strategy game that helped to define the genre. The game’s innovative gameplay, simple but effective graphics, and addictive nature have made it a favorite of retro gamers for decades. Fortress is a must-play for any fan of real-time strategy games.
Tips for Playing Fortress
Here are a few tips for playing Fortress:
- Start by building a few castles to secure your territory.
- Once you have a few castles, start producing units to attack your opponent.
- Use a mix of units to attack your opponent. Foot soldiers are cheap and can be used to overwhelm your opponent with numbers. Knights are more powerful, but they are also more expensive. Catapults are the most powerful unit in the game, but they are also the most expensive.
- Research upgrades to improve your units and your castles.
- Be careful not to overextend yourself. If you spread your forces too thin, your opponent can easily defeat you.
- Focus on defending your castles. If your opponent captures one of your castles, they will be able to produce units and attack you from that location.
- Be patient. Fortress is a slow-paced game. It takes time to build up your forces and conquer your opponent.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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