Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Shooter, Simulator
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, TRS-80 Color Computer, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Lucasfilm Games
- Publishers: Activision, Atari Corporation, Epyx
Rescue on Fractalus! (1985): A Fractal Frontier in Videogame History
Introduction
Rescue on Fractalus! is a groundbreaking simulation game released in 1985 that pushed the boundaries of computer graphics and gameplay. Developed by Lucasfilm Games (now LucasArts) and published by Atari Games, Rescue on Fractalus! was one of the first games to utilize fractal technology to create a realistic and immersive 3D environment.
Gameplay
The player controls a Valkyrie space fighter, converted for search and rescue duty, from a first-person perspective. The objective of the game is to locate and rescue downed Ethercorps pilots stranded on a craggy alien planet. The planet’s dense atmosphere drastically reduces visibility, and the terrain is treacherous, with towering mountains and deep valleys.
To locate the downed pilots, the player must use a direction finder and visual beacons. However, the beacons are often masked by mountain ridges, making it challenging to find the pilots. As the player progresses through the game, they will encounter enemy Jaggis flying kamikaze saucers. The mission area also moves into day/night boundaries, with night missions requiring diligent use of the altimeter to avoid crashing.
Flying consumes fuel, and the player must rescue downed pilots to replenish their supply. Each rescued pilot brings their remaining fuel supplies on board, allowing the player to continue their mission.
Fractal Technology
Rescue on Fractalus! was one of the first games to use fractal technology to generate its terrain. Fractals are mathematical objects that exhibit self-similarity at all scales. This means that a fractal can be zoomed in or out indefinitely, and the same basic pattern will be repeated.
The use of fractals in Rescue on Fractalus! allowed the developers to create a vast and detailed alien planet with a craggy, mountainous landscape. The planet’s surface is covered in a network of valleys and ridges, and the mountains rise to towering heights. The fractal technology also allowed the developers to create a sense of depth and scale that was unprecedented in video games at the time.
Graphics and Sound
Rescue on Fractalus! was a graphical showcase for its time. The use of fractal technology allowed the developers to create a realistic and immersive 3D environment that was far more detailed than anything seen in previous video games. The game’s graphics were also enhanced by the use of Gouraud shading, which gave the objects in the game a smooth, rounded appearance.
The game’s sound design was also top-notch. The sound effects were realistic and immersive, and the music was composed by the legendary David Wise, who also composed the music for the Donkey Kong Country series.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Rescue on Fractalus! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative use of fractal technology, its immersive gameplay, and its stunning graphics and sound. Rescue on Fractalus! was one of the first games to be inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.
Rescue on Fractalus! has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s use of fractal technology helped to pave the way for the development of more realistic and immersive 3D environments in video games. The game’s gameplay also influenced the development of future space combat and simulation games.
Conclusion
Rescue on Fractalus! is a classic video game that pushed the boundaries of computer graphics and gameplay. The game’s use of fractal technology, immersive gameplay, and stunning graphics and sound made it one of the most impressive and groundbreaking games of its time. Rescue on Fractalus! is a must-play for fans of space combat, simulation games, and retro gaming.
Review Score
8.5/10
