Atlantis
Defend the City from the Gorgon Fleet
Step into the role of a defender in Atlantis, a classic fixed shooter where the stakes are high and the action is non-stop. You are tasked with protecting the ancient city of Atlantis from an invading alien force known as the Gorgon fleet. The game places you in control of several defensive positions around the city, requiring quick reflexes and strategic planning to keep the invaders at bay.
The core of your defense relies on three key installations: two sentry posts and the critical Acropolis Command Post. The Acropolis Command Post is not just another target; it projects a force field that shields the rest of the city from destruction. If this central post falls, the protective barrier vanishes, leaving the remaining installations vulnerable to immediate annihilation. Your primary objective is to keep this command post alive while managing threats from all sides.
Enemies come in various shapes and sizes, each presenting a different challenge. Larger Gorgon vessels are slow-moving but dangerous, while smaller ships zip across the screen with alarming speed. These smaller targets are worth more points, encouraging you to prioritize them when possible. A particularly dangerous enemy is the Gorgon Bandit Bomber; destroying this specific vessel has the satisfying effect of wiping out all other enemies currently on the screen, giving you a brief moment of respite.
As you play, the game introduces a unique restoration mechanic. The city begins in a state of disrepair, with parts of it already destroyed. However, for every 10,000 points you score, a piece of Atlantis is restored at the end of the wave. This adds a layer of motivation to your shooting; you are not just surviving, you are rebuilding your home one point at a time. The waves become progressively faster and more aggressive, testing your ability to maintain focus under pressure.
Controls are straightforward but demand precision. You use the left joystick to aim your sentry posts, targeting incoming ships before they reach the city walls. To fire the powerful cannon of the Acropolis Command Post, you must position your cursor at the center of the screen. This dual-control system means you must constantly switch your attention between aiming individual sentries and guarding the central command post.
The game offers both single-player and two-player modes, though cooperative play is available in Game 3. Playing with a friend can make the experience more dynamic, as you can split the defensive duties or compete for high scores. The financial success of Atlantis among players speaks to its engaging loop: survive the wave, restore the city, and face increasingly difficult attacks.
Strategically, you must decide when to focus fire on a single large threat versus picking off multiple small targets for points. Prioritizing the Gorgon Bandit Bomber can clear the screen, but ignoring smaller ships might lead to overwhelming numbers later. Keeping the Acropolis Command Post safe is always the top priority; without its force field, the city's survival is unlikely.
If you enjoy games that require constant vigilance and quick decision-making, Atlantis offers a compelling challenge. The visual feedback of seeing your city restored as you score points provides a satisfying sense of progress amidst the chaos. It is a test of endurance and accuracy, where every shot counts toward saving the last bastion of Atlantis.
For fans of this style of gameplay, you might also enjoy Atlantis 1 & 2, which expands on the original concept with additional levels and challenges. Alternatively, Atlantis FH offers a fresh take on the fixed shooter genre with updated mechanics.
Prepare your defenses and get ready to face the Gorgon fleet. Every second counts, and every point brings Atlantis closer to its former glory. Will you be able to restore the city before it is too late? You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.