Play Planet Of The Apes - Atari 2600 Prototype Online
Survive the Wilds as Taylor
Step into the shoes of Taylor, the protagonist from the classic 1968 film, in this unique gaming experience. You are not playing a commercially released cartridge from the 1980s, but rather a rare prototype that was programmed by John Marvin for Fox Video Games. This version offers a glimpse into what could have been during the early days of home console gaming, allowing you to explore environments that were cut from the final retail history.
Your journey takes you through a variety of distinct landscapes, including dense forests, winding rivers, and the dangerous grounds of an ape village. The atmosphere is tense and wild, capturing the essence of the movie while providing a challenging platforming experience. As Taylor, your primary objective is to navigate these hostile territories and make your way toward a ruined Statue of Liberty, which serves as the ultimate goal of your escape.
The gameplay focuses on movement and survival. You will encounter various primate enemies that pose different threats. Chimpanzees and orangutans roam the areas, acting as obstacles you must avoid or outmaneuver. The gorillas are particularly dangerous; they can fire projectiles at you and have the ability to capture your character. If a gorilla imprisons you, you may find yourself trapped in cages or pits, forcing you to plan your escape carefully.
Playing this prototype feels different from standard Atari 2600 titles of the era. The movement is responsive, allowing you to climb and traverse the environment with precision. You must watch out for environmental hazards as well as the aggressive apes. The challenge lies in managing your path through the forest and river sections while keeping an eye on the sky and ground for incoming threats from the gorilla guards.
It is important to note that this specific file represents the unreleased prototype version. While it shares its name with the famous movie franchise, this game was never officially published by 20th Century Fox during its original development period in 1983. The project was halted due to the closure of Fox's video game division. A completed version titled 'Revenge of the Apes' did eventually see the light of day in 2003, but that was a separate release by Retrodesign and is distinct from this Atari 2600 prototype.
For years, this cartridge was mislabeled as 'Alligator People,' adding to its mystique. Now, you can experience the true content intended by John Marvin. The game features Taylor navigating through the forest, river, ape village, and desert environments, offering a diverse visual experience for the hardware of that time.
As you play, focus on timing your jumps and movements to avoid being shot by gorillas. Use the terrain to your advantage, hiding in the forest or crossing the river when possible. The ruined Statue of Liberty is your beacon; keep it in mind as you progress through the levels. This prototype provides a nostalgic look at a lost piece of gaming history, letting you live out the adventure that was once cut short.
Enjoy exploring this rare title and see how far Taylor can get before being captured by the apes. It is a fun and challenging way to spend time with a classic character in a setting that few players have had the chance to experience on the Atari 2600. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.