Air Fortress (USA)

Air Fortress is a unique action game for the NES, dividing its gameplay into two distinct phases.

The first phase is a side-scrolling shooter segment set in space. Players control Hal Bailman in his special suit, flying through outer space environments to approach a massive flying fortress. In this phase, you'll encounter numerous flying enemies and obstacles. The primary goal is to evade and shoot down opponents, collecting necessary energy and ammunition before proceeding into the fortress. Crucially, fuel management is key, as it constantly depletes.

Once Hal Bailman has accessed the fortress, the gameplay shifts to an internal exploration mode. This is a complex maze with multiple levels and rooms. Players must navigate through tight corridors, avoid traps, and either evade or destroy the creatures defending the fortress. The ultimate objective in this phase is to locate the fortress's "Core" – its heart. To destroy the core, Hal needs to activate a series of switches or destroy specific components.

After the core is destroyed, a countdown timer begins. Hal Bailman must swiftly find his way out of the fortress before it completely explodes. This is a tense challenge, requiring players to remember their path and react quickly.

Fuel is an extremely critical element in Air Fortress. It not only affects flight capability in space but also powers Hal's suit inside the fortress. Players need to collect fuel and ammunition power-ups scattered throughout the levels. Each fortress features a unique design and increasing difficulty, demanding strategic thinking and patience. Elements like enemies, obstacles, and resource management create a challenging and engaging gameplay experience.