Before Kirby, before Lolo, there was Hal Bailman. Your mission: Destroy the cyber alien space stations that threaten your home world. You are the last hope, because your fleet was already wiped out. Infiltrate and destroy each station’s power core, then escape before they explode.
Gameplay has two phases for each level. Flying into the fortress and traversing the inside to seek and destroy the power core. Collect as much power ups as you can in the flying segment, because they will increase your survival rate to accomplish your mission. You have unlimited continues, but a pro can beat the game within a hour.
Controls are tight and responsive. Enemies and level design is difficult, but very fair. Music is good and atmospheric. Graphics are simple, but very clean designed. A very solid title from Hal Laboratory.
I definitely recommend Air Fortress. It is a Certified Hal Laboratory classic. If you’re in the mood for a space shoot’em up and an exploration game, play Air Fortress.