Rescue On Fractalus
Name: Rescue on Fractalus
Programmer(s): [[]]
Publisher: Lucasfilm LTD.
Year: 1985
Description:
Rescue on Fractalus was a groundbreaking 3D space combat and rescue game released for the Apple II in 1985. Created by Lucasfilm Games (later LucasArts), the game put players in the cockpit of a spaceship on dangerous rescue missions. This title pushed the Apple II's hardware to its limits and showed what creative programming could achieve on the popular home computer.
In the game, you pilot a rescue ship called the Valkyrie through the mountainous terrain of planet Fractalus. Your mission is to find crashed pilots and bring them back to your mothership while fighting off enemy Jaggi saucers. The game takes place during a war between humans and the alien Jaggies, who have shot down many pilots over the hostile planet.
The gameplay combines flying, combat, and rescue elements. You navigate through canyons and valleys using your radar and visual display. When you spot a downed pilot's distress beacon, you must land nearby and wait for them to run to your ship. Enemy saucers attack constantly, forcing you to use your laser cannons and shields. Some rescued pilots turn out to be Jaggi aliens in disguise who try to break into your cockpit, creating tense moments.
What made Rescue on Fractalus special was its fractal-generated landscape. Programmer Loren Carpenter used mathematical formulas to create realistic-looking mountains that changed with each mission. This technique saved memory while producing varied terrain. The game also featured a first-person 3D view that was rare for 1985, especially on the Apple II.
The technical achievements were remarkable. The game ran smoothly despite the Apple II's limited processing power. Sound effects included engine noise, laser fire, and pilot knocks on the airlock. The graphics used the Apple II's high-resolution mode cleverly, with a green monochrome display that resembled military equipment.
Players praised the game's atmosphere and innovation. The combination of rescuing friendly pilots and fighting enemies created varied gameplay. Each mission increased in difficulty with more enemies, rougher terrain, and longer distances to cover. The game included day and night missions, with night operations requiring careful use of instruments.
Rescue on Fractalus influenced many later games and demonstrated that home computers could deliver experiences similar to arcade machines. Its fractal technology appeared in other Lucasfilm Games titles. The game received ports to other systems including the Atari 8-bit computers and Commodore 64, but many consider the Apple II version a classic example of pushing hardware boundaries through clever programming.