Seafox

In 1981, Broderbund Software released Seafox for the Apple II, putting players in command of a submarine hunting enemy ships. This side-scrolling action game combined shooting mechanics with resource management as players navigated underwater dangers.

Players control their submarine using simple keyboard controls, moving up, down, and forward while launching torpedoes at enemy vessels passing overhead. The submarine has a limited oxygen supply that must be replenished by surfacing periodically. This creates tension between staying submerged to attack ships and needing to surface for air.

Each level presents players with different types of enemy ships to destroy, from small patrol boats to large tankers worth varying points. Depth charges dropped by enemies must be avoided while lining up torpedo shots. Players need to consider torpedo trajectory and lead their targets since torpedoes travel in an arc affected by water physics.

The game features basic but effective graphics for its era, with recognizable ship shapes and smooth scrolling that was impressive on the Apple II hardware. The submarine and ship movements are fluid, making the action engaging. Sound effects are minimal but include satisfying explosion sounds when ships are hit.

As players progress, the challenge increases with faster ships, more frequent depth charges, and trickier shot timing required. The game includes a high score system that encourages repeated plays to improve performance. While simple by today's standards, Seafox demonstrated solid game design fundamentals that made it popular among early Apple II gamers.

Seafox stands as a good example of early 1980s computer game design, combining straightforward mechanics with enough depth to keep players engaged. The blend of action and resource management created gameplay that was easy to learn but required practice to master. Many similar submarine games followed on various platforms, but Seafox remains notable as one of the first successful implementations of the concept.

The game influenced later submarine-themed titles and helped establish Broderbund as a major publisher of computer games. Its success contributed to the growing library of action games available for the Apple II platform during a crucial period in home computer gaming history.