Action Force: International Heroes

About

Action Force: International Heroes is a side-scrolling shooter where you race through tight levels to neutralize Cobra forces and retrieve stolen documents. The gameplay focuses on fast-paced combat with basic weapons and limited tools, requiring quick reflexes over strategy. Split-screen co-op is absent, so it’s strictly solo missions. The game released across multiple 8-bit platforms in late 1987, but the ZX Spectrum version diverges notably in layout and design from the Commodore and Amstrad CPC builds. The biggest talking point is the sharp divide between versions, with Spectrum players facing more cramped levels and simplified graphics. While not praised for depth, it’s noted for its relentless difficulty and direct mechanics. Retro fans appreciate it as a brief but punchy relic of early 90s arcade conversions, though modern play sessions rarely last beyond a few minutes. The Cobra vs Action Force rivalry adds faint context, but the real draw is seeing how a 35-year-old shooter holds up under today’s speedrun scene scrutiny.

Storyline

The enemy Cobra has launched a surprise attack on the island of Botsneda. In the panic of the evacuation, secret information has been left behind in the eastern sector. The enemy's grip is tightening, and an immediate raid is needed to recover the vital data. Here's a job for Action Force...