Attack Force

About

Attack Force is a 1980 shooter that casts you as a pilot battling waves of enemy forces in a grid-based arena. You maneuver a single craft, firing projectiles while dodging attacks from multiple directions. The gameplay leans on quick reflexes and spatial awareness, with a focus on survival as the waves escalate. Originally developed for the TRS-80 16K, its port to Commodore 64 and arcade platforms brought the formula to a wider audience. The design echoes Exidy’s Targ but adds its own twist with simpler controls and a more direct combat loop. This title is remembered for its straightforward challenge and influence on later games by its creators. Bill Hogue, one of its developers, went on to craft Miner 2049er, a more famous title in the era. Though lacking modern polish, Attack Force holds a niche spot among retro gamers for its raw, twitch-based mechanics. Its C64 version runs lean but efficient, and the single-player format ensures a no-frills test of skill. Community mentions often highlight its difficulty curve as sharp and unforgiving, a hallmark of early 80s design.