Last updated on January 17th, 2025 at 01:15 pm
Falcon Patrol 2 is a shoot ’em up game that was released for the Commodore 64 in the 1980s. While the game received mixed reviews, it still has its own charm and appeal.
Falcon Patrol, originally released in 1983 by Virgin Games, is a horizontal shooter that has garnered a mixed reception over the years. Players take on the role of the last surviving pilot of the “Falcon Patrol” squadron, tasked with defending six airfields from waves of enemy jets while managing limited ammunition and fuel supplies. The game features two-way scrolling gameplay and a radar display to track enemies and airfield status.
## Gameplay and Mechanics
#Original Game:
The core gameplay involves shooting down attacking aircraft while navigating through a desert landscape filled with palm trees and oil tanks. The graphics are simple, utilizing unicolored sprites that lack animation frames, leading to a somewhat monotonous visual experience. Players face increasing waves of enemies, which can become overwhelming as the game progresses. Critics have noted issues with collision detection and controls, describing them as “touchy” and challenging due to inertia effects that delay directional changes.
## Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Falcon Patrol are considered outdated by today’s standards, with jerky scrolling and limited background variety contributing to a lack of engagement over extended play sessions. However, the sound design has received some praise; the jet engine sounds and refueling effects stand out as particularly well-executed for their time. Critics have noted that while the sound effects are limited, they do add an immersive quality to the gameplay experience.
## Reception
The reception of Falcon Patrol has been mixed, with many players recalling it as a classic but acknowledging its limitations. It often serves as a nostalgic reminder of early arcade-style shooters rather than a game that holds up against modern standards. Reviews typically rate it around 5 out of 10, highlighting its simplicity and lack of depth but also recognizing its charm as a quick play option.
In contrast, the remake has not achieved significant recognition or acclaim compared to other titles released around the same time, indicating that while it may have updated some elements, it did not capture the same magic as its predecessor, but we played it and it’s very fine and pleasant.
Falcon Patrol remains an interesting piece of gaming history, emblematic of early 1980s arcade shooters. Its remake attempts to breathe new life into the concept but struggles to differentiate itself significantly from the original. For players seeking nostalgia or a brief shooting experience, both versions offer something worthwhile, albeit with clear limitations that modern gamers might find frustrating.
The Remake
Patrol Falcon is a remake of Falcon patrol, an old C64 classics by Steve Lee. In 2007, the game was remade as Patrol Falcon for Windows. This version aimed to modernize the original’s mechanics while retaining its core gameplay elements. Specific details about improvements were intended to appeal to both nostalgic fans and new players alike.
Installing:
Make a folder, unzip the exe file, and start it. It will create a default config file.
Keyboard controls:
you can use the cursor keys (left, right, up, down) for moving around and the SPACE to select/fire.
ESC quits everywhere (I mean it, it’s good for boss prevention).
F12 creates a screenshot. I do not think it’s too usefull for you, but I left it in, you never know.
Feedbacks, bugs, attacks, flowers: staniol@extra.hu
A Game by Staniol
nxs23.ed2kempire.patrol.falcon.remake
