How to play Rescue on Fractalus online
- Launch: the prototype opens on a still cockpit view with a black screen. Press F3 (Reset) to launch.
- Fly: arrow keys
- Full screen: F9
What’s in the prototype
In the finished game on other systems, you fly over the planet Fractalus rescuing stranded pilots. This 7800 build is roughly half done and is really a flight demo. After a colourful launch, you can fly through fractal mountains that move far more smoothly than in the Atari 5200 version. A few instruments, such as the altimeter and compass, work; most gauges do not. You cannot shoot, land or rescue anyone. Watch the top left corner for joke messages from the programmers.
Why it was never released
Rescue on Fractalus and Ballblazer were the first two games from Lucasfilm’s new games group, and both were announced for the 7800 in May 1984. This version was programmed by Lars Jensen and David Krall at General Computer Corporation. According to AtariProtos, it needed an extra memory chip in the cartridge to draw its scenery at a decent speed. When Atari’s new owners revived the 7800 on a tight budget, it was dropped, while Ballblazer was finished. The prototype was found in 2004, still in the hands of its original programmers.
