Gorf is a multi-stage action shooter released by CBS Electronics for the Atari 2600 in 1981. Instead of presenting a single repeating screen, it tests your reflexes across a sequence of distinct battle phases, each with its own enemy formations and attack patterns.
How to play
Your goal is to survive the escalating alien waves and destroy the Flag Ship to earn a promotion and restart at a higher difficulty. Your ship has freedom of movement within the lower portion of the screen, rather than being locked to a horizontal plane. Gorf also features a unique firing mechanic: you can only have one shot on screen at a time, but pressing the trigger will instantly cancel an active shot and fire a new one.
Use the Arrow Keys to move (TGFH for player two) and Spacebar (or A) to fire. Press F2 to toggle between black-and-white and color display.
Tips
- Cancel missed shots: If you miss a target, immediately press fire again to spawn a new laser rather than waiting for the old one to travel off-screen.
- Use vertical movement: Advancing up the screen reduces the distance your shots must travel, making it easier to snipe fast-moving enemies before retreating to the bottom.
- Chip away at the Flag Ship: On the final stage, you must blast a clear path through the enemy vessel’s hull to hit its internal core. Avoid its sweeping laser while carving out your shot.
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