Games published by Academy Software Inc.
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We provide a complete list of games published by this publisher.
IFR
IFR is a flight simulator of the Cessna 172RG Cutlass light aircraft. Due to the limitations of computers in the early 1980s, it does not offer an external view of the cockpit, only an instrument panel (hence the name: Instrument Flight Rules) with a full set of gauges: altimeter, tachometer, artificial horizon, airspeed, rate of turn and rate of climb indicators. The aircraft is also equipped with flaps, retractable landing gear, LORAN-C inertial navigation system, ILS and ADF (which captures 4 beacons and 2 aerodromes on the map).
The objective is to navigate safely between 4 airfields located on the map, avoiding terrain obstacles, etc. and within the aircraft's fuel limit (~30 min); the game's flight model also includes stalls, wind and turbulence (difficulty level is adjustable).
Word Invaders
Word Invaders, released in 1982 for the VIC-20, was a game that revolutionized the world of gaming. Developed by Peter Torrance, this game combined the classic space shooter gameplay with a whole new twist - the use of words! It was a bold move at the time, but proved to be a massive success and captivated players across the globe.
The premise of Word Invaders was simple yet innovative. The player controlled a spaceship at the bottom of the screen, shooting down alien spaceship letters above. The catch was that the player had to type the corresponding letters on the keyboard to destroy the invaders. This added a new level of challenge and engagement to the game, as players had to be quick with their typing skills while simultaneously maneuvering their spaceship to avoid the enemy's fire.
One of the standout features of Word Invaders was its graphics. Despite being released in 1982, the game boasted colorful and detailed visuals that were ahead of its time. The alien ships and letters were intricately designed and the background was constantly changing, adding to the immersive experience. Additionally, the sound effects and music were also top-notch, further enhancing the overall gameplay.
The game also had various levels of difficulty, catering to players of all skill levels. As the player progressed through the levels, the aliens became faster and more challenging, keeping players on their toes. The high score feature also added a competitive element, encouraging players to strive for the top spot on the leaderboard. This made Word Invaders highly addictive and kept players coming back for more.
Word Invaders was not only a fun and entertaining game, but it also had educational value. By typing out the words, players were inadvertently improving their typing speed and accuracy. This made the game popular among parents and teachers who saw it as a useful tool to teach their children or students how to type.
Despite being released nearly four decades ago, Word Invaders still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It was a game that broke the mold and paved the way for future games to incorporate educational elements. It was also a game that saw the convergence of technology and learning, making it an iconic and influential game even to this day.
