Genre: Fixed shooter
Developer: Dean Lock
Publisher: Thorn EMI
Year: 1983
System: Atari 8-bit
Orc Attack is a fixed-shooter game designed by Dean Lock and released by Thorn EMI in 1983 for the Atari 8-bit family of computers. In the game, the player takes on the role of a castle defender stationed atop a fortress wall, attempting to repel waves of attacking orcs using rocks, swords, and boiling oil.
Gameplay takes place on a single screen representing the top of the castle. Orcs scale the walls using ladders and may also shoot arrows as they advance. When orcs reach the battlements, the player must switch to sword combat to push them back. After surviving a wave of attacks, the player can release boiling oil from the top of the wall to eliminate remaining enemies below. Player movement features inertia, adding challenge to aiming and positioning between the crenellations.
As the game progresses, new enemy types are introduced, including demon trolls and sorcerers who summon flying skulls. These additions require varied tactics and quick reactions. The game is controlled via joystick and was released on cartridge for the Atari 400/800/XL/XE series.
