Description

"APB," short for "All Points Bulletin," is an action-packed video game that was originally developed by Atari Games and later adapted for the Atari Lynx handheld console. In "APB," players take on the role of Officer Bob, a rookie cop tasked with patrolling the streets and apprehending a variety of lawbreakers. The game combines driving elements with arcade-style action, as players navigate their police car through busy cityscapes and suburban areas, trying to complete daily quotas of specific types of arrests, such as litterbugs, honkers, and eventually more dangerous criminals like muggers and kidnappers. The gameplay is enriched with a time limit and the constant need to maintain the police vehicle's fuel and repair levels, adding urgency and strategic planning to the law enforcement theme.

Released in 1987 as an arcade game, "APB" was notable for its innovative graphics and humorous take on police work. The Atari Lynx version, adapted and released in the early '90s, maintained much of the original's charm and gameplay dynamics despite the limitations of the handheld platform. Each level in the Lynx version is presented with a bird’s-eye view, offering players a broad perspective of the action. As players progress, the game's difficulty increases, requiring them to be more judicious with their resources and judgements. Notably, the game was one of the few at the time that dealt with the theme of police work in a lighter, more satirical vein, distinguishing it in a market populated by more straightforward combat and racing games.

Gameplay

APB - Gameplay

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Title

APB - Title

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