https://play.armor-alley.net
Remaster [ ree-mas-ter, -mah-ster ]
Verb (used with object)
1 To make a new master tape or record from an old master tape, usually to improve the fidelity of an old recording. —dictionary.com
About
Armor Alley: Remastered is a modern, browser-based version of an 8-bit Mac + PC game.
Armor Alley™ was released for Macintosh and IBM PC® and 100% compatible computers around 1990.
The gameplay is a real-time strategy format: you fly a helicopter and build and escort convoys, with the goal of getting a van to the enemy base. Meanwhile, the enemy is doing the same.
You can play the game at https://play.armor-alley.net in a modern desktop or mobile browser.
Overview
Game features:
- 10 original game levels
- 12 network game levels
- Three game difficulties
- All original game units + buildings
- Network multi-player
- Level editor
- Mobile + touch-screen support
Ground Units
These are inventory items you order, and build convoys with.
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Missile Launcher
Self-destructs, deploying a heat-seeking smart missile when the enemy helicopter is nearby. Vulnerable to all munitions.
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Tank
The most heavily-armed ground unit in the game. Capable of neutralizing super-bunkers, taking out turrets, and all other ground units. The only threats: The enemy helicopter, opposing tanks—and, in "extreme" mode—turrets.
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Van
Key to winning the game. Jams opposing helicopter radar when within range. No offensive capabilities, highly vulnerable.
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Infantry
Ordered in groups of five. Great for capturing [super-]bunkers, taking out vans and missile launchers. Armed with rifles.
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Engineers
Ordered in groups of two. Can capture and rebuild turrets, and repair bunkers. Armed with rifles.
Buildings
There are a number of structures to be found on the battlefield, serving different needs.
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Bunker
Can be claimed by infantry, and used for strategic defense. The more you own, the merrier. Often found with a chain, and balloon attached. Can be destroyed.
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Super Bunker
Can be neutralized by tanks; dangerous to both sides when neutral. Infantry can claim and arm these units, manning the guns. Super bunkers hold up to five infantry. When armed, super bunkers fire at all units except tanks.
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Base
Each end of the battlefield has a base, the target for vans. They fire missiles at nearby opposing helicopters.
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End Bunker
The "bank" which holds funds for each player, next to the base. One infantry arms the guns. Can be neutralized by tanks.
Airborne Elements
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Clouds
Float about the battlefield, subject to the wind. They can be helpful—and, on occasion—dangerous.
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Balloons
When not attached to a bunker, balloons (and chains) are dangerous to all.
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Parachute Infantry
Dropped from helicopters, these can be deployed strategically and to great competitive advantage.
Guides, Strategy, Tips + Tricks
The game has a built-in tutorial which introduces the controls, units and game mechanics.
There is also an extensive YouTube video which covers most aspects of the game. Below are timestamp links to key chapters.
Tutorial videos: desktop · mobile
Overview: Game logistics, "Cake Walk" level demo
Network / multiplayer: Starting a network game
Level Editor: how to create your own level
“Virtual Stupidity”
It's a bit of a long story, but there is an extra—and optional—theme available for the "MTV" generation.
Version History
Latest: V2.0.20230501: 10th Anniversary "Remastered" Edition.
For the details of the current release, see on GitHub. For the full history, see CHANGELOG.txt.
For a look at the first release from 2013, see the original write-up.
Nostalgia
If you're new to Armor Alley, I hope that you find it both fun and challenging. For some, it may be both a distant and fond memory.
I played the hell out of this game as a kid, and I knew that I wasn't alone: “Y'know something that never gets old? …Nostalgia.”
A few kind words from YouTube commenters over time:
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You are my favorite person for making this. I used to play Rescue Raiders to death on my Apple II. —@jubsy
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Oh my goodness, I am absolutely loving this. I about died laughing at the new "engineers" -- especially when they started talking about the weather. This is an absolute gem, and I can hardly believe how much effort and care you've put into this. Armor Alley was one of my favorite games growing up (I had copies that I purchased for both my PC and my Mac and tried to play them together with a null modem cable -- not sure I ever got it to work). WELL DONE!! This is truly a love letter to our childhood, and I can't thank you enough. —@Clint Herron
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Thanks for putting this video up, this game is legendary I am about to play it for the first time since about 1992. —@dana6677
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Wow ... thanks for doing this ... transported right back to my hiding out in the IT room at school and playing this multiplayer ... still love it. Super awesome. —@heiroglyph321
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Beautifully done - I've had this repo starred for some time and still find myself going back and playing once and a while. —@stu3131
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Just played this now, first time since since I was 10 I guess. Awesome! Thanks heaps! —@Chris Blackman
Source Code
This is an open-source project. You can see how the sausage is made–for better or worse–at github.com/scottschiller/ArmorAlley.
Contact
Comments, bug reports, and feedback are welcome via GitHub, or idliketowork@yahoo.com (yes, really.)