Released in 1987 by HAL Laboratory, Air Fortress is a classic action-adventure title for the Famicom. The game puts players in the cockpit and boots of Hal Bailman, tasked with neutralizing a series of 'Air Fortresses' threatening the galaxy. The game's innovative design splits levels into a scrolling space shooter followed by a free-roaming exploration phase. Once inside the fortress, the player must locate the reactor core while managing limited oxygen and energy. With its atmospheric soundtrack and demanding difficulty, Air Fortress is a quintessential example of HAL Laboratory's early mastery of game design.