Desert Falcon [Model CX26140]

Desert Falcon © 1987 Atari Corporation.

The Pharaoh's lost treasures - enormous gems, big golden eggs, and silver ingots - are scattered among the ancient pyramids and obelisks. Fly towards the treasures, then hover or hop over them to pick them up and earn points. Use your joystick handle to maneuver.

The treasures are guarded by flying and crawling beasts. Burrowing Uwes crawl out of the sand to charge at you, and Vultures, Warrior Phleas, Scarabs, Flying Fish, and Phantom Gliders attack from the air. Darts fly at you, spit our by the Howling Sphinx waiting at the end of the trail. All these enemies will destroy you if they hit you.

Protect yourself by firing darts. A direct hit destroys enemy creatures and gains you points. You can also maneuver around enemies. At higher levels, watch out for flame-throwing Fire Pots and dart-shooting Mini-Sphinxes.

You begin the game with five lives. Each time you're hit or you crash into an object you lose a life, but you will recover as long as you have lives left.

The end of each desert trek brings you to the Howling Sphinx. You must shoot this Sphinx in the middle of its face in order to get past it, all the while dodging the darts and nasty creatures it spits at you.