Ambush! | Classic retro game for the Commodore PET Computer (1980)

Ambush! is a text-based strategy game written by Phil Bayman and published by CodeWorks - Cursor for the Commodore PET. The game was released in the early 1980s, during the height of the personal computer revolution, and was designed to take advantage of the PET's text-based display capabilities. It is a turn-based game where players command a squad of soldiers navigating a grid-based map, engaging in tactical combat against enemy forces.

The gameplay of Ambush! revolves around strategic planning and resource management. Players must move their units across the map, avoid or engage enemies, and complete objectives while managing limited resources such as ammunition and health. The game emphasizes decision-making, as players must carefully plan their moves to outmaneuver opponents and survive encounters. The text-based interface requires players to input commands to control their units, making it a precursor to more complex strategy games.

Phil Bayman and CodeWorks - Cursor were known for creating games that leveraged the simplicity of the Commodore PET's hardware, focusing on engaging gameplay rather than advanced graphics. Ambush! is a notable example of early tactical strategy games, showcasing the potential of text-based interfaces for immersive and challenging experiences. While specific details about the game's reception or sales are scarce, it remains a part of the Commodore PET's gaming legacy.