A.P.B. - All Points Bulletin (USA, Europe)

A.P.B. - All Points Bulletin (USA, Europe) on Atari Lynx: Cop vs. criminal arcade-action. Vehicular/on-foot combat, retro 16-bit graphics. Multiplayer/solo modes in chaotic open-world environments.

Published
1987
Added
2025-07-11
Platform
Atari Lynx

Overview

About A.P.B. - All Points Bulletin (USA, Europe)

A.P.B. - All Points Bulletin is a groundbreaking retro arcade-style action game for the Atari Lynx that masterfully blends high-speed pursuits and tactical combat. Set in a chaotic urban environment, players choose between enforcing the law as a police officer or wreaking havoc as a criminal, creating an unforgettable asymmetrical gaming experience that defined handheld action in the late 80s.

  • Dynamic Cop vs. Criminal Gameplay: Experience thrilling cat-and-mouse chases as you switch roles between law enforcement pursuing suspects and criminals attempting daring escapes in sprawling urban playgrounds.
  • Retro 16-Bit Aesthetics: Immerse yourself in vibrant pixel art environments with synthwave-inspired soundtracks that perfectly capture the nostalgic essence of classic 16-bit gaming on the Atari Lynx.
  • Seamless Vehicle and Foot Combat: Transition fluidly between high-speed car chases and intense on-foot confrontations in one of the first handheld games to master dynamic gameplay switching.

What stands out

This retro classic offers an unparalleled handheld gaming experience that was ahead of its time, combining deep strategic gameplay with fast-paced action that remains engaging decades later. For enthusiasts seeking authentic arcade-style thrills on classic hardware, A.P.B. delivers pure nostalgic joy.

  • Timeless Asymmetrical Action: The cop vs. criminal mechanic was revolutionary for its era and still provides unique replay value with completely different objectives for each side.
  • Multiplayer Innovation: Experience the groundbreaking ComLynx support that allowed up to 4 players to compete in chaotic urban battles, offering rare retro multiplayer depth for a handheld title.
  • Authentic Arcade Experience: Capture the essence of 80s arcade cabinets with fast-paced action, simple controls, and challenging gameplay that defined the golden age of gaming.

Play notes

Master the urban chaos of A.P.B. with these essential gameplay steps, designed to get you straight into the action-packed law enforcement or criminal underworld.

  • 1. Character Selection and Setup: Choose your role using arrow keys - play as a cop to hunt criminals or as a criminal to evade capture. Press Z to confirm your selection and X to view character abilities.
  • 2. Navigate Urban Environments: Use arrow keys or WASD to move through city streets. Press Z to accelerate/sprint and X to brake/hide behind cover. Master both driving and on-foot movement.
  • 3. Engage in Action-Packed Confrontations: Aim with directional keys and press Z to fire weapons. Execute takedowns and special moves by pressing X during close encounters. Pursue objectives based on your chosen faction.

FAQ

What makes A.P.B. unique among Atari Lynx games?

A.P.B. stands out with its revolutionary asymmetrical gameplay system where players choose between law enforcement and criminals, each with distinct objectives and playstyles rarely seen in 80s handheld gaming.

How does the vehicle combat system work?

Vehicles are controlled with Z to accelerate and arrow keys to steer. Press X to brake or perform takedown maneuvers, allowing you to ram suspects' vehicles or execute cinematic escapes.

What are the key differences between cop and criminal gameplay?

Cops use radar and informants to track criminals across the map, while criminals focus on evasion, completing heists, and using urban environments to outsmart their pursuers.