APB (1991-)

• Developer: Atari

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Vehicular Combat

APB (All Points Bulletin) for the Atari Lynx was developed and published by Atari in 1991. This handheld adaptation brought the 1987 arcade hit into a portable format, allowing players to experience its distinctive mix of humor and police-themed action on the go. APB was originally an arcade title developed by Atari Games, and the Lynx version specifically aimed to capture the essence of the arcade experience while taking advantage of the handheld’s color screen and portability.

In APB, players take on the role of Officer Bob, a rookie cop assigned to patrol a bustling city. The primary objective is to issue tickets or make arrests to meet daily quotas while navigating a top-down view of streets filled with pedestrians, errant drivers, and a variety of offenders. Players also respond to “all-points bulletins” for more urgent incidents. Gameplay is structured around completing these tasks efficiently within a time limit, with rewards for exceeding quotas and penalties for failing to maintain order, giving a mix of strategy and action.

The Lynx version was praised for retaining the core gameplay and colorful visuals of the arcade original. The controls allowed players to navigate the city, issue tickets, and apprehend criminals, though some critics noted that the handheld format introduced minor challenges in maneuvering the patrol car. The soundtrack complemented the game’s satirical tone with upbeat and playful music that underscored the hectic city environment. APB did not have any prequels or direct sequels, but its mission-based open-world gameplay influenced future titles that combined exploration with task completion.

APB was promoted as a faithful portable adaptation of a popular arcade game, emphasizing its humor, citywide chaos, and engaging gameplay. Critics generally received it positively, highlighting the graphics, the variety of tasks, and the challenge of managing multiple objectives simultaneously. Some criticism was directed at the difficulty level and the slightly awkward controls on the handheld, but overall it became a memorable entry in the Lynx library. Today, it is remembered fondly by Atari Lynx enthusiasts and collectors as a standout example of early portable open-world gameplay.

Images from MobyGames