Rescue in the Outback

Rescue in the Outback is an educational game for the Apple II.

This is a historical simulation of the 1861 search for the explorers Burke and Wills, who led the first European expedition to successfully cross Australia. However, they did not return to their outpost as scheduled. As the player travels, they learn about Australia's animals, plants, minerals, and landmarks. The player starts their mission by a briefing from William Stawell, and begins their journey at Port Darwin. The player has a total of 9 months to try to Burke and Wills, and must return to the Port of Darwin or Gulf of Carpentaria. At the beginning of the adventure, you must choose your expedition mates and equipment. Each possible expedition member has a different skill set and brief biography.

As the player explores the desert, their movement is displayed in a side view. The player can choose to set a steady, strenuous, or grueling pace, and can choose rations as generous, limited, or meager. The members of the party have individual health, and the player can stop to rest. The players will at times encounter new animals, plants, minerals, or water. Animals, plants, and minerals can be investigated, discussed with expedition members, and possibly collected or eaten. Disasters can strike, like losing a camel in the mud. The player can stop to hunt, which enters an arcade mini-game where they control a hunter, stationary at the bottom of the screen, who tries to shoot emus that run by. The player can also stop and visit local Aborigine tribes, to resupply and trade goods, learn about Aborigine culture, learn skills, and track the movements of Burke and Wills.