GORILLA.BAS - Play Turn-based Artillery 2-Players Game Online
Play GORILLA.BAS online, a browser-based remake of the classic MS-DOS artillery game. Aim explosive bananas, adjust angle and power, and battle against the computer or a friend across a city skyline.
Game Intro
GORILLA.BAS is a browser recreation of one of the most memorable games that shipped with early versions of MS-DOS. Originally included with Microsoft DOS 5.0 in 1990, the game became a favorite among PC users thanks to its simple concept and surprisingly addictive gameplay.
The objective is straightforward: two gorillas stand on opposite rooftops across a city skyline and take turns throwing explosive bananas at each other. Every shot is affected by angle, power, and environmental conditions, which means success depends on careful aiming rather than quick reflexes.
This version faithfully brings the classic experience to modern browsers using Canvas2D technology, allowing players to enjoy the same turn-based artillery action without installing any software. Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite or discovering it for the first time, GORILLA.BAS remains a fun example of how engaging simple game mechanics can be.
Game History
Originally released by Microsoft as part of the MS-DOS operating system, Gorillas was included as a sample QBasic program that demonstrated graphics, animation, and user input. The source code was provided under the filename GORILLA.BAS, making it one of the most widely recognized examples of a QBasic game.
Inspired by classic artillery games, players control rival gorillas positioned on city buildings and attempt to hit each other by calculating the right throwing angle and velocity. The game's lighthearted presentation, combined with its physics-based gameplay, helped it become a memorable part of early PC gaming history.
How to Play
Start by choosing your preferred game mode. You can play against the computer or challenge a friend in local two-player mode.
Each turn begins with aiming your banana throw. Adjust the launch angle and throwing power, then release your shot and watch its trajectory across the skyline. If your calculation is correct, the banana will land on your opponent's position and score a hit.
Because every throw follows a realistic arc, you'll need to make adjustments after each attempt. Learning how different angles and power levels affect the flight path is the key to becoming more accurate.
The match continues until one gorilla successfully eliminates the other.
Controls
KeyBoard Controls
- Left Arrow Key / Rirght Arrow Key or A/D: angle
- Up Arrow Key / Down Arrow Key or W/S: power
- SPACE: fire
Mouse Controls
- drag left half = angle
- drag right half = power
- tap right = fire
Select Game Mode
- Click the left side of the screen to play against the computer.
- Click the right side of the screen to start a two-player game.
Adjust Angle
- Drag with the mouse to change the throwing angle.
- On touch devices, slide vertically along the left side of the screen.
Adjust Power
- Drag to increase or decrease throwing strength.
- On touch devices, slide vertically along the right side of the screen.
Throw Banana
- Click or tap anywhere on the screen to launch your attack.
Why It's Still Fun Today
Despite its age, GORILLA.BAS remains entertaining because it focuses on timing, prediction, and strategy rather than complicated mechanics. Every successful hit feels earned, and even missed shots can be satisfying as you slowly dial in the perfect trajectory.
Its simple visuals and easy-to-understand rules make it accessible for new players, while the nostalgic presentation continues to appeal to fans of classic DOS-era games.
