Sunday, April 26, 2015

Fire And Brimstone



Tough as nails!

It's a well-known fact that games were much harder back in the day. Perhaps our generation where made of tougher stuff and today's kids are wimps? Hmm, I'd say that sounds right, and I think we have a game to prove it! (hey, before we begin... did you know that I've fully mapped this game? No??? Well, click on the "Game Maps" link to your right!)

Fire And Brimstone was released in 1990 by Firebird and is one of the most visually stunning platformers I have ever seen. The adventure takes place within a fantasy world of Norse mythology as the mighty Thor must battle against the forces of Hel. She has escaped and spread her lust for evil over the once-peaceful Nordic lands with her minions creating havoc! So, wait for it, it's up to us to clean up this hellish infestation and get home in time for tea.

Check out these screenshots with the first immediate puzzle (that makes no sense ironically). Gorgeous visuals...



This game blows you away from the start with an oddly puzzling demon who always wakes up!

Look out for witches with their rapid spells. Who are also tough to kill!


We are the mighty Thor!

We sure are. And there are five worlds (including Hel) to beat - Alfheim, Anaheim, Nidavellir, Muspell and Nilfheim. Each screen is a puzzle in itself that requires careful thought before you attempt to foolishly maraud through. Even the first screen can confuse and its solution makes little sense... Sigh, this style of trickery is something you will get used to.

Any level can only be completed once all the fragments from a key have been found and a boss slaughtered. This means each screen should be searched for any hidden objects before you leave otherwise you might end up being punished and sent back to revisit the previous screens. Which can be an agonising moment!

Thor doesn't only carry an axe but two individual weapons which we can flip between, including bombs and fire. There are also power-ups that will help improve our abilities against the hoards of baddies who come in all shapes and sizes - each one possessing a cunning yet humorous personality. Everyone is often really difficult to kill, from magic-throwing witches to goblins, old bats and things hiding in trees. It's impossible not to love this game's awesome charisma - I especially love the funky ghosts and creepy witches who fly by on their broomsticks. An incredible effort has gone into this!

Let's view another screenshot from this tough nut platformer with ghosts and a witch on her broomstick...



Watch out for all kinds of freaky monsters. Oh look, it's the mother-in-law on her broom!

We're in the creepy woods which are full of ghosts. And HIM too! Runnnnn!!!


Aesthetics

Fire And Brimstone offers an exceptional visual treat by Chris Sorrell. Astounding attention to detail using an artistic flair that perfectly complements the medieval and hellish atmosphere. The characters look fantastic and are superbly animated with scenic settings that are always beautiful. Jaw-dropping examples of extraordinary 16-bit pixel art.

Be warned, there is no scrolling. To an Amiga user, that probably translates to their usual pitiful Atari ST port whining. But wait, Fire And Brimstone was never meant to scroll and is perfect as a flick-screen platformer. Yes, perfect!

The title music is a thumping sample tune by none other than David Whittaker. It's brilliant and the quality is superb but I must admit to preferring his chiptunes over this if I'm honest. In-game sound effects are great for all the usual effects, but they obviously cannot come close to the majestic grade of the lush and detailed graphics.

Oh yeah, it sure looks and sounds the business alright, so let's see another couple of screenshots...


See that guy in red, I wonder what's his story?

Oh, each level has a secret room. Don't miss it otherwise, you'll be sent back!


The CryptO'pinion?

Fire And Brimstone is one of the most difficult platformers I've played with mechanics that are so unforgiving. But, give it plenty of time, learn how each screen functions, and you will make progress. However, even then, it's still too difficult after lots of practice so I'd rate this as one of the most irritating games there is. Hardly a glowing report?

Ignoring my painful progress, with a trainer enabled, this game is massively entertaining and potentially very rewarding for a determined player. I love how each screen is its own mini-adventure which ultimately provides natural longevity by its design. For all its faults, I love it!! However, I fear only the stupid brave should enter into this fantasy world of torment.

Brave warriors can download this for
either floppy or install onto a hard drive.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Teserae


Teserae was developed by The Albanian Sausage Corporation - the funniest name ever - and is a Tetris clone if you hadn't guessed. But this is different and pushes the Atari ST with fantastic aesthetics that no version of Tetris has ever seen before: I'm talking the whackiest and jazziest graphics ever seen. There's a cool wobbly logo, zooming backgrounds, a scroller and gorgeous music - and everything runs at 50fps!!

However, it wouldn't be worth its salt if the gameplay was rubbish. Fear not because it not only looks incredible but plays just as well as you would hope. Once you've got over the shock of what is a visual carnival, there is actually a challenging version of the classic game here. I'm not exactly a Tetris fan but I adored Teserae!!

Highly recommended but wear sunglasses before you hit AtariMania for the download.

Friday, April 24, 2015

Lights, Camera, Action! (take 2)

Following on from a previous posting, here are the remaining videos being played using a program called ST Video Player. Just like last time, these are running on a stock 8MHz Atari STe w/ a hard drive, of course.







Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Chariots Of Wrath

Whilst fighting for King and Country, an evil Baron kidnaps the beautiful Princess Arthena. So jump into your chariot and rescue her. Actually, this really means playing lots of different arcade-style games which surely can't be a bad day at the local war zone, right?

Released in 1989 by Impressions, Chariots Of Wrath isn't just one particular game but instead is a half-dozen bundle of retro gaming oldies. If there was ever a mixed-goody bag of various games (thrown together) then this is it. Each range in style, from a Breakout clone to a pretty nice shoot 'em up and each must be played in order before you can advance to the next.

Of course, each and every game will become progressively harder the further you venture. Initially, I didn't care for the "operation wolf" clone because it's far too easy and a little boring but, later on, I admit to liking this as it became a lot harder and thus more challenging.

The breakout game is pretty darn awesome and comes with a number of power-ups to increase the excitement. I found it rather enjoyable but I'm sure the Arkanoid fanboys won't be quaking in their boots! The platformer looks nice but the controls feel wooden and it has an incredibly frustrating and extremely unforgiving time limit. Asteroids also make an appearance and play very well with some nifty new touches that I really liked. Finally, I really enjoy the vertically scrolling shoot 'em up which is both loud and exciting. Sadly, it suffers from amateur mechanics and a little slowdown, but it is still great fun and I did enjoy it with its BOOM BOOM sound effects!

The graphics are pretty cool throughout each of the games with smooth scrolling and lots of colours, so overall my ears and eyes had little to complain about. However, in terms of playability, Chariots Of Wrath almost has a homebrew feel and, with a little spit and polish, we could have had a unique release? The potential is certainly there with this jack of all trades but I fear it sadly falls short and there are better individual games out for the Atari ST.

Play off a hard drive instead of the floppy thanks to 8BitChip!
For those who require a floppy disk version look no further than Old Games Finder.
Check out the superb video recording by CaptainD from Indie Game News.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Destruction Imminent



Who needs a PC?

Not me, I've never owned one. Anyhow, let's talk gaming... Destruction Imminent was released in 1996 by Cunning & Devious Games for the Atari ST/e and is a first-person shooter, similar to a typical Wolfenstein clone. In fact, it's incredibly reminiscent of that early 90s era thanks to the familiar look and gameplay styles. The gameplay takes place in a similar environment too where we are fighting against the hoards using a range of familiar weaponry. Let's call it inspired?

First things first, before you play - watch the intro play through. It's actually pretty cool and is accompanied by gorgeous music whilst it introduces the monsters we will encounter. These are a scary bunch and pretty freaky too!!

It's time to stop reading and take a look at a couple of screenshots of the robots and rock monster...



The robots can be really tough opponents at times.


Rock monster! I'll say no more...



Enter the dungeon!

From the start, the atmosphere is predictable with each level overrun by strange creatures - but not to worry because there are lots of weapons ranging from the pistol to the more powerful machine gun, rocket launcher and plasma rifle. There are a wide variety of monsters with some oddballs - the Rock Monster is like a crude Daroou from Dungeon Master. He's oddly cute and looks like he's made from gingerbread! Anyhow, just kill him and free your monitor from that pixel art.

Controls are superb: cursor keys are used for walking, CTRL fires weapons and SHIFT allows you to run away like a cowardly chicken. Also, side-stepping is possible - which is always needed. The Function Keys are used to flip between weapons/health. Sadly, the mouse isn't supported but the wooden movement from a keyboard is responsive and just like Wolf3D.

Okay, wanna see some more of the enemies you'll be up against? Of course, you do...



Things are getting creepy with bugs!


There are also bats. Surely, you're not scared? Come back...!!



Jerky Aesthetics?

Surely the humble 8MHz Atari ST isn't powerful enough to properly run a first-person shooter? You need at least a 25MHz PC, right? Well, ignoring the drab user interface, the visuals are very impressive using a fast 3D engine that won't fail to impress. This makes full use of texture mapping, light-sourced sprites and a decent framerate. Power without the price!

As for the audio, thankfully, this is equally impressive using sound effects and cool tunes. Everything is even better when run using the Atari STe thanks to its stereo DMA coprocessor. This game is awesome so colour me impressed!

Yep, it looks and sounds excellent which is always nice to have so let's check out the last two monsters...



Mutants? Nah, they're not scary! In fact, they look like me on a Monday morning!


Gotta love the pixel artwork - stunning!



The CryptO'pinion?

This game is a LOT of fun: the weapons are great and exploring demon-infested worlds is always fascinating. There are no complaints from me, as I cannot take anything away from what is an extraordinary example of what the Atari ST/e is capable of knocking out - when in the hands of talented people who care about their product. No lame port here.

Play it on the Atari STe if you can and enjoy what is nothing short of a brilliant first-person shooter.


Destruction Imminent
download from my Dropbox ]

Monday, April 13, 2015

Tiger Road


Tiger Road was released in 1989 by US Gold but I always felt it didn't do justice to the awesome original. From the very beginning, you're thrown into an instant hack & slash action scene battling a constant hoard of stupid bad guys so pick up your axe and thrash your way to victory! However, I felt I was too harsh so played it again...

Well, that's easier said than done because the enemies won't give you a moment's rest and the larger baddies are a pain in the rear end - so difficult to kill these guys! Which is made worse by little visual feedback to help show if you're doing anything correctly or not. Argh, sometimes it feels like I'm hitting away at thin air...

Visually, it looks pretty nice but didn't really come across very well so sometimes felt like a different game to the original. The Atari ST has far better arcade conversions but there is still something rather cool about this conversion. It's not perfect and more could have been done but the action is fast and smooth which feels just right.

Overall, a pretty good conversion in terms of how it looks and sounds but the gameplay is blummin' brilliant. And that's all that matters. So pick up your joystick and have some fun hacking away at the bad guys. Highly recommended.

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Lights, Camera, Action!

ST Video Player is one of those programs that will drop your mouth wide-open with amazement. You just won't believe that your humble 512kb 8Mhz Atari STE (with a hard drive) can produce such amazing high-colour movies.

This piece of magic was written by Cyg of BlaBla (the creators of some of the best Atari ST/e demos that I've ever seen). Movies come in the format of .CAV files so just drag & drop one onto the program and prepare to be amazed. I hope to see more videos released for the Atari STe - very soon! Download from Demozoo and Pouet.



Sunday, April 05, 2015

Atari ST magazines

( my Atari Falcon w/ MiNT desktop and three PDF magazine being displayed using zView )


 The Atari ST had some of the best magazines the world has ever seen and I still find it helpful in referring back to old issues for their features, reviews, and other information. Thankfully, there are many websites that have scans of this golden era covering ST Action, ST Format, Atari World, ST User, etc... So enjoy the read and cover disks!!


Go on, grab yourself a cool mag!

AtariMania is always a great resource and they also have a fantastic magazine section.
Here is a wonderful website dedicated to Atari ST Review, including their ace coverdisks.
Kiwis World seems has bucket loads of Atari ST magazines.
Exxos has a page for ST Format and Atari World with coverdisks.
The Zogging Hell website has a great collection of various magazine coverdisks.
Of course, there's always the newest Atari ST magazine on the block - AtariCrypt!!

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Starglider



Unplug the TV!

If I had to name a number of Atari ST games that defined the 1980s then Starglider would be right up there with the best of 'em. This is a 3D shooter that somehow appeared from out of nowhere and totally rewrote the book on how a shooter could be. A whole new generation of gamers got to witness this explosion of arcade-like aesthetics like never before.

Today, I wanted to show you a different side to Starglider as it's something that's not known to many, oddly enough. This game supports the ST's crisp Hi-Resolution mode which means a loss of colour but an increase in definition thanks to the 640x400 display. Everything else remains the same of course and that means the gameplay too.

I've always loved Starglider as it's a perfect blend of action and strategy. The mouse controls are spot-on and the combination of using both buttons to fire/move is extraordinarily efficient. The sound effects are superb and feel somewhat arcade in their style to me. However, it's the opening music that many remember the most. What can I say...

Staaaaaaaarrrrrrgliiiiiderrrrrrr from Rainnnnnnbirrrrrrd (insert echo effect)!!!

Even today this is still a jaw-dropping shooter which plays every bit as well as I remember. Everything from the smooth framerate, crisp sound effects and exciting gameplay style. This is a challenging yet constantly enjoyable shooter. In fact, it's timeless. Play it today and go and grab yourself either the floppy or hard disk versions right now.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Rainbow Islands


   

Today, I booted up Rainbow Island on my Atari ST and I fondly remembered the time I saw it in our local computer shop. I was instantly hooked by those gorgeous colours and the fun effects, it looked so amazing! After paying lots of cash, I walked home as fast as my lanky legs could carry me! This is probably one of the most famous platformers for the Atari ST and there isn't anything new I could tell you. Waste no more time, play Rainbow Islands!

8BitChip has a download which can be installed onto hard drive!
Old Games Finder has all the floppy disk images.
Fancy a few cheat codes? Of course, you do so type all these on the title screen:
           -> BLRBJSBJ for fast feet.
           -> RJSBJSBR for double rainbows!
           -> SSSLLRRS for super fast rainbows.
           -> BJBJBJRS for the first hint.
           -> LJKSKBLS for the second hint.
           -> LBSJRRWL continues each round.
           -> SJBLRJSR will slow down the baddies.
           -> For infinite lives: choose three credits and hold the QWERTY keys and press fire.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Game Night!


Earlier today, I decided that I would play Ocean's New Zealand Stor which is a belting game. Shockingly, I got further tonight than I have ever done before - so I'm well happy... This is such a cutesy "platformer" with beautiful graphics and sounds. In fact, those sound effects are perfect and the music will ring around my head all night!!!

NewZealand Story is fantastic, tons of fun, very challenging and a beautiful arcade conversion.

Friday, February 20, 2015

MaxYMiser


MaxYMiser is the premier tracker on the Atari for chipmusic and I have it running on my Atari STe right at this moment! Once loaded, you soon realise just how superbly well designed it is and it's obvious why our community loves it so. Give it a playtest - MaxYMiser is a babe and here is a series of tutorial videos!!

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Sliders



Atari STe power!!

Sliders is a "sports" game by Microids for both models of the best 16-Bit computer - it's the same on either machine but the scrolling is silky smooth on the STe. This is a weird game and the boys at Microids sure had a silly idea about sporting events in the future. It's like ice hockey meets marble madness - but at frantic speeds.

The "field" is large so you are first given a smaller map to view, followed by an automated one. There are two balls, one is us and the other can be a human or computer-controlled player. Like soccer, we chase a little ball hoping to score a goal before our opponent. The gameplay is furious over a metallic pitch with lots of varied terrain like forced-directional arrows and humps to affect control. Realistic physics will affect your momentum which means you have a massive learning curve to master! Interestingly, you can alter various elements: thrust, friction and much more.

Balls fighting (one-on-one) over another smaller ball is hardly an interesting or innovative idea. In fact, it's weird but I admit that whizzing around is great fun. Well, on the STe - so kudos to Microids for supporting both computers. However, it's too freakishly hard when playing against the computer. It's easier (and better) with another useless human opponent and should give you both the giggles. But can either of you two play it properly? I doubt it!

Sliders is a good idea but badly executed and only really playable when with a friend. That's about it really...

 Hard drive game by 8BitChip and floppies by Old Games Finder 

Friday, February 13, 2015

ZX Spectrum


Speccy v2.07 is (...wait for it...) a ZX Spectrum emulator for our favourite 16-Bit computer. It was developed by Christian Gandler and is a fantastic program with lots of options which can produce fascinating results.

However, the stock 8MHz Atari ST cannot really match the blistering speeds of a ZX Spectrum, especially if large sprites, music, or scrolling are being utilised. So it's far better with single-screen games like Styx, Hero, Tutankhamun and others. But, generally speaking, a 16Mhz processor is the minimum requirement.

So this is exactly what my feature is based upon: how my own 16MHz Mega STe performs as a ZX Spectrum. Here is a huge list of some of my favourite Speccy games with a % rating of how I thought the emulator performed.

Download Speccy for yourself and have a play ( filename = zx_sp207.zip )



First up is an obvious choice for me - good ol' Willy, released in 1983 by Bug-Byte and perhaps the first game that made my jaw drop. Certainly THE FIRST game I was addicted too like a crazy fool!

Performance - mixed results really, but all good. With the in-game music playing, it actually feels a tad slower than a real Spectrum but it's certainly nothing to ruin the fun. Turn off the in-game music to fix that (which I always do anyhow). Interestingly, it's quite enjoyable when I switched to 8Mhz - one of the *very* few games that I can say that about!

Rating - (music on) 90%
Rating - (music off) 99%


I couldn't continue without mentioning the next game in the Willy series and here he is again trying to tidy up his messy mansion, in Jet Set Willy. Not only that but the place is full of beasts and each room is like something from a nightmare. How does he live here!

Performance - as you read above about his first game, it's pretty much the same situation again. I do prefer to turn off that in-game music, so it's not a big deal for me without it. But I would advise you guys play the official Atari ST Jet Set Willy game.

Rating - (music on) 90%
Rating - (music off) 99%


Styx is the next game that I just had to try because it was the very first game that I ever bought with my own pocket money. Again, released by Bug-Byte back in 1983 and it's also by Mathew Smith! It's a repetitive game but a personal favourite of mine for the obvious reasons.

Performance - a simple game that the emulator handles perfectly.

Rating - 100%



How could I continue on without trying a game by the mighty Ultimate? They were basically a Spectrum version of Thalion! My choice is quirky but it's a game I've always loved: Pentagram. Released in 1986 and it's Ultimate's own Knight Lore rip-off that seems to have very few friends, but I really enjoyed it and I've completed it too!

Performance - seems fine in the quieter rooms but sadly it suffers lots of slowdowns when in the busier rooms (same as the real Spectrum!)  :(

Rating - 50/75%


As much as I love (with a passion!) the Miner Willy games neither is my favourite platformer. That accolade goes to Chuckie Egg 2 (yes, TWO) which was released back in 1985 by A&F. This is a game that I can easily get lost in and it's almost like an open-world game with that exploration element. Yes, after three decades I am still addicted to Mr Harry adventure!!

Performance - it's a tad slower than it should be, but nothing to spoil the egg-venture! (sorry)

Rating - 98%


Fred is a game that I am happy to say (yet again) I have completed - without cheating, I might add!. Released by Quiksilva back in 1984 and is an incredible platformer set inside a pyramid maze filled with ghosts, skeletons and all kinds of creepies. Escape if you can!

Performance - it sure looks great but disappointingly sluggish to play.

Rating - 50%





Saboteur 2 was released by Durrell back in 1987 and I utterly loved this immense venture into the world of covert ninja espionage! Shocker time - I completed this game too! I spent months playing this game!!

Performance - sadly too slow to fully enjoy, if only it was a little quicker. I am gutted!!

Performance - 70%




I have always had a strange fascination for these unnatural beings and who doesn't love killing them? The zombie species made it onto the Spectrum with an atmospheric release by Quicksilva in 1984 called "Zombie Zombie" (yep..)

Performance - it's almost there but not quite! Very enjoyable but it just needed a little more nip to feel authentic, but it is playable.

Rating - 85%


Kokotoni Wilf, a creative platformer released by Elite all the way back in 1984. Such original ideas plonked on top of an established format and it works. Ace!

Performance - sadly not so much under emulation as it's too slow to enjoy. Like Saboteur 2, I think this game would need a minimum of the Atari TT.. shame.

Rating - 70%


To me, Rick Dangerous, is an Atari ST game and I've stayed clear of Spectrum versions of the ST classics like Flying Shark, Ikari Warriors and others.. but I weakened for Rick!

Performance - I shouldn't have bothered. I couldn't get the controls to work at all and poor old Rick gets squashed by that first boulder! Still, it did appear to run well..

Rating - hard to say, probably around 80%


To contradict what I write above, there were a couple of "ST games" that I just had to test out. One such game is Zynaps released by the wonderful Hewson back in 1987.

Performance - let's just say I shall be sticking to the Atari ST release until I've bought an Atari Falcon or TT.

Rating - 70%


Yet another contradiction because here is another and another Hewson classic, Cybernoid. An Atari ST game that I recently featured on AtariCrypt and loved, like Zynaps the Spectrum games are absolutely ace!

Performance - Played very very well and I was impressed. Not quite fast enough but I was able to enjoy it. Damn good fun!!

Rating - 90%


The Birds And The Bees released by Bug-Byte in 1983 is a fun game if a little repetitive. A game I bought and the follow-up performs even better Antics, released in 1984 has cool gameplay.

Performance - the original plays extremely well, which shocked me as it's a scroller and those tend to be no-no! Antics was also pretty good too. Impressive results for both.

Rating - 85% (Birds And The Bees)
Rating - 90% (Antics)


H.E.R.O. (or Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation) was released by Activision back in 1984 and is literally one of my favourite games, ever! Such a simple-looking game with extraordinarily addictive gameplay. ACE!!!

Performance - THANKFULLY it is excellent! Not quite 100% but I found myself hammering through the levels without a care for the slight lack in emulation speed!

Rating - 97%


I was never much of a Monty fan, although the first game had its moments, I always felt they couldn't compete with the likes of Chuckie Egg 2 or the Miner Willy. However, I did try Monty Mole (1984) and Monty On The Run (1985)...

Performance - worked okay for both games, but it was like walking in mud and needed a dollop more CPU humph to be enjoyable. Shame...

Rating - 65%


Sabrewulf was released back in 1984 and blew everyone away with its beautiful graphics but it was really just a simple maze with funny creatures. I like it!

Performance - I seriously expected Sabrewulf to suck. It's littered with tons of graphics and large monsters but it was actually very playable!

Rating - 85%


Trashman was released by New Generation Software in 1984 and is a game that can boil the blood with frustration as it's all about timing and speed. Who'd have thought emptying bins could be so entertaining!!

Performance - actually not too bad and very playable.

Rating - 80%


Bug-Byte did it again with their release of Turmoil in 1984. Don't be put off by the graphics as this is a simple game of grabbing the oil and fill up the car... but it's challenging and extremely addictive. Ace game!!

Performance - Yet another than just needed a pinch more CPU horsepower to make it playable. Oh, you lucky Falcon and TT owners should play this!!

Rating - 75%


Tutankhamun, released in 1983 by Micromania may look incredibly old, and dull, but do not let appearances fool you. This is a fiendishly awesome maze game with classic old skool gameplay!

Performance - another which is so close to being just right. Certainly not enough to spoil the fun and it plays superbly.

Rating - 96%


Valhalla, released in 1983 by Legend is one of those pinnacle moments in computing history. At least to me! Awesome, fictional atmosphere recreated so beautifully. Sure, it looks simple now but this is a belting adventure game!

Performance - umm not too bad. Seems to lag whenever you enter a command. So typing in "west" to travel will take the computer about 5 seconds of pondering! I'd estimate it to be around 70% of the real game BUT being an adventure that factor doesn't matter as much as it would for a shooter, for example.

Rating - 70% (but don't let that stop you!)


Heck, even I don't know why I playtested this one - but here we have 1984 that was released in (wait for it) 1984 by Incentive Software.

Performance - yep, this seems to be perfect!

Rating - 100%


Bombjack was released by Elite in 1986 and isn't really a game I ever bothered to play. I just wanted to test it out for my own curiosity.

Performance - almost but not quite. Plays very well but needs an extra nip of speed...

Rating - 80%


Bounty Bob Strikes Back, released in 1985 by US Gold and it's a game I suck at terribly. I'll stick to the Speccy version myself!

Performance - not too great, like playing in slo-mo!

Rating - 60%


Buck Rogers Planet of Zoom is a cracking game, so much arcade fun and often one that people seem to by-pass. Released in 1985 by US Gold. Try it!

Performance - not too great, which is strange as there's not actually an awful lot going on graphically so why it's so slow... I don't know?

Rating - 65% (it various / this is an average)


Back in 1984, Knight Lore kickstarted a whole new venture into 3D and lots of companies copied with their own releases. This game started it all. Classic.

Performance - It's like Pentagram, on the quieter rooms it's almost perfect but on some of the busier rooms there is some slow down. But, there was on the original Spectrum too....

Rating - 85%


Alien 8 was released a few months after Knight Lore and was more of the same with different graphics, some might say a rip-off but it was a massive hit and it's a fantastic game. So...

Performance - Same as Knight Lore. Perhaps there's a little umm little extra speed?

Rating - 86%


Underwurlde was released at the same time as Knight Lore, late 1984 and was a complete opposite. Ultimate really did cover all basis that Christmas period and here was a platform game with lots of action as you leap about. Can I shock you once more and report that I mapped and completed this game!!

Performance - strange one this, to move about and play it is actually darn close to perfect but the monsters seem to take longer to materialise. So, you actually get a slightly easier game... result! ;^)

Rating - 90%


Avenger was released by Gremlin Graphics in 1986 and I'm sorry to those guys, but I never ever liked this game. A weak Gauntlet rip-off and I feel bad saying that because it's by Gremlin and lots of gamers loved it. But I don't!

Performance - actually, it's yet another that needs a slightly faster machine. It's playable and enjoyable but I expect a TT or Falcon would be perfect.

Rating - 75%


Fairlight A Prelude is based upon the 3D isometric idea first created by Ultimate but here we have what could be described as the next-gen in this genre. This is a wonderful game which is highly engrossing and certainly one I'd describe as a true classic for the Spectrum.

Performance - like the Ultimate games, it's not too bad on quieter rooms but the busier ones do struggle a little. Sometimes it can be as poor as Pentagram, and then sometimes it's acceptable - just like Alien 8 or Knight Lore. So it's a mixed bag that really needs the power of a TT or Falcon, I imagine.

Rating - 60/85%



Blue Max may sound like a dirty movie but it's actually one of the best shooters I've ever owned. It's been slammed on some YouTube videos but it's a game I've always enjoyed. Sure, it's not perfect but it's fun to play.

Performance - it's slower than the real machine. Shame (for me!)

Rating - 70%


Atic Atac blown everyone out the water back in 1983 with its ace graphics and arcade action as you plundered the various levels avoiding the creepies. Another game I completed!!

Performance - as with Underwurlde this plays near perfect but the monsters are delayed in appearance. Perhaps this is all because the computer struggles to calculate that in the background? Who knows. But it certainly is enjoyable!!

Rating - 90%


Bug Byte's awesome scrambler, Cavern Fighter was released in 1983 and it's a game I still own. Don't be fooled by the minimalistic graphics - it's AWESOME!!

Performance - very good actually and I was pleasantly surprised how much I was enjoying this game again. Missed it!

Rating - 90%


I remember school friends going crazy over this game but sadly Dynamite Dan, released by Mirrorsoft 1985, didn't really do much for me...

Performance - not too great I'm afraid, it's playable but slo-mo.

Rating - 70%



Frank N Stein is a nifty alternative to the typical platform genre and forces a more creative play. Released by PSS in 1984 and a game I'm honoured to still own, it's ace!

Performance - as with Dynamite Dan really, it's just a little bit too slow to fully enjoy.

Rating - 72%



Gulpman is literally one of the first games I played on my own ZX Spectrum and was released by Campbell Systems in 1982. Once again, don't be put off by those graphics!

Performance - almost there, I expected perfection but not so. Almost, but not quite.

Rating - 95%



Zaxxon was a little bit of a disappointment after seeing those screenshots on the back of the box... But it plays great, so what more do you need? Not the best by US Gold but enjoyable. Released in 1985.

Performance - even with all those gordy graphics this game played ace. Shocked!!

Rating - 95%



Highway Encounter, another absolute classic by Vortex Software from 1985. A beautifully designed masterpiece of skill and patience with a shed load of lovely 3D action thrown in for good measure. Work your way down the highway of ever-increasing isometric difficulty. Another game I completed!

Performance - oh dear.. this appears to work wonders from the title screen (albeit a little slower than a real Spectrum) and the in-game demo works fine. However, the game appears to freeze after starting a new game which is an ultra shame!

Rating - 85% (potentially!)


Of all the Horace games, I think this is my favourite. Horace And The Spiders is fun and a little creepy too if you suffer from arachnophobia! Superb game.

Performance - strangely there's not much going on graphically, yet this game suffers the slo-mo effect. Still playable but odd as I expected better.

Rating - 80%



River Raid is up there with H.E.R.O is another Spectrum classic by Activision in 1984. What an old skool game this is and it hits you hard with its addictive gameplay. A brilliant game conversion.

Performance - sadly this is the kicker. It runs extremely well, I'm talking almost perfect speeds. Until you hit that fire button and then it crashes BUT there is a fix. Just configure the emulator to continue on when it encounters a problem and then the game runs fine.

Rating - 95%


There are dozens of Jet Set Willy games out there so I figured I would pick one at random. A Bulgarian Requiem was released in 2000 and, as you'd imagine, plays just like the original game but with all new rooms to explore (map). Excellent!!

Performance - as with the original JSW game and Manic Miner the performance is spot on and even better without the in-game music playing.

Rating - (music on) 99%
Rating - (music off) 100%


As with JSW, MM also has a few clones and I found this one lurking in the archives. This was released in 1985 by RD Foord. It's always interesting to see these modifications of the original games. Check out its map, I must play this more!

Performance - I think we can guarantee all the Miner Willy games will play great. Enjoy them all!


Rating - (music on) 99%
Rating - (music off) 100%


Wizard's Lair was released in 1985 by Bubble Bus Software and is basically an Atic Atac rip-off but a damn good game also, so who cares!

Performance - works until the game starts and then it totally bombs out. Mega shame, especially because you can move and see the baddies for a split second and it runs nice... until the bombs!

Rating - 85% (would be score!)



Ad Astra, by Gargoyle Games in 1984 is a shooter with a 3D perspective ahead of its time. Either you'll love or hate this shooter.

Performance - From what little I could see (I suck at this game!) it played almost as good as the real deal. Very fast.

Rating - 95%


Beach-Head was released by US Gold in 1984 and is pretty much one of the most simplistic games there is, it's so basic. Yet it works!


Performance - speed is slightly less than perfect but it works and it works well. Very enjoyable!

Rating - 85%


Backpackers Guide To The Universe was meant to be a part 1 of 3 games, sadly Fantasy Software went bust and we never got to see the follow-ups... But, Ziggy is the star! (from The Pyramid and Doomsday Castle and is a hero of mine. Great games).

Whatever happened to Bob Hamilton? :/

Performance - thankfully Backpackers works extremely well under emulation and it's fast too, not quite as fast as the real computer but not enough to spoil it. Love it!

Rating - 90%