AtariCrypt | Atari ST Gaming

ARC Legends Assembled

After a few years had passed, Atari figured out that games sell and wanted to get in on the action properly with a new gaming label of their own. Thirteen games were released over a short period around 1989/1990. There were some crackers, but some I'm unsure about (atm). Which is weird coming from Atari themselves, especially when you consider the lack of support for their enhanced computer - the Atari STe.

Well, at long last, after years of hunting and saving the pennies, I’ve finally done it - my Atari ARC collection is complete! Every last one of their games is now sitting proudly on my shelf. I can’t even put my finger on why I’m so fond of ARC, but there’s just something about them that’s always drawn me in. They released a variety of games across different genres, ranging from serious war games to jolly platformers.

Let's take a stroll through ARC’s impressive library. Yes, I said impressive and sticking to that...

Defender II. Where do I begin with this outstanding blaster? Well, regular visitors will remember that I reviewed it with a well-deserved rating of AtariCrypt Smash!! You should click this link and check it out right away. One of the best shooters for the Atari ST. Miss this at your peril!!
Pyramax. This blends action and puzzle in a top-down ascent, where you climb a six-level pyramid in pursuit of the Crystal of Thaal, a relic of a lost civilisation. It offers straightforward yet tough gameplay: no flashy effects, just explore and shoot everything. Well, that's my initial impression!
Enterprise. This is a top-down space shooter that puts you at the helm of a spacecraft defending your base while bombing enemy installations. Perhaps not as polished as more prominent ARC titles, but its rough edges were acknowledged playfully via a hidden developer message that reads, when reversed, “Enterprise is rubbish”. Yikes, imagine spending money only to discover that!!
Chronicles of Omega. This is the only game in their catalogue to feature STe support, which is kinda odd when you think about it. Anyhow, I remember playing this and having to push through the pain barrier because of the fluffy controls design. The firing mechanics are pretty lame, but once I got used to that, I found myself enjoying this platformer a bunch. However, I'm still at odds with it because the STe may have DMA audio and silky smooth 50fps scrolling, but its older brother has more on-screen colours and the chip music is far better than a stodgy tracker tune. Swings and roundabouts, uh? Regardless, check out my review, as I think this game will surprise you.
Star Breaker. This is a smooth-scroller, not (ahem) unlike other games we've played. A horizontally-scrolling shooter where we pilot a spaceship, battle waves of enemy fighters, and feel the need to kill everything. New to me, and one of those shooters I need to make time for soon!
Photon Storm. This is a rarity, and was the game that (finally) completed my ARC collection. It's a mouse-controlled top-down shooter by legend, Jeff Minter. Players pilot a nimble craft, collecting plutonium pods while blasting frenzied alien enemies, with dual controls letting you fire and thrust in separate directions for dynamic movement. Come on, play this beauty now.
Hellraider. A top-down sci-fi shooter where you command the mothership HMS Raider. Our role is to pilot one of four smaller escort fighters called Orbitals to fend off attacks from hostile ships, turrets, and mines. If you lose all Orbitals, you gain direct control of the lumbering Raider, which is tougher but far less manoeuvrable. Looks nice, but I need to practice with this a lot more...
9 Lives. This is the only other platformer released by ARC, but most people have bad memories of it. However, its poor reputation isn't deserved. Sure, the giant sprites look brilliant, but they were a stupid idea as they're too big for the ST's screen. It's this clumsy implementation that doesn't work very well, but the game has many endearing properties. It's clunky, but fun, and nowhere near as bad as people say, so check out my mini review before taking it for a playtest.
Badlands Pete. The game that has everything a guy desires - we're a cowboy, we have a gun, we're in a western, and there are pies, beers, and girls. How can you mess up that winning combination? Well, the graphics are uniquely superb and perfectly depict a town on the Frontier. However, the game isn't fun to play as the NPCs are on steroids and constantly out to get you!! So it's a game of dodge, run, hide, and death! Argh, why ARC? WHY?? Check out my review, if you dare!
Prince. A real-time strategic war game where two rival princes compete for territorial dominance through military manoeuvres. War takes place on a procedurally generated island where we unleash our squads via commands - scout, attack, and more. From what little I've played, this is a rewarding game that demands patience, determination, and a few spare hours!
Gettysburg/Armada/Borodino. I'm bundling these three together because I think it's sneaky to release the same game with a different theme and graphics. Yes, I'm being facetious because all three are genuinely mind-blowing tactical war games. So, which one takes your fancy...

Gettysburg – Command Union or Confederate forces in the pivotal 1863 battle, manoeuvring troops and artillery to seize key positions and decide the fate of the American Civil War.
Armada – Relive the 1588 naval campaign as England or Spain, directing fleets across the Channel to outmanoeuvre and outgun your opponent in a bid for maritime supremacy. I reviewed Armada, and it shocked me - never have I played a game that took me so long to get into (and write about). The learning curve is legendary because you're thrown in at the deep end, without a paddle. But it's rewarding, and I would describe it as unmissable. So, don't be daft and click that link - I worked hard writing it, lol!!
Borodino – Take charge of French or Russian armies in Napoleon’s bloody 1812 confrontation, using strategic troop movements and artillery barrages to break enemy lines and claim the battlefield. If the other two didn't appeal, then this surely will.

CryptO'pinion

ARC’s line-up might not have been perfect, but it was wonderfully varied with inventive shooters like Photon Storm, Star Breaker, and Hellraider, to quirky action-puzzle hybrids such as Pyramax and Enterprise. Alongside these came their more serious offerings with historical war games like Gettysburg, Armada, and Borodino, not to mention the multiplayer strategy challenge of Prince (I can't wait to play this one properly).

So, what did you think of my ARC hoard? Any favourites here, or are there any games that you hate with a vengeance? I'm sure there is, so let me know in the comments below. Every game can be downloaded for floppy and hard drive over at these great ST websites: Atarimania, Atari Legend, and 8BitChip.

Stay ARC... STay Atari.

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