Enhanced games - part 5

Fun Boy 10

Yup, I've found another bunch of games that are enhanced in some way on the Atari STe. One of which, I've no idea why it demands an STe, but the other nine are "interesting" in their own way. Of course, this is the fifth instalment, and you can read the earlier compilations by clicking here(1), here(2), here(3), and here(4). Right, I can tell you're itching to read about these ten tos-tastic games, so let's kick this off…

Blitz released in 1992 by Jean Marc Gervasoni, is a WW2 strategy wargame for the Atari STe where we command forces in a bid to outwit our opponent. It's basically a 2-player game with many relevant battles, and some that reminded me of North & South. Sadly, it appears to be in French, so I struggled somewhat, which is a shame as it looks really good. The Blitter is used and we have some nice DMA sound effects. The download is available at Atarimania.

Card Party is a playing cards game by Dale Zwicker that demands an Atari STe, but I'm not exactly sure why the older ST is left out in the cold? There are a handful of games featured - Pyramid, Follow Suit, and Cribbages - Solitaire and 31. I know little about these, but this seems to play very well, and, as it uses GEM, enjoy Blitter usage! The download is available at Atarimania.

D-Day was released in 1992 by William Troy and is a moving tribute to a past forgotten by today's government. You begin by recuing soldiers stranded in the water, push up to go faster (hardware scrolling!), avoid the obstacles, and get those men onboard! Let the intro playthrough, otherwise you're bombed back into GEM. The download is available at Atarimania.

Iron is a 1993 Breakout clone by Michel Vibert and even comes with an Editor. I thoughally enjoyed playing this game with it's peculiar colours and strange backdrops. Expect really authentic physics, power-ups, and a wibbly alien bouncing around the screen to get in your way. Great game this one and it uses the Blitter and DMA to boot. The download is available at Atarimania.

Kolmik Deluxe Edition is a puzzler released in 2010 by Paradize for the Atari STe. It's based on the Pooz bonus game with improvements and awesome DMA audio. The gameplay is simple, but tough, from three rows of tiles, align tiles of the same colour for points. The more combos, the more points you earn. If you find that easy, then there's a squared mode that blew my tiny mind. I'm rubbish at games like this, but I enjoyed it a bunch!! The download is available at Atarimania.

lignes by Michel Vibert in 1993 is a take on Tetris using the Blitter and DMA. It's not the best version I've played, and the keys are a little awkward, but I like the potential demonstrated. Not a bad game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Magno-Ball is a 1992 sports game not unlike Sliders by Vince Valenti. It's for one/two players and similar to football, only this time it's a magnetic ball that needs firing into the oppents goal. Sadly, rather than one display, each player sees their own part of the pitch, which is odd. You can play on the ST, but it's "better" on the STe thanks to the Blitter. This ain't no Sliders with a poor framerate that spoils what might have been. The download is available at Atarimania.

Megaline - The Final Confrontation was released in 1993 by Michael Brunnström and Peter Zetterberg (what, really?). It's inspired by the classic Tron light cycle concept, and up to four players can compete (friends or computer). Each player is challenged to navigate a grid, leaving a trail behind them while avoiding collisions with their own trail and that of opponents. Uses the Blitter(!) and DMA audio - also features a mixing board allowing you to alter the sound preferences, which is pretty cool. The download is available at Atarimania.

Ritus was released at GEMTOS 2024 by Geoffroy Streit and Vincent Barrillot and feels like a reverse of Tetris. Don't go off looks, as we can move our arrow left/right, shooting letters upwards towards to the top of the screen. Match a block of three same letters and they disappear for points. An unassuming shooter/puzzler, and it's very challenging!! Best played on the Atari STe for much beter DMA sound effects. The download is available at Atarimania.

Ready... Steady... Bang! by Nicolas Hettinger and Vincent Barrillot in 2023. This fast-paced, one-on-one shooter draws inspiration from classic Western duels, challenging players to react swiftly to a countdown and draw their guns before their opponent. It love the quirky-styled STS-graphics, plus the controls are super-responsive, but they needed to be. The tension that builds waiting for "bang!" is fierce!! My daughter loves this game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Another fascinating bunch of very different games. Yet again, I've had tons of fun compiling this list, and it's interesting to see what enhanced goodies lurk within our library. Of course, all titles have been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Have you looked at that yet? Yes, you really should ;)

I hope you enjoyed this fifth compilation. Stay enhanced... Stay Atari STe!!

(Blitz) Tell me you're not getting a North & South vibe!

Won't work on the ST, but card players with an STe are in luck!

It's a familiar game, but nice to play. Just remember to go faster!

Iron might look low-grade with its weird colours, but this is a superb Breakout!!

This game will blow your mind, but leave the gorgeous music playing!

It's Tetris. Again.

It's Speedball, it's Sliders, it's Ballistix. No, but make sure your ST has a Blitter!

(Megaline) I swear, I tried my best to get an interesting screenshot...

(Ritus) Like an ASCII game, but with a cool background, right? Just play it!!

Ready... Steady... Bang! This game only worked with real hardware - for me.

I went on a road trip...

Cow Killer

For some strange reason, I realised I hadn't played Hunter in years. A real shame because it's one of the best Atari ST games ever. Perhaps that's the price of running AtariCrypt - either play, write, and post stuff, or just play, and AtariCrypt dies. Nooo! So I decided to boot it up and use a fantastic trainer by Pompey Pirates. I wasn’t keen on playing it properly - I just wanted to explore, steal vehicles, and blow things up.

Playing Hunter again was a revelation. It’s so far ahead of its time, and I'd forgotten how incredible its open-world was. Riding a bicycle through the land was, oddly, my favourite way to get around. A strange thing to say, as there are jeeps, boats, tanks, and more! However, I still cannot fly a helicopter properly!!

So basically, I went around the island in cheat mode, exploding buildings and killing everything from enemy soldiers to rabbits, seagulls, and cows (these are so funny, but I wonder what Paul Holmes had against them lol). I love how they relentlessly chase you. Weirdly, my rockets never hit it, but bullets did.

In short, this is probably the best Atari game out there. Well, along with Dungeon Master, Shadowlands, Turrican, Rick Dangerous, Stardust, Rogue, Oids, North & South... Ah, ignore me:-)

Hey, click that link above!! Done? Okay, I thought you’d enjoy these screenshots and a video....

Just me out for a bike ride in the lush countryside.

Hey, what's that tower, I wonder...

I didn't like the look of it, so I fired rockets to see what would happen. BOOM!!

Come on, who expected to find a rabid cow that chases them?

That cow destroyed my bike!! Not to worry, as I see a tank!

Only in Hunter will a Red Cross truck try to run you down!

Lots of different clips bundled together for your entertainment.

Look, just play the game for yourself! ;)

Rogül

Ten Dimensions of Doom

Originally released on the Atari 8-bit by Wojtek Bociański, Rogul arrives on the ST/STe courtesy Retro Blitter Team (yes, those of Cannon Fodder fame), with strikingly atmospheric visuals by Hospes. You already know how much I love roguelikes, so the thought of another sent quivers down my giant sword (ooer!!).

This time, we’re not simply descending into a creepy dungeon; we guide a lone warrior through ten demonic dimensions to eventually challenge Amalotolos. He is the tyrant who has plunged the realms into chaos, spreading hunger, violence, and death through his ruthless rule and ever-present minions.

Of course, the goal for each level is to kill monsters, build XP, and level up to get stronger for the worst monsters that lie ahead. Clear enough of any realm, and a Portal Key will eventually drop, opening the way forward. Amalotolos is waiting in the tenth and final realm. Yes, I'm scared already.

Your survival hinges on exploration, lots of killing, clever use of the turn-based system, and whatever is in your backpack. Along the way, you can gamble at mysterious altars for divine favour (or punishment), and spend hard-earned gold at rare trading machines that appear every few realms. Thankfully, there are many items to aid your journey, ranging from health potions to scrolls for teleportation and much more.

The first level gradually introduces you to the type of challenge that lies ahead. However, it’s not long before you face tougher and more aggressive foes with different skills. So use your melee weapons and hit hard - these range from blades to heavy hitters like war axes and great swords. Range attacks are possible, but only when the monsters drop bows or crossbows. Tactical positioning is key to success, as the immediate terrain modifies the combat stats of both you and your enemies. So look where you're standing!

I must admit that after my first playtests, Rogul is beyond impressive. I tip my hat to Wojtek for creating such an impressive game. He's taken the #roguelike format and ramped it up with some truly exciting ideas that I love. Kudos to the Retro Blitter Team, who proved their incredible talent in converting Rogul to both ST models, using each computer's respective audio strengths. Of course, the STe is better because of its DMA hardware, but you won't believe how much until you have played for yourself (follow my Rogul posts on X).

Just a few more weeks until the bugs are squashed and the final touches are added...

Prepare thyself!!

I'd like to express my gratitude to KtZ and Hospes for sending me an early version. The public release is pencilled in for the end of May, so whilst you wait for that, you can play Rogue (that I improved with DMA-streamed audio - check that out), along with the magnificent Nano Cave that blew my socks off. So, until then, here are some cool screenshots...

A gorgeous loading screen as displayed on the STe using its extended palette.

The screen is littered with enemies, and those (grey) Banshees are scary!

Yes, I'm hiding behind a wall. Too scared to come out!

Remember, not everything goes into your inventory as it's used straight away.

You receive a bonus when levelling up or casting a Wisdom Spell.

Wow, I've finally reached the surreal 10th dimension, and I'm scared stiff!!

I did it. Amalotolos is dead!! 💀 💀 💀