This game is a classic example of arcade fun - pick up that joystick and instantly you're having tons of fun leaping over monsters and pummelling them into oblivion. Each level not only looks superb but is really interesting to explore: I love the simple mechanics of clinging onto ledges to fire or leap towards higher places in this dingy and creepy world. What a great adventure - arcade-style - and is proving to be every bit as good as I remembered.
Weee!! Leap your way through the labyrinth, clinging to anything that may help ya...
Oh no, skeleton monsters!!! KILL THEM. In fact, why not blast everything? It's fun!
Oh no, skeleton monsters!!! KILL THEM. In fact, why not blast everything? It's fun!
However, I must say that the joystick controls are what impress me the most which is no easy task for a one-button stick! They are immediately responsive so therefore keep the action going as fast as it should. The range of monsters is brilliant and what's better than powering-up with ridiculous weapons to crush your enemy?
Graphically, this is a stunner and considering no STe hardware scrolling is used (which is sad) the old STf keeps up with the pace perfectly. There is always so much going on and the scrolling is both fast and smooth with gorgeous sprites - I love those wonky old skeletons. However, it's the overall design which I adore because it just works so feels like a belting arcade experience. Stunning atmosphere and an all-round fantastic home conversion.
Overall, this is pretty faithful to the original and I feel US Gold did good, considering they ignored the STe hardware which would have been a huge deal. Still, this is one of my fave Atari ST games because it's just so much fun to play so top marks from me!! Download either the floppy disk via Old Games Finder or the hard disk version by Klaz!
