The Curse Of Bolda

The Curse Of Bolda is a scrolling platformer by Ben Pritchard for FloppyShop's platinum range. Once again, Kevin is the star who's got five levels to explore. They're split into three segments, the first two are free-roaming worlds collecting jewels, shooting monsters, and solving puzzles like locked doors and operating platforms. Tools can be collected and (using the function keys) can provide a variety of uses - like a jetpack!! The third stage is an automated arena where Kevin must manoeuver through the hazards until he reaches the scary rock demon, Bolda!

This is a fantastic platformer and you can now download the full registered version :)

Cybernoid - The Fighting Machine

All 8-Bit conversions suck!

Cybernoid is a shooter developed by a legend - someone who repeatably rocked the 8-bit world, Raffaele Cecco. Yep, I was a Spectrum owner and it seemed everyone was crazy about him back then and rightly so. However, there have been many games that had terribly dodgy 16-bit conversions so I was more than a little dubious upon loading Cybernoid.

The 16-bit conversion is by Tony Cooper and is thankfully amazing. Offering the same level of thrills as the original, its gameplay is smooth with comfortable controls that are responsive throughout each of the spruced-up screens. Yes, graphically, this is head and shoulders above the original with eye-popping colours and lovely animations. The sound effects are a joy, accompanied by a fantastic chiptune. And I really do mean fantastic!!

However, this is one tough cookie. No, it's an incredibly damn tough nut cookie and some screens are intense!! It will take most gamers many attempts to master its cruel personality. It's especially annoying when enemies can seem to fire their weapons through solid walls or objects. Stick with it because Cybernoid is actually awesome and ultra-addictive.

Crack the cunning learning curve and you've got yourself a wonderful and challenging shooter!

UPDATE: see the latest posting for Cybernoid which is now mapped :-)

Obsession

Obsession was released in 1994 for the (wait for it) Atari STe by Unique Development Sweden. Yes, I said the Atari STe for once - rather than its older brother. There are many games to choose from and UDS has made magnificent use of the computer's enhanced hardware. Hardware scrolling scrolls the entire screen at 50fps for an ultra-smooth feeling. Heck, it's even utilising overscan too! The audio is a blast thanks to the DMA stereo - so crank up the volume!! This game is tremendously entertaining!! :D

It's loud, it's fun and it's one of the best "arcade" games I've ever played. Marvellous!!

Turbo Cup

ROOAARRRRR!!!

Turbo Cup was released in 1988 by Loriciel and places us behind the wheel of a Porsche 944. First, we get to drive a practice run before moving up to the thrilling race events against computer-controlled competitors. The graphics are still great and, even though I'm no Porsche fan, I think it's one of the best-looking 16-Bit racers. Sound effects are equally nice with the roar of that engine which beats the YM buzz used in lesser titles.

What I love is the player's point of view because the perspective is quite unique and gives an illusion of a greater view. There are also some neat physics which prevent the race from being easy, so perhaps you should take the corners a little slower? It's no sim but it's still a tough cookie and one that will take a time to master.

Overall, Turbo Cup is a hard racer and will take many attempts before you've mastered the control mechanics. Stick with it and you've got yourself a great racer for a few hours of fun which looks and sounds great. Love it.

8BitChip has a hard drive installable version to download.

Old Games Finder has all the floppy disk images you could ever need.

Erik

Erik The Viking!

Erik is a kind and peaceful Viking who happens to keep himself to himself and bothers nobody. Unfortunately, that evil god Loki isn't too pleased about Erik choosing a pacifistic lifestyle over one of pillaging so he casts a spell and turns the world rotten. Erik must now travel to these infested lands and battle all kinds of sadistic evil before he can return home. Wow, the problems computer characters must face on a daily basis... It's just not fair, is it?

Atlantis Software released Erik back in 1992 and it's a vertically scrolling platformer that features dozens of levels spread over four worlds. Of course, each level contains a fair few baddies, cool traps and scary end-of-level bosses. The graphics are cute and cuddly with nice detail and super smooth scrolling with raspy samples for sounds.

Overall, this is a really simple platformer which is entertaining and challenging. Loads of fun!!

Floppy disks can be found over on AtariMania.

Klaz has a fantastic hard disk download!