The Curse Of Bolda

Crazy Kid Kevin!

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

A good platformer and you can now download the full registered version :)

Cybernoid - The Fighting Machine

8-Bit conversions suck!

Cybernoid is a shooter developed by a legend - someone who 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, the 16-bitters received many dodgy conversions so I was more than a little dubious upon loading Cybernoid.

Our game 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. I really do mean fantastic!!

However, this is one tough cookie. No, it's an incredibly tough cookie with a few intense screens!! It will take 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 awesome and ultra-addictive.

Crack the cunning learning curve and you have a wonderful and challenging shooter!

>>> UPDATE <<<

see the latest posting for Cybernoid which is mapped!

Obsession

Obsession was released in 1994 for the Atari STe by Unique Development Sweden. Yes, I said the Atari STe for once - rather than its older brother. UDS has made magnificent use of the enhancements -  Hardware scrolling moves the 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 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 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 travel to these infested lands and battle sadistic evil before returning home. Wow, the problems computer characters must face daily... It's just not fair, is it?

Atlantis Software released Erik in 1992. It is a vertically scrolling platformer with dozens of levels spread over four worlds. Of course, each 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!