Time Bandit

HiSToric gaming!

Microdeal released Time Bandit in 1985, ranking as one of the first Atari ST games. Programmed by Bill Dunlevy, long before any developers knew how to push our 16-bit computer. However, my first impressions weren't good, as I felt this was a cheap Gauntlet ripoff. I continued to play until my sanity returned.

Ignore my foolish first impressions, as I fear there might be a funky game lurking behind the 8bit visuals? Fwiw, Time Bandit was released for the TRS-80 a couple of years before Gauntlet.

Time Bandit is an isometric arcade adventure where we play as a roguish thief hopping through different eras of time in search of valuable artefacts. We begin in The Timegates, a place that permits access to the many strange worlds. Each one is a compact, monster-infested, trap-filled place where the objective is simple: grab the loot, avoid or outwit the enemies, and make it to the exit alive. Simple stuff, right?

These different words help make this game weird, as they range from ancient Egypt to a bomb-making factory and other surprises - like Pac-Man land. They have their own style and objectives with gameplay reminiscent of Gauntlet. This is quite unique, blending genres: primarily an action-adventure, it incorporates puzzle-solving elements and even short text-adventure segments, depending on the world we are exploring.

For each world, the exit is blocked, so we need to find the key(s) or complete tasks to escape. Interestingly, each world can be played again with increased difficulty and fascinating design changes, all of which keep the gameplay engaging and progressively challenging. Battles are fought using a rocket launcher and, best of all, you've been blessed with unlimited ammo too!! Very nice, and that suits me just dandy.

Time Bandit is a cracker with superb levels to plunder, each offering a unique charm. It might look like Gauntlet, which it predates, but it's so much more!! Additionally, each world is distinct, offering a wide variety of gameplay that grows more difficult with each attempt. No other similar game comes close to offering so many styles, yet it retains its own uniqueness, making it a true Atari ST classic you shouldn't miss.

Yes, I said all that, and (wow) for a 1985 game, too!! One of the best Atari ST games.

• Budding time lords should download this game for floppy or your hard disk!!

- Sixteen wacky worlds -

 
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