Friday, July 31, 2015

Prehistorik




Would You Adam and Eve it?

Rub your eyes all you want because I think it has been done! Yes, I have found a decent STOS game! That's right, STOS and it was released in 1991 by one of my favourite companies, Titus. Okay, I know they released a couple of dodgy games but there's just something about them that I like. Plus they released some corkers, like this platformer!

Prehistorik is nothing less than the cutest dino-platformer I've seen. We are taken back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the lush countryside. Of course, we play the part of a plucky young caveman wielding a big club. Imagine something like BAMM-BAMM from The Flintstones... but older... and with a beard! Now, add the psychotic desire to club cute prehistoric animals and you have the perfect entertainment. Very nice.

Fancy a selection of screenshots? Of course, you do so scroll on down...



Running leap onto a vicious dinosaur. Well, okay, hardly vicious and he is easy to knock out too!

Inside each cave are lots of things to nosh on.

Those angry yellow dudes are quick on the draw!


Clubbing animals is fun!

The object is to explore the prehistoric lands looking for food to feed your hungry family. This means we have a typical platformer to run & leap our way through a 16-bit Jurassic Park. Along the way are a variety of pitfalls and exciting places to discover: caves are always interesting as they offer goodies to consume along the way. But watch yourself because these aren't normally vacant of cute, fluffy dangers!

Each level has many different dinos roaming and some are huge thus requiring several hits from your trusty club. The end of each area features a massive boss to defeat. Sadly, these are intensely difficult without a cheat for extra lives. That's about the gist of it really, collect food, club animals to death and find the exit.

The joystick controls are simple and perform very well. I love the freedom to move during the jumps and clubbing your prey is great fun and perfectly timed so you never feel too close or stuck in a tight corner. Considering this is STOS, I'm really impressed with the response and overall feel which makes exploring a bunch of fun.


Did I mention there are secret hidden levels to find?

This guru dude appears now and then. Club him hard for a reward!

The boss levels are kinda lame and this one is the worst imho.


Big tips

  1. Explore everything. Look in every cave to collect all the goodies.
  2. See a guru-looking dude? Club him and steal whatever he's carrying.
  3. I found it best to enable auto-fire for a more frantic bashing experience!
  4. Cave critters only emerge when you're on the same level.
  5. Something doesn't look quite right? Maybe there's a secret level?
  6. 90s games are way too tough with never enough lives. Use a trainer!
  7. The bonuses are pretty lame and never last too long but, if you're lucky, you will find the odd gem (usually via the Guru) like an extra life and bigger jumps. But the others suck simply because they don't last long enough!!



Watch out when near a cave entrance, you never know what might emerge from the darkness!!

Crazylegs Crane's uncle has made an appearance!

Prehistorik is full of basic puzzles. How are we going to cross this lava?


Aesthetics

The visuals are pretty and cartoony in style: the backgrounds are incredibly well-drawn and each dino sprite is absolutely gorgeous. In fact, it's the characters which I love the most because they are so funny and with their own unique personality and silly expressions - especially when knocked unconscious. If I had to moan, it's the basic animations which aren't exactly anything special. But, they needn't be because Prehistorik always looks great.

Music can be played throughout the game and reminds me of Where Time Stood Still. It's got that lovely chip feel with a style that compliments the gameplay perfectly. Very nice and never overwhelming but, if you so desire, you can play without music. Enable the sound effects anytime you like but it will feel a little bare afterwards. I preferred the music but try for yourself by pressing F2/F3 alternatives between the two.


A platformer without ... platforms? Avoid the fish, always good advice!

Oh no, these are tough animals to kill and require multiple hits. Club 'em quick!

Check out that snowman. The artwork is always stunning.


The CryptO'pinion?

Prehistorik doesn't break the mould and some might turn their nose up for other platformers available on the Atari ST. However, stop right there because this might be a no-frills affair, but don't let that put you off. Prehistorik is really good, stuffed with hilarious moments and extremely playable. The only thing I didn't like was the pointless timer.

It's almost like a Jurassic version of Grand Theft Auto as clubbing cute animals will always be satisfying. Not only that, but I think it's the best STOS game I've ever played! Yep, this game is cute, violent and very addictive so I say play it. Just make sure you're wearing animal skins before deciding whether to download either the floppy or hard disk version!

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Cyber Antics!



The "Cyber" packages by Antic Software were some of the most creative Atari ST applications. I remember being mesmerised by the 3D modelling often demonstrated by magazines. The work of magicians, no doubt! Much later in the ST's lifetime, these were given away on magazine cover disks and I have such "fond memories" of pushing my mental capabilities to the limits with Cyber Studio CAD-3D. It looked so easy in their articles!

So why am I talking about warez that bamboozled me? Well, Martin Doudoroff has written an awesome article called "The Antic Cyber Graphics Software". It's certainly an interesting read with fascinating detail of history and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as I have? There is no denying that the Antic catalogue is rich in the ST's history and you will be impressed to know Autodesk owes its roots to these old Fuji apps. Which is pretty cool.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Team



Jumpers For Goalposts

Team is a soccer game released late in the day by a dedicated company called Impact Software in 1995. Specifically developed by Ralph Lovesy for the Atari STe, it makes full use of the enhanced hardware often ignored by commercial companies: extra colours, 50fps hardware scrolling, Blitter and DMA audio. Wow!! O_o

If I'm honest, I feel unqualified to review Team as I'm not a soccer fan. However, from what I have played, I was impressed. I'm hardly a convert but I did enjoy running around the pitch and having a good kick about! But not knowing the game's technicalities stopped me from progressing further. Interestingly, there is a friendly mode that displays much of the game's styles and playability, like passing, tactics, tackles... Hmm, sounds fun?

Well, it is and I've really enjoyed playing this pointless game of runaround. The tactics and strategy elements are limited with little beyond picking your team and whether you'd like it muddy and windy. But who would wanna play any kind of Football Manager? Erm, forget I said that! Anyhow, as an arcade/sports game, it's ace. Really enjoyable with fast, responsive and accurate action. If you're a footy fan, then I'm sure you'll love it. I know I did.



Check out this video record dear soccer fans of the world!


Graphics!

Check out these two images, below, which cunningly displays just what Team has hidden up its sleeve? Yep, overscan is used to drastically increase the playable area massively. Oddly, the footballer's sprites are quite small but their movements are fast and the screen is fluently moving at a smooth 50fps. But, from what I've seen of most other footy games, this is pretty normal. I suppose it wouldn't work very well if they had giants on the pitch!

Animations are fine and the pitch colours are deep and strong. Plus there's both a great and subtle use of colour and style throughout the menus which works really well. But, come on, all the gameplay is in overscan... Amazing. Once again, the Atari STe proves itself. Kudos to the skill and commitment of Ralph Lovesy.


  
The left image is captured at the standard resolution of 320x200 whereas the game is played in overscan!


Plink Plonk Sounds?

Sound effects are good - when you hear them. Perhaps that's the norm in these types of games, but I found the stadiums eerily lacking in atmosphere and ambience. It's annoyingly silent for most of the game. Okay, there are kicking effects and the odd Ref whistle blow but it's pretty lame and a lot more was needed. Like the roar of the crowd being played more frequently. I don't know, but it's the weakest part of the game which is a shame.

Thankfully, the music is excellent with cheesy MOD music throughout the menus. It's tacky but in stereo with the tracker routines developed by a familiar name from the Atari ST demoscene - GRIFF. Excellent!!



The front cover was... different... and the back of the box isn't much better ;-)


The CryptO'pinion?

Overall, I had lots of fun which shocked me because I hate soccer! Whether it's better than Kick Off or Sensible Soccer or even Speedball, I really couldn't say. But, I will say this, as a hater of this boring game, Team was seriously entertaining so take it for a kickabout and try it for yourself. If I can enjoy footy then I reckon anyone can...

Take it for a kickabout and I'm sure you'll enjoy it so let me know what you think in the comments below.

Download from 8bitchip which has been adapted for HDD!
Old Games Finder has access to floppy disk images.
Team's author, Ralph Lovesy, was interviewed for Maggie #16.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Prophecy I - The Viking Child



Brian the Viking!

Viking Child is the tale of a young boy who is thrown into an adventure that takes him through several medieval lands in search of his friends. He needs to rescue them from the clutches of the evil demigod, Loki. Now, it might look spookily familiar to a console gamer but don't be put off, this is a great Atari ST game in its own right.

There are a humungous 16 levels of platforming fun to plunder with 8 bosses to battle long before you even think of reaching Loki. Walk and leap over all obstacles and use your weapon to kill anything that looks likely to hurt you. After a monster is slain, coins are left behind to be used as currency in the local power-up store which offers better weapons and the usual assortment of goodies. I love the fire weapon but I first advise that you upgrade your weapon - a dagger.

Graphics are excellent with super-smooth scrolling proving yet again that the STFM is more than capable when in the hands of a talented programmer. I love its gorgeous cartoon-like scenery and the sprites are well-detailed, even if the animation is humble. Sound effects work great but you can exchange those for excellent chiptunes if desired.

Viking Child is a creative and technical masterpiece. What it lacks in originality is more than made up for in playability. Entertaining, interesting and challenging gameplay throughout with aesthetics to drool over! This is a cracking game and you soon realise why it's one of my favourite platformers on the Atari ST. I highly recommend this one, folks!!

Download for hard drive thanks to 8BitChip.
Floppy disk images can be grabbed via Old Games Finder.
Here are a few level codes to skip your way forward:
Forest level: DENIS<E>
Landbridge: THE BLIZ
Labyrinth: SHARKMAN
The Desert: NYMHARSW







Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Overscan Invaders


Overscan Invaders was released in 1994 by Janet Dean under the esteemed Budgie UK licenceware label. Obviously, this is a Space Invaders clone but one with a rather unexpected twist not normally exploited. Yes, I think you've guessed it? It's running in overscan so uses lots of extra pixels and also breaks the 16-colour limit.

This is a great twist on the original Space Invaders which plays as good as I'd have hoped and is really addictive. Ironically, it's the sound effects which I love the most - yes, even more than the overscan! They are superb and so authentic. Just listen in the video recording for all those childhood memories to come flooding back.

Overscan Invaders is definitely one of the better clones and I’m sure any Invader fan will love it. I did.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Ghost Battle



The demoscene is here!

Thalion games always oozed a superior visual and audio style that few others could match. However, I don't think I ever played Ghost Battle which is very odd as I'm a fan of platformers and Thalion. So, let's play...

We are the stereotypical muscle-bound hero who needs to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend who was recently whisked away by a giant hand. Yeah, that's right, a giant hand!! At least you get to travel to some of the most beautiful places trying to find her and along the way, you should kill everything in your wake! However, I fear the control and basic gameplay mechanics are a little awkward and affect your movement which feels stiff, so will take some getting used to.

The initial weapon isn't exactly great because of its poor firing rate, which isn't nearly enough to match the demands of a quick kill. So, no matter how many times you try to rapidly hit that fire button, most monsters will manage to survive just long enough to zap your precious energy. It's frustrating and spoils what might have been.

This is a lot like the Ghouls And Ghosts with similar level designs and a few puzzles. The action is predictable but very hard and will surely torment the most discerning gamers. Did Thalion employ beta testers? It's very difficult...



Okay, what's up with those freaky eyes!! That's drugs for ya, kids!


What a cute intro... Well, until a giant hand appears and whisks away your dolly bird!


- Graphics & Sounds -

The graphics are astounding with stunning artwork by Henk Nieborg. The scrolling is silky-smooth and is best viewed on the Atari STe (and older STs that might have a Blitter). It reminds me of a mix of Ghouls And Ghosts, Risky Woods, Stormlord and maybe even a tickle of Shadow Of The Beast? It's hard to imagine a prettier platformer but this is!

Like the visuals, the audio is outstanding and matches the pixels for their quality in equal measure. I think you'll guess who's behind the music and it's nothing less than fabulous! Mad Max helps prove that chip music will last forever.



The opening level is stunning and scrolls beautifully smooth. Now, master those controls!!


There are lots of enemies and they look gorgeous. Watch out for that chainsaw guy!


- The CryptO'pinion -

Ghost Battle could so easily have been a crackerjack platformer as it's got so much going for it and is aesthetically one of the best 16-bit games on the planet. However, it suffers from its own stupid design flaws thanks to some of the most awkward control mechanics I've ever seen. Argh, so frustrating because its potential is immense but you'll see very little unless you spend years mastering the cruel learning curve. Okay, you could just cheat and use a trainer?

Ghost Battle looks and sounds incredible but it's going to need lots of time otherwise don't bother. However, once you've mastered that and progressed beyond the confusing open levels, there's a good game here - nothing beats seeing a zombie on a pogo stick! Overall, quite good but the unbalanced gameplay and controls let it down.

Sadly, there are better games to play on the Atari ST although I doubt they'll look or sound as good!

The floppy disk can be found using Old Games Finder
And 8BitChip has the HDD version.

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Sea Of Colour


Credits and my ultimate respects get sent to the following :
Evil - coding | Excellence in Art - music | Gizmo - data | Templeton - graphics

Stop! Download Sea Of Colour demo for the Atari STe right now!

Friday, July 03, 2015

Dragon Lord


Have you ever spent time trying to learn a game only walk away completely baffled and wondering why you bothered? Well, here is Dragon Lord, an extremely unusual multi-screen platformer released in 1990 by 16-32 Diffusion. We are playing the part of a huge dragon who appears to be living in a whole wide world of weird! The objective is to become the new dragon lord which means plundering through over a hundred screens looking for artefacts, killing some fascinating creatures and ultimately battling an evil guardian.

Gameplay is simplistic thus easy to pick-up and it's fun breathing fire onto a scorched enemy. I found the map design a little laborious and would often end up getting lost so I would instead spend my time burning down the bad guys!! However, the control a clumsy because we are a massive dragon sprite moving around tight environments.

The visuals are quite (ahem) unique. Pretty amateur artwork that looks like it was coloured in by somebody suffering from colour-blindness. Ignoring this graphical nightmare because Dragon Lord’s sprites are massive and also of a great and humorous variety! Sadly the sound effects are pretty much a joke and the less said the better!

Overall, I was quite disappointed because I can see the potential but it doesn’t gel together very well. Dragon Lord's poor mechanics and eye-bleeding graphics spoil what could have been an interesting game. Having said all that, I did find myself having “just one more go” yet I cannot for the life of me think why. Perhaps I'm going mad?