Bold / Wiliness III

 

 

BeST laid plans...

I recently discovered an unreleased shooter called Bold by Laurent Kermel. Rather than my usual approach, I delved into the documentation and found his old website listed, which is still up and running!! This has an Atari ST section detailing his unfinished ST games. Take a look at these pictures (above) of Slug Dragoon Twins Tenesis and Empire. Potentially great games that may never be completed...

So, I messaged Laurent to express my interest in his work - esp Wiliness 3 (Dungeon Master!!). He replied and is a genuine guy, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Maybe he'll complete his work one day?

Before we take a quick look at both games, here's the link to the Atari ST section of his website.

- B O L D -

Blitted Killings

Bold is a fantastic shoot'em up, drawing inspiration from several games. It’s a cross between Zynaps and R-Type, offering fast and frantic action as enemies zoom across the screen like they’re on steroids. Yes, quick reactions are essential!! I love the graphics, but it’s a shame that a large portion of the screen remains unused (perhaps for an intended status panel?). Bold isn’t controlled with a joystick but the mouse, which took a few games to fully grasp. However, I soon realised it’s absolutely perfect for sharp manoeuvrability.

Actually, any ST model is compatible, but Bold performs better with a Blitter chip. While all Atari STe computers meet that requirement, other users might need to purchase one to fill the empty socket inside their STFM. Unfortunately, those old pre-1987 STs might not even have an empty socket.

Despite being unfinished, Bold is incredible with precise controls and a thrilling shooter.

• The Bold web page has the download and a nifty walkthrough of each level.
• I made a video, but I hate YouTube, so I advise you to PLAY the game instead! :-)
• A cheat code is mentioned in the interview with Laurent within Alive Magazine #09.
• Chris Swinson, aka Exxos, sells Blitter chips, but I've now exhausted my hardware knowledge...

- W I L I N E S S  III -

Grab your sword, we're going in

Laurent developed a Dungeon Master clone called Wiliness 3, which is shockingly professional and could have possibly rivalled the FTL classic. The experience is amazing with a familiar user interface as we crawl through its creepy dungeon. Of course, it's unfinished, but 6 levels are playable, plus I liked the control system and the eerie sound effects. Sigh, Wiliness had the potential to be something quite extraordinary.

A brilliant dungeon crawler and something every ST nutter needs to experience.

• The Wiliness web page has the download and a BUCKET load of helpful information!
• Check out Walls Of Illusion and the newly updated Dungeon Master for the Atari STe.