No Buddies Land

When the demoscene becomes the gaming industry

Eternal's No Buddies Land was released in 1991 by Loriciel and programmed by David Boshoven, who is better known as Lair from the group Hotline. Okay, the story is silly, but let's roll with it: the land is flooding, and Bud is the hero of the day who must climb up into heaven to ask for help before everything is destroyed.

Five dreaded levels are about to be flooded - our adventure begins in a castle before heading outside to hop his way through the trees and then up into the clouds. As each level begins, the waters begin to rise just as in games like Flood, Goin' Down With The Captain, or Killing Game Show. So get moving!!

Before any more waffling from me, let's take a look at the first level...

Level one is pretty cool, but it also introduces you to the cruel mechanics and an overpriced shop!

Prepare thyself!

...for a world of hurt! This game features cruel, wicked environments, many traps, and frustrating jumps. We must also contend with moving platforms, acid droplets, spikes, disappearing ledges, and much more. Not only all that, but the local wildlife is never friendly and will zap your energy with a single touch.

Thankfully, there's nothing better than arming yourself with a weapon. It's natural to see a kid carrying a pistol in any 16-bit world! Best of all, this can be upgraded (along with health and more). Yep, you heard me, there are actually shops on the way up to Heaven. Who would have thought that? Well, brace yourself because I'm told there are also hidden side games and annoying puzzles (Grr!!). Something for everyone.

Want more screenshots? Of course, you do! Here are a couple from the second and third level...

I liked level 2 the most, which also reminded me of Elf.



I found level 3 a killer and really annoying!!

Platforming never looked so good!

The visuals by Bram Leyten, aka Sense of Hotline, are stunning, with incredible attention to detail in both the environment and the cute sprites. This game looks incredible! Animations that are nice, but Bud walks like he's rushing to the toilet - gotta laugh at his zippy legs!! Not only do these graphics knock you for six, but they slide down your screen at a graceful 50fps using sync-scrolling. Thank you #demoscene!!

This method screws up my VGA monitor (real ST hardware) each time it attempts to scroll. It works dandy using a standard CRT monitor/TV. So, I guess it must be a VGA issue with my setup?

Audio has not been forgotten, and if you remember Monster Business's outstanding tunes, then you're in for a treat. Laurens Tummers, aka Lotus, has done it again, providing stunning examples of timeless chip music. In fact, I would say No Buddies Land has some of the best tunes I've heard in any game.

Oh no, disappearing platforms, which I really, really, REALLY hated!!

Arghh, there are disappearing platforms here too.

The CryptO'pinion?

Technically, a masterpiece that proves what the Atari ST is capable of when in the hands of talented people. However, No Buddies Land isn't perfect. The controls are great, but jumping diagonally can be awkward unless Bud is currently walking (YMMV). Also, knowing which ledges to hop onto isn't always obvious, as some blend into the background. Ultimately, with a little tweaking, everything would have been perfect.

Having said that, this is a belting platformer and I relished playing it. It's nothing like I first expected and is actually enjoyable, unlike that disappointing platformer by TCB (sigh). The range of levels is extraordinary, with each featuring different environments that are as challenging as they are gorgeous.

A belting game, with a few niggles, but otherwise thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

->> Download the floppy or HDD versions <<-