Leviathan

Fly, dodge, shoot, die!

Leviathan is a Zaxxon-inspired isometric shooter released in 1987 by English Software. Interestingly, this is one of the oldest Atari ST games that I own, even if it narks me. Yep, every time I attempt to play it, I get nowhere. Either I'm crashing into the landscape, or some alien smashes into me kamikaze style!

The box is one of those squishy DM types that never lasts long, but I admit, mine is in good condition considering. The back cover has an incredible line, "A space shoot 'em up to end all space shoot 'em ups!". That's a bold statement if ever there was one, and it makes you wonder if it's true. Anyhow, if you wanna see some professionally-captured photographs of my box, then scroll down past this amazing review.

So the storyline is pretty thin, but it takes place over three different planetary zones in the darkness of space. Now, I'll only ever get to see the first one, but they are: Moonscape, Cityscape and Greekscape. As you might have guessed, each is stuffed with aliens that need blasting into smithereens.

Let's see a couple of screenshots from this Zaxxon wannabe? Of course, you do...

Shall I try to shoot the boxy aliens? Or race off in the hope that I might flee to safety?

I must admit, the landscapes are quite desolate but still superb in both look and design.

Let's play

Leviathan blatantly rips off the Zaxxon idea, but it features a few differences and additional "improvements". From what (ahem) little I've seen, we pilot a plane armed to the teeth with a rapid-firing laser gun. There are also a few smart bombs that should only be used as a last resort when things get tough.

Skimming across the diagonally scrolling landscape isn't easy. Aliens appear in waves with an uncanny knack for getting underfoot, and I found this aspect difficult. Quick reactions are required to beat the alien formations, but there is often little room to manoeuvre thanks to the terrain, which isn't flat or dormant. So that presents its own challenge because I am either being beaten by the alien horde or smashing into a chimney!

The joystick controls are fairly similar to Zaxxon - altitude can be changed by pushing up/down. Minimum speed can be increased by holding down fire and pushing up/down. Strafing the ship left/right isn't possible, and instead, the ship will turn itself in that direction, which takes time and leaves you vulnerable.

The status bar details score, fuel, smart bombs, the next wave of incoming aliens, and (groan) a timer. Also, there are two arrows for the alien's location - this means we can head backwards and aren't restricted to flying forward. However, that presents a fistful of new problems trying to safely fly backwards!

If you're copying an idea, don't try to be clever by "improving" it. As shown here...

Argh, massive floating eyes in space, but it's too tough trying to shoot when moving sideways!!

The unnecessary fuel top-ups clutter up the game further. Well, if you survive long enough!

Aesthetics

From the title screen to the smooth scrolling, Leviathan looks fantastic. Each level uses a cosmic design that I really liked. Of course, I had no chance of seeing the later levels, but I loved the rocky, industrial landscapes I played. The aliens are often bright and colourful, so they stand out from the stark backdrops.

The audio fares well and begins with a sampled tune that isn't too bad, I guess. Then again, a 16-year-old me in 1987 would have been chuffed at its ambition. Today, I'm not a big fan and much prefer chip tunes, especially as this is by Mr Whittaker. Thankfully, the effects are crisp and zesty, so suits the gameplay dandy.

Let's see more screenshots before the gripping conclusion of this pointless ripoff...

Ugh, why did the ship need to turn like that? Totally unnecessary. Hate it!

Is anyone a fan of ZZ Top? Got a Rough Boy feel about this? Fans will see it.

 

The CryptO'pinion?

Leviathan should have been an addictive shooter full of thrills. The graphics are superb, and I liked the concept of clearing each level of its aliens. Sadly, the overly complicated joystick controls make the game that much more difficult. Whoever decided that the ship should physically turn instead of strafing should be shot!

This could have been great, but I'm genuinely gutted to find an Atari ST game that I dislike so much. I’m open to opinions, but I’m also worried it might just be me who’s rubbish because Leviathan might actually be fantastic. Could this possibly be true? Hmm, let me know what you guys think in the comments below...

Before viewing the glorious box art, here are the downloads: floppy disk and hard drive.

I have the American version, which is in better condition than my photography skills show.

Guess how many planetary zones I got to see... Go on, guess!

36 years later, the disk still works... I must remember that when selling on eBay!

I wonder how many filled this in? I should give it a bash and see if they're still alive lol

It's small, but it's a great manual. Hang on, Commodore 64! Whaaaaat?