Tenebra

Fear the darkness!

Hearing news of ST games in 2024 is always exciting so it was a nice surprise to discover a puzzler called Tenebra by Ali Pouladi (aka Haplo). It's already available for several computers and we (finally) saw a release for our beloved computer earlier this year. Interestingly. there is a sequel which isn't yet available for the Atari ST. Fingers crossed!

Tenebra may resemble an olde Dungeons & Dragons game but it's a puzzler using roguelike mechanics and aesthetics. As with a typical role-player, we're stranded in a dark place with many strange puzzles to solve, traps to endure, items to use, and even a few secrets. The main task is always simple - discover how to escape through the 31 levels.

Of course, the initial rooms are easy thanks to some brilliant trainer levels that help us master the basics. These help a bunch in learning the game's design and personality. However, it isn't long before Tenebra becomes more complex as new mechanics are revealed during your progress. Yes, this puzzler is one tough cookie so prepare thyself!

Okay, this neat concept gripped me from the start so let's look at the first level. And its solution...

As you can see, I'm standing at the top/left with the exit gate nearby.
Several braziers are lighting areas of the room making it easy to find the exit.

Walk through the lit areas and onto the gate. Job done. Dead easy, right?
When a level is finished, it's fully displayed which helps your understanding of the design.

Gameplay

So, this game is actually dead simple: start each level and figure out how to reach its exit. That's it. However, the darkness is the main problem for our adventurer who won't fumble around pitch-black places. He will only explore the areas illuminated by lamps or when carrying a burning torch. It's straightforward but these mechanics will tax your brain!

Each room features a maze-like design and uses many items and obstacles. Walls, doorways, objects, and dark places block your path. The route through often means exploring the lit areas looking for a torch that you can grab.

In fact, torches are essential. Not all are created equal and some will illuminate quite poorly. If only there was a way to increase the oil so it would burn brighter? Many levels contain multiple torches and you could find yourself leaving a trail to better explore. Take your time and think. Don't rush :-)

The mechanics for each room are constant without being overly complex. But they are crafty, for example, you cannot use a door if carrying a torch, but you can with doors that require a key. Some walls may be damaged - slip through the gap before it crumbles in. Look for braziers mounted on rails as these can be moved assuming the track isn't broken. If only we had a tool to fix that? Yes, the puzzles are simple but require completing in sequence so it pays to stop & think.

I couldn't end without mentioning the timer - there isn't one!! So many puzzlers have an annoying timer which I've never been able to understand. After all, you must stop/think/play carefully, so why rush? I'm relieved there is no time restraint. Heck, even the torches last forever. What a fantastic design and kudos to Haplo for thinking outside the box.

Okay, I'm usually terrible at these kinds of puzzlers but it's a blast playing Tenebra. Hey, it's screenshot time...

Things are getting tough by level 7 and the game throws multiple puzzles at you.
Note how I lit the square sensor (top-left) with a torch? That opens up the exit (mid-right).

Level 10 onwards and this game is a stonker!! Well, it was for me I'm embarrassed to admit!
On the 11th level, dodgy walls will collapse after passing through. There's one to my right...

Aesthetics

Tenebra supports both colour and mono systems: low-res is my personal choice because it looks authentic and transports me back to the 80s, a feeling we oldies love. The graphics are of a basic design, something you would expect a ZX81 to knock out. However, don't let that disappoint because this is perfect for its unmistakable 'roguelike' style. A cool flicker effect can be used for a tad more atmosphere (it's optional and can be toggled on/off anytime by hitting the 'F' key).

As for mono users, the 640x400 display is gorgeous using sharp visuals you expect to see on an SM124/5. Decals and items have been improved with better detail. For example, you can tell that a torch is a torch - yes, I know that sounds silly but it works! There is no flicker effect due to how the monitor works, which is a shame, but understandable.

Yes, I'm a sucker for lower resolution graphics but that's my preference because I'm dead old (as my daughter constantly reminds me). Hey, try both and let know in the comments below which type you prefer.

Audio isn't needed for a puzzler but, there are nominal effects which don't spoil or override your concentration. Best of all is the title screen music. Wow, it's so modern and zesty with a twist of ZX Spectrum (48K-style) thrown in beautifully I thought. Absolutely stunning, so leave it playing in the background while you read through this website!

Hey, should we look at the differences between the low & hi-res games? Good idea so here ya go...

Low resolution looks perfect for an authentic experience that this old rogue appreciates.
Items like the torch are a bit bland but the overall style is something I adore.

As you can see, monochrome is superb. Look at that torch and the fine details for everything.
Weirdly, I don't like the stickman, which looks like something I would have drawn!

CryptO'pinion

When I first heard of Tenebra I initially expected something of a romp through the Land of Eriador (ala DDST - The Adventure Game by William Miller). Alas, those screenshots had deceived me because Tenebra turned out to be very different. Okay, I admit to being disappointed by ... yet another puzzle game as I'm not often a fan and there are loads already.

Anyhow, I think I've been converted because this is such a captivating and unique release. Figuring out a route through the darkness - just to reach the exit - may sound boring. But it most certainly isn't. It's anything but. The difficulty is challenging without being over the top with impossibly complex puzzles. Every room presents the same predictable problem that can only be solved using careful thought. And, best of all, there is no timer to spoil the enjoyment :-)

Weirdly, the rogue-like appearance isn't merely cosmetic because this familiar dungeon style integrates perfectly with the puzzles. Using light and darkness in such a way adds an alternative and interesting depth I didn't expect. Additionally, level codes are an obvious feature often neglected by developers - a simple idea & much needed. Genius!

Tenebra is excellent and I recommend it with great enthusiasm. My overall rating is a mind-boggling 85%

Isn't it brilliant to see new games developed for old computers? You can download Tenebra right now by clicking here. However, please consider spending a few quid as this shows developers that the Atari ST is alive!! The following are the level codes from my game. Here if you want 'em albeit with a spoiler warning...

- LEVEL ACCESS CODES -

1  - 2357

2  - F4D0

3  - D9D3

4  - E45C

5  - F55F

6  - B9D8

7  - 6D5B

8  - B745

9  - A746

10 - DF41

11 - 9742

12 - C6CD

13 - 964F

14 - 8949

15 - C8CB

16 - 0D75

17 - 1FF7

18 - E0F1

19 - C0F2

20 - 2CFD

21 - 75FF

22 - 31F8

23 - 58FA

24 - 78E5

25 - 7D67

26 - DD60

27 - AD62

28 - 4C6C

29 - 8E6E

30 - 8569

31 - 8E6A

Dungeon Adventure

Ransacking another dungeon

I seem to have a peculiar knack for finding obscure ST games unknown to most. Some of which I have already featured here, like Dungeon, Minefield, Mole Mayhem, and Blob Race. It's this silliness that I love about the Atari ST because, no matter how much time passes, this computer amazes me. Which is why I'm still typing my drivel that nobody reads.

Continuing this tradition, here we have an RPG crawler called Dungeon Adventure. Such an original title, I'm sure you'll agree? It was released in 1988 by John Kinkead of Aces High Software but I couldn't find much information online. So, let's assume we're a plucky adventurer who loves exploring dark places for treasure? Works for me.

Okay, let's check out a couple of random screenshots and remember, this is not a commercial game...

Oh no, a goblin! There is only one option - let's kill him!!

Lights are beginning to dim and I then accidentally triggered a teleporter.

First things first

Create a character using the automated stats roll and name him/her wisely. Or not. There are six races - Human, Elf, Dwarf, Gnome, Hobbit, or 'other' and each needs to be assigned a class - fighter, mage, ranger, thief, cleric, and healer. Now clothe, arm, and stock your pockets with food and torches before heading out to one of the five dungeons. Each is tricky but can reward careful explorers with treasure, magic, food, and more (the more part is lots of ghoulish battles).

It's now that I should advise a few pointers. One, roll well. Two, don't waste cash on items that you think are the best (weapons or armour). Three, you easily get hungry. Four, it's dark down there and torches burn out very quickly.

Okay, once inside your first dungeon, you shall soon discover that it's filled with many traps and scary monsters at each turn. Use the cursor keys to control our plucky (foolish) adventurer and whenever he encounters a beast, the computer takes over with a new set of options - [A]attack, [C]cast a spell, [R]run away or attempt to [T]talk. Once the battle is over, assuming you're still alive, then you can carry on exploring in fear of what might happen next. Which won't be long!

There are quite a few keys used, similar to Apshai. The save game option is of high importance which, I discovered the hard way (as usual) but there are other keys used to heal, cast spells, eat food and much more:

Stats - The 'Y' key displays your man's attributes along with the number of potions, spells, etc.

Light - It gets dark in the dungeon real quick so tap the 'U' key to use a torch.

Items - When you stumble upon something, the 'G' key gets it and adds it to your inventory.

Stairs - I've only found stairs when I've completed a level. Just hit 'K' to climb!

Food - When you get hungry just press 'E' to eat from your stock of goodies.

Drink - Like with food, pressing the 'D' key drinks those cool potions you've found.

Scrolls - Press 'R' to read any scrolls, if applicable.

Magic - Spell casters can hit 'C' to cast their spells.

Health - Struggling with an injury then his 'H' to heal, if applicable.

Saving - Highly recommended to use this feature! The 'S' key saves and 'L' key loads.

Others - F1 restarts / F2 returns to the main menu / F3 will exit to the desktop.

Right then, I'm making this sound more complex than it is, so let's break things up with a couple of screenshots...

Sometimes it's best to run away from a fight. If you can that is, as it's not always possible.

This room is so unfair because traps are everywhere - like these falling rocks!

Oi, come back!

Please, ignore the crude visuals because it's never boring exploring a dungeon and this one is particularly easy to get into from the start. Of course, it soon delivers more than enough challenges to test our nerves. Each dungeon is different but also with enough familiarity of what to expect. So it's not long until one of two things happens...

Battles - a confrontation happens often with enemies appearing from out of the darkness without any prior warning. That's right, you won't see any thing approaching from the corner of a room - they simply appear (which is disappointing compared to Rogue). This puts you into battle mode that follows a series of turns and your performance depends on strength along with other attributes like your agility, dexterity, and weaponry.

Traps - triggering a hidden trap is a characteristic of Dungeon Adventure that you will need to endure. Sadly, there is no ability to search for what might possibly be lurking nearby so traps are found only by foolishly walking into them. This system feels unmerited, like you're exploring blindly just waiting for a hit to your HP (and pride!)

Any explorer continues the fight and carries on regardless, so I've heard. Determined players will source many items to help the good fight, be it spells, potions, and much more. Treasure chests are always worth opening and are often located in secret areas that can only be found by uncovering hidden passages. It always pays to investigate everywhere.

However, the dungeon is a dark and dangerous place which means you need a load of torches and picnic food. Torches do not last very long at all so you may wish to stockpile those! Nutrition and health are replenished with the foods you find and eat. Health comes from spellcasting or using the healing function, if applicable to that character.

This is actually a bigger game than you might first assume. I first imagined a poor clone of Rogue, but it plays well and feels designed more for action whilst just happening to look roguelike. Yep, everything feels centred around the battles - which happen constantly. Hey, if you think that you can create a better game then there is an editor to try?

I'm genuinely having a blast playing something new (new to me). Hey, guess what? It is screenshot time...

Hang on, that door appears to lead to a dead end!! Or is there a secret passageway?

Four options are available during any skirmish but I doubt talking will help here?

Aesthetics

Compared to similar (albeit commercial) games, this is lame with bland 8-bit visuals that embarrass the Atari ST. Its design feels cramped with a small gameplay window leaving much of the screen unused. Well, don't be fooled, because those areas are used for statistical information and notifications - triggered traps, poison arrows, falling rocks, etc.

The sprites are usually the best part of rogue games but Dungeon Adventure is lacking somewhat. In fact, many enemies are pretty crude without any detail and look as if I've drawn them! However, I'll contradict myself because it oddly, works well and I have no idea why. My favourite creature is the troll - who looks like he has measles. I love that drawing!

The audio side of things begins well - thanks to a title screen chiptune but, there is little else afterwards. The sound effects are basically a tapping sound during a battle with a "Burr-Burr" when you are victorious. Oh, there's another chiptune when the Grim Reaper shows up! Hey, games like this need no booming sfx so I'll stop moaning.

We're nearly at the end, so do you fancy a couple of screenshots before the gripping conclusion? I hope so...

Hitting the 'Y' key reveals your character's statistics. Along with keys, scrolls, etc.

Why waste time in combat when you can cast a spell? Repel Monster killed this sucka!

The CryptO'pinion?

This isn't a big game, but it feels like a much larger adventurer. This is basically because you cannot walk for more than a dozen steps without something popping up for a fight. Or maybe you've fallen into a hidden trap - as there is no way to search. Plus some are located in tight corridors without a way to avoid them. Also, our adventurer has a ravenous appetite so constantly scoffing. Additionally, he easily burns through his supply of torches that never last long.

So, umm, Dungeon Adventure feels quite unbalanced with some peculiar mechanics. However, we must remember that it isn't commercial, and is quite a decent game in its own right. Each dungeon is varied with an abundance of predictable hazardousness waiting for you. And I loved that aspect a bunch and thoroughly enjoyed playing.

You know, I love finding something new (to me) and whilst Dungeon Adventure is far from perfect, it's certainly enjoyable. Gameplay is tough but, successfully beating the odds and making it to the next level, is most rewarding. However, casual gamers beware as this is probably only for determined and hardened fans of the genre.

Bearing in mind that this is something of a doomed #roguelike wannabe, I'm scoring it a plucky 64%.

Fearless adventurers should download this game from Atarimania. Here are some more glorious screenshots...

Blood Seekers sound cool, but they are actually dead easy to kill!

I guess the whole point of the game is to find the gem & exit? Well, I did that... WooHoo!!

My name is Steve and I'm an... 'other'. Today's world will view that as perfectly normal lol.

The editor is superb. Either create your own or edit the current levels.

This is the game over screen and something we dread seeing. And it's blummin' ugly!

Steve!

It's all in the name!

I love trolling through the Atari ST archives looking for anything that might entertain this old man I have become. Not only games but anything - just look at sections of my website like Software or Other STuff Out There.

Well, I've found a program called (wait for it) Steve and, being the owner of such a cool name, I thought it was funny. The name is an acronym for ST EVent Editor which is a multi-function program. It does just about everything we dreamt about back then - Text, Graphics, Database, Desktop Publishing and Computer Aided Instruction.

ST Event Editor was developed in 1989 by Primož Jakopin, a Yugoslavian (wow, that takes me back) whom I had to contact. He still has an active website, which shocked me, but not as much as finding out that the manual is available to download. Wanna know a little more without clicking any of the links down below? Here ya go, mister lazy pants...

"STeve - ST EVent Editor - is a general-purpose software tool that can handle text, pictures, data records, full pages (in DTP mode) and computer-aided-instruction units. It has been designed to get the most out of the ATARI ST range of computers - to be as fast as possible, to save as much space as is feasible and last, but not least, to be easy on the eyes. Processing of Mega-byte files, containing hundreds of pages with text and graphics, makes sense with STEVE. The program comes from Slovenia, a small country in the northwest of Yugoslavia, situated between the Adriatic Sea, the Alps, the Pannonian Plain and the Balkan Peninsula."

STeve seems to be all things to all men but it's surreal to see something like this today. Using the program is complex so take a gander at the online manual - especially because of the keyboard commands. The potential is massive and I can only imagine how this program was utilised back in the day - read "The usage of STEVE" in the interview below.

Let me know if you boot up STeve and what you think of it in the comments below. My greetings to Primož for his time over the months since summer. I certainly enjoyed hearing all about his fascinating stories, ST program and history.

Are you interested to know more about Primož and the ST EVent Editor? Then check out these links:

• AtariCrypt interview with Primoz: https://www.jakopin.net/papers/memoirs/On_STEVE_en.php

• His website: https://www.jakopin.net/primoz/

• STeve's manual: https://jakopin.net/steve/STEve_Reference_Manual.php

• Demozoo download: https://demozoo.org/productions/194056/

• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primož_Jakopin

• Other Atari ST software featured here: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/search/label/Software

ZOG

Grab your joystick!

During my time away (wow, that made me sound like a criminal) I was enjoying videos by many YouTubers - ugh, I hate that expression. Anyhow, people like Trusty, PJ Neiland and those Vertical Blankers have released several amazing Atari ST videos. Go on, click those links and take a look for yourselves - but remember to come back here afterwards.

Earlier in February, Into The Vertical Blank released a massive video about many different ST shooters. One of which was called Zog by Chris Lloyd who designed it using SEUCK by Palace Software - and this acronym stands for Shoot 'Em Up Construction Kit. Now, one thing I did pick up from their video was his American pronunciation of SEUCK. I can't speak for all ST nutters over here in Blighty, but everyone I knew pronounced it as a human sound effect: Schhhhuck!

Ah... Okay, so it was just a few of us crazy fools over here then? Damn, let's move on quick...

Frantically bashing the fire-button like a madman hoping not to die!

Am I getting old and slow?

Chris released Zog in 1990 and it appears to be his one and only shooter 'em up (at least for the Atari ST). The gameplay is typically simple; a vertical-scrolling shooter with nothing flashy or fancy as you might imagine - but this is homebrew stuff we're talking about. The docs are pretty thin on the ground but perfectly explain the gameplay: shoot everything that moves. Even shoot the stuff that doesn't move. And that sums up this perky little shooter very nicely.

As with any similar game, we are positioned near the bottom of the screen with the nasties coming into view at the top. Shoot, dodge and blast everything you can whilst trying not to die. Points are awarded for successfully killing the enemies but you only get three lives - which isn't nearly enough. Thankfully, an extra ship can be earned every 10,000 points.

If... you... survive... long... enough!!

Our ship(s) manoeuvre very spritely, but that doesn't mean avoiding the bullet hell is easy. Well, certainly not for me thanks to my old man's reactions. Fortunately, Zog supports two-player mode which is absolutely superb!! Another cool thing is the use of autofire. Yep, no need to hysterically bash the button and I loved this little 'cheat' a lot if I'm honest.

Right then, it's got to that point where I stop waffling on and show yet another screenshot...

With two gamers playing at the same time things improve drastically!!

Aesthetics

Visually, this is a pretty neat game considering that it isn't commercial and also reminds me somewhat of Frenetic. I've played a few games developed with SEUCK and none will blow you away. However, it looks pretty good and the scrolling is smooth(ish) albeit with a slightly reduced screen size. Enemy sprites move predictably, making their way across your screen briskly as the landscape scrolls - a positive testament to the ability of this underrated development tool.

Sadly, there is no title music and all in-game sound effects are the traditional zaps and zings you've heard before. These YM effects are good but a decent background chiptune would have been a miles better option.

Steve, stop complaining because this is public domain! Sheesh, that idiot fella? Hey, it's screenshot time...

A message you see a lot. Argh, if only the gameplay was better optimised...

The CryptO'pinion?

Let's be honest, I doubt anyone will bother downloading this game any time soon. There are already many ace ST shooters like Lethal Xcess, Flying Shark, SWIV, Goldrunner, or Xenon. Heck, maybe even Chopper X. Well, maybe! ;)

However, Zog was released as public domain, so, with that in mind, I enjoyed it. Embarrassingly, I have to admit that didn't get very far! This is one tough cookie and I would have loved any kind of optimisation to its insane design. No matter how I try to avoid the stray enemy bullets, I always end up dying quickly. Which is hardly entertaining, is it?

Having said all that, it's a totally different story as a two-player shooter. With a friend, the hoard-blasting gameplay is fantastic. In fact, I'd go as far as saying this shooter feels like it was meant to be played this way.

So, how should I rate Zog? That's right, a slight improvement to the "CryptO'pinion" as I shall now provide a score (let me know whether you think this is a good idea). Firstly, my greetings to the Fulton boys for their enthusiasm by (wickedly) bringing this game to my attention. It's never a dull moment finding something new and I had lots of fun!

I'm gonna rate it a respectable 65% for dual-gaming. Knock off 10% if you're hammering that fire button alone.

What, you disagree with me? Then get it downloaded from Atarimania and let me know what you think in the comments below? Finally, go and check out Atarilegand for a ton of other SEUCK games listed.