Enhanced games

Baker's Dozen

I have picked out thirteen random games, each varying in style and (ahem) overall quality, but all sharing one interesting thing in common. Can you guess what that is? That’s right - each game has been STe-enhanced in some particular way. So, let’s crack on and see exactly which ones made the cut...

Crime Time is an adventure with a superb intro and quirky graphics (which I love). Sadly, it’s all in German, though apparently there’s an English version floating around somewhere. Maybe someone knows where to find a download? I’d love to explore more of this game. It features DMA sound and takes advantage of the colours. Download is available at Atari FTP Archive.

Esprit was created by the Bolo folk over at ASH, and is the predecessor to Oxyd, boasting 100 passworded levels. You guide a ball through a world ruled by physical forces like acceleration. Touching a stone reveals a hidden symbol, and matching two identical symbols in succession locks them in place. Once all stones are locked, the level is complete. In short, it’s "Memory", only with marbles and momentum. Interestingly, this might be the first game to feature DMA sound. Or at least, the first monochrome game to do so? Downloads are available at Atarimania.

H-Mec really should have been featured years ago, as it’s a brilliant twist on the classic Pac-Man formula. Much like in its sequel, it may look like the same game, but the ghosts’ AI behaves in completely different. It's quite unexpected, turning it into a deadly, game of chase. I actually interviewed the author, Jon Garry, a while back - you should definitely give that a read. H-Mec is superb: slick, smooth, and packed with excellent sound effects, all thanks to the hardware scrolling, Blitter magic, and DMA audio. Downloads are available from Atarimania.

Kittypuk is something completely silly, and definitely unexpected! Imagine if Atari had released Pong, but instead of batting a ball, you shoot a cat. It’s bonkers, yet a cruel form of entertainment you just can’t deny yourself!! The DMA sound effects are brilliantly funny, and it’s worth firing this up for one or two hilarious games. Downloads are available at AtariUpToDate.

Landmine is a good spin on Minesweeper and runs in GEM, which means it uses the Blitter by default and also features DMA sounds to boot. Download is available at Atari FTP Archive.

Paragliding is a terrible game, but at least they added DMA audio, I guess. What was Loriciel thinking? Yeah, I can't believe it's one of their games. I really wouldn't bother unless you're totally mind-numbingly braindead. Download is available at Atari FTP Archive.

Stone Age is a puzzler with gorgeous aesthetics and devilishly challenging mechanics. I know plenty of people who adore this game, and I can see why. Sadly, it’s just a bit too taxing for my pathetic little brain, ugh!! Enhanced with outstanding DMA audio and a splash of extra colours, it’s a real treat for those who can handle the stress. Grab the download at Atarimania.

Stupid Balloon Game is by Ed Cleveland (yes, the Donkey Island guy!!), is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from its title. It’s a terrible game. Sorry, Ed - but at least you had the decency to make it Blitter-powered with a dash of DMA audio. Downloads are available at Atarimania.

Styx II is (sigh) yet another Tetris clone, as if we didn't have enough already. Must admit though, it's pretty good with smooth Blitter movement and DMA sounds. If you haven't had enough Tetris in your disappointing life, then the download is available at AtariUpToDate.

Walz is a twist on Breakout, as if we didn't have enough (wow, Mr Grumps). Well, here is another, and it apparently uses the Blitter and features DMA sounds. It is good, but not if you have Arkanoid on the hard drive! Downloads are available at Atarimania and Atari FTP Archive.

Worm Race transforms you into... a line! A line that loves to race around a track similar to Super Sprint. No, it's nothing close to that classic, and is only worthwhile playing as a multiplayer game. Uses the DMA for its cool sounds, and the download is available at Atari Legend.

Wrecking Ball is still in development(?) and looking rather promising, although yet another Breakout variation! I hope he continues, as the current release is enjoyable, albeit with incomplete bat physics. DMA is used for the sounds, and the download link is listed at Atari Legend.

Zuffers is one of those headache-inducing puzzlers. I like the concept, but it's nothing new really. My brain hated it, but my ears loved the DMA audio. Downloads are available at Atarimania.

That’s quite a mix of very different games. Some are definitely worth playing, others… not so much. But, each to their own, right? So why did I round up this motley little bunch? Simple - it was fun, and I wanted to add them to our ever-growing Enhanced Games list. Have you had a look at that yet? You really should :)

I hope you enjoyed this feature. Stay enhanced... STay Atari STe!!

Crime Time is only good if you speak the language!

If you're good at Memory, then you'll love this one.

Why no H-Mec screenshot? Because I love its boot piccy!

Pong with guns. Shoot the cat!!

Landmine is so tough. Then again, I'm hopeless at these games.

This loading screen is the best part of the game!

Stone Age has some of the best music ever!!

Mr Cleveland has a lot to answer for...

Either I'm a bad player, or I simply couldn't be bothered?

Yet more blocks to break with Walz.

And the winner of the most boring screenshot ever is Worm Race!

I had to capture its title screen because it's soooo cool.

Zuffers has some freaky faces looking at you for help.