Reliving 1984

Horror, by Sandy White

A while back, I was watching a video by Gears of Games. It wasn't even an ST game either! No, it was Ant Attack for the ZX Spectrum, and that got my thinking. Whilst I enjoyed that game as a kid, I wouldn't say I was captivated by it. Not like I was its sequel, Zombie Zombie. I remember being late for school many times, as we'd be playing it on a mate's computer (I didn't get my ZX Spectrum until Christmas that year)

So, bearing in mind that I love emulation... I booted up my Atari ST and loaded the brilliant ZX Spectrum emulator by Christian Gandler. Now, this emulator is good on the stock ST so long as the game doesn't use scrolling or feature in-game music. For example, Manic Miner (with music turned off) runs about 90/95% of the correct speed, which is just insane for me to fathom. Sadly, Zombie Zombie has scrolling, so its demands are heavy. It's still playable (but perhaps I'm best digging out my Mega STe to play it properly?).

For those unfamiliar, it was released by Quicksilva in 1984. Taking place in an 'open-world' isometric post-apocalyptic city with no people. Well, no living people!! Of course, there are a few roaming zombies to keep us entertained. The gameplay is easy to grasp yet challenging to master, whether you play as a boy or a girl. Moving around the abandoned city is easy because we have a helicopter!! Whether you walk or fly like Howling Mad Murdock, this is a free-roaming game. The challenge lies in staying safe, ensuring you don't get cornered, so strategically use the environment to your advantage. As in Dying Light, find a safe house.

I must admit, I was pleasantly shocked at how well my trusty Atari ST ran Zombie Zombie (stock 8MHz STe with 4MB RAM). I figured the scrolling would eliminate any possible chance of playability. Sure, it's slower and everything inside of me screams, "Steve, just use the Mega STe!", but I had bucket loads of laggy fun. I would estimate that the game (on a stock ST) is about 70% of the original game's speed. Not too bad most of the time, but the zombies are still far too quick for me. Yep, just use the Mega STe, Steve!!!

So why am I sharing this nonsense? No reason at all. I just love it, and emulating other computers using my Atari ST never fails to impress me. Anyhow, I enjoyed playing this great game after many years :-)

See you soon for the next [ST] game...

• The ST can emulate even more computers, which you'll discover by clicking here.
• Christian's excellent ZX Spectrum emulator can be downloaded from World of Spectrum.
• Gears of Games has a great YouTube Channel you should check out.
• I'd like to thank my two good friends, Doug and Paul, for their recent help.

Yeah, it needed 16MHz to be playable, but I still had fun like a 13-year-old!

When you begin, go for a fly about and explore from a safe distance.

When you're feeling brave, walk and climb the city's remains.

Hitting fire changes the camera view.

Unfortunately, I was still new to the controls and fell to my death!

Up on my feet again, I go exploring... and... I see a zombie!!

It's sad when a dead person has quicker reactions than me!! Sigh...

Douglas Rockmoor

Cave In? Cave On!

Boulder Dash is one of those games I used to see in magazines when I was a kid. Everyone seemed to rave on and enjoy it. However, I played a version on my ZX Spectrum that I didn't like because of the eye-popping scrolling. That's about as much as I recall if I'm honest. Fast forward to my Atari ST years, and I played a few more, but I wasn’t impressed with the less-than-smooth scrolling. A necessity for a game like this.

Then I saw Douglas Rockmoor by Gary Wheaton (aka Goth), which Budgie UK released in 1990 (I bought this, but not the sequel released a year later). The premise is exactly what you expect: we're in several labyrinths of caves filled with soil, diamonds, rocks, and a few nasty creatures. As you move, dirt is removed to create the pathway you've travelled. Sometimes, enemies are scarpering about, so look for any nearby rocks to cunningly eliminate them using gravity! You can also push rocks if there's a space behind them, but try to avoid being crushed yourself! Collect the diamonds, don't get trapped, and look for the exit to escape!

I've played both games today, which are much the same. The sequel has more levels and nicer graphics (not much!). In fact, I'm tempted to ask if these run in medium resolution, as only 4 colours are used (for the game). Sadly, a timer is present, and you know how much I hate those! But it begins to count down several seconds before the game is ready!! Also, it's worth noting that the silky-smooth scrolling runs at 50fps. Impressive, but also strange because the screen scrolls slower than the player moves, which is weird.

Anyhow, for someone who never enjoyed Boulder Dash, I quite liked these two games. However, they are extremely difficult and too tough for the likes of me, who found the first caves quite impossible! Regardless of my whinges, fans of the genre will no doubt be cave-struck with both Douglas Rockmoor games.

• Both games are downloadable from Atarimania.
• A hard drive version of the first game is over on 8BitChip.
• Wondering how smooth, eh? Check out Hundgirrid's excellent video recording.

This is the type of puzzle we face - how to kill that blocky alien!

Of course, you may also get yourself stuck!

This screen is scary! RUNNNNNN!!

Argh, I did it again and got myself stuck.

I started this cave and was immediately stuck!

Believe it or not, I only took this screenshot because I liked the colours!

Square Off

Great, another Tetris...

Some puzzle games just feel right the moment you boot the disk, and Square Off is definitely one of those. Released in 1995 by legend Dave Munsie, this is his take on the Tetris formula - though it's much more. Compared to other versions, it isn’t exactly going to dazzle you, but it is bright and colourful. The audio is the same, really: no-frills, but with plenty of great samples (especially on the Atari STe).

Hey, when did games demand fancy aesthetics to be enjoyable?

At its core, the rules are the same as Tetris: rotate and drop pieces to complete lines, but stack too high and it’s game over. Munsie has added some neat ideas to shake things up: Classic Mode is the purist’s choice, while Arcade Mode ramps things up across twenty levels of steadily increasing difficulty. Each stage demands a set number of lines, with backdrops changing every couple of levels to freshen the view. Later rounds even start with junk blocks already placed, though the occasional fire bomb power-up can help clear some much-needed space when things get tight. And for those lucky enough to have friends (unlike me), there’s a fantastic Battle Mode where you can cunningly punish the other player by dumping extra lines on their board.

The mark of a great game is when you suddenly realise you’ve been playing for ages without noticing. That’s exactly what happened as I grinded through Arcade mode. Square Off takes Tetris and adds just enough to make it feel fresh, thrilling, and different. My only gripe? The music option that does absolutely nothing – at least for me here (4MB STe). Regardless, Square Off might just be my favourite Tetris on the ST/e!!

I had problems with various disks (real hardware), but the adapted version by 8BitChip ran fine.

All screenshots were taken from my very first attempt. Not bad for me!

Hey, what's this? It looks explosive...

Kaboom - blocks cleared!! Yes, I think that will come in handy.

New level, and junk blocks are automatically placed on the board.

Oh dear, things are getting a little mad for me here...

This level starts with junk blocks that make it quite impossible (for me!).

Yep, that's me done. Still, 32530 is a good score!

Dammit, I missed the deadline! I wonder who won?

Enhanced games - part 2

Gem 10

I’ve gone and done it again! Yup, I've picked more random games from the Atari STe's library of enhanced games (the earlier compilation can be viewed here). Of course, some games work on the ST, but all of the ones listed here are enhanced in some way. So, let’s crack on and see which games I've picked this time…

Battletris & Battletris+ are gonna be bundled together for good reason, and fantastic takes on Tetris. Released in 1994 by New Core, each has DMA audio and another extra feature - multiplayer via a null-modem cable to link two computers. Must admit, I don't like the colour scheme, but these games are excellent versions of Tetris. Downloads are available at Atarimania.

Breakdance is a 1998 Atari ST game developed by Paranoia, and inspired by the 1984 Epyx title (I actually remember seeing the adverts for that). Anyhow, it features a cast of demoscene personalities, including Llama, Paranoid, Sage, Grey, Mike/STAX, and 505. The gameplay revolves around performing moves in a rhythm-based format, using the joystick to repeat the dance steps. One of the most stupid games I've seen, but I'll have just one more go... Of course, the DMA audio is supported for these five funky dancers. Download is available at Atari Legend.

Detonator is a 2023 Atari ST/STE puzzle game developed by Tomasz Majewski, and is a remake of the Atari 8-bit original by Best Quality Ltd. The premise is we need to explode a screen-full of bombs. We must strategically move them into place so they detonate in turn (like falling dominos!!). It's a fantatic game I am blumming terrible at and need to do better. Regardless of my skills, all explosions are made using the DMA audio. Downloads are available from Atarimania.

Kuo Vadis was released in 2000 for the Atari STe and is a turn-based style "avoid 'em up" that challenges you to navigate through a moving maze while trying to make the robots collide and kill themselves. I've managed to reach the third level and score 360 points. Pretty poor, I imagine! Can you beat me? Downloads are available at Atari FTP Archive.

Micromachines was originally meant for release around 1994, but a DynaCore's lack of motivation ended that idea. Which is an enormous shame because it had massive potential. Thankfully, Lotek released it in 2006 as a preview for everyone to playtest and see what might have been. As you can imagine, it's a top-down racer like the classic Micro Machines series, featuring miniature vehicles racing through everyday environments. The environment is a bit sparse, but the Blitter is moving the screen fast and in overscan, plus the controls are surprisingly excellent. Ahhhhhh, what might have been... The download (with source code) is available at Atarimania.

Moonfall is set on Frontier Alfa where we assume the role of a pilot navigating between settlements, engaging in trade, and defending against pirates. It's somewhat a mix of Frontier and Starglider(ish) and should have been great, but it's not because of awkward controls. At least they found time for DMA music on the title screen. Download is available at Atari Legend.

Pairs are Gone released by Paradize Games in 2008 and inspired by a mini-game from a silly game on something called the Nintendo DS. It challenges players to clear a grid of face-up cards by pairing adjacent ones - horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This is one of those games you will play and wonder why you're bothering because it's so easy. Stick with it... After about the third level the game rears it's devious head as it becomes insanely challenging. This is an excellent puzzler with peculiar DMA audio. Downloads are available at Atari FTP Archive.

Skulls is a Minesweeper-style game released in 1993 by Soderberg Software. The objective is to avoid uncovering skulls while strategically revealing safe tiles (groan, it's so tough!). Overscan graphics glide smoothly when guided by your mouse, and all that alongside DMA music too. Slickest minesweeper for the STe? Downloads are available at Atari Legend.

Speed and Skaet Ball looks a bit (ahem) familiar, and is a top-down arena-style sport for 2 players. The idea is interesting, but the damaged parts of the ground prevent this from ever being close to fun. Still, it's Blittery-smooth and features DMA Audio. Could be fun with a friend? Additionally, there is another Atari STe game on the disk called ButosDac, but I'll say no more about that (just keep it away from your kids lol). This download is available at Atarimania.

Tiptronix is a Tron-style game where you control light trails in an arena, aiming to trap opponents while avoiding collisions. Designed specifically for the Atari STe, it could be taking full advantage of the enhanced capabilities, but it's Tron. The download is available at Atarimania.

That was quite a mix of very different games! Some are definitely worth playing, but it's a tremendous shame Micromachines didn't get completed. Still, compiling this list was fun, and all titles have been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Have you had a look at that yet? Yes, you really should ;)

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

Pretty cool, if you aren't sick of Tetris yet?

Something you've got to experience at least once in your life lol

Blowing up stuff has never been so difficult.

It's insane, and I loved it! Just don't use the joystick...

Off the chart disappointment, this one. Wow, it could have been something else!

This might have been great, but I didn't take to it at all.

What an unsuspectingly superb game!

Those damn skulls!!

I'm interested in hearing from someone who's played this with a mate.

I thought I'd show the loading screen rather than an in-game shot...

Backgammon

Thrills & Spills

There are a few Backgammon games available for the Atari ST. Although I'm hardly proficient, it's a board game I enjoy. To rephrase that last line - basically, I’m the world’s worst player, yet I somehow enjoy it!! Anyhow, ARC released this in 1988, and it remains one of the few commercial GEM-based games. A quirky oddity in itself, but that means the Blitter is used by default, which means this release is an enhanced game for the Atari STe. Well, hardly, but it was fun saying that, and you should click the link to check out this growing list.

For those who don't know the game of Backgammon, the manual is excellent and clearly explains the basic rules to follow. This is a two-player board game that blends strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. It’s played on a board featuring 24 narrow triangles, known as points, which are grouped into four quadrants. Each player starts with 15 checkers and uses two dice to move them around the board in a specific path.

Players move their checkers based on the roll of two dice, advancing them in opposite directions around the board. Each die represents a separate move, so a roll of 3 and 5 means you can move one checker 3 spaces and another 5 - or a single checker a total of 8. The aim is to be the first to move all your checkers off the board (known as bearing off) before your opponent does. You can pit wits against the ST or go head-to-head with a friend. Thankfully, there is a demo mode, which is something you should take advantage of.

If you're now tempted to download this game, then all of this typing wasn't for nothing after all. Here are a few tips: It's wise to focus on building a strong defensive position early on. Try stacking two or more checkers on a space to block your opponent from landing there. Avoid leaving single checkers exposed, as they’re easy targets. Just load it up and have a go, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. If you don't, just boot up Turrican!

Whilst something like Backgammon might not immediately be your obvious gaming choice, I say give it a whirl. It's actually very good, and your Atari ST provides a worthy opponent. Also, GEM works very well as an interface for the original board game, which means it will support Blitter, screen accelerators, and even high resolution. Yep, this is a great game for a night in, so I'm giving it a Steve-Is-A-Bore rating of 80%.

• Atari Legend has a couple of floppy disk menus to download.
• The hard disk master, PP/8BitChip, has created a superb version!
• Still not sure? How about a history and guide on how to play?
• You've got the Backgammon bug now, eh? There are loads more listed on Atarimania.

I couldn't leave without a couple of gripping screenshots!

Made a mistake, then use the restore option.

Space Zot

Zot o'clock

There are two things I love, my family and. No, I meant beer and travelling through the cosmos!! Do you remember when I roamed (and completed) the vast floppy disk universe in Cosmos Chronicles? Yeah, I spent many hours chatting to shady strangers in World's End bar, and loved every second of it.

But there is some bad news: the bar’s about to run out of booze. As an alliance pilot, I’ve been called in to rescue the situation by retrieving precious cargo (beer!) from a damaged freighter somewhere in the Caissel asteroid belt. The fate of every thirsty patron depends on my flying skills, so there’s no time to waste!

Space Zot, coded in 2023 using GFA Basic by Shaoth (the chap behind the brilliant roguelike Nano Cave), is one of those games that looks like one thing but turns out to be another. At first glance, you’d think it’s a shooter, but it leans more towards something like R0x - a game of avoidance? There are no blasters or lasers; your mission is to grab as many beers as possible. As you can imagine, this is a goal I can easily get behind.

Of course, space isn’t just full of free booze; it’s also packed with rocks hurtling down your lovely SC1224 display. You’ll need sharp reflexes to weave through the space junk. By the third level, things get hairy - faster rocks, trickier angles, and a screen so cluttered you’re gasping for breathing room. Thankfully, the controls are tight and responsive, which is essential when survival depends entirely on dodging rather than blasting.

I first played Space Zot on another world, and now I’ve been enjoying it back home on my Atari STe (a pretty bold statement that I hope doesn't confuse anyone). This is a cracking little game, and even if I’m a couple of years late, it comes highly recommended by yours truly. Right, it's time for another beer run...

• There is a free download at itch.io, and Atarimania has a copy too.
• As the Blitter is being used, Space Zot goes into the Enhanced Games list :)
• Hmm, you were confused? Then look at this screenshot from my Cosmos Chronicles quest.

You get points for all pick-ups, especially the beers.

Collect the letters for an extra life.

This was my second attempt, and I reached stage 6. Can you beat me?

Mega Twins

Chiki Chiki Boys

Once upon a monster-infested time, when the peaceful kingdom of Alurea was overrun by a horde of nasties, leaving the royal castle in ruins. With their father, the brave King, tragically slain, his young twin sons were left powerless to stop the chaos. But time passed, the boys grew stronger, and now they’re ready to take back what’s theirs. Armed with courage, oversized swords, and matching outfits, the dynamic duo set off on a quest to reclaim their homeland - and track down a mythical stone said to hold the key to peace.

I’ve wanted to feature this platformer for ages. It’s been sitting in my downloads folder for several years, and today I finally booted it up! Who says I’m slow? Mega Twins is an absolute corker of a platformer - instantly fun, with slick joystick controls and colourful, comical visuals. The earlier bosses aren’t too tricky - even I managed to beat them - with a few credits! The latter ones are a real challenge for anyone playing solo (so use your extra powers wisely). Wait, that’s right, two people can play at once - which is absolutely fantastic!

The visuals are absolutely superb, with a charming cartoon vibe running throughout the levels. The sound effects are excellent, but oddly, I didn’t notice the lack of in-game music until the underwater stage - probably because I stopped hammering the fire button to figure out how to clobber things down there!

I'd rate this platformer a Double Trouble 85% because it's brilliant with perfect controls, loads of levels, and supports two players. However, be warned, some of the later levels are way too hard without a cheat or better reactions than mine! Enjoy my gameplay video of the opening level before clicking on these links...

• There are great floppy downloads available at Atari Legend (I used the Fuzion disks).
• Peter/8BitChip has a superb hard drive-installable version.
• More floppy cracks are over on the Atari FTP Archive.

The first level is so good that I almost wanted it to continue throughout.

TWO players can, erm, play - at the same time. BRILLIANT!!

We've now gone underwater. The controls are very different, but still cool.

Didn't want to kill this cute beast. But I did.

One of those bosses that moves/jumps too fast for our little hero.

Those blue bats are gorgeous. Then again, everything in this game is!

Probably the best of all the bosses before a Nebulous stage, that is superb.

We're on the way down - as it explodes!

Made it to the end. Wait, no... There is one more boss before we're done.