Enhanced games - part 7

Ten and Counting

If I'm honest, I thought the previous article would have been the last, but I've found another 10 games! Now, I'm pretty much sure this will definitely be the last compilation, and you can check out each of the previous articles by clicking here(1), here(2), here(3), here(4), here(5), and here(6). If you don't enjoy clicking, I've grouped all seven parts for easy access. Okay, let's take a look at the latest batch…

Chu Chu Rocket is a Reservoir Gods 2001 conversion of Sega’s quirky puzzler, where the goal is to guide mice (aka ChuChus ) safely into rockets while keeping them clear of hungry space cats. This revolves around placing directional arrows on the playfield, herding them into the right paths while avoiding the dangers. It’s every bit as daft as it sounds, and supports both single and multiplayer. This is a faithful fan port with Blitter graphics and cool audio. It's possibly one of my favourite "puzzlers". It's brilliant, and the registered version is available at Atarimania.

Labotomy Invaders from a Small Bedroom in Galashiels is probably the world's daftest name! Once it begins, it's clear that a lot of demoscene influence went into this, with a presentation style that uses gorgeous effects and stereo DMA music. Sadly, the game doesn't really compare: it's basically a strange version of Space Invaders where you use the joystick to swish the screen across in the blind hope of aligning your crosshair with an Invader, before they reach the ground. For me, this game desperately required mouse control, as the joystick doesn't feel right at all. The directional movement feels rigid compared to the easy glide of a mouse, so it's a no from me. If you're still interested, then download it from Atari Legend.

Mad Paul Lay (yes, the Floyd The Droid man himself!!) released a Boulderdash game called Mad for Page 6, and made an upgraded version for the Atari STe in 1991. The original is a great game, but everything was on one screen, so the new version super-sizes everything and uses hardware scrolling. It's weird - I would have expected the same graphics, but within a larger maze. Of course, the gameplay remains the same as we're still tunnelling through the dirt, only this time we're not collecting diamonds! Watch out for falling rocks and don't get trapped. Sure, it looks naff, but it plays great. I really enjoyed this silly game! The download is available at Atarimania.

Rock Star Ate My Hamster is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the great 1980s tabloid headlines in a surprisingly addictive management-style game. We guide an unknown band to stardom by hiring oddball musicians, rehearsing to improve their playing, booking gigs, etc. The game runs on both computers, but is best on the STe because they (thank you) used the DMA hardware. This is a silly game with hilarious graphics and lots of "humour". It's almost like it offers the chance to relive your youth via the tabloids. The download is available at 8BitChip.

Sam in Monsters Land was released in 1995 by Alpha Visions, and you might remember another game of theirs, called Sam in Monsters Garden? This game also uses the Blitter and DMA for another silly outing as you collect items and stay clear of the cute baddies. This is old school gaming, and it's insane and totally stupid. I love it!! The download is available at Atarimania.

Skyduel was released in 1993 by Tim Chapman, and is a dogfighting/duel game where it's reds vs greens. You can choose from four crafts: Plane, Helicopter, Cannon, and Balloon - each with unique mechanics and abilities, such as dropping bombs or firing missiles. Adding to that are dynamic environmental factors, such as fluctuating wind, and random events like UFOs, lightning, and bombers. Don't play without checking out the options screen (STe options and more). I guarantee you will absolutely love this. The download is available at Atari Legend.

Sokoban - Bobby the Hippie Ghost is from 1995 by Inner Circuit Explorers, and is basically your classic Sokoban puzzler, but with a cheeky twist: instead of a warehouse guy, you’re a chilled-out ghost shifting rocks around to cover up peace signs. It’s a funny idea, but the gameplay itself stays true to the original and even uses the Blitter. The download is available at Atarimania.

Sokoban is another version I've never played before, but I don't know who to credit for this 1992 game. This game is a little weird, as we're an egg playing the same game format. Well, it looks like an egg from above lol. Sadly, it's French only, but that shouldn't stop the fun for ST Nutters who enjoy this type of game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Tiny Skweeks is a puzzler by Loriciel that involves guiding fuzzy creatures through a series of increasingly complex mazes. Players must navigate around obstacles, find the right path, and collect all the 'skweeks' to complete a level. The challenge lies in the strategic planning required to solve each puzzle, as a single wrong move can trap the player or make progress impossible. The STe can expect better colours and DMA music. The download is available at Atari Legend.

Tower Power is the surprising game of the entire bunch. Released in 1992 by Johnnie Chan, the game is played on a 10x10 grid, where up to four players move pieces, similar to chess. When one player's piece attempts to "take" another, the game shifts to a one-on-one combat sequence. The outcome of this mini-game determines who wins the square. Players can acquire gold to purchase different pieces, each with unique abilities, from a peasant to powerful creatures like a Wizard. The ultimate goal is either to eliminate all opponents or to occupy all four central squares. Ignore how it looks; this game is fantastic. The download is available at Atari Legend.

That was a great bunch of games to end this series. The quality of ChuChu Rocket and Tiny Skweeks is impressive. Also, Tower Power is amateur, but incredible. Of course, 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 final compilation. Stay enhanced... Stay Atari STe!!

Chu Chu Rocket is an unassuming puzzler that is absolutely top-notch stuff.

Labotomy Invaders from a Small Bedroom in Galashiels? Erm, no.

Mad looks like trash, right? Everything is too big, but it's challenging and fun.

Rock Star Ate My Hamster has Kylie on the payroll. Use her wisely... ahem...

Sam in Monster's Land is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!

In Skyduel, ignore the graphics. Just play this game!!

Bobby the Hippie Ghost is a pretty Sokoban.

Sokoban, again! But this time, we're an egg... Yep, an egg...

Tiny Skweeks somehow reminds me of Jumping Jack'Son.

Don't look at its graphics, because Tower Power is actually superb!!