Navy Moves

Mission U-5544

Dinamic released Navy Moves in 1989, and as you all are probably aware, I'm a big fan of theirs, so I'm eager to boot up Army Moves' sequel. As are McArra, an elite agent sent on a covert mission to destroy a rogue nuclear submarine before it can upset the global balance of power (ie, BOOM WARS). Like many Dinamic games, Navy Moves is split up into two parts. Part One is itself divided into three stages.

Beginning at sea, McArra races across mine-infested waters, and this opening section immediately feels a little like Army Moves. The aim is simple: ride the choppy sea and leap over the mines. However, in practice, it's brutally difficult as the mines are packed tightly together. (In fact, this setup weirdly reminded me of a scrolling nightmare version of a room from Jet Set Willy called West Wing Roof). Weird, right?

Anyhow, one mistimed jump sends you back to the start. IF you reach one of the checkpoints, the challenge worsens with enemies attacking from both sides of the screen. You'll never beat this part of the game, as it's absolutely impossible!! The second stage is underwater as McArra puts on his scuba gear and descends below the surface. From what I have seen online, this section is excellent and reminds me of Thunder Jaws. The third stage is a horizontal shooter, like Menace, and again, it appears genuinely impressive.

You guessed it, I only got to see the first stage of Part One! Sigh, let's see a screenshot from that...

The dreaded first stage of Part One. Why, Dinamic? Why???

Operation Cephalopod

Part Two takes place inside the submarine and can be selected from the main menu, provided you know the "secret code". McArra must fight his way through a network of connected rooms towards the reactor, where a bomb needs to be planted. Officers, marines, and flamethrower-wielding troops patrol the corridors, turning every section of the sub into hostile territory. Anyone in your way has to go, but it's the officers who matter, as searching their bodies reveals the security codes needed to venture further.

However, it's not simply a case of charging forward with guns blazing. Most fallen enemies can be searched, which means every encounter has some meaning - especially when your ammo is running low. Progress becomes a balance of advancing through the rooms, conserving ammunition, and making sure no useful body is left unchecked - the key element of this entire stage. Planting the bomb at the reactor is only half the mission, because you still have to retrace your steps and escape the submarine before it blows up.

Sneak around, kill baddies, and rob their bodies of loot. Very excellent!! It's screenshot time...

You know, I'm starting to think McArra was modelled on someone famous? Hmm...

CryptO'pinion

I have always had a soft spot for Dinamic, as they brought plenty of quirky titles to the Atari ST. You can feel their oddball charm all over this one, but that first stage almost feels as if the developers deliberately sabotaged their own work. I never got to see the second and third stages of Part One.

Dinamic was never known for taking it easy on us, but Navy Moves feels excessive even by their standards. Thankfully, Part Two is accessible via the main menu, but it's very challenging. Still, running through a submarine, gunning down guards, and racing towards the reactor is thoroughly enjoyable.

If I had bought this game in 1989, then I'd probably have been quite annoyed at the opening stage, especially if I didn't know the code for Part Two. And that's not very good, is it? So, forget playing Part One unless you’re a gaming legend with superhuman joystick skills. That's certainly not me, so I'd recommend you download Navy Moves to play only Part Two. This is a great run-and-gunner that you will love to bits.

• Floppies can be downloaded from Atari Legend.
• D-Bug has a great version that's hard-drive installable.
• If you want access to Part Two, then check out my PDF magazine: ST Cheaters Unite.
• There are many more Dinamic games on the Crypt. Check 'em out!
• Risky Business has a superb playthrough video. He actually beats the first stage of Part One. So maybe it's just me? Anyhow, you've also gotta see the ending. Seriously, don't miss that scene :^)
• We need someone to hack Part One so we can play stages 2 and 3. Get in touch!!

The part of the game is so great, but why play properly? Just kill henchmen!