Attention to detail

Busting with detail

We know that cool aesthetics don’t make a great game. However, let’s be honest, we all love games with spanky effects, lush colours, and great sound. Over the years, I’ve met many talented ST peeps and interviewed some pixel artists. It’s amazing to see what they achieved with the limited 8/16-bit hardware of the time. This includes titles like The Addams Family, Magic Boy, Chaos Engine, Rubicon, Black Lamp, Voodoo Nightmare, Deathbringer, Alien World, Skull & Crossbones, Mystical, 9 Lives, Ghost Battle, Mega Twins, and many others.

Anyways, the above animation is from my first play of Times of Lore. I like details, and this game comes with a couple of charmers. With that out of the way, I’ll keep you updated on X with any progress I make.

Until next time...

Enhanced games - part 5

Fun Boy 10

Yup, I've found another bunch of games that are enhanced in some way on the Atari STe. One of which, I've no idea why it demands an STe, but the other nine are "interesting" in their own way. Of course, this is the fifth instalment, and you can read the earlier compilations by clicking here(1), here(2), here(3), and here(4). Right, I can tell you're itching to read about these ten tos-tastic games, so let's kick this off…

Blitz released in 1992 by Jean Marc Gervasoni, is a WW2 strategy wargame for the Atari STe where we command forces in a bid to outwit our opponent. It's basically a 2-player game with many relevant battles, and some that reminded me of North & South. Sadly, it appears to be in French, so I struggled somewhat, which is a shame as it looks really good. The Blitter is used and we have some nice DMA sound effects. The download is available at Atarimania.

Card Party is a playing cards game by Dale Zwicker that demands an Atari STe, but I'm not exactly sure why the older ST is left out in the cold? There are a handful of games featured - Pyramid, Follow Suit, and Cribbages - Solitaire and 31. I know little about these, but this seems to play very well, and, as it uses GEM, enjoy Blitter usage! The download is available at Atarimania.

D-Day was released in 1992 by William Troy and is a moving tribute to a past forgotten by today's government. You begin by recuing soldiers stranded in the water, push up to go faster (hardware scrolling!), avoid the obstacles, and get those men onboard! Let the intro playthrough, otherwise you're bombed back into GEM. The download is available at Atarimania.

Iron is a 1993 Breakout clone by Michel Vibert and even comes with an Editor. I thoughally enjoyed playing this game with it's peculiar colours and strange backdrops. Expect really authentic physics, power-ups, and a wibbly alien bouncing around the screen to get in your way. Great game this one and it uses the Blitter and DMA to boot. The download is available at Atarimania.

Kolmik Deluxe Edition is a puzzler released in 2010 by Paradize for the Atari STe. It's based on the Pooz bonus game with improvements and awesome DMA audio. The gameplay is simple, but tough, from three rows of tiles, align tiles of the same colour for points. The more combos, the more points you earn. If you find that easy, then there's a squared mode that blew my tiny mind. I'm rubbish at games like this, but I enjoyed it a bunch!! The download is available at Atarimania.

lignes by Michel Vibert in 1993 is a take on Tetris using the Blitter and DMA. It's not the best version I've played, and the keys are a little awkward, but I like the potential demonstrated. Not a bad game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Magno-Ball is a 1992 sports game not unlike Sliders by Vince Valenti. It's for one/two players and similar to football, only this time it's a magnetic ball that needs firing into the oppents goal. Sadly, rather than one display, each player sees their own part of the pitch, which is odd. You can play on the ST, but it's "better" on the STe thanks to the Blitter. This ain't no Sliders with a poor framerate that spoils what might have been. The download is available at Atarimania.

Megaline - The Final Confrontation was released in 1993 by Michael Brunnström and Peter Zetterberg (what, really?). It's inspired by the classic Tron light cycle concept, and up to four players can compete (friends or computer). Each player is challenged to navigate a grid, leaving a trail behind them while avoiding collisions with their own trail and that of opponents. Uses the Blitter(!) and DMA audio - also features a mixing board allowing you to alter the sound preferences, which is pretty cool. The download is available at Atarimania.

Ritus was released at GEMTOS 2024 by Geoffroy Streit and Vincent Barrillot and feels like a reverse of Tetris. Don't go off looks, as we can move our arrow left/right, shooting letters upwards towards to the top of the screen. Match a block of three same letters and they disappear for points. An unassuming shooter/puzzler, and it's very challenging!! Best played on the Atari STe for much beter DMA sound effects. The download is available at Atarimania.

Ready... Steady... Bang! by Nicolas Hettinger and Vincent Barrillot in 2023. This fast-paced, one-on-one shooter draws inspiration from classic Western duels, challenging players to react swiftly to a countdown and draw their guns before their opponent. It love the quirky-styled STS-graphics, plus the controls are super-responsive, but they needed to be. The tension that builds waiting for "bang!" is fierce!! My daughter loves this game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Another fascinating bunch of very different games. Yet again, I've had tons of fun compiling this list, and it's interesting to see what enhanced goodies lurk within our library. Of course, all titles have been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Have you looked at that yet? Yes, you really should ;)

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

(Blitz) Tell me you're not getting a North & South vibe!

Won't work on the ST, but card players with an STe are in luck!

It's a familiar game, but nice to play. Just remember to go faster!

Iron might look low-grade with its weird colours, but this is a superb Breakout!!

This game will blow your mind, but leave the gorgeous music playing!

It's Tetris. Again.

It's Speedball, it's Sliders, it's Ballistix. No, but make sure your ST has a Blitter!

(Megaline) I swear, I tried my best to get an interesting screenshot...

(Ritus) Like an ASCII game, but with a cool background, right? Just play it!!

Ready... Steady... Bang! This game only worked with real hardware - for me.

I went on a road trip...

Cow Killer

For some strange reason, I realised I hadn't played Hunter in years. A real shame because it's one of the best Atari ST games ever. Perhaps that's the price of running AtariCrypt - either play, write, and post stuff, or just play, and AtariCrypt dies. Nooo! So I decided to boot it up and use a fantastic trainer by Pompey Pirates. I wasn’t keen on playing it properly - I just wanted to explore, steal vehicles, and blow things up.

Playing Hunter again was a revelation. It’s so far ahead of its time, and I'd forgotten how incredible its open-world was. Riding a bicycle through the land was, oddly, my favourite way to get around. A strange thing to say, as there are jeeps, boats, tanks, and more! However, I still cannot fly a helicopter properly!!

So basically, I went around the island in cheat mode, exploding buildings and killing everything from enemy soldiers to rabbits, seagulls, and cows (these are so funny, but I wonder what Paul Holmes had against them lol). I love how they relentlessly chase you. Weirdly, my rockets never hit it, but bullets did.

In short, this is probably the best Atari game out there. Well, along with Dungeon Master, Shadowlands, Turrican, Rick Dangerous, Stardust, Rogue, Oids, North & South... Ah, ignore me:-)

Hey, click that link above!! Done? Okay, I thought you’d enjoy these screenshots and a video....

Just me out for a bike ride in the lush countryside.

Hey, what's that tower, I wonder...

I didn't like the look of it, so I fired rockets to see what would happen. BOOM!!

Come on, who expected to find a rabid cow that chases them?

That cow destroyed my bike!! Not to worry, as I see a tank!

Only in Hunter will a Red Cross truck try to run you down!

Lots of different clips bundled together for your entertainment.

Look, just play the game for yourself! ;)

Rogül

Ten Dimensions of Doom

Originally released on the Atari 8-bit by Wojtek Bociański, Rogul arrives on the ST/STe courtesy Retro Blitter Team (yes, those of Cannon Fodder fame), with strikingly atmospheric visuals by Hospes. You already know how much I love roguelikes, so the thought of another sent quivers down my giant sword (ooer!!).

This time, we’re not simply descending into a creepy dungeon; we guide a lone warrior through ten demonic dimensions to eventually challenge Amalotolos. He is the tyrant who has plunged the realms into chaos, spreading hunger, violence, and death through his ruthless rule and ever-present minions.

Of course, the goal for each level is to kill monsters, build XP, and level up to get stronger for the worst monsters that lie ahead. Clear enough of any realm, and a Portal Key will eventually drop, opening the way forward. Amalotolos is waiting in the tenth and final realm. Yes, I'm scared already.

Your survival hinges on exploration, lots of killing, clever use of the turn-based system, and whatever is in your backpack. Along the way, you can gamble at mysterious altars for divine favour (or punishment), and spend hard-earned gold at rare trading machines that appear every few realms. Thankfully, there are many items to aid your journey, ranging from health potions to scrolls for teleportation and much more.

The first level gradually introduces you to the type of challenge that lies ahead. However, it’s not long before you face tougher and more aggressive foes with different skills. So use your melee weapons and hit hard - these range from blades to heavy hitters like war axes and great swords. Range attacks are possible, but only when the monsters drop bows or crossbows. Tactical positioning is key to success, as the immediate terrain modifies the combat stats of both you and your enemies. So look where you're standing!

I must admit that after my first playtests, Rogul is beyond impressive. I tip my hat to Wojtek for creating such an impressive game. He's taken the #roguelike format and ramped it up with some truly exciting ideas that I love. Kudos to the Retro Blitter Team, who proved their incredible talent in converting Rogul to both ST models, using each computer's respective audio strengths. Of course, the STe is better because of its DMA hardware, but you won't believe how much until you have played for yourself (follow my Rogul posts on X).

Just a few more weeks until the bugs are squashed and the final touches are added...

Prepare thyself!!

I'd like to express my gratitude to KtZ and Hospes for sending me an early version. The public release is pencilled in for the end of May, so whilst you wait for that, you can play Rogue (that I improved with DMA-streamed audio - check that out), along with the magnificent Nano Cave that blew my socks off. So, until then, here are some cool screenshots...

A gorgeous loading screen as displayed on the STe using its extended palette.

The screen is littered with enemies, and those (grey) Banshees are scary!

Yes, I'm hiding behind a wall. Too scared to come out!

Remember, not everything goes into your inventory as it's used straight away.

You receive a bonus when levelling up or casting a Wisdom Spell.

Wow, I've finally reached the surreal 10th dimension, and I'm scared stiff!!

I did it. Amalotolos is dead!! 💀 💀 💀 

ST2VGA Enhanced VGA Adapter

Pixel Sharp

Those of you following my ramblings over the years will remember that I originally had a terrible flat-screen TV. I then bought two really old VGA monitors and used a standard cable. It worked, but produced weird lines on the screen. These looked like scratches that worsened whenever disk access was happening. Later, I bought the UBESWITCH, which is a superb product with a sharp display. Sadly, the scratches remained.

So, after that long-winded background, let's get to the point! Okay, I bought SidecarTridge's enhanced VGA adapter, which is a little more expensive than their other adapter. The ST2VGA Enhanced has an active video processing stage that amplifies the analog signal before it reaches the monitor.

This model draws power via a USB port (I use a nifty dongle in the cartridge port or a free USB slot on my Mac). I've tested this on two different VGA monitors, and it's ultra-sharp without those dreaded scratch marks. I'm sharing this to encourage more ST Nutters to buy this superb bit of kit. Excellent work, Diego!

Here are the links, plus some badly taken photos using my phone (which seemed like a good idea at the time!). You might not be able to see how great the display is, but you shall note the scratches are gone...

• SidecarTridge web page for their enhanced adapter (always worth paying that bit extra!).
• Check out SidecarTridge on X and give Diego a follow.
• Listed down the right side of every page is our Hardware section - check it out.

I thought I'd show this boring screen - completely free of scratches!

Again, a black background without scratches. I'm loving this adapter :)

Then I thought a close-up of the sharp display... Ugh... Trust me, it's sharp.

This one captured well, I thought. Look how nice and clear the text is. Niiiiiice!!

firST year

STuck in the 80s

When I first became an ST user, I was completely unfamiliar with the concept of a demo. Perhaps I might have assumed it meant a game demo, who knows? What I do know is that Grusel and The Union Demo were the first that truly captured my interest in this new world of impressive effects, music, and scrollers.

Grusel was something I stumbled upon while browsing the Page 6 library, along with a bunch of other intriguing things that piqued my curiosity as a new ST guy. Of course, it was The Union Demo that truly ignited this new passion. Weirdly, I discovered it by pure chance through an advert in a magazine. It's an understatement to say I was astounded by the capabilities my Atari ST suddenly possessed overnight.

This marked the beginning of something monumental. I wondered how my 520ST was doing all this, as I walked Charley across the smooth-scrolling landscape to some incredible demos. In fact, to this day, I still regard The Wobbly Screen by the mighty Replicants as one of the best. I couldn’t help but wonder what else was out there, so I began looking! This led to buying disks like Money For Nothing and others. Including the older TEX demos, I had previously not known about. These disks gave birth to my demoscene addiction!

One of the most impressive demos I encountered during this time was the 007 Demo by the ST Squad. It blew me away due to its length and the clarity of the sound. It was incredible what a 512Kb computer with a floppy drive could produce. Since I didn’t have any speakers, I remember it being played through the TV. In fact, I even remember my Dad coming upstairs to ask if I was watching a James Bond movie, haha.

Around this time, many more sample disks were released. It seemed like a popular niche, with artists cramming as much music onto a floppy disk as possible. This could be recorded samples or simply mixing parts to create something longer. Whatever the method, I was hooked and spent hours searching for more.

In short, I’ve been reliving my early days by going through sample disks from around this time. Hearing my ST sing everything from Ghostbusters to Stingray was/is a surreal moment. And it's thanks to The Union boys. Curiously, I wonder how long I might have been unaware of "demos" if it weren’t for them?

Anyway, this is just a small part of my history from my early days when I discovered "demos". What about you guys? Here are links to other 'sample' demos that I remember during those years...

Batdance by Matt Kennedy (Ripped Off #65) - https://demozoo.org/Bat...

Robomix by Electronic Images & Radical Systems (POV #9) - https://demozoo.org/

Ghostbusters by ST Squad (POV #14) - https://demozoo.org/ghosts...

Phantom Of The Opera by Tony Longworth (Ripped Off #2) - https://demozoo.org/daley...

Miami Vice Theme by MJS - https://www.atarimania.com/miami-vice

Stingray by The Poltergeists (The Source #49) - https://demozoo.org/sting...

The Cola Wars by Tom O'Shaughnessy (Mind-blowing) - https://www.atarimania.com/cola-wars

I couldn't leave without a quick show of the Union Demo. What a moment in time!!

No Limit & No Limit II

Tilt Happens

Pinball was massive in the 90s, and the ST got its fair share of digital tables. In 1993, Andreas Kröber released No Limit - if you're wondering why that name, you will soon realise when loading it up (ARGH, my ears lol). This is a good game, but it looks dull as ditchwater without scrolling, and the ball feels more like squidgy rubber than steel. Still, I guess there really were no limits, because a year later, the sequel arrived! This used the hardware scrolling for rapid display and a bigger area. So, it blew away the original.

Flippers are handled by the two SHIFT keys, and when things get hairy, whack that spacebar to tilt the table and hopefully save the ball. Yep, hairy stuff. That's my understanding of Pinball in a nutshell. Of course, the sequel is the one to choose, as it looks better and plays great with nice physics. I love how the smooth scrolling zips up and down the screen! My only quibble is with the odd table with its bizarre snowy theme.

So there you go - play the second game and hit those flippers to bash your ball. Make sure you’re on an STe; otherwise, you’re missing out on the sounds and silky-smooth scrolling. It’s not up there with Obsession, but I would happily put No Limit II alongside Starball as a great alternative on the Atari ST/e.

• Atarimania has both (unregistered) games to download.
• No Limits II can be installed onto a hard drive/Ultrasatan thanks to 8BitChip.
• Check out some of the other Pinball games for the ST/STe.
• Seeing as both games are nicely enhanced, they've made it onto my list!
• Check out some more games that work in high-res mode.

The physics/feel of the ball (ooer) might not be the best, but I enjoyed the game.

Look, it even runs in high-res monochrome!!

I reached 1472, not bad, I guess... ahem...

No Limit II seems to have a snowy feel. It's not the most glamorous of tables, is it!

Yeah, it looks poor, but it plays very well in high resolution.

Oh no, another ball out of play... I reached 42,402 points.

European Champions

Football, great...

You know me, I loathe football, and the only time I've bothered was with Team a few years ago. Ugh, "Soccer" is, for me, as dull as dishwater: hardly any goals, the endless diving, and the drama when players act like they’ve been hit by a sniper, when in reality the only thing that touched them was a blade of grass! ;^)

Ocean released European Champions in 1994 for the Atari STe, with support for one or two players. Wait, did I say STe?? Yes, the DMA audio is used for crowd sounds and other effects. And, unlike Team, there are lots of effects played throughout the match, which really lift the atmosphere of our virtual stadium. Plus, the Blitter chip is working away to keep the frame rates up for the little men bravely charging up and down the pitch. Also, I have to admit, the range of pitches is impressive, and the action replays are excellent.

The joystick controls are everything you’d hope for: fast, responsive, and easy to get into without being too easy. Even I can see two people around their Atari STe enjoying this one! Hey, if I liked football, I’d probably be glued to this game for hours. As it stands, I’m still impressed - despite myself. There’s plenty more, too: you can play friendlies, leagues, cups, and even tweak the referee’s temperament if you fancy.

European Champions is polished, responsive, and stacked with features that make the matches very enjoyable. The highlights are my favourite part. I'm feeling brave enough to rate this 90%. However, I still think footballers are overpaid drama queens - but Ocean’s STe kickabout almost makes me see the appeal. Almost.

I believe this was Ocean's final Atari release? If so, what a way to end. Legends!!

• There are several menus to download at Atari Legend.
• Atarimania has the original disks available from their archive.
• European Champions is proudly added to the Enhanced Gaming List.
• We also have a 'soccer' group, but it's quite lite atm... Any recommendations?

Tension is rising in the box, and things are getting scrappy. Like I'd know...

Score a goal, and it's time for a superb action replay!

Oh dear, a grown man is injured and crying for help. Big girl's blouse!!

Another goal scored, so let's see it again in more detail, please.

What, I actually enjoyed a footy game? Sure did, it's excellent.

Let me know if you agree. Is it better than Sensi Soccer or Kick Off!!