The Abbey Of The Dead
You all know of my love for the Atari ST/e computers? However, I stray to other machines, but don't panic, I'm not talking about the Ameoba! No, a powerful 32-bit computer, Atari should have had more success with - and released sooner. Yep, the Falcon, which already has its own section here on my website.
Go on, be unique, and check that out!
The Abbey of the Dead, or more precisely, L'Abbaye Des Morts, was originally, by Locomalito & converted to the Falcon by Jo Even Skarstein (Joska). Earlier this year, Cote Gamers released the boxed version!
As you all know, I do not own a Falcon, so I'm stuck in the virtual wastelands of emulation thanks to the (fabulous) program Hatari. Sadly, this great emulator doesn't appear to support 60Hz, so the game suffers from irritating slowdown and volume problems with the sound effects. Have you seen the cost of a Falcon? Yeah, I can live with this performance hit until my pending lottery win comes through!
I think we need to see a couple of sexy Atari Falcon screenshots. Who's with me? Come on...
We begin with the Crusaders chasing us through the forest.
A couple of dangerous leaps in the windy woods, and we make it to safety within the church!
So what's this game about?
It's a historical tale from the 13th century and somewhat disappointing thanks to humans being typically stupid. The Cathars, who preached Christian beliefs, were expelled from the Languedoc region of France by the Catholic Church. Sigh, I guess these people missed the point of what Jesus was teaching? Well, they treated the Cathars as heretics and banished them! If you're interested in more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albigensian_Crusade
A plucky monk managed to escape and, as he scarpered through the woods, he stumbled upon old church ruins. His name is Jean Raymond, but he wasn't the luckiest guy because what he didn't reckon on was the evil lurking underneath the ruins. What are the chances of that? Anyhow, to exorcise this evil, he needs to find 12 crucifixes that have been scattered about, but it won't be easy, thanks to an infestation of monsters!!
Okay, it's a good idea to read signs and look for helpful items. Just like in these screenshots...
Activate that checkpoint Cross and read the script which hints at a hidden passage...
The only pointless script is here, but look, behold our first Cross to collect!!
Gameplay
The Abbey Of The Dead is a 2D platformer with rooms to explore as we hunt for the Crosses. Each screen is separate, offering its own piece of the adventure with different monsters, objects, and tricky jumps to test our dexterity. We begin with three lives, but this can be topped up by collecting hearts.
Along with the 12 Crosses, other items prove helpful. Firstly, scrolls often provide cryptic clues - the first hints at a secret passage that needs discovery to begin our adventure. There are also checkpoints about the church, which are automatically used after losing a life. These are essential, as you can imagine.
The joystick controls are dead simple - left/right to walk and fire to jump. What I like is the ability to alter direction during a leap. Also, pulling downwards activates a crouch, which will be handy on some of the trickier screens!! The keyboard can be used (which I preferred), and a Jagpad if you have one spare?
- I'd advise playing several games - just to explore as many rooms as you can. With each attempt, you should find yourself going deeper into the church (which isn't big), so make notes of Cross location and anything else that might be helpful - hearts, teleporters and easier routes.
- I would also look out for something that might appear out of place. This is how I stumbled upon a secret passage in my video recording!
Let's take a gander at more screenshots whilst the Crusaders bang on that wooden door...
Here, you might say we're Out On A Limb. I loved how the leaves blew with the change of music.
This is a fantastic room, but I was running out of lives in order to find a cool screenshot!
Aesthetics
Some might look at this platformer and assume it's technically a humble, static-screen game. Something that the ST/STe can handle? You're missing the point, you snob. The graphics are gorgeous, and I think Joska/Mun has done a brilliant job using a style that looks uniquely different to what I initially expected.
It begins with an intro describing the historical tale with text scrolling over the image. What I loved was how it doesn't overlap the logo - a simple yet excellent effect. The game has a console feel with smooth sprites and palettes. The level of detail is superb, and I appreciated how each room has an individual feel.
I won't spoil the surprise of the Game Over screen. It's dark. But it's superb!!
If you're hoping the audio is just as impressive, you're in for a treat. The music is distinctive, with a selection of fantastic chiptunes by Skuggemannen. I admit, I didn't expect to hear "ST tunes", but they work well (I'm relieved not to hear tracker music). Interestingly, playback isn't blindly continuous and can change depending on your location. This first happens in "Prayer Of Hope" and is an effect that adds depth and tension.
Things aren't so impressive for the sound effects, which are barely audible thanks to the problems of emulation. For example, I can hardly hear the Crusaders banging on the door, and the church bell sounds miles away. Okay, this is hardly the end of the world, but I envy Falcon owners more and more with each breath!
It looks and sounds the business, so let's celebrate with even more screenshots...
Otto from Berzerk is here, I think. He chases, so use the platforms wisely to dodge him.
I might have struggled to reach this fantastic room without the aid of a nifty teleporter.
The CryptO'pinion?
Please note, my review is based purely on what I experienced with Hatari. With that in mind, I've had a fistful of fun, albeit with some annoying slowdown and disappointing sound effects. Thankfully, it's still very playable, and nothing can ruin my enjoyment of this excellent platformer, which is challenging and very entertaining.
With each play, I get a little farther, whilst noting interesting item details or things that appear odd. It's this exploration and gradual progression that took me back to my ZX Spectrum days, roaming the factory of Chuckie Egg 2 and the mansion of JSW. Yes, this game has that old-school feel, and I'm in heaven!!
L'Abbaye Des Morts is an excellent platformer, and I'm chuffed I ordered it with Cote Gamers. I'm stuck using an emulator, but even with the problem that itpresents, I enjoy it. I love its retro charm, along with the fact that it drags me back for more. I only wish there were a cut-down version available for the Atari ST/e.
I must admit, a part of me is tempted to make a map, but that will be challenging!!
Tough? Yeah, Hatari makes some scenes harder than they actually are.
Credits and other stuff
It's obvious a lot of love, sweat, and tears(!) went into this platformer. All thanks to these guys:
Jo Even Skarstein (coding & graphics)Geir Vælidalo (additional code & graphics)Mun (additional graphics)Nevat (additional graphics & maps)Skuggemannen (music)
Joska's website with Atari game download: https://atari.joska.no/abbayedesmorts/
Cote Gamers published the boxed release: https://cotegamers.com/shop/en/39-atari-falcon
Locomalito's website: https://locomalito.com/abbaye_des_morts.php
Video recording by tIn^demos using real hardware: https://youtu.be/J3JKvEop74Y
Hmph, I've no Falcon, but I do own the game! Weird, I know, but take a gander at this boxed beauty...
The cover artwork is superb and feels like you're trying to view the monk through the glare.
Squidgy bits to stop the disk rattling about have been kept. I don't know why either!
I know I'll never get to boot this up unless someone donates their Falcon O_o
I love the manual, which is mostly an interesting "making of" in English and French.
