A book all about Atari ST demos

Democyclopedia - The Book!

There is a brand new book released about the Atari ST demoscene by ST Survivor (aka STS) who I'm sure you will remember being interviewed a few years back? This book is based on his blog that alphabetically documents more ST demos than you could shake a stick at. The French book was released last year so when I heard that the English version was finally available to pre-order... Yeah, you know that I just had to have it! Guess what? It has arrived :)

The book is beefy A4 hardback which I'm very happy about - gotta be big to exhibit the visual beauty of the ST demoscene! The published book is available by Cote Gamers (they of Iceblox Plus and Toogle and other goodies).

Click on the link below to find out more information and online ordering. Why not take a look at his blog whilst you wait for the book version to plop through your letterbox. Congrats Sebastien - your hard work has paid off!!

Cote Gamers secure online ordering (https://cotegamers.com/shop/en/encyclopedias/132-democyclopedie...)

A few words from the man himself

"My love for ATARI ST demos started a long time ago in 1994 or so. Back then I joined a democrew called NLC first as the main editor of the Frenck ToXiC MaG and then as a pixel artist. Around 2015 I started writing a blog called Democyclopedia that is dedicated to ATARI ST demos. I decided to sort all effects alphabetically as well as I added my own favourite demos, a tribute to all pixel artists and some personal articles.

As I reached more than 150 articles and thought this was the end of it, a friend suggested I should turn my work into a hardcover book, this is how I came to work with publisher CotÈ Gamers. The 250-page French edition was released last summer and it was indeed more successful than I expected! We are now working on delivering the English edition within the next months but preorders are already open, so go for it! -STS"

50 ST games you have to play

A new Atari ST book

I know, I know, I'm late to this party - a brand new book by none other than Karl Morris to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Atari ST. A flabbergasting 50 games are featured along with segments for point & click games, Jeff Minter, how to emulate an ST, YM2149 chip. Oh, and I particularly enjoyed the Ad Breaks.

Karl begins with a heartwarming dedication to the passing of his friend and fellow Atarian, Curt Vendel. The introduction then begins to offer extraordinary insight into the entire era of just what makes the Atari ST everything we love: from its early years to the people, events, stories, hardware, technology, and specifications. I found this to be a fascinating glimpse into the mid-80s and something that I'll probably read several times over the years—that's higher praise than you think as I'm no book worm!!

Wanna see what I'm talking about? Of course, you do so here is a photo of the page with Atari ST specs...

Arghh, somebody's broken up my beautiful Atari ST in pieces!!

Get to the games!

Okay, you all know how much I love the Atari ST (and Atari STe, of course). This is my era of "Atari" so I was expecting good things. Thankfully, the book does not fail to impress. There are several games feature and, starting with the earliest, we have the timeless classic Time Bandit to begin his 16-bit gaming journey. Later, there are beauties like Operation Wold (Arcade Conversions), Dungeon Master (Adventures), Backlash (shoot 'em ups), Supremecy (Strategy), Vroom (Sports) and much more. Absolutely brilliant gaming!!

But wait. Not only is there the usual selection, but also a raft of games traditionally ignored, which was a lovely surprise. I was pleasantly shocked to see greats like Sentinel, Corruption, Masterblazer, Beyond Zork, Stardust, Backlash, and Lode Runner. Karl is obviously a guy who loves to play Atari, and that shines through.

Hang on, I didn't see Resolution 101!! (Okay, I'll stop that now! I don't want to be one of those people lol)

The book has several cool ads and this ad for Defender of the Crown is one of my faves...!

Same old same old?

Over the years, we've seen many articles online or in magazines like Retro Gamer, and more. This had to offer something extra special. Thankfully, this is a book that is well-made with a chic style and presentation that is nothing short of exceptional. The writing style is engaging and from a perspective that is both insightful and fun to read. Content is both predictable and also unexpected. That means it doesn't fall into the trap of featuring the same old games we've seen a million times. Hey, you know what I mean!

Each game is presented in a format I admire - rather than defaulting to a meaningless Top 50 chart show. All are split into segments of genre, which makes finding what you need a cinch. I liked the layout with photos of title screens, box art and other tidbits displayed as a funky GEM window. Ad Breaks feature often and are a nostalgic reminder of how the Atari ST magazines once captivated our imagination. Love it!!

It doesn't end yet! Check out these lovely stickers and fridge magnets (which my wife loves!)...

The other books and goodies by Zafinn are magnificent - I feel like a BIG kid on Christmas morning!

The CryptO'pinion?

You can guess how thrilled I am to own yet another Atari ST publication. I've found it to be an enjoyable read which I'll return to time & time again. However, the AtariCrypt website failed to get mentioned, but I can forgive Karl because he managed to get Atari Legend's website wrong - twice!! (Oops, I'm so sorry guys!). 🤪

But seriously, this is the bee's knees and for a meagre €35, it's incredibly good value for money. I believe the available stock is running low so now is the time to act if you want a copy. My sincere gratitude to Karl for holding onto a copy for me over the last few months - I love the goodies, especially the fridge magnets!!

Come on folks, grab yourself a copy of this wonderful new Atari ST book from the Zafinn Books website.

Volume 3: Return Of The Borders!

Return of the... book

How time flies, it was only last October that I remember giving Marco's planned project a Crypt-push and today (YES) it became a reality. After several days of resentfully watching many ST nutters flaunt their Trilogy collection, I finally have my own copy!! Yup, this morning I received that familiar brown parcel which I excitedly opened.

I've just had a flick through and love what I've read so far, I'm sure to enjoy reading it properly over the coming weekend. If anyone missed out on the support & funding of this project, then don't despair because you can still purchase any or all three volumes. My gratitude goes out to Marco and everyone involved in this hiSToric achievement!!

- Check out the Microzeit web store -

And you thought this book was just about demos? Yeah, it's Jeff Minter!!



Stardust is one of the best 16-bit games ever released and a divine Atari STe release.

Say hello to Jan, one of our amazing Patreons!! Hello Milhouse :-)



Iron Soldier is outstanding, what a game that was/is. I wish I still had my copy...

I love Scavenger so I'm really looking forward to reading this interview.



I cannot afford one but that doesn't stop me from loving the Atari Falcon!

Faster Than Light: The Atari ST

Kick back and enjoy another Atari ST book

Jamie Lendino of ExtremeTech has released a book dedicated to the world's best 16-bit computer. I've only just got the digital edition tonight but I've enjoyed flicking through some pages and to say I'm impressed would be a huge understatement. This is seriously good stuff. Heck, even my little website gets a mention which is mind-blowing.

Faster Than Light is crammed full and covers many different topics: from the history and range of different computers plus the various uses we got from this incredible beast. The book is available on (your local) Amazon store right now for less than a tank of fuel!! I'm buying the paperback edition and I hope you ST nutters do the same.

Hey, shall we see some nabbed screenshots and text? Why not! Here you go then...

   
   

“Power Without the Price.” Every Atari fan remembers that slogan from the 1980s as the rallying cry for 16-bit computing in the form of the Atari ST. This groundbreaking computer brought previously unimagined power to the home user for the first time—and transformed an industry or two along the way.

Author Jamie Lendino offers a fresh, vital look at the history of the Atari ST, guiding you from its inauspicious genesis at the centre of a company known for its gaming consoles to its category-defining triumphs in music, desktop publishing, and video gaming. And he doesn’t stop there: He then leaps to the present to pull back the veil on the thriving software and mod communities that aren’t just keeping it alive today but taking it to places its creators never could have imagined.

Whether you’re a longtime devotee who wants to relive the magic of the machine that unleashed the wonders of Dungeon Master, Time Bandit, and Starglider, an intrepid DIYer on the hunt for new ideas and resources to take your homebrew system to the next level, or a newcomer hungry to learn the ins and outs of one of the most important computers ever created, this book will get you there just as the ST did its long-ago digital pioneers: Faster Than Light.

The Atari ST And The Creative People

Another book?

Marco Breddin has done it again!! After unleashing the jaw-dropping Breakin' The Borders we finally have volume two, Beyond The Borders. I have only just received my copy and it appears a wonderful work of art, detailing yet more hiSTory about the creative folk who made us gasp in awe. For once, I am (almost) lost for words by what is nothing less than a beautiful and professional product that is worth every penny. I hope you all buy yourself a copy!

Take a gander at both volumes on the Microzeit store and see if they don't get your demoscene juices bubbling with excitement. I know mine is so I'm excited to carefully begin flicking through each page of volume two :)