The Seven Gates Of Jambala

It's been ages since I posted any box art so let's end this dry run with something from my ST shelf... The Seven Gates Of Jambala was released in 1989 by Grandslam thanks to lots of talented sceners from Thalion. I actually bought this a few years ago and paid handsomely too. Not only is it Thalion, but it was sealed so in pristine condition: opening it was immense especially when I got close and breathed in that trapped 80s air... Mmm!!

There are some big names associated with this platformer, which I'm sure many will recognise from the ST's demo scene. These talented sceners sure knew how to get the most from the ST to prove just what this awesome machine was capable of when programmed by people who didn't make excuses and got this beast to grunt hard!

I must admit, its box design is kinda hit and miss: I like those monsters in the foreground but that freaky idiot inside the archway is lame - so makes me want to reach for my shotgun!! Having said that, the 3D perspective is nice... Well, I finally have a Thalion title in my collection and one which proudly takes its place on my ST shelf.

Sadly, as with Enchanted Land, this is another game which looks and sounds a lot better than it actually plays. Don't get me wrong, the basic mechanics are quite good but there's something off... I've never liked the feel of the momentum and slippy floors, especially when at the edge of a tight platform. Yes, I'm probably being too cruel because, unlike the above-mentioned game, this is better to play and therefore a lot easier to explore to see more of what it offers. What a shame I usually get lost! 

I'll probably make a video for a review at some point? But if you fancy trying it for yourself then I suggest downloading this version by Klaz which runs off either floppy or hard drive and includes a trainer. You'll need that trainer...

- SCREENSHOTS -


We begin in a village but beware the threat of drowning in tiny purple puddles!


Where could these doors possibly take us? Let's knock and find out...

Woo!! It's really creepy down here and there are monsters too. Watch out!


The tunnels reminded me of No Buddies Land! You can find THAT on this website too :o)

Hibernated 1 - This Place is Death

Yet Another New Game!

I've taken delivery of what is the latest game released for the Atari ST, Hibernated 1 by Stefan Vogt. You know, I feel like I've waited years for this to pop through my letterbox but here it is! I'm ecstatic to report a fantastic product that's so beautiful, I'm unsure whether remove its lovely plastic seal... Of course, I've already unwrapped it!!

Hibernated was reviewed back in August (click that link!!) and I included an animation to demonstrate the game's awesome sense of humour during the exploration - all links and a download/purchase are available here.

Wanna see the box and what goodies are inside? Of course, you do...

Reach For The Skies

Why am I reminded of S Club 7?

Anyhow, it's time for some more BoxArt and today we have a wonderful flight sim by Rowan/Virgin called Reach For The Skies. I've definitely landed lucky because the box is in superb condition and even the contents are in good nick: manual, keycard and disks. It's almost like I used a time machine and revisited 1993 ( sigh... just imagine... )

Reach For The Skies was released back in 1993 and attempts a recreation of the Battle Of Britain era between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe. That is obviously a crucial part of the entire war and is split into four mammoth sections. If you're up to the task, you can be either a brave pilot or the controller for an entire squadron.

Okay, the box itself looks awesome but what about those pixels? Are they just as good? Let's see...

Now, this is what I call awesome pixel artwork. Look at the details. Love it!!

The German on the right looks like Colonel Von Strohm, I thought.

Awesome pixel art throughout and I love the moustache and pipe. Very British lol

Read The Flipping Manual

Obviously, the first thing I did was skip reading the manual and read nothing more than the keycard. This humble sheet of paper displays an array of keys that are used to successfully pilot the planes. Don't be too scared because there is a practice mode which is great for newcomers, like me. This means we can completely bypass the complex take-off procedure and then pretend to be a stuntman like Colt Seavers whizzing across those lovely 16-bit skies? Well, ahem, I did!

Those who prefer to take things seriously are advised to learn the cockpit and keep the keycard sheet at hand. As you get accustomed to flying the skies, you will note some great external views: I really enjoyed these and you can watch me messing about on my YT channel (below). There are other awesome features like video recording and even the ability to flip between each member of your squadron. Yup, this is a rewarding game that will take a little more time to master.

It's screenshot time again so let's take a look at some of the missions that you will be sent on...

Is anything here catching your eye, hero?

Love the dated information that presents the mission ahead perfectly.

Those plucky Germans with their technology, commitment and wishful thinking!

The CryptO'pinion?

This is a demanding flight sim with some neat features that are brilliant for a novice, like me! This means you can get the most out of this flight sim from the very start. I love the authentic cockpits, and the external views are stunning, but learning to hunt down and destroy the enemy will take much practice. But that's definitely a good thing, right? Reach For The Skies is one of the best flight sims and something I will enjoy time and time again. Tally-ho and chocks away old bean!!

Whatever plane you decide to pilot, make sure you download the hard drive version (floppies on Stonish).

Let's end with some more screenshots and a video recording with some 3D camera angles...

The camera views are superb and I loved messing about with this feature. A lot!!

The graphics are incredible. It's like you're really there, well, for this 90s gamer anyway...

Oh no, pull up!! Pull up!! Why do I always die...?

Please note: the video recording is based on my own Mega STe (16MHz). I have tried to show the game's basic elements for both the German and the British sides. Perhaps I should have used the standard computer, but there are lots of videos out there on YouTube so I fancied being different and put the extra grunt of this amazing computer to some use!

However, it is worth noting that the standard Atari ST also performs very well (no change there then).

Gobliins 2

Funny creatures with funny expressions

The newest addition to my collection goes to Coktel Vision's Gobliins 2. The cover is very cheesy - just look at those silly faces which are quite creepy too. I only wish the sticker on the left wasn't there as I can see eyes looking at me! (I hate it when companies or shops would put their stickers on boxes!!). Anyhow, superb box art.

Right then, talking of boxes, the cover is great but let's see the back and what's inside...

Can you imagine seeing the back of this in a shop? It's so "buy me!"

The manual is short but straight to the point with information and lots of tips to get you started.

Ah, the previous own marked his possession!! I wonder who S Scott was?

Codes to stop crackers? Well, maybe not but definitely to annoy legit buyers!

It's all new (to me)

I've never played any "Goblins" game so, this is all new to me. In the sequel, a demon king has kidnapped The Prince (who's a bit of a Buffoon) but the gruesome twosome will save the day: Fingus and Winkle. This is a unique "co-op" adventure and one I'm dying to boot up later today. [grab the floppy or hard drive downloads]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I booted it up. The look is unique and comical but it's also got characteristics of other point & click adventure games like, say, Lure Of The Temptress. I kinda wish I'd have been able to buy both of the Goblin games so I could check out the original, but, I guess I download will suffice. This looks incredible though and I'm excited to play it properly. For now, check out my screenshots from my first play...

Well, I think he's choking a chicken while a giant sleeps under a tree. Nice scene!

LOL Just look at the old dude in the window. Awesome artwork.

This game is certainly living up to my expectations. I'm having a blast playing this belter!!

RVF Honda

Let's be Street Hawk!

It's time for more Atari ST box art from my collection with MicroStyle's RVF Honda. I can't lie and say this is the prettiest box I've featured but the bike is a beauty so let's open it up and take my new Honda for a ride.

First things first, RVF Honda isn't an arcade racer, more a simulator with semi/realistic mechanics like manual gears and opponents that only Barry Sheene could beat. The graphics are barebones but performance is fast and there's an option for 60Hz, which is something all games should have.

This racer is fun albeit with a massive learning curve. I must say, having to push the bike is a neat touch but one that soon wears thin when struggling to master those corners thus slamming into yet another tree... Yep, the learning curve is hell on two wheels which I think is successfully demonstrated in my video recording.

Let's take a look at the back of the box and what's inside along with screenshots and a video...

The back of the box is actually better than the front, which is odd!

The manual is concise and stuff full of information. Make sure you read it...

Hmm, not much for your pennies when you think about it?

Make sure you're in the right gear for the corners otherwise you hit the tarmac!

That then means pushing your bike to get going again. Love it!!

Take time, learn the controls and grasp the feel of the handling.

Oi you, keep off my grass!! Pah, a need to practise more...

Magic Pockets

Fancy a game of pocket pool?

I thought it was about time we posted some more BoxArt from my own collection. Well, I finally re/bought Magic Pockets by the awesome Bitmap Bros and those guys sure knew how to program and never once settled for a lame Amiga port. Anyhow, the cover art is quite simple, especially when compared to others I've already featured. Hmm, it's a bit boring perhaps? Anyhow, I'm proud to own what is nothing less than another belting piece of hiSTory by the Bitmaps!!

So the story. Ah, yes... Okay, the Bitmap Kid (BK to his burger friends) has been given a brand new pair of magical trousers from an old man he met in the park one evening. No, not really lol!! Anyhow, he loves these trousers but then finds out that his toys have somehow disappeared into a fantasy world: PocketLand. Of course, this cool Kid is determined to get his toys back so enters via a black hole he conjured!! Boy, if there was ever a whackier storyline!

Anyhow, let's take a gander at one lovely - blue-tinted - screenshot...

There are lots of crazy monsters to kill but... hang on... what's that TV doing there?

Short arms, deep pockets

PocketLand is split over four enormous levels and BK is armed with different powers depending on the world he's currently in. There are so many awesome enemies and bonuses - heck, he even has extra abilities like the whirlwind to jump higher. Sometimes the route through can feel like a wild goose chase, but often you're led onto secret areas which contain lots of goodies. I admire their overall design because most levels never feel linear in the slightest.

Joystick controls are spritely with responsive action and movement. I have always liked the mechanics because - it feels less like a computer platformer and more like something a console would knock out. Neither is better than the other, it's just how Magic Pockets feels (to me) so I like it today as much as I did back in the 90s. In fact, it's quite surreal playing it again!

Well, it's time for yet another screenshot. Wow, gripping stuff...

The first level nicely introduces various aspects of the game with its trippy mechanics.

Aesthetics

Visually, this has a Godly appearance with lovely colours splashed throughout every level. The scrolling is fast and fluent so always manages to keep up the pace. However, it's the sprites that are something else; so many incredibly cute critters all of which are nicely animated too. Why can't all games look this beautiful?

The sound effects are fantastic but I would have preferred an option for a background tune. Famously, the title music is by Betty Boo but, I'm kinda meh about that. I guess it's nice to have and the quality is pretty good.

Get on your bike and get ready for another screenshot of crazy gameplay...

Hey, I've found a bike? Weeee, come on, there aren't many games like this!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Well, I'm new (again) to Magic Pockets so haven't gotten very far, if I'm honest. But, what a gem this platformer is and it's wonderful to play it once again. I feel it hasn't aged badly whatsoever. In fact, it's still just as much fun and as entertaining as it ever was. You could say that I'm feeling like a big kid on Christmas Day here!!

Magic Pockets is an outstanding platformer and very easy to get into. This article might be a preview but, anything from the Bitmap Brothers is top-notch. So I know I'll be enjoying this for many moons. Highly recommended.

Downloaded for floppy and hard disk.

Flight Of The Intruder

Check out my latest purchase: Flight Of The Intruder. The huge box has a minimalistic yet sleek artwork style so it's going straight into our Box Art section. I have always admired this game but somehow I oddly never got the play it back in the day... Well, finally, I can do just that and I'm really looking forward to taking this for a spin. However, first I must read through the weighty manual, so why not take a few moments to admire its beauty while you wait?

Flight Of The Intruder can be downloaded for floppy or the highly-recommended hard disk version.

Interphase

Another ST game from my collection!

It's time for some more box art and we have a gorgeous "Starglider" alternative by Image Works. Interphase was given away free on a magazine cover disk and I reckon every ST guy has played this game before? However, I never actually owned the boxed original - until now!! It's actually in fantastic condition and with all contents perfectly preserved.

As I boot this up, I know that my gaming will be an amazing gouraud-tastic experience!! This is a fine shooter and a great example of what the ST can do when programmed by people with talent and commitment. Not only are there superb sound effects but we have framerates that are faster and smoother than any other 16-bit computer. Excellent game!!

Grab yourself a piece of this 3D action and grab the download for either the sluggish floppy or your hard disk.

I can't end it there without including some screenshots so here you go...

Ya' can't beat a Fine Young Cannibals sample for this cool title screen.

You begin in this weird tunnel sequence which is better and tougher than you realise.

The graphics are fast and smooth with some unique polygons - like the unicycling frog!! O_o

The power and performance of the Atari ST... when in the hands of developers with talent!

Disk 15

Yeah, it's time for more box art!

Okay, I recently bought this curiosity from "Cassette 50" legends, Cascade Games. It's called Disk 15 and shockingly contains 15 Atari ST games - which you can now download from AtariMania to instantly begin enjoying this wicked collection of mind-blowing "next-gen" games. Each one has the ability to blow your socks off!! So brace yourself because too much fun could cause your Atari ST to explode... you have been warned.

What? You don't believe me, uh? Well, here are some cool screenshots courtesy of AtariMania...

Death Trap

My first ever Anco game!

Anco's Death Trap was released in 1990 and reminds me of a variety of platformers, like Horror Zombies From The Crypt with a hint of Prince Of Persia and Ricky Dangerous. The gruesome cover is nothing short of tremendous so deserves its place in the AtariCrypt BoxArt hall of fame. Also known as my personal collection!

We begin our adventure in a labyrinth of horror and encounter traps, like falling blocks, poisonous chests, spikes and much more. Each map is incredible but it's easy to lose your bearing so I doodled myself a basic route which helped a bunch. Puzzles are simple, like flipping a switch to unlock a door but this might mean backtracking and sometimes you're even required to walk the long way around, which isn't easy when under constant attack.

It's all about the killing!

Yes, evil creatures inhabit this place and can annoyingly appear at the most inconvenient times. Watch out for ghosts who materialise from out of thin air, jumping frogs, bats that swoop in and drop rocks, Egyptian wizards, and many others. I must say, I love the stripy grabbing-hands before the culprit appears to chases you!!

Controls are responsive and keep up with the demands of our adventurer. However, the tighter jumps can be a difficult as you need to tiptoe right to the very end of a platform, which is difficult when constantly chased by creatures! Oddly, our direction cannot be altered during the jump, which can be awkward.

We're armed with a pathetic blade but this can be upgraded with potions - I love the fireball that grants the ability to kill something before it gets close. These potions can be used to conjure spells, recover health, etc.

The CryptO'pinion?

Technically speaking, this spooky adventure impressed me with agile scrolling, beautifully animated sprites, great controls and sampled sound effects (I missed a background chiptune). However, Death Trap is very tough; the maps are huge and I often got wiery of the enemy's constant onslaught which can feel annoyingly unfair.

Well, I suppose you could use a trainer to fudge that but surely that's not right? [Don't Call Me Shirley!!]

- DOWNLOADS -

Back when AtariCrypt was just a baby I recorded this gameplay video.

 Stonish has a great floppy disk and the hard disk version is available thanks to 8BitChip.

 If doodling ain't your thing then Hall of Light has every level mapped.