A Box Of Surprises!

Santa's been!

Possibly the best thing about running with this crazy idea of an Atari ST website is the amazing friends I've made along the way. One of the first is a fella from Norway who has supported me over the years and it's his latest donation that blew me away: a large box of Atari ST games that the original owner was going to throw away! Can you believe that!!

Inside is a rough variety and sadly, most of the jewel cases are badly broken with sharp edges. I doubt even an eBay seller could get away with exaggerating their condition lol. I don't care because I love anything for the Atari ST (there's a shocker) and the inlays are preserved plus all floppies work. So this collection will be kept safe for as long as I'm breathing.

Finally, there is a game that isn't in a broken jewel case - Mean 18 by Accolade. This is in brilliant condition so definitely the star of the show and something I'll cherish. Before scrolling down, click on these four pictures...

Skidz

How does a little community service sound in your game? Well, in Skidz we're picking up litter whilst riding a skateboard or bike. Avoid all the usual silly dangers along the way whilst also collecting top-ups for energy and time... Ugh, I hate time limits in most games. Anyhow, the levels are fantastic with various opportunities to leap ramps and more. The scrolling is nice and smooth plus the graphics are constantly superb for each stage.

Skidz reminded me of Back To The Future II somewhat and isn't really the kind of game I normally play if I'm honest. However, I enjoyed it quite a lot plus I appreciate the effort that went into its creation - it ain't no lame conversion. So, a good start to the box and also possibly something I'll return to someday? Maybe. We'll see...

Wanna take this for a ride then click here for the floppy disks.

Check out those shorts, this is one seriously cool Marty McFly!

Fancy a race? Hit that fire button and get ready for those tight corners.

Liberator

Here's one that should be familiar to all who follow the prattle I post here on AtariCrypt. I won't repeat myself all over again so take a look at the review to see what I thought of it a couple of years ago. How time flies!

Go on, I know that you're curious so click the link above and download it.

Come on, tell me you're not tempted to play after seeing this title screen?

Okay, I bet you're wondering what on earth is going on!

Rock'n Roll

This isn't something I've ever played and didn't know what to expect. It feels like a weird cross between an overhead Marble Madness and Gauntlet. Except we are a ball that's stuck in a maze for some odd reason and I assume we need to escape. Who cares? I'm annoyed already by this game, but I guess I should plod on...

The intro is ace and not unlike a couple of demos we all know and love. The game itself takes a little time to grasp because of the feel of movement using awkward controls. Oddly, I never found the mouse a good option. Getting around the maze is easy after a while and I found keys whilst swerving my way into hazards and secret rooms.

The graphics are actually very good with smooth scrolling albeit at the expense of a smaller play area. Barry Leitch wrote the music and it's excellent, although it grates after a while because you feel like it needed to alternate.

This isn't something I would ever have bought back. The concept will possibly appeal to Marble Madness fans but I found it a galling experience. I simply don't have the patience for stuff like this. I think I hated it.

Don't let my negative nelly attitude put you off, grab the floppy disks and take it for a spin (ugh).

A ripped idea but this is actually the best thing about this game. No, really.

Loads of keys!! How can I reach those? Meh, I don't really care...

Skyfighter

The Atari ST has a great number of decent vertically scrolling shooters so I'm a bit perplexed that I have never played Skyfighter before. The gameplay and style reminded me of Plutos or Xevious but it's all a bit drab with slow scrolling and too few enemies to shoot down. Well, that's hardly a good start, is it?

Control is best using the mouse as it's far easier to move around the screen and shoot with either the cannon or bombs. Dropping bombs on fuel pods will top up your ship's reserve but that can be a tricky task in itself. This concept of refueling worked well in River Raid but less so here because you must stop concentrating on the bad guys to make a careful detonation. Very fiddly so expect to get shot down in later levels.

After completing the level, you shall be quizzed. Yep, the computer will ask you a basic question about the stage that's just been played. It's a nice idea but rather pointless although very rewarding. To think your commander will send you out to war understocked with weaponry if you get the question wrong. Quite funny...

The graphics and sounds are boring and I'm sure any 8-bit computer could have done better. To me, Sky Fighter feels rushed in every respect but I had fun for 10 minutes. However, I would rather play Flying Shark.

Don't listen to me, grab the floppy disks and take this for a test flight yourself.

It's cheap and very tacky but there's some fun to be had here.

Completing the end of the level task rewards you for the next stage!

Bombuzal

Here's another one I have already featured but this time it wasn't so much a review but rather something that I wanted to share within our Pixel Art section. Why? Because it's got amazing graphics and I wanted to celebrate that wondrous fact. Bombuzal is a beautiful looker and a great puzzler too, so check it out right here.

Don't miss out on this wonderful puzzler. Click the link above and download it right now!

Is it just me, or does he look like he's sleepwalking with his eyes open?

He looks crazy. He is! He plays with bombs after all.

Forgotten Worlds

This is one of those arcade conversions that should never have been. Don't get me wrong, I think Tim Round (of Dragon Breed and R-Type 2 fame) did a great job with this. Except for the botched controls.

Even if you had never played the arcade original, it's obvious that the home computer game doesn't feel right. Shooting straight, whilst moving up and down, is fine but what about shooting in the other directions? Well, you need to hold the fire button to get our guy to rotate that attacking move. It's too weird and very clumsy.

I'm gutted because everything about this conversion is class. I love the presentation from the arcade and both the graphics and sounds are excellent. However, I simply cannot control the darn thing for love nor money. Why didn't they compromise and create something new or compromise, aka Ikari Warriors? You know what I mean...

A beautiful game ruined by the controls. What a shame!

Grab the floppy disks or a brilliant version for hard drive installation by D-Bug.

How cool is this title screen? Love the artwork throughout.

Okay, let's just stay on the left and move up & down. Yeah, that'll work...

Impact

Going old skool... If you enjoy Breakout then Impact is gonna make you grin like a Cheshire Cat because it's brilliant. Audiogenic isn't exactly a big name on the Atari ST but John Dale and Martin Day came up trumps.

A good Breakout needs to be fast and smooth with responsive controls and lots of power-ups to keep you interested. This has got the lot and it's so aesthetically pleasing considering it's just bricks and balls. A fantastic Break-Out and most certainly one of the best there is for any computer. I guarantee you will love it.

Waste no more time and grab the floppy disks or better still a hard drive version by D-Bug.

What a naff title screen for such an immensely brilliant game.

Smooth 50fps action throughout and it sounds wonderful too.

Battle Chess

This is one of those games I first got to see on a friend's Amiga. However, since I cannot play chess, I never bothered to 'find' the Atari ST version. Although I cannot play the game, I do enjoy watching the computer move all the pieces. The pixel art is gorgeous as are the animations but I think I like the busy bee mouse pointer the most!!

The kind of game that makes you wish you were lazy and learned to play chess. Or is it just me?

Download the floppy disks and get battling!

Very regal loading screen. Liking it!

Unlike me, the computer seems to know what it's doing... Look at the busy bee!

Joust

Come on now, tell me you don't adore this classic game? And the Atari ST game is practically arcade-perfect. Anyhow, this has already been featured and was part of a special posting comparing it to other console conversions. I should do more like that... Check it out. (pssst, you might also like Winglord, best on Atari STe)

The D-Bug lads have done it again with a superb hard disk version and the floppies are here.

Ostrich's flying, dropping eggs, and jousting with each other. That sounds normal to me!

It's a crazy idea and features funky cool physics and mechanics. Works a charm!

Targhan

Now we're talking! This is a belting hack 'n slasher in a time of barbarians and bloodied swords. I've always loved Targhan and it's one of those games I periodically boot up for a quick couple of plays. It's simple, it's fun and it sure doesn't take itself seriously. Walk along, see a bad guy? Kill him with your mighty sword. Oh yeah!

We can run, leap like a girl, dodge attacks, climb ladders/ropes and explore as we please in a near-open world style. It's that freedom I love plus the constant enthusiasm for gratifying violence. The controls are responsive and a cinch to learn using the joystick. Attack moves can be performed only when holding down the fire button:

The graphics are great with huge sprites and decent animation along with background aesthetics like flying birds. Sadly, the limitations of the 16-colour palette mean everything is tinted a glaring red. That's a shame because hundreds of ST games feature palette-splitting routines to increase the number of on-screen colours. For example, to separate the play area from the status bar so each part of the screen has a separate palette.

The audio is pretty cool with a fuzzy sampled tune bleating away on the title screen. But things get far better in-game thanks to the sound effects which are superb. Lots of Barbarian-inspired grunts, screams, chinks, footsteps, and more. Some are rather strange though - killing a bat produces a peculiar explosion sound.

I personally feel this is one of the better hack & slashers for the Atari ST. It's just downright good fun!!

Download the floppies to hack and slash your way to victory!

When you begin, the screen is clear of enemies so practice with the controls.

Okay, this fella is the first badass you meet. Are you ready?

European Soccer Challenge

Ignoring the fact that I almost lacerated myself on a sharp corner of the box, I booted it up expecting good things. The Atari ST seems to excel with these games, just look at Sensi Soccer, Kick-Off, Goal, and Speedball.

The game is viewed overhead but the pitch always has a way of feeling cramped and cluttered with too many players fumbling for the ball. The action is sedate and feels like they're trying to run through a field of thick glue. I thought the game was much faster? Its speed reminded me of the ZX Spectrum game, Match Of The Day!

I know, I know, I'm not a soccer fan so what do I know? Well, I partially enjoyed playing Team a while back because it had a large playing area and was fast. But this is one of the worst things I've ever played albeit with great sound effects. They think it's all over. Well, for European Soccer Challenge, it most definitely is. Don't bother.

If you fancy a kickabout then grab the floppy disks from here.

Try as I might, I wasn't able to kick the ball into their net...

Somebody kicked a ball high into the air. Hmm, exciting.

Blasteroids

This is another I have already featured here on AtariCrypt and, I must say, I had a blast with it. Pun intended! Okay, it's not quite as good as Stardust but it's incredible and a bucket-load of fun. Check it out.

Our job always takes us somewhere hot and sunny.

Shoot, move, don't stay still. Kill everything!! Oh yeah, I love it!!

Out Run

This is a racer that's no stranger to most Atari ST owners out there who naively wasted their precious cash. The driving angle is too low and complemented by the worst framerate any game has ever delivered. Tidbit: scientists have proven that if you play Out Run for more than 30 seconds your eyeballs will burst. Fact.

Why anyone would boot this up I've no idea. The Atari ST has far better alternatives: Crazy Cars 3, Lotus Esprit 1 or 2, Vroom, etc... Or go slapdash in a fantasy land with Buggy Boy. Or challenge yourself in Stunt Car Racer. Heck, we even have a brand new remake of Pole Position and Lotus for the Atari STe.

Thankfully, there is a rumour of an upgraded version in the pipeline for the Atari ST. It's a work-in-progress by Peter Jørgensen of Manic Miner fame. I have played a few betas and it's much faster, smoother, and better looking than the drivel Probe/US Gold produced. An exciting project and I hope he manages to finish it one day.

Download the floppy disk or this hard drive installable version from D-Bug.

Out Run looked so promising from the moment we first loaded it...

However, get yourself ready for headache-inducing framerates!

Mean 18

Along with Leader Board, this is one of the oldest golf games for the Atari ST, and the screenshots certainly help to prove that. But wait, don't be put off by these naff DOS-like visuals because this is actually a cracker.

There are three courses with two difficulty levels: experts choose their own clubs with trickier controls so it's probably more fun as a "novice". The 'action' is viewed from a third-person perspective and the balls are whacked using a 3-click method: once to begin, again to select the power, and the final click to hit the thing in a straight line.

Compared to Microprose Golf, it might not have much appeal at first glance but it's a cracking golf game so ignore the frightful graphics and take it for a spin. Ugly as hell but I love this game a bunch. Plus the condition of the slimline sleeve/box, along with the contents, is superb so this is definitely the best of the entire package for me!

It won't ever be as cool as my original but you can grab the floppies from here and play it.

Another glorious shot. Hmm, will I ever break even with a PAR?

Ok, we made it onto the green so let's carefully line up the shot and calculate the distance.

The CryptO'pinion?

If ever there was a mixed box of goodies then this is it. Okay. not all games will appeal to everyone and Outrun was always going to be a disappointment. But at least the floppy disk still works so perhaps I should use that as a blank disk? Thankfully, Targhan, Joust, Blasteroids, Battle Chess, Impact, Bombuzal, and Mean 18 are all corkers!!

Those with keen eyes would have noticed that there were loose floppies? Captain Blood and Pro Tennis Tour. The first is an astronomical (sorry) game that I should properly feature someday - very soon. The other is tennis, a repugnant excuse for a sport. Plus it's the only floppy disk that doesn't work so I'll get Fast Copy on that ASAP!

Thanks to Loggins for this wonderful gift. Each dangerously broken plastic box will eventually be replaced and carefully preserved within the AtariCrypt archives. Yes, even European Soccer Challenge. Greetings to everyone who helps support AtariCrypt (see the "Pages" links at the top of this page) and also to you for being here right now :-)

Stay Atari and all the beST for 2022.

High Energy

It's time for another bundle of ST joy!

"High Energy" is something I lately lack, especially as I've just reached the big 5-0. Well, it's also the name of an Infogrames compilation, released in 1990 when I was still a spotty teenager. Included is Fire And Forget, Hostages, North And South, Teenage Queen and TinTin On The Moon. Quite a rich and varied collection with much potential.

I've never heard of this compilation before if I'm honest. So perhaps it was only released in France? Let me know in the comments below. Okay, I gotta say that I'm very eager to get cracking with this promising French release!

Before we do, let's see the Infogrames logo which I think is rather unique and very cool...

Fire & Forget

Here we have a racer by Titus that feels technically similar to other, old generation, ST racers, especially their own Crazy Cars. However, this time our car has received a weapons upgrade to blast everything into smithereens. Hmm, this makes me think of another oldie that I really enjoyed, RoadBlasters by US Gold.

Anyhow, why is the future never portrayed in a positive light for many 16-bit games? Well, once again, the world is in turmoil (ironic, eh?) as the big cities have been destroyed with millions of people slaughtered. Thankfully, some survived and luckily, you are one of them! Our mission is to operate a powerful weapon called Thunder Master, which happens to be a supped-up shiny red sports car that gets about 5 miles per gallon!

The mission takes us to various places around the globe with a simple objective - drive and shoot. The roads are crammed with zillions of bad guys in vehicles like tanks and planes with many obstacles to shoot. Two players are supported with the second taking charge of an aircraft instead of a car. Each player has unlimited lives and ammo but fuel consumption is drastic and doesn't last long without collecting the supplies lying in the road.

Talking about fuel, isn't it odd that this depletes at a staggering rate, regardless of speed? Anyhow, completing each track is pretty easy and an enjoyable romp destroying your foe by merely holding down the fire button. There are three levels of difficulty but the format remains pretty much constant as it gets harder.

Tips!

Sometimes I try to help you guys out with a few of my expert tips because I'm probably the best gamer you'll ever know. Yes, it's true. Absolute gaming legend. Anyhow, the only tip I can give you is to play Roadblasters instead. A similar game that is miles better than Fire & Forget. Okay, it's not perfect and feels really old compared to Crazy Cars 3, Vroom, Lotus 2, and others but it's great fun and that's what matters the most.

Aesthetics

The graphics and sounds are fine with decent artwork used in the menus. However, the game's framerate is shocking. Objects will appear and then, within an instant, are gone due to the incredibly low framerate that bursts eyeballs after 10 minutes of gameplay. Yes, I think we might have another Outrun on our hands?

The audio is actually not bad using crude samples but I appreciated the effort. However, the pessimist within cannot help but wonder how many cycles were wasted that could have gone into making the game visually better.

The CryptO'pinion?

Fire & Forget offers racing, guns, and missions dotted around the globe (although that's nothing more than a change in aesthetics for the most part). The actual driving feels totally unrealistic, even for an arcade-style racer and the roads are overly cluttered with baddies and nasty objects so expect many infuriating explosions!

Sadly, Titus has made the ST perform like a 2mhz computer with a framerate that destroys any chance of long-term enjoyment. There are many other, far better, racers available for the Atari ST. You have been warned!

Not the best of starts was it? Let's take a look at some screenshots from my first play...

Titus takes us to all the troubled hotspots throughout the world. Phew, it looks like Blighty is fine!

Ignore the colours and that ludicrously bad framerate because the car is awesome!

My first attempt at a one-handed two-player game (to get some screenshots) was a disaster!

My first game was terrible but I made it onto the high-score table!!

Hostages

Now we're talking. Hostages is something I cannot describe without using the word - "classic". When I say that, I really do mean it because this is as good now as it was back in the day. This game is all about strategy and covert operations as terrorists have taken over an Embassy and are holding lots of frightened hostages prisoner. Yes, a familiar tale and one that has been translated into a computer game quite brilliantly I think.

The rescue mission is Operation Jupiter and we have been commanded to enter the building, kill the terrorist scum and guide all the hostages to safety onto the top floor. You can forget to take the Arnie approach as that will only get you and your men killed. So, think more like Who Dares Wins and you get the idea.

Operation Jupiter is split into stages; the first is getting a small team of snipers in place, who will then eliminate any terrorists they see standing near a window. However, before they can get into position, they need to carefully make their way to specific key areas in the street. This means avoiding the enemy searchlights which is absolutely brilliant. I love nipping into the shadows to avoid being seen - and shot at! Be slow and methodical.

Once they're all in position, we can take a sweep of the embassy just to see if any terrorists are dumb enough to stand near a window. Scan the sides of the building and patiently wait to see who might be walking by. It's worth going slow and possibly making a second sweep of each side of the building. Voyeuristic and tense!

Now we can send in the second squad who burst through the windows like something from a Hollywood movie. Once inside, these guys will search each part of the building like a Doom marine using a crude but effective 3D perspective. The hostages are easily recognisable as they're the ones who have probably peed their pants. Guide them to safety one by one without being seen. It's a lot harder than it sounds so you should learn to use the map.

Don't expect a hero's welcome unless all successfully completed their mission.

Tips!

Use the practice mode before jumping straight in. The first level is harder than you might think, so slow down and watch the motion of those spotlights which are predictable. This is a game that takes patience so, whatever level you're at, don't rush or panic. Finally, learn to master the awkward controls when scouring the rooms for hostages and nasty terrorists. The map helps a bunch and shows you the direction you're facing.

Aesthetics

Graphically, this is fantastic and shows just how advanced the (then) new 16-bit computers were compared to their 8-bit counterparts. Each scene is dark and moody, yet compelling with a natural feel to the situation at hand. The artistry is stunning and seeing something as simple as a shadow behind a window is perfectly done.

Animations are quite funny compared to later games but I love what they did. A faint image of a soldier sneaking into the darkness or leaping over a wall is excellent. Equally impressive are the cutscenes which I really enjoyed between each stage. Cracking 80s-style TV and I loved it all so very much I gotta say.

The audio is mind-blowing from the intro which helps create the dramatic buildup using deep thumps as our team of kick-ass soldiers emerge. It doesn't end there as lots of samples are used throughout each of the stages for maximum effect. Guess what? Just like the visuals, I've nothing to moan about. Excellent stuff!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Playing Hostages is quite unique and something way ahead of its time in my humble opinion. The format of how the action takes place and the methods of different mini-games to complete the mission is excellent. It certainly paved the way for future tactical-based games in many respects. I think I'll have another game now, without getting Mike killed this time! (why is it always Mike who dies?). Anyhow, it's obvious isn't it? But I think Hostages is fantastic!!

We begin by getting the snipers in place to dodge searchlights and hide in the shadows.

Check the map to verify your positions are correct. I still say 'Mike' sounds rather odd...

Okay, let's take out some of the more stupid terrorists dumb enough to stand near a window!

The next three men abseil and burst through the windows to enter the Embassy.

Now the fun really begins but remember, don't shoot the hostages. Unless they're annoying!

North & South

This is an alternative reenactment of the barbarous American civil. There are lots of the silliest challenges to win a comical take on the Civil War. Like Hostages, this is quite unlike anything I'd previously seen at the time and is stuffed with gorgeous art and sound. Plus it features lots of humorous touches that I find hilarious.

Firstly, one or two players are supported which is great and probably better than battling against the computer. Whichever side you choose, you're playing as the Captain in charge of cavalry, infantry and artillery. It's now you should decide whether you want Indians, Mexicans, reinforcements and weather problems plaguing your troops. I say yes, the more stuff we have, the better. They each add their own brand of humour and effect.

A map of eastern America is displayed that shows the location of each country's troops and the current situation. Choose whether you wanna invade the South or protect your independence from the North before planning the strategy of your war through a series of questionable conflicts. Perhaps you might also prefer to rob a train and cash in to help fight against the enemy in greater numbers before jumping straight into the hell of war?

Using the map, we can move and advance our troops from State to State, waiting for the right time to do battle somewhere in this huge country. Depending on that location, wars are fought on a different style of the battlefield using small units of cavalry, soldiers and artillery. These battles are fantastic with head-on collisions I could enjoy all day long. They're simple and silly so hardly realistic (best without the computer's assistance?)

Watch out for reinforcements from Europe via the sea and it's always worthwhile not venturing too far west into Indian territory. However, the presentation of this retaliation is brilliantly executed with a random outcome. The Mexicans won't get involved too much, other than attacking Texas and you'll probably lose men in the process. Storms wander the landscape and make it impossible to do much until it's passed. Each adds a little extra fun.

The war is only won when the victors have successfully beaten their brethren down into the bloody mud...

Tips

Play arcade and enable all the extras for more fun: Red Indians, weather and so on. The computer is way too tough so I often play against myself. The battles are more fun and the entire game lasts a lot longer too. For a strategy game, my advice might appear quite contradictory, but, stop thinking and have fun with the 1860s.

Aesthetics

North & South has some of the most glamorous cartoon visuals. Throughout, there is a high level of humorous artistry which I find stunning thanks to how each scene is presented using bright colours and lovely animations. The overhead battles are my favourite, what's better than running down troops on horseback?

The audio is magnificent with a quirky intro tune that is unforgettable. It paves the way perfectly because it's nothing like I imagined for something that's based on the troubles of a young America. Sound effects are a big deal and massively entertaining with great quality and humour. So, the French actually have a sense of humour? Nice!

The CryptO'pinion?

I wouldn't describe North And South as a serious strategy war game. It was never meant to be that. There are elements but, it's quite a simple affair with battles, fort invasions, etc. These are more arcade than tactical. In fact, I could bang on all day about the battles, humour, funny sounds, etc but this isn't what makes North & South a great game. Of course, they are valid points, but I feel North & South is actually quite a simple concept. One that has been perfectly executed.

This is an extremely enjoyable yet completely unrealistic reenactment of the American Civil War but something to play time & time again. It's absolutely superb and will appeal to all equally. So boot up North & South and enjoy a masterpiece.

What a cool menu screen this is. Click around the screen to see what's what.

The map that oversees the war. Watch out for Red Indians, ships, dozy Mexicans, etc...

Let the battle commence with artillery, mounted soldiers and grunts all battling it out.

My first game went rather well, I thought. And then displayed this beautifully animated image.

Hmm, perhaps they're right? Watch out for him on the right-hand side of the screen...

Teenage Queen

For some odd reason, Teenage Queen gave me a Cuddly Demo vibe and I've no idea why! Anyhow, yes we get to play strip poker against a young girl, which sounds dodgy to me. Oddly, I'm unsure whether I've played any cards game on my Atari ST, let alone strip poker against a sexy young girl in some rather risky positions!

Let me be honest, I've no idea how to play poker so, the games I endured were hit-and-miss. However, I did land lucky a few times and made a little progress but that was purely by accident. Generally, she beat me each and every time so I wasn't able to get many screenshots, which was probably a good thing thinking about it...

Ignoring the adult aspect, this is a decent game and not too difficult, even for me! The user interface worked like a charm utilizing both mouse buttons to bet, raise, flip cards and so on. A good card game albeit pervy.

Tips

She has more chance of losing her nerve if you bet high. Why does this sound wrong? Play something else.

Aesthetics

I guess the graphics had to be good to attract the right kind of player? The artwork is stunning even though it was initially peculiar to see the girl drawn rather than digitised. Thanks to the talent of Jocelyn Valais, it actually works brilliantly and the curious amongst you can view more screenshots over on Demozoo.

The audio is made from French samples, obviously, for everything you hear including the girl's voice and her playful laughter. However, this sexy giggle is a little too much after a while and feels creepy and wrong.

The CryptO'pinion?

I doubt Teenage Queen is something I'll return to but that's possibly more to do with my lack of interest in cards and gambling? The artwork is stunning and the user interface works a treat so I'm sure the poker aspect will appeal to all interested? Don't get me wrong, it's a good card game but not really my cup of tea.

Right from the start, it looks great but the audio might creep you out!

She looks familiar...

I bluffed my way into winning as I had no idea what I was doing!

TinTin On The Moon

Who remembers those old Herge cartoons as a kid? Tbh, I never liked them but let's keep an open mind and jump straight in. Firstly, you must watch the intro! It's brilliant and I think they did a fantastic job to get both this and the game onto a floppy. The game begins with us having left Earth into the darkness of space avoiding asteroids. Weirdly, there are coloured balls that need to be collected before we can proceed to the next stage.

Once we have enough, the game flips into a platformer with TinTin's gang in need of rescuing, I think. Actually, I didn't know what was going on but eventually, I saw various friends tied up in need of rescuing. There are also bombs that need defusing, fires to put out and some baddies to try and avoid (or extinguish).

To rescue your fellow cartoon friends, walk over them. They'll jump up and suddenly jet off somewhere... to do something... The bombs can be defused using the same method but what about those fires blazing away? Use an extinguisher but watch your back for bad guys roaming the place who are very quick on the draw.

The controls are fine but using a fire extinguisher reveals how clumsy this game can be. Putting out a fire can be awkward, especially when near a ladder or simply standing too close to the flames. Bad guys are best eliminated by falling on them I found otherwise they tended to shoot me before I had a chance to act.

That's about as far as I dared venture with this confusing part of the game, sorry. It's quite boring really.

Tips

If you like the look of the 3D space shooter then play Galactic Conqueror instead. So cynical, right?

Aesthetics

Visually, I really liked the look and style which never fails to disappoint using great backgrounds and nice sprites. Animations are superb too and who doesn't love seeing little Snowy run, sit and bark at the baddies? However, Tintins's animations are fluffy: he walks with a shuffle and looks like he's about to fall over. Weird!

Audio is once again of a high standard with lots of samples for everything. They are excellent but I must admit that the rocket scenes were tiresome with that whaaaaaay-like sound effect. I didn't like that at all lol.

The CryptO'pinion?

Oddly, I feel this is the least impressive game in the entire compilation which is quite shocking when you consider that disaster by Titus. Perhaps I'm being harsh? But it all felt rather wishy-washy with little guidance so not always obvious what to do. I only managed to playtest for a short while because I was bored to be brutally honest.

We begin in space and there are coloured balls to collect...

Hey, I see Snowy the dog! But why does TinTin look like he's going to fall over all the time?

There are fires, captured friends and baddies lurking about the place. Where's my shotgun?

Yikes, I'm actually seeing stars. Quite a cool effect actually!

The CryptO'pinion?

As it turned out, this is quite an unusual bundle of ST joy. I found it to be a rich bundle of quality and alternative genres. Hostages and North & South are outstanding strategy games that will eat away your free hours - in a good way I mean! No slog, all enjoyment. However, High Energy isn't perfect with TinTin possibly only appealing to his fans? Fire & Forget is best (ahem) forgotten and Teenage Queen features great artwork but the audio will make your skin crawl.

I enjoyed High Energy but unsurprisingly, there are only two games worth playing. Thankfully, they are corkers that are still excellent today. Agree or disagree? Let me know in the comments below. Each game can be downloaded from websites like Atari Legend, AtariMania, with some adapted for hard drives by D-Bug and PP.