Enhanced games - part 2

Gem 10

I’ve gone and done it again! Yup, I've picked more random games from the Atari STe's library of enhanced games (the earlier compilation can be viewed here). Of course, some games work on the ST, but all of the ones listed here are enhanced in some way. So, let’s crack on and see which games I've picked this time…

Battletris & Battletris+ are gonna be bundled together for good reason, and fantastic takes on Tetris. Released in 1994 by New Core, each has DMA audio and another extra feature - multiplayer via a null-modem cable to link two computers. Must admit, I don't like the colour scheme, but these games are excellent versions of Tetris. Downloads are available at Atarimania.

Breakdance is a 1998 Atari ST game developed by Paranoia, and inspired by the 1984 Epyx title (I actually remember seeing the adverts for that). Anyhow, it features a cast of demoscene personalities, including Llama, Paranoid, Sage, Grey, Mike/STAX, and 505. The gameplay revolves around performing moves in a rhythm-based format, using the joystick to repeat the dance steps. One of the most stupid games I've seen, but I'll have just one more go... Of course, the DMA audio is supported for these five funky dancers. Download is available at Atari Legend.

Detonator is a 2023 Atari ST/STE puzzle game developed by Tomasz Majewski, and is a remake of the Atari 8-bit original by Best Quality Ltd. The premise is we need to explode a screen-full of bombs. We must strategically move them into place so they detonate in turn (like falling dominos!!). It's a fantatic game I am blumming terrible at and need to do better. Regardless of my skills, all explosions are made using the DMA audio. Downloads are available from Atarimania.

Kuo Vadis was released in 2000 for the Atari STe and is a turn-based style "avoid 'em up" that challenges you to navigate through a moving maze while trying to make the robots collide and kill themselves. I've managed to reach the third level and score 360 points. Pretty poor, I imagine! Can you beat me? Downloads are available at Atari FTP Archive.

Micromachines was originally meant for release around 1994, but a DynaCore's lack of motivation ended that idea. Which is an enormous shame because it had massive potential. Thankfully, Lotek released it in 2006 as a preview for everyone to playtest and see what might have been. As you can imagine, it's a top-down racer like the classic Micro Machines series, featuring miniature vehicles racing through everyday environments. The environment is a bit sparse, but the Blitter is moving the screen fast and in overscan, plus the controls are surprisingly excellent. Ahhhhhh, what might have been... The download (with source code) is available at Atarimania.

Moonfall is set on Frontier Alfa where we assume the role of a pilot navigating between settlements, engaging in trade, and defending against pirates. It's somewhat a mix of Frontier and Starglider(ish) and should have been great, but it's not because of awkward controls. At least they found time for DMA music on the title screen. Download is available at Atari Legend.

Pairs are Gone released by Paradize Games in 2008 and inspired by a mini-game from a silly game on something called the Nintendo DS. It challenges players to clear a grid of face-up cards by pairing adjacent ones - horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. This is one of those games you will play and wonder why you're bothering because it's so easy. Stick with it... After about the third level the game rears it's devious head as it becomes insanely challenging. This is an excellent puzzler with peculiar DMA audio. Downloads are available at Atari FTP Archive.

Skulls is a Minesweeper-style game released in 1993 by Soderberg Software. The objective is to avoid uncovering skulls while strategically revealing safe tiles (groan, it's so tough!). Overscan graphics glide smoothly when guided by your mouse, and all that alongside DMA music too. Slickest minesweeper for the STe? Downloads are available at Atari Legend.

Speed and Skaet Ball looks a bit (ahem) familiar, and is a top-down arena-style sport for 2 players. The idea is interesting, but the damaged parts of the ground prevent this from ever being close to fun. Still, it's Blittery-smooth and features DMA Audio. Could be fun with a friend? Additionally, there is another Atari STe game on the disk called ButosDac, but I'll say no more about that (just keep it away from your kids lol). This download is available at Atarimania.

Tiptronix is a Tron-style game where you control light trails in an arena, aiming to trap opponents while avoiding collisions. Designed specifically for the Atari STe, it could be taking full advantage of the enhanced capabilities, but it's Tron. The download is available at Atarimania.

That was quite a mix of very different games! Some are definitely worth playing, but it's a tremendous shame Micromachines didn't get completed. Still, compiling this list was fun, and all titles have been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Have you had a look at that yet? Yes, you really should ;)

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

Pretty cool, if you aren't sick of Tetris yet?

Something you've got to experience at least once in your life lol

Blowing up stuff has never been so difficult.

It's insane, and I loved it! Just don't use the joystick...

Off the chart disappointment, this one. Wow, it could have been something else!

This might have been great, but I didn't take to it at all.

What an unsuspectingly superb game!

Those damn skulls!!

I'm interested in hearing from someone who's played this with a mate.

I thought I'd show the loading screen rather than an in-game shot...

Enhanced games

Baker's Dozen

I have picked out thirteen random games, each varying in style and (ahem) overall quality, but all sharing one interesting thing in common. Can you guess what that is? That’s right - each game has been STe-enhanced in some particular way. So, let’s crack on and see exactly which ones made the cut...

Crime Time is an adventure with a superb intro and quirky graphics (which I love). Sadly, it’s all in German, though apparently there’s an English version floating around somewhere. Maybe someone knows where to find a download? I’d love to explore more of this game. It features DMA sound and takes advantage of the colours. Download is available at Atari FTP Archive.

Esprit was created by the Bolo folk over at ASH, and is the predecessor to Oxyd, boasting 100 passworded levels. You guide a ball through a world ruled by physical forces like acceleration. Touching a stone reveals a hidden symbol, and matching two identical symbols in succession locks them in place. Once all stones are locked, the level is complete. In short, it’s "Memory", only with marbles and momentum. Interestingly, this might be the first game to feature DMA sound. Or at least, the first monochrome game to do so? Downloads are available at Atarimania.

H-Mec really should have been featured years ago, as it’s a brilliant twist on the classic Pac-Man formula. Much like in its sequel, it may look like the same game, but the ghosts’ AI behaves in completely different. It's quite unexpected, turning it into a deadly, game of chase. I actually interviewed the author, Jon Garry, a while back - you should definitely give that a read. H-Mec is superb: slick, smooth, and packed with excellent sound effects, all thanks to the hardware scrolling, Blitter magic, and DMA audio. Downloads are available from Atarimania.

Kittypuk is something completely silly, and definitely unexpected! Imagine if Atari had released Pong, but instead of batting a ball, you shoot a cat. It’s bonkers, yet a cruel form of entertainment you just can’t deny yourself!! The DMA sound effects are brilliantly funny, and it’s worth firing this up for one or two hilarious games. Downloads are available at AtariUpToDate.

Landmine is a good spin on Minesweeper and runs in GEM, which means it uses the Blitter by default and also features DMA sounds to boot. Download is available at Atari FTP Archive.

Paragliding is a terrible game, but at least they added DMA audio, I guess. What was Loriciel thinking? Yeah, I can't believe it's one of their games. I really wouldn't bother unless you're totally mind-numbingly braindead. Download is available at Atari FTP Archive.

Stone Age is a puzzler with gorgeous aesthetics and devilishly challenging mechanics. I know plenty of people who adore this game, and I can see why. Sadly, it’s just a bit too taxing for my pathetic little brain, ugh!! Enhanced with outstanding DMA audio and a splash of extra colours, it’s a real treat for those who can handle the stress. Grab the download at Atarimania.

Stupid Balloon Game is by Ed Cleveland (yes, the Donkey Island guy!!), is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from its title. It’s a terrible game. Sorry, Ed - but at least you had the decency to make it Blitter-powered with a dash of DMA audio. Downloads are available at Atarimania.

Styx II is (sigh) yet another Tetris clone, as if we didn't have enough already. Must admit though, it's pretty good with smooth Blitter movement and DMA sounds. If you haven't had enough Tetris in your disappointing life, then the download is available at AtariUpToDate.

Walz is a twist on Breakout, as if we didn't have enough (wow, Mr Grumps). Well, here is another, and it apparently uses the Blitter and features DMA sounds. It is good, but not if you have Arkanoid on the hard drive! Downloads are available at Atarimania and Atari FTP Archive.

Worm Race transforms you into... a line! A line that loves to race around a track similar to Super Sprint. No, it's nothing close to that classic, and is only worthwhile playing as a multiplayer game. Uses the DMA for its cool sounds, and the download is available at Atari Legend.

Wrecking Ball is still in development(?) and looking rather promising, although yet another Breakout variation! I hope he continues, as the current release is enjoyable, albeit with incomplete bat physics. DMA is used for the sounds, and the download link is listed at Atari Legend.

Zuffers is one of those headache-inducing puzzlers. I like the concept, but it's nothing new really. My brain hated it, but my ears loved the DMA audio. Downloads are available at Atarimania.

That’s quite a mix of very different games. Some are definitely worth playing, others… not so much. But, each to their own, right? So why did I round up this motley little bunch? Simple - it was fun, and I wanted to add them to our ever-growing Enhanced Games list. Have you had a look at that yet? You really should :)

I hope you enjoyed this feature. Stay enhanced... STay Atari STe!!

Crime Time is only good if you speak the language!

If you're good at Memory, then you'll love this one.

Why no H-Mec screenshot? Because I love its boot piccy!

Pong with guns. Shoot the cat!!

Landmine is so tough. Then again, I'm hopeless at these games.

This loading screen is the best part of the game!

Stone Age has some of the best music ever!!

Mr Cleveland has a lot to answer for...

Either I'm a bad player, or I simply couldn't be bothered?

Yet more blocks to break with Walz.

And the winner of the most boring screenshot ever is Worm Race!

I had to capture its title screen because it's soooo cool.

Zuffers has some freaky faces looking at you for help.