Enhanced games - part 5

Fun Boy 10

Yup, I've found another bunch of games that are enhanced in some way on the Atari STe. One of which, I've no idea why it demands an STe, but the other nine are "interesting" in their own way. Of course, this is the fifth instalment, and you can read the earlier compilations by clicking here(1), here(2), here(3), and here(4). Right, I can tell you're itching to read about these ten tos-tastic games, so let's kick this off…

Blitz released in 1992 by Jean Marc Gervasoni, is a WW2 strategy wargame for the Atari STe where we command forces in a bid to outwit our opponent. It's basically a 2-player game with many relevant battles, and some that reminded me of North & South. Sadly, it appears to be in French, so I struggled somewhat, which is a shame as it looks really good. The Blitter is used and we have some nice DMA sound effects. The download is available at Atarimania.

Card Party is a playing cards game by Dale Zwicker that demands an Atari STe, but I'm not exactly sure why the older ST is left out in the cold? There are a handful of games featured - Pyramid, Follow Suit, and Cribbages - Solitaire and 31. I know little about these, but this seems to play very well, and, as it uses GEM, enjoy Blitter usage! The download is available at Atarimania.

D-Day was released in 1992 by William Troy and is a moving tribute to a past forgotten by today's government. You begin by recuing soldiers stranded in the water, push up to go faster (hardware scrolling!), avoid the obstacles, and get those men onboard! Let the intro playthrough, otherwise you're bombed back into GEM. The download is available at Atarimania.

Iron is a 1993 Breakout clone by Michel Vibert and even comes with an Editor. I thoughally enjoyed playing this game with it's peculiar colours and strange backdrops. Expect really authentic physics, power-ups, and a wibbly alien bouncing around the screen to get in your way. Great game this one and it uses the Blitter and DMA to boot. The download is available at Atarimania.

Kolmik Deluxe Edition is a puzzler released in 2010 by Paradize for the Atari STe. It's based on the Pooz bonus game with improvements and awesome DMA audio. The gameplay is simple, but tough, from three rows of tiles, align tiles of the same colour for points. The more combos, the more points you earn. If you find that easy, then there's a squared mode that blew my tiny mind. I'm rubbish at games like this, but I enjoyed it a bunch!! The download is available at Atarimania.

lignes by Michel Vibert in 1993 is a take on Tetris using the Blitter and DMA. It's not the best version I've played, and the keys are a little awkward, but I like the potential demonstrated. Not a bad game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Magno-Ball is a 1992 sports game not unlike Sliders by Vince Valenti. It's for one/two players and similar to football, only this time it's a magnetic ball that needs firing into the oppents goal. Sadly, rather than one display, each player sees their own part of the pitch, which is odd. You can play on the ST, but it's "better" on the STe thanks to the Blitter. This ain't no Sliders with a poor framerate that spoils what might have been. The download is available at Atarimania.

Megaline - The Final Confrontation was released in 1993 by Michael Brunnström and Peter Zetterberg (what, really?). It's inspired by the classic Tron light cycle concept, and up to four players can compete (friends or computer). Each player is challenged to navigate a grid, leaving a trail behind them while avoiding collisions with their own trail and that of opponents. Uses the Blitter(!) and DMA audio - also features a mixing board allowing you to alter the sound preferences, which is pretty cool. The download is available at Atarimania.

Ritus was released at GEMTOS 2024 by Geoffroy Streit and Vincent Barrillot and feels like a reverse of Tetris. Don't go off looks, as we can move our arrow left/right, shooting letters upwards towards to the top of the screen. Match a block of three same letters and they disappear for points. An unassuming shooter/puzzler, and it's very challenging!! Best played on the Atari STe for much beter DMA sound effects. The download is available at Atarimania.

Ready... Steady... Bang! by Nicolas Hettinger and Vincent Barrillot in 2023. This fast-paced, one-on-one shooter draws inspiration from classic Western duels, challenging players to react swiftly to a countdown and draw their guns before their opponent. It love the quirky-styled STS-graphics, plus the controls are super-responsive, but they needed to be. The tension that builds waiting for "bang!" is fierce!! My daughter loves this game. The download is available at Atarimania.

Another fascinating bunch of very different games. Yet again, I've had tons of fun compiling this list, and it's interesting to see what enhanced goodies lurk within our library. Of course, all titles have been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Have you looked at that yet? Yes, you really should ;)

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

(Blitz) Tell me you're not getting a North & South vibe!

Won't work on the ST, but card players with an STe are in luck!

It's a familiar game, but nice to play. Just remember to go faster!

Iron might look low-grade with its weird colours, but this is a superb Breakout!!

This game will blow your mind, but leave the gorgeous music playing!

It's Tetris. Again.

It's Speedball, it's Sliders, it's Ballistix. No, but make sure your ST has a Blitter!

(Megaline) I swear, I tried my best to get an interesting screenshot...

(Ritus) Like an ASCII game, but with a cool background, right? Just play it!!

Ready... Steady... Bang! This game only worked with real hardware - for me.

Enhanced games - part 4

Five Star

Here we are again with another selection of games that are enhanced in some particular way when run on the Atari STe. What, you missed the other compilations? Shame on you, but I'll be nice and include the links to those articles right here(1), here(2), and here(3). Let’s crack on and see which games I've picked...

Birds of Prey is an unfinished project by Argonaut Software, with its intro released in 1991. While the game never reached completion, the surviving intro is a technical marvel, showing off the Atari STe with smooth 3D visuals and striking sound effects (all created on the ST). The gameplay would have been more of a lite-flight sim. Not really my cup of tea, but it's a shame that they cancelled it. It's definitely worth watching this intro, which is available at Atarimania.

Future Wars was released in 1989 by Delphine Software and was the first to use their "Cinematique" point-and-click engine. You play a window-cleaner who stumbles across a time machine and ends up bouncing through history - from medieval Europe to prehistoric eras and far into the future, all while trying to foil the evil alien Crughons. The game wowed everyone with its outstanding backdrops, smooth animations, and unforgettable DMA audio (ohh yeah). This little paragraph does it no justice. A true classic of its time, and the download is available at 8BitChip.

Leavin' Teramis was released in 1990 by Thalion Software and is often celebrated as one of the finest overhead shooters for the Atari ST. We are Nigel MacGibbons, an unlucky marine who wakes aboard an alien-infested spaceship and must blast his way through the levels. The gameplay is perfectly balanced, mixing frantic shooting with simple exploration with secrets and power-ups. This is one of the least "enhanced" games, but it's already a class act with supersonic scrolling, perfect music, and fantastic gameplay. Probably one of the finest shooters there is, so ignore the reviews out there and play it!! Downloads are available from Atari Legend.

Road Runner was released in 1987 by US Gold, where we guide the speedy bird across hazardous desert roads while avoiding Wile E. Coyote and his endless traps. It's like playing your very own cartoon! It's actually a fun game and a very enjoyable way to relive your childhood TV memories. Additionally, the game was updated in 2018 with Blitter support for the Atari STe by Peter Putnik. The download has both game versions and is at 8BitChip.

Robocop 3 is something of a masterpiece by Ocean in 1992. Obviously, based on the film, it mixes 3D Hard Drivin' with first-person shooting and even has a jetpack scene. So step into the metallic shoes of RoboCop to clean up the crime-ridden streets of Detroit. On the Atari STe, the game makes use of enhanced sound hardware, giving the gritty battles and explosive effects extra punch compared to the standard ST version. The download is available from Atari Legend.

That was quite a mix of incredibly different titles, and they're all good to play for different reasons. I really enjoyed Leavin' Teramis and Robocop 3, plus the improvement made to Road Runner is nice. However, there is no denying that Future Wars is something everyone needs to play. As always, compiling this list was fun, and each title has been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Go on, take a look at it.

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

You might not be able to play the game, but don't miss watching this intro!

What an absolutely epic adventure!!  >> Miss this one at your peril <<

Classy overhead shooter. Those with a keen eye will notice overscan (status bar).

MeepMeep... I'm reliving my 1970s/80s with this game!!

Way ahead of its time in terms of ideas, style, and performance.

Enhanced games - part 3

Land of Enhancement

The previous Atari STe compilations went well, so I thought we needed a third stab at this. If you're curious, the first two can be viewed here(1) and here(2). Let’s crack on and see which games I've picked…

Aerial Kombat was released in 1995 by Colin Polonowski and is a two-player head-to-head duel. It puts each player in the cockpit of a World War I biplane for frantic dogfights across scrolling battlefields. That can be changed to cars or choppers. The idea is to outwit and outgun your opponent - with DMA sound effects! It's a shame there's no support for player vs computer, but if you have a willing mate, then this game rocks! The download is available at Atarimania.

Candyman is a PacMan-style maze-chaser released in 1996 by Mika Poikonen where we zip around a labyrinth scoffing sweets while being chased from an “evil tooth-fairy,”. Just try and clear the levels before she nabs you. The Blitter is (umm) being used, and you can enjoy a repeating loop of a 2 Unlimited song! If you can stand that tune, then Candyman is actually a great game. That tooth fairy chases well, I enjoyed this! The download is available at Atarimania.

Final Fight was released in 1991 by US Gold, and immediately sets the bar high by acknowledging its running on enhanced hardware. Well, stop right there because that doesn't mean Blitter, hardware scrolling, or DMA audio. No, they just use the extended palette and feature extra on-screen colours. Sure, it looks better than when running on the STf, but it's so disappointing to be tricked like that. The game takes place in the crime-ridden streets of Metro City, where the mayor’s daughter has been kidnapped by the Mad Gear gang. We take control of one of three heroes to battle through waves of gang members and bosses to rescue her. You know the sort, and the gameplay follows the usual side-scrolling beat ’em up formula, with plenty of punching, kicking, and weapon-grabbing as you face wave after wave of street punks and gang bosses. Not the best beat'em up, but certainly nothing like the dreaded Street Fighter. Downloads are available from Atari Legend.

Revenge of the Mutant Camels was released by Jeff Minter for a few different specs of "ST", but I'm playing the 1MB STe version with all the crazy DMA audio! This game is a gloriously bizarre side-scrolling shooter where you ride a mutant camel and blast your way through waves of silly enemies. Along the way, you grab power-ups ranging from apples to spliffs, with weapon upgrades adding to the chaos. The result is pure Minter madness: stupid, psychedelic, and utterly unlike anything else. Make sure you grab the right version from these listed on Atarimania.

Warriors of Light is a first-person dungeon-crawler by Jon S. Stock and Tom Walker. We are a Warrior of Light, one of the last monk-warriors combining magic and combat skills. Your mission is to storm the fortress of the exiled Gorgon sorceress Haephaestia, avenge your fallen comrades, and uncover the dark reasons behind her devastating attack. Sadly, I don't think this was ever fully completed, but I cannot verify that as I've stopped using most social media. Very promising game, I hope it gets finished. The download (w/ source code) is available at Atarimania.

That was quite a mix of incredibly different games, but you cannot deny that those Mutant Camels come out as winners. I can also see the potential of Warriors of Light, and Candyman is excellent too. As before, compiling this list was fun, and all titles have been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page.

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

Hunt down your mate - in a car - and kill him!

Surprisingly, a belting game of chase, but ... ugh ... that repetitive audio!

Could have been so much better with a little help from the Blitter...

Crazy, surreal, insane, trippy, absurd, and we all love it!!

Possibly too much for STOS to handle? Who knows, I just hope it gets finished!

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.