The Vodka Demo

Alcohol is good for you

For me, The Vodka Demo stands as a defining moment in the Atari ST demoscene. It pushes 16-bit limitations far beyond (my) expectations. It also bridges the gap between older and newer demo styles, with some rather cool screens. Released by the mighty Equinox in 1991, it showcases some impressive technical wizardry, especially its game-like menu. Of course, each demo pushes the ST to its limits with stunning colours, speed, full-screen displays, and gorgeous YM2149 sounds. It’s pure early 90s black magic.

I'm reaching that point where I always say the same thing: download and play this megademo on a proper Atari ST if you can. It's far superior and the best way to experience this outstanding production.

Demozoo has the download, plus a dedicated group page for Equinox.

Credits

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Fab - Music (Unlimited Bobs screen)

Krueger - Code

Moby - Music (Intro)

Starlion - Code

Steprate - Code

One of those screenshots that does no justice to the smooth movement of colour.

I guess no screenshot ever does a demo justice? Yep, like this one!

Never did I understand the concept of these sprite challenges. Use it in a game!

Wow, this demo is mind-blowing. Love it. Love it. Love it!!!

Oh dear, why did I take these screenshots? Look, just get the demo downloaded.

I love how smoothly the dragon moves. Those eyes though.. Arghh, those eyes!!

A nicely timed capture, and the message is right. The ST is better than Psygnosis thought.

A hidden screen, and it's by one of my favourite groups too!

Yeah, this demo has style by the bucket load!!

No megademo is worth its salt without a cool reset screen :)

Amadeus Wolf Gang

Something old, something new

I stumbled upon this Megademo by accident when searching for something completely different. Not only that, but this is something I've never heard of and most certainly never seen before (at least my old memory doesn't recall). That's always a great feeling, which whisks me back to those carefree younger years!

The Wolverine Megademo was released in the summer of 1991 by Amadeus Wolf Gang, including contributions by other French groups I hadn't heard of - Titanium, Kids Ghosts Brothers, Genesis, and The Storm Brothers. These are all new names to me, and ones I'm now keen to research further. Gotta love the ST scene :)

The main menu is similar to many productions of this era - a horizontally scrolling landscape provides doorways to each demo. The display moves fast, but the controls are awkward when objects are in your way. Be warned, there is a screen by Titanium that I'd advise you to skip (unless you're still that spotty teenager).

Many demos are old school with rasters, multiple scrollers, and sprites wizzing about. There is also an impressive use of overscan - I especially liked the Evil Dead screen. Intriguingly, there also appears to be a locked door concealed behind a wall – a potential red herring or perhaps a cleverly hidden demo screen waiting to be found! Sadly, it's a shame there's no reset screen or anything dedicated to the enhanced STe hardware.

The Wolverine Megademo might not be the best showcase of what the Atari ST is capable of, but it still has some good screens. I liked it a lot, and if, like me, this is new to you, then get it downloaded. This article is dedicated to Marko Latvanen – a fantaSTic friend who is a pleasure to know, and endlessly helpful!!

Right, ST Nutters - stop reading this boring text and get this excellent demo downloaded. I'll end with some animated captures from my favourite screens to tempt you to download it. Enjoy the 16-bit show...

• https://demozoo.org/productions/64844/
• https://www.atarimania.com/demo-atari-st-wolverine-megademo.html
• If you want more Demoscene STuff, then look to the right under "What's your poison?"

This gave me Carebear vibes! An excellent and colourful screen by The Storm Brothers.

Wolverine Screen by Kids Ghosts Brothers is good; the old school vibes are superb!

Incredibly impressive is the Star Only Demo by Genesis. Could be a screensaver without the other bits!

The Evil Dead by Amadeus Wolf Gang is one of my favourites. Loved this one a bunch!!

Phantom

Wanna see a jaw-dropping Atari ST demo?

The Phantom Demo was released by the Amiga/PC group Arkham, who suddenly appeared on the ST and then vanished. It combines two releases from 1993/94 into one package. The demo showcases impressive visuals and excellent chiptunes composed by Kane Wood. Can you tell that I enjoyed this a bunch!!

My two videos are teasers, but they give a good idea of how fantastic this demo is. Once teased, make sure you watch everything using your own Atari ST computer - because nothing beats real hardware, ever.

The download is available on AtariMania with more of Kane's music on Demozoo.

Enjoy what is nothing less than a blummin' fantastic release...

   

Virtual Escape

Jaw-Dropper

After about 6 years, Equinox eventually released Virtual Escape in 1999, and it's one of my favourite demos. The tunes are utterly sexy, with some of the most incredible visuals to blow your socks off!! Those swirling dots are gobsmackingly beautiful, and I love the super-duper fast 3D. It's hard to believe this is on a stock 520 Atari ST. An incredible production that oozes class and is definitely one of the best demos out there.

Don't emulate - experience this using a real Atari ST and crank up the volume!

Credits and Downloads

Furax - Music

Jedi - Music

Keops - Code, Graphics (design)

Mad Max - Music (endpart)

Nova - Graphics

Starlion - Code

You can download Virtual Escape right now off Demozoo.

Democyclopedia mentions each effect, along with the awesome Skyline (see above). 

 

Flip-O-Demo

Flip Flop Demo

I'm starting my weekend with the exquisite Flip-O-Demo by Oxygene/Diamond Design because it's been updated to support hard drive installation. Originally, it was released in 1993 and contains some of the best artwork and visual fx you could imagine - all whilst playing lovely audio by one of my favourite musicians.

Flip-O-Demo is certainly one of the best examples of Atari ST creativity. Grab it from Demozoo.

Credits
Jess - Music
Leonard - Code
MoN - Graphics
Niko - Graphics
Oxbab - Code
Scavenger - Music
Spiral - Graphics
Wilfried - Graphics