Megapede

My bad (as the kids say)

After drooling over Sinister Development's Centipede, there seemed to be little reason to play any other version. Stupidly, I skipped Robert Dytmire's Megapede without giving it a second thought. Thankfully, I came to my senses and went back to it. I'm glad I did because this is nothing less than a fantastic homebrew effort with exhilarating gameplay featuring bosses, extra swarms, level-select, and support for adults or kids. The audio is great, and I adore the clunky 8-bit style with comically cute sprites and enormous mushrooms.

Don't be an idiot, like I was, this is a fantastic millipede conversion!!

--> DOWNLOAD MEGAPEDE <--

Space Monsters

Don't panic!

Space Monsters was developed by Darren Ithell for Goodman PDL, and I'm sure you've already guessed it's a conversion of the arcade classic, Space Panic. I'm often a little dubious of 16-bit conversions for old arcade or 8-bit classics because, quite often, they don't work or it feels like something is missing.

The game looks good, with each screen having the expected platforms and ladders with horrid nasties roaming. It's instant death if you bump into one, so Spaceman has discovered the best way to kill these critters is to dig a hole. Once they've foolishly got themselves stuck (for a few seconds), he has the opportunity to whack 'em with his spade for a splattery death. Spaceman is a truly gruesome fella, but whatever works, right?

Let's check out the different types of nasties that you'll encounter. . .

Oh, the nasties in this game are so... well... nasty!! The Boss is tough, but Don is a killer!!

No matter how much I try, I still panic!!

Yup, there are only three types of monsters, but that doesn't mean that's boring. The first is a "Creature" and is gullible and easy to avoid or kill. However, the other two aren't so dumb and possess a freakishly cunning AI. "Boss" is tough, and "Don", well, he's the real boss. Try not to anger them!!

Also, it takes a greater falling distance to kill the stronger nasties, but you are rewarded with lots of points. However, if you fail to smash in their faces with a spade, then they angrily climb out looking for blood!! Finally, watch out for that time limit. Don't dawdle and get these beasts killed before your oxygen runs out.

Right, let's check out an in-game screenshot...

Right, we've got him just where we want him. Quick, club the sucker!!

Input & Output?

The controls are superb, with pixel-perfect alignment for climbing the ladders. Digging holes and caving in the heads of aliens is easy and so much fun. My only quibble is not being able to fall down a hole; otherwise, the authenticity for both style and gameplay has been perfectly captured, and I love that.

Visually, everything is as you expect, with a clean-cut design and cutesy sprites. It won't win any awards, and nor should it, but who cares? The audio is super with sampled sound effects throughout - that ROAR as a monster climbs out of a hole will scare you to death!! I just miss the lacking background chiptune.

Well, you guessed it! Yes, it's time for another screenshot, so keep on scrolling...

'Creature' is a cute but gullible goon, and temporarily falling into a hole will make him angry!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Space Monsters is fantastic and captures that oldskool vibe in both look and style. The gameplay itself gradually increases for a stressful experience, and trying to tactically dig the right holes whilst worrying about what could creep up on you is truly a PANIC. This is literally one of the best conversions I have played.

Grab the DOWNLOAD right now!

Sinister Developments

Cheap & nasty shareware

Sinister Developments was one of the best shareware groups and released five fantastic arcade games. Each was their own take on the original, and it was obvious that a lot of love went into their creations. Fantastic graphics, audio and ultra-smooth gameplay, which felt authentic yet somehow regenerated and fresh.

Only recently, I stumbled upon the Sinister Developments website. I was surprised they still had their old Atari ST software featured with download links. Seeing such Fuji wonders listed on a website was both a shock and a pleasure - a website that also looked like it hadn't been updated in many generations!! Sadly, the download links didn't work. So, I decided to send them an email and kept my fingers crossed for a response. After all, I did not expect to receive any kind of reply from such an ancient website...

Surprisingly, I got a reply straight away from Gordon Gibson! He fixed the broken links and kindly supplied full (registered) versions of each title. Yep, all for free without any strings attached (is it my birthday?). For reference, the incredible Atarimania now has each game featured within its archives.

You've probably watched the brilliant Space Invaders video (above)? Well, check out Galaxians...

The Sinister Archive!

• Centipede - Gordon said they wanted a mix between Centipede and Millipede which worked out well. I found a few bugs but nothing to stop the fun as this is a frantically zany and frenzied version of the classic. A superb conversion. (To bypass the shareware message just press "ESC" key on the language screen).

• Painter - I personally thought this was the weakest of the bunch but it's still enjoyable and very difficult with killer AI (literally). There is also funky stereo music on the Atari STe - yeah!!

• Asteroids - This begins with a familiar intro supporting stereo playback for the Atari STe. Inintially, I found it difficult but, after a few tips from the man himself, I got to grips with it. I still suck at it, but at least I'm "better"!! (To bypass the shareware message just press "F10" key on the language screen).

• Space Invaders - This is my favourite of the bunch. It's a beauty and feels perfectly authentic it screams brilliance. Yet again, the Atari STe features DMA music with stereo sound effects too. (To bypass the shareware message just type in "PEPSI MAX" on the language screen).

• Galaxians - I've always been rubbish at this gamr but it's such a great conversion. I think that Sinister have created one of pure gold and it had me feeling that I'm back in the 1980s. (To bypass the shareware message just press "INSERT" key on the language screen).

The CryptO'pinion?

Sinister Developments' history proves their talent as each game is a brilliant arcade conversion. Just as impressive is the use of various Atari STe enhancements, which is always cool. Oh, did I mention that all these games are now free? :) Come on, that is incredibly generous. Do you feel the Atari love in the air?

Five outstanding arcade games I know every Atari ST/e player is gonna love. Which is your favourite??

Please note - to safeguard this precious archive of Atari ST gaming history, I have stored them in my Dropbox. So, what are you waiting for? Get these Atari ST/e games downloaded right now? I'm sure you're gonna love 'em all!!

Bellum Internecinum

Galaga!

Released in 1989 by M Goss-Custard, Bellum Internecinum is a Galaga clone.  Shoot first and ask questions later, as these incredibly trigger-happy ETs attack in formations. Don’t expect to take any prisoners. They also swoop down to clutter the screen for frantic action, gaining speed and ferocity as you progress.

The joystick controls are great, offering full directional movement. However, your ship has a limited amount of damage before parts start falling off, so be careful (which is actually a superb effect to see!)

Bellum Internecinum is a rock-solid shoot ‘em up, and I’ve loved every second playing it.

• Downloads can be found over at Atarimania.
• Wanna play more arcade games from the public domain?

Annihilator

Homebrew games suck, right?

I was always fascinated by what assortments of goodies I could find within the ST's public domain. I scoured the various PD Libraries trying to find either the next big thing or something obscure that would take me by surprise. Who remembers Goodmans, FaST Club, Democlub, LAPD, and many other libraries?

Amazing times, and the Atari ST is blessed with a gigantic and assorted Shareware/PD library. That includes a fantastic gaming section, and here is one such example: Annihilator by Robert HC Leong. This is a classy shoot 'em up, released in 1991 through the esteemed Budgie UK label (a company I genuinely miss).

The gameplay feels instantly familiar, with lots of baddies swarming about. They're called Insectoids, not Galaxians, no matter what you think! The controls are responsive: moving left/right dodges their attacks, whilst hitting fire will shoot the cannon. Killing aliens is never boring, but remember to look out for power-ups that replenish your ship's shield and increase firepower. There are even end-of-level bosses!

Robert coded in a level skip cheat...

It's easy to activate: just pause the game using the spacebar.

Now hold shift and press keys F1-F10 for the required level.

Annihilator is a tremendous blast back to the early 80s. In fact, it's almost as good as I would expect from a commercial company, with exciting gameplay, smooth-as-silk visuals, and fluent controls. Budgie UK has tons of great games, and this is one of the best in their library. Definitely worthy of a Crash Smash rating!!

Waste no more time and get Robert's game download from the GamerBlitz website.