Super Chicken

Faster than a speeding nugget!

I always say this, but I’m dead chuffed when I come across summat new for the ST. Well, new to me, anyway. Odds are, everyone else already knows, and it’s just me who’s been left in the dark? With that in mind, here’s a game I happened to stumble on by chance while moochin’ through the Hang Loose archive.

The moment I saw the name Super Chicken, I was amusingly intrigued. I chuckled to myself, assuming it would be some childish, half-baked attempt at a shooter or something. As it turns out, it’s actually a platformer developed in STOS by a guy called Thomas Smith in 1996. Maybe some of you have heard of it before, but I certainly hadn’t - because, around that time, I packed up my ST and went the Mac route.

The objective of the game is simple - just collect all the eggs and make your way to the exit. However, there is a catch! As soon as you pick up an egg, the floor tile beneath it becomes electrified, meaning you can’t step on it again. So, you’ve got to grab the egg and keep moving, or you’ll end up as fried chicken! Along the way, you will come across ladders and escalators to help you reach other eggs. Some tiles even have two eggs, but you can only pick up one at once! The exit remains blocked until all eggs are collected.

Super Chicken is all about planning the best route in real-time as you walk, making sure you never have to step on the same tile twice. Well, you physically can’t, unless you fancy getting zapped! Miss just one egg, and there’s no way to go back for it. No matter how many others you collect, the exit will remain blocked. It’s incredibly frustrating - especially when you realise you’ve left just one egg behind (as in my screenshots).

I think this is surprisingly good for a homebrew game released in the ST's dark ages. It’s frustrating, yet incredibly addictive all at the same time. I was shocked to stumble across it - but even more surprised to find that it looks comical, scrolls smoothly, and sounds great. Thomas clearly knew his stuff! It’s just a shame it came out several years too late for most ST gamers to hear about it. Or is it just me, again?

Give this a download - I’m sure you’ll enjoy it for a few plays! Let me know what you think in the comments. This review is dedicated to Miesiu who visits AtariCrypt all the time and leaves comments on so many pages! Okay, since this isn't a commercial title, I’m giving it a solid 60% because it’s damn good fun!

• The Hang Loose Archive on Pigwa: http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/collections/AtariSTarchive/...
• Atari Legend has this on Serenade #83 menu disk: https://www.atarilegend.com/menusets/...
• AtariUpToDate has it on a great Floppyshop disk: https://www.atariuptodate.de/...

This is the start, shall we take the escalator or ladder route?

Can you see where I went wrong here?

Foolishly I thought I was rocking the opening level.

Yep, I missed one egg so I could not exit... ARGHHH!!

Instead, I was fried alive like something from an old cartoon!

Treasure in Cave

Montezuma's Revenge

Treasure In Cave was released in 2021 by Bülent Özgür for Silly Venture. It's a platformer developed in STOS for the Atari STe and appears to be a tribute to Montezuma's Revenge. It feels somewhat of a teaser because there are only five rooms. Not only that but I found bugs - my character managed to walk within the floors! Also, the game fails to boot up on my Mega STe. Thankfully, my 2/4MB Atari STe running TOS 1.62 is fine.

There are no docs so I presume it's modelled on the above. Hey, we might even be a distant relative to Panama Joe? Anyhow, the objective is easy, collect the coins in each cave as you venture deeper into the caverns. Uncomplicated gameplay works for me and I love the chance to play a version of this platformer.

Let's start on a negative with a silly screenshot of his feet walking inside the floor...

The bugs are disappointing but do not ruin the game.

Five 16th century caves

As a fuji Panama Joe, use your joystick to walk left/right, climb ladders/ropes, and jump. Thankfully, there is no timer but we have an energy meter that depletes by touching a monster, falling, and (wait for it) jumping. All caves have a few coins and also special items to unlock the exit door and replenish energy.

Each room is a mini labyrinth of platforms, ladders, and ropes. The design is simple and easy to navigate; made slightly harder by each cave's lone monster. So collect the coins, top up your energy, and grab the exit key. Once all five caves are complete, the game is over, and you're thrown back at the little green desktop. That's strange, but I suppose there's no point in staying any longer. Always leave them wanting more, uh?

Let's break up the chitchat with a cool photo of Bulent's superb computer room...

What a setup!! And it's only one part of his room. Links below for more photos.

Aesthetics

The graphics are quite adequate albeit poor compared to other platformers. Very much 8-bit, which is oddly what I like and reminds me of the Monty Mole games. The sprites are good but there are so few enemies and they move very slowly. Sadly, some bugs might hamper your efforts to collect items, leap onto platforms, and use the exit door. It's not something that can't be fixed by repositioning a little, but it is disappointing.

The audio fares much better with stereo music by Raphaël Gesqua [aka Audiomonster]. This plays throughout and alongside a whopping array of different sound effects - I'm being sarcastic because you hear a sound only when collecting coins. Honestly, sound effects would only detract from the brilliance of the music.

Few games feature a help screen and this one has an Atari joystick for extra glam...

I had to read that twice, I didn't grasp why jumping would cause energy loss!

CryptO'pinion

I've enjoyed Treasure in Cave but it kills me that I cannot continue after the fifth cave. It's not nearly enough and I desperately wanted to ransack many more. I appreciated the homage to Montezuma's Revenge and thoroughly enjoyed the old-school vibe. I'm hoping Bulent continues development as it has great potential.

For now, I'm slapping it with a heartbreaking score of 50%. Disappointing, I know but it needed more levels. However, remember Bulent is new to the Atari STe, and this is his first game. Considering that, I'm genuinely impressed with Treasure in Cave, and I look forward to playing his next release soon!

Treasure in Cave can be downloaded at AtariUpToDate and Atarimania.

~~> Bülent Özgür <~~

---

I contacted Bulent to ask about his game; I wondered if development had ceased or been put on hold. Thankfully, his response wasn't negative, "You can be sure that if there is a development in the game, I will let you know first". We've been talking more since then and I've discovered Bulen is eager to continue and hopes to collaborate with others from the ST community. Is there anyone reading this who can help?

Okay, here are a few more words from the man himself...

By the end of 2018, my friend @KNG (Kaan Gülnihar) and I work at the same workplace. We spend some of our time together. He is probably 7 years younger than me. However, during our conversations, I realized he is also interested in retro computers. He is interested in the Amiga 500/1200 series whereas I had an Atari 800XL in my youth.

As we talked, the old days came to life again. Thanks to @KNG, I got to know retro again. I would like to express my gratitude to him once again. I think the resurgence of memories was the main reason to get away from stress. Amiga, C64, and Atari 1040 STe are computers I could not afford back in the day; I always looked up to them with envy.

Kaan encouraged me to make a game. I said yes, I should do something. While I researched, I met the “Silly Venture, Poland” group. Their impressive and friendly interest made me addicted to their activities. I thought I could do something for this group. Although I had software experience, I had not written a retro game. When I discovered the STOS language on the Atari STe and realized that the language was not just a simple basic language. I felt that this was what I was looking for.

First of all, my game had a long development period, but COVID provided the time. Getting to know the STOS language, learning what I could do, and creating algorithms, sprites, and scenario took place during this time. It was a difficult period. For this reason, I wanted to remember the healthcare workers who caught COVID and worked on this issue. I dedicated my game to them.

The game consists of 5 chapters. I wanted to manage a character who fell into a cave and looked for an exit while collecting the treasure in the cave and fighting some creatures. After the preparations were completed, I decided to participate in the SV20+1 (2021) SE Compo and submitted my game. It was very meaningful that I won the 3rd prize out of the four participating games. The first 2 games were very professional and were made as a team and I understood that I had entered the champions club with them when I came in 3rd.

I really want to do more. However, working alone on this subject is quite tiring. I hope to meet in environments where I can do something together with others who are enthusiastic about this subject from all over the world. Those who want to know me better can also visit my website. I embrace you all with my warm greetings.

Bülent Özgür

a.k.a. @freedom

https://www.bulentozgur.com/retro

https://www.bulentozgur.com/thegames

I was hooked the moment I saw the first cave. I love the 8-bit style and design.

Things get a little trickier in the second cave but there's only one wiggly worm to worry about!

The third cave is easy but the last bit may catch you out.

The fourth cave appears more complex than it is. Easy Peasy!

The fifth and final cave is probably the toughest but, erm, not that tough really.

Yes, I mapped it!! You can download the high-res version by clicking here.

Gilbert's New Adventures

Indiana Jones?

While trolling through the immense archives on Atari Legend, I stumbled upon a platformer called Nowe Przygody Gilberta. I thought that name was gobbledegook until I translated the Polish text into English. Gilbert's New Adventure was developed in GFA Basic by Adamsky who supports the Blitter and DMA audio!

Whatever the storyline, we appear trapped in a labyrinth of rooms with locked doorways and treasures to collect. Think something "roughly" similar to Manic Miner, Treasure in Cave, Montezuma's Revenge...

Gilbert's New Adventure looks like an 80s old-school platformer, which immediately appealed to me. Upon loading, we're greeted with an amateur image of Indiana Jones, taken from the ZX Spectrum. Don't look at it for too long and hit the spacebar for a helpful screen depicting the items and objects within the game.

Yes, I said helpful and here is a screenshot to prove that fact... Ahem...

Never have I known so many words to contain a 'Z'!! Let's translate...

Polskie Klucze

Polish might be completely alien, but that key is quite obvious. Starting at the top/left and moving sideways: wall, hammer, red key, loose stones, treasure, blue key, another type of wall, parachute, green key, spikes, a red-key door, ladder, fire, a blue-key door, teleporter, energy drink, and finally, a green-key door.

As you can see, it's simple stuff with walls, ladders, and tools. The rest is basically colour keys for corresponding doors plus a few dangers. However, there is a teleport pad too... but... more on that one later!

Let's step back in time and take a look at the opening screen from this game...

The status bar shows energy, cash, and also any collected items.

Gameplay

Immediately beginning my first game - I was hooked. I don't mind sounding like an old man reliving his youth but, that's exactly what happened. The appearance is terribly bare, so unspoilt by pointless glam. This innocent structure uses small blocks and feels like it was dragged kicking and screaming out of 1982.

The controls are dead easy: left/right to walk, up/down to jump and use ladders, and the spacebar will activate a teleporter. However, this simplicity wasn't good enough for Adamsky who decided to alter things. To diagonally jump, use the Insert key (to jump left) and the Clr Home key (to jump right).

Gilbert's task is to collect treasure whilst scouring the rooms for items that could help him along the way. We are free to explore all rooms but watch out for tricky routes and blatant pitfalls - like fire pools and deadly spikes. Dangers like these instantly kill our intrepid hero. Oddly, there are no monsters but the emphasis is on treasure hunting so having baddies aimlessly wandering might have gotten in the way?

Every screen has rudimentary puzzles like a hammer to bash through loose rock, differently-coloured keys for specific doors, and parachutes to prevent falling to our death. A few screens have a teleport pad but the destination is cycled between several screens. Blindly exploring could leave you stranded without a necessary item. Transporters made exploration quite confusing and felt unnecessarily disjointed.

Are you ready to guide Gilbert through the rooms to fill his pockets with treasure and escape?

Hey, this room looks familiar yet I can't think why heh.

Graphics and Sounds

Nowe Przygody Gilberta is a simple platformer without zany aesthetics. In fact, back in the 80s, I'm sure it would still have looked as dull as dishwater compared to others. However, many homebrew games are made by someone who couldn't draw, so it's perfectly understandable and also suits the aged theme.

I've played games like this on the ZX Spectrum, simple screens made of 8x8 bricks and nothing close to the graphical quality we're used to seeing in Fire & Brimstone or Ghouls & Ghosts. I can imagine how disheartened you feel by the screenshots? Don't be, this is a platformer for gamers who care nothing for glam.

The audio features DMA sound effects but, not many which is odd considering the effort already made. You shall hear something when landing on your feet, an "ugh" after falling but, little else. Sadly, there's no background music which is a shame because a chiptune would have compensated for the lack of effects.

I know, it's like a near-silent ZX Spectrum platformer but without the colour clash...

Using a parachute is the only way to go down in this room.

The CryptO'pinion?

Adamsky has created a platformer with all the aspects of a wonderful old-school treasure hunt. Ignoring the modest appearance, each room is superbly designed and requires thought before blinding running off. This humble puzzle aspect adds much to the exploration and is thus addictive and enjoyable.

However, the game is hampered by having one life thus forcing you to restart from the beginning each time. As you know, I did not like the transporters which increased my frustration, especially with only having one life. Plus there are minor niggles like using ladders which is too slow compared to our other movements.

Moaning aside, believe it or not, I have tremendously enjoyed Nowe Przygody Gilberta. It's far from perfect and that's a shame because it could have been great with more thought. I'd say 70% - close but no cigar.

Greetings to PP for adapting a new version that features unlimited energy!!

As you can see, this map is incomplete because of the dreaded transporters.
One day I'll return and finish this if there's enough interest.
This is a thumbnail, click here to download the high-resolution image!

Hector vs The Mutant Vampire Tomatoes From Hell

Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes?

Hector vs The Mutant Vampire Tomatoes From Hell was released in 1993 by Pete Whitby of Jetpac fame (a superb conversion). Of course, this is a platformer based loosely on the Space Panic genre and begins with a fascinating demoscene-like presentation I loved. Heck, it even has a scroller to read - what a great start.

Each screen has a selection of evil tomatoes roaming like they own the place! There are four types, each with different characteristics and abilities, but the only way to kill them is to dig holes with our trusty spade and hope they fall in. Then we rush over and smash in their faces with a spade. Gruesome fun and dead simple.

The monsters have various levels of AI. This means there are the thickos who are all too willing to fall into a gaping hole. Plus, the smarter ones who can jump and brandish weapons. What, you thought these privileges were yours alone? Don't expect them to remain helplessly trapped inside a dug hole - hurry!

Actually, there's little need to hurry because there's no time limit. That's right, no time limit. Fabulous!!

The first level nicely introduces you to the game so experiment with leaping, digging, and killing.

Joystick Controls

Hector can walk, jump, and climb ladders and I must say how slick and responsive the joystick controls are. To dig, hold down the fire button and push upwards, whereas pulling down fills it in. A hole doesn't need to be completed to temporally capture a tomato. That is a superb element, especially on later levels.

Hector is free to change direction in mid-jump anytime and can cling and fall off ladders at will. That's a lot better than it sounds. This tomato-basher can even sneak up on any tomato to instantly begin the joy of clubbing. Try it!! Oh, and don't forget to jump! Have I said just how amazing the controls are? Okay, let me say this - the joystick controls are extraordinary for both function and fluidity of action. Wonderful, just wonderful!!

Splattered tomatoes produce a range of bonuses - points, bigger leaps, extra lives, and more. Do you want guns? We have guns that can shoot, freeze and even throw out sliding landmines (an unexpected and welcome mechanic). Always grab any bonuses as they are an integral part of the gameplay and success!

Okay, let's take a moment's pause with the boring reading for another screenshot...

Okay, I've got a weapon and I'm not afraid to use it.

Aesthetics

Each level feels 8-bit and is no Rainbow Islands or Magic Pockets but that's okay because I like the style. This is perfectly apt for the Panic theme. The sprites are the best thing with cute expressions and are nicely animated - just wait until you see the Berzerker, so freaky. A great and unique drawing - I love how he looks!!

Music is wonderful and there's a great reason for that - thank you Jochen Hippel for his magical musical talent!! The sound effects are produced from a variety of FM samples so, I imagine Pete didn't have an Atari STe, which is a tremendous shame. Hang on, did I just hear a Rick Dangerous sound effect? Oh yes, excellent!!

Argh! Don't forget where you dug those holes; otherwise, you're left hanging and vulnerable.

The CryptO'pinion?

Hector provides a brilliant spin on the Panic genre with perfect controls for fluent movements that have us leaping and clubbing the freaky fruits with ease. However, I'm baffled why he climbs the ladder so slowly, as this doesn't gel with the rest of his movements. And that's my only beef with this incredible PD game.

For me, the game design, controls, and AI are marvellous. All these help make the game so playable and therefore very, very addictive. Quite simply, this is one of the best platformers I've played in ages.

Okay, the all-important download, a great video by Wasabim, and more awesome screenshots...

The main menu is ace with a belting chiptune, scroller and helpful information.

The only level I didn't like the look of because it's a bit too green 'n mushy!

Those tomatoes are annoying, so squash them for a great pizza topping!

I love the armour this guy is wearing, but who's that sneaking about near the top? Freaky!!

I scored 9301 on my second attempt. Not a bad score if I'm honest. Can you beat me?

Rodney vs KFC

Zinger Burger anyone?

Rodney is a cool chap who loves his Atari ST and meeting up with fellow friends. One day, he was happily on his way to the Dullsville copy party until he had his compact disk collection stolen by KFC Gang. No, not the tasty fried chicken place but a mob calling themselves Klepto Foreign Chickens, which is hilarious. So he went back home determined for justice! Grabbing an anti-chicken gun, he headed to their hideout for revenge - and his floppy disks!

In case you're wondering, they are ST compact disks and not CDs. ;-) Think Automation, Replicants, Fuzion, Pompey Pirates, Elite, Dream Weavers and many, many others that you can find over on Atari Legend.

Okay, the plan is to kill the chickens and reclaim his disk collection. But, he's only got a few minutes before the bus drives off leaving him behind - and he doesn't wanna miss the copy party! Yep, this may sound like a lame 90s dream but we must help Rodney get his collection back so he can meet up with his mates and copy lots of ST games and demos.

Yeah, it's like going back in time alright so let's check out the first couple of screenshots...

Chickens everywhere should be scared of Rodney with his anti-chicken gun!

Those look like the unbranded disks we would all order by the 100s back in college :D

Rodney should have locked his disk box!

As you've guessed, this is a platformer in a similar mould to the likes of Magic Pockets and others. Infiltrating the gang's hideout is easy, to begin with. This place is inhabited by the thieving scumbag birds who robbed all our floppies and then foolishly scattered them about their lair. Thankfully, one shot is all it takes to kill them and, if you see your disks, then grab 'em quick. Walk, jump, shoot, collect disks - that's about as complex as it gets.

Interestingly, Padman coded the game in GFA Basic for all 1MB computers. But it's best when run on an Atari STe thanks to the extra colours, DMA sound effects and gorgeous music. And it is just that, gorrrrgeous!

The controls are superb and very responsive: left/right walks and pushing upwards leaps Rodney - with diagonal support. The fire button blasts a puny gun that sends the chickens to a slaughterhouse - I found it best to press once, instead of repeatably bashing the button. Hey, these cluckers make a funny noise when dying which I love!

However, don't dawdle with idle exploration or listening to the chickens die. Remember that bus we need to catch? Yep, there's a timer and it's immensely restricting without any allowance for mistakes. So, if you need to backtrack after missing a ledge, don't bother. It's best to restart because you'll never make up for the lost time.

Once all disks are collected, and the KFC dead, you can head towards the exit and then catch the bus to see all your ST mates at the copy party. This quest is straightforward: locate the disks and kill the KFC gang members along the way. I won't knock that simplicity because this is fun and the map is huge with a superb design.

Okay, it's that time again. Yep, you've guessed it! Let's take a look at a couple more screenshots...

I love how the chickens have those beady eyes and fall off the screen when shot.

This is possibly the hardest part of the game, one slip and you fall into the fire!!

Aesthetics

Graphically, this game is great with a murky palette that nicely represents KFC's underground hideout. The sprites are few but humorously bright and perfectly drawn - I love those chickens so much! All animations are excellent and I adore how Rodney's quiff flaps as he walks (a ripped sprite from an unreleased Amiga game is what I heard)

The scrolling is smooth in all directions but a little sluggish and could have been better, especially on the Atari STe. Perhaps I'm being harsh because Padman miraculously used GFA Basic so the results are outstanding in one respect. However, the cynic within asks why the Blitter/hardware scrolling wasn't used for a faster movement.

For the audio, we have excellent sampled sounds used for dying chickens, disk pickups and an 'ugh' as we jump. Okay, it's no Death Chase but what we have, I like. However, it's the music that sets this game apart from the crowd thanks to terrific chiptunes. TAO's in-game music (Atari STe) is absolutely phenomenal. Yes, I said that.

Righto, the last screenshots before I give my much-desired opinion that you all crave so badly...

Liking the subtle stamp Padman placed here. Let's turn that chicken into a curry!!



Can you beat my high score? In fact, this was my first-ever attempt. So beat that! :p

The CryptO'pinion?

I've enjoyed (trying) to help Rodney reclaim his Atari ST disk box but there are a few issues that obviously narked me. For one, there is no indication of the outstanding disks left to collect so I felt blinded, wondering what I'd missed. Plus I wanted a better gun and a LOT more chickens. Worst of all, I hated that time limit with a vengeance.

Nevertheless, I don't want to be overly harsh as this isn't commercial and better than some of the dross we've endured from many companies. Rodney vs KFC is incredibly playable and, although it's doubtful I will ever find all the floppy disks, it keeps dragging me back for that "one more go". I love that addictive aspect of this cool platformer. Play it!!

Grab the floppy disk from Atarimania and check out this excellent video by Gears Of Games.

Mole Mayhem

Monty Mole is back!

Er, no. Mole Mayhem is an Atari STe platformer by Croft Soft Software. The city of Moledonia is under attack from a dictator who intends to blow everyone to kingdom come. We are Philby, an agent working for the Moledonia Underground Intelligence Corporation who must destroy all bombs before everything goes BOOM!!

Each screen has bombs that need to be neutralised by Philby and there's usually a particular route through which you need to figure out. Also, look for hazards like electricity and hidden ledges - which you either can't see or might first appear as part of the background. Some levels have teleporters to blindly transport you to another area - so make sure you have that route planned!! Once all the bombs are exploded you can exit.

Controls require precise timing for the wider gaps otherwise Philby falls to a bloody death. Humorously, falling short of that fatal threshold has him squeaking - to let us know how close he came to dying? Philby can jump upwards or sideways (depending on how he stands) and detonating a bomb is done by pushing up. This mole ain't daft, he will protect himself using his superhero cape as a shield of steel - Batfink style!

Graphically, there's little to write home about but I like the humble appearance which is functional and works well. Sound effects are played using the DMA for jumping, detonation, death, etc. Sadly, there's no background chip music so it's more or less silent when not leaping about. I expected more from my STe...

Mole Mayhem is simple and progressively challenging, but I ran out of lives before I could reach the later levels. Thankfully, it has that "just one more go" appeal, but I wanted a password system because it's frustrating having to restart from the beginning. Overall, an addictive platformer that I have thoroughly enjoyed!!

Oddly, there are limited sites to download this but the mighty Demozoo has it safely archived.

   
Detonating bombs is easy when wearing a cape but sometimes it can be a faff just to reach them.

   
Some obstacles require good timing... whilst others take you where no man has gone before!

Pop!

Menu Disks!

One thing I love is trolling the ST's massive archive of menu disks and Golden Dawn #44 features quite a few unexpected crackers. The first is Pop! by Manuel Castrillo of Bit Culture, a 1993 shareware game. The instructions are quite difficult but we're on Skuiskie Island and armed with a gas gun to kill lots of nasties!

Pop! is a platformer that feels kinda like a weird mix of Pang and Monster Business. Actually, it's rather odd if I'm honest, and certainly not what I expected to play. Right from the start, you're thrown in at the deep end which means instant death. Why game developers think something like this is a good thing, I do not know.

Stick with it and, after many pointless deaths, you will get the hang of things. Use your gun to gas these critters to Hell - they take a few hits! Enjoy their cute expressions but hurry up because they need to die before the time limit expires. The controls feel nice but are too slow, especially when trying to turn around in the frantic heat of battle. Interestingly, there is support for two players which adds a whole new level.

So what about the graphics and sounds? Well, I couldn't ever be too judgmental about the aesthetics of any shareware game but Hoog has already set that bar impossibly high. However, Pop! has nice graphics with some neat touches - like your death. The colours are a little off so I think a better use of the palette should have been made, especially when monsters blend into the scenery and your gun's bubbles are invisible against the background sky. Music is DMA and in stereo but sadly very little audio is heard during gameplay...

This is a shockingly silly game but addictive too. With a little more thought, I'm sure Pop! could have been better but it's spoiled by sluggish controls and a terribly harsh time limit. Having said that, I obviously thought it was good enough to feature - so either I'm going soft or I had myself some fun on this rainy morning?

Go on, grab yourself Golden Dawn's disk via Demozoo, and take a look at this screenshot...

Instantly eaten alive by something oddly cute. Must try harder...

Kudos to them for putting most commercial companies to shame by making use of the STe!

Cud Lee's Quest

A cuddly platformer?

I remember playing this quirky platformer by Robert Dytmire many years ago. I enjoyed its alternative style as it features some rather "odd" mechanics which are very weird. But stop - wouldn't life be boring if every platformer played as you expected? With that in mind, Cud Lee (geddit?) was originally aimed at a younger audience with interesting child/tutor features by design. But I also think there's something quite charming about this so should appeal to all.

The aim is to fight our way through the hoards of baddies to rescue captured Pixies at the end of each level. It sounds easy but you better watch out for a range of enemies who are happily roaming through the screens. It's like a weird dream and this mechanic I adore. They are literally wandering the screens going about their business - whether you can see them or not. These suckers love to jump and many are really tough and can even fire weapons. It's madness!!

The joystick controls are the first thing that hits you because everything feels very low-grav with super-weird movements. Collecting power-ups is a good idea to increase speed, jumping abilities, weaponry, and extra lives. Keys will unlock doors and some walls can be climbed like Zool because of "strange knobby things". What a weird game.

Yes, it's weird. I say that a lot because, well, it's weird! Let's see the first screenshot...

Gotta love the baddies and their freaky jumps but watch out for the little blue guy's arrows!!

Aesthetics?

Graphically, this is no Hoog or pretty much anything else from the Atari ST's PD library. Backgrounds are a boring black and the environments aren't anything much to write home about. However, it's got a certain charm with the character sprites being the best thing. Plus their numbers are huge and I found that detailed and styled with buckets of humour.

The sound effects are made from a mix of chip with samples. This mash works really well but the 'WORRR' when something dies is quite pathetic. So pathetic that I loved it to bits. Hey, it's a PD game... Come on!

Never has such a weird platformer been played by me! There's that weird word again! It's screenshot time...

Weapons are great and can be powered up to kill these hopping crazies with great efficiency!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Cud Lee's Quest is crudely entertaining and I think that's the point. I am unsure it will appeal to everyone because it's hardly a conventional platformer. What I love is the freedom we're given and the speed at which to explore a strange world. Also, the ability to float (err jump) with such great efficiency through the screens is utterly superb.

Genuinely, one of the silliest and most compelling platformers so why not have yourself a daft hour? Enjoy it!!

Grab the disk image if you're tempted?

Kev's World

Another GEM lurking within the ST's library!

Kev's World was developed for FloppyShop by Ben Pritchard and is the prequel to The Curse Of Bolda. In this flick-screen platformer, we explore many rooms, grabbing stars, and shooting monsters. All this to rescue our beloved Katherine from the clutches of the nasty villain, Bolda. Okay, I know what you're thinking but stay with me on this one!

This is a typical platformer with many pitfalls and even the odd puzzle to solve using special keys and teleporters. This journey will eventually lead to a battle with that deranged-looking Bolda. During a rather crude end-of-level boss fight. Hey, remember this wasn't commercial - so keep an open mind and forget comparing it until you've played it.

Think less Magic Boy or Rainbow Islands when you gander at my screenshot...

There are many baddies but watch out for the little green alien thing - I hate those!

It's time to be a 2D hero again!

Any platformer needs responsive controls that blend well with the mechanics of the game. The joystick controls are perfect and I love how agile Kevin's movements are. This is a typical platformer but there are a few neat touches that I love: keep this Krazy Kid busy otherwise, he complains that he's bored using a speech bubble. Not new but a fun characteristic.

Actually, that bubble is also used to indicate whenever Kev's hurt. Along with any items/power-ups he has collected. Floor panels are randomly placed and stepping on one will reward you with extra points or a smart bomb that kills everything on-screen. However, this is totally random and may cause a rockslide, alert the baddies to your location or reverse the controls. Are you ready to take a chance? I know right, it's something different whilst being familiar.

Lots of bonuses are scattered throughout and offer a variety of features:

• QuintStar contains the value of five individual stars.
• Aurora Of Invincibility provides temporary invulnerability from everything but spikes.
• Hero Head ... well, don't get too excited because it's a 1UP!!
• Power Heart boosts Kevin's health.
• Sands Of Time adds to the ever-decreasing time limit.
• Oh, and Kevin's also partial to playing arcade games, if you happen to find one.

Right then, it's time for another screenshot! This piccy features Katherine plus the mean and nasty Bolda... 

Shoot Bolda in the face to save your girlfriend from this fiend!

Aesthetics

A platformer needs to have a clear and concise design. One that not only looks nice but isn't too visually obtrusive so the enemies are clearly visible, objects aren't easily missed, and you don't want to accidentally bump into something deadly. Well, Kev's World might not look as good as Rick Dangerous but its design is superb and eye-catching.

The sprites look ace and very comical. Some of the nasties are cute and it's obvious Ben spent most of his time getting these just right. Sadly, no Atari STe hardware is being utilised so STOS is struggling somewhat.

The audio is also excellent with tons of samples used throughout the game. However, like the visuals, Kev's World isn't using the Atari STe's DMA hardware. This means the effects are rough and the playback feels like it's pushing STOS to its limits. Don't get me wrong, I love the effects but I think the YM chip would have been a better option.

Games like this prove why the Atari ST has/had a fantastic PD scene. Here's the final screenshot...

Argh, that damn Bolda. My girlfriend is (slowly) whisked off once again!!

The CryptO'pinion?

What I love about Kev's World is its traditional oldskool gameplay which is just downright excellent and enjoyable. The joystick controls are superb and responsive plus I liked the gameplay mechanics with the additional bonuses, smart bombs, and other surprises. These help make the game stand out from most other PD/Shareware platformers available on the ST.

I have enjoyed playing this two-level demo and is definitely something I would have bought in the mid-90s. What a cool platformer and I hope Ben finds the full-registered game someday soon. We need to play that!!

The demo of Kev's World can be downloaded for either a floppy or a hard disk.

Completed!! I made 12th place and even beat Metallica. Can you beat me?