Showing posts with label PixelArt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PixelArt. Show all posts

Friday, July 28, 2023

Dementia



Crazy pixels

I booted up Corporation the other day, it's an FPS/RPG developed by Dementia in 1990 for Core and is one of the most disappointing Atari ST games I've played. The concept was superb, it sounded like it could be a next-gen Dungeon Master. However, it was badly executed with terrible controls that failed miserably. Who beta-tested this?

Anyhow, you're probably wondering why I'm bothering to type this? Well, it's been a while since I posted anything into our Pixel Art section and I will say one thing about Dementia... Erm, what was it now? Sigh... I've forgotten... It's okay, I've remembered... (sorry, it's my memory)... That's right Corporation boots up with the fantastic Dementia logo, which I think is tremendous. This image a superb example of 16-bit artwork (and yes, I realigned the text. I know, I know)

So I figured the game should get a replay after all these years. And it did. I grabbed the hard drive version but only lasted about 10 minutes before smacking the ST's reset button! (floppy disks are also available). Hate the game!

Friday, January 06, 2023

Street Fighter


A disgruntled gamer

Back in the summer of 1988, I was the only guy in college with a ZX Spectrum. Don't get me wrong, I loved my old Speccy but I had grown out of it and spent much of that year dreaming of Atari's new supercomputer. It was tough seeing magazine game reviews because the Atari ST games appeared to have graphics lightyears ahead of the current competition.

However, I will always remember the advert for Street Fighter because it featured screenshots taken from various systems, the Atari ST being one. It was a jaw-dropping moment seeing such amazing details and bright colours (the image above). In reality, the advert was a lie because that image was actually taken from the arcade version!!

Not that it mattered because this beat'em up was something of a shambles thanks to Tiertex chimps randomly hitting their keyboards until they thought it was ready for release. I honestly don't know how they got away with this product - it's not only the jerky scrolling and laughable animations but the control system is sluggish and vastly unresponsive.

Of course, after months of yearning for the Atari ST, I finally got one at Christmas. Ignoring Street Fighter, this slab of grey power lived up to all my hopes and desires and you can imagine the joy on my face when I first got to boot up Xenon, Buggy Boy or Beyond The Ice Palace. Magical moments in my history. (Atari STFM Super Pack)

If you're still interested in playing Street Fighter then you are obviously insane, but here are the links...

8BitChip has the download for hard drive/ultrasatan installation.
Floppy disks can be found using Old Games Finger (Automation #41)
Wasabim has recorded a fantastic YouTube video!
Type "STREETCHEAT" on the title screen and you can hit the Help key to skip levels.
Maybe you're curious how Street Fighter would have performed on the Atari STe? (unfinished)
Hey, why not check out our Pixel Art & Beat'em Up sections, go on and click the links!
 

Even though a trainer was enabled, I endured much pain to get these screenshots! I wanted to play through until the end, but it seemed to go on forever so I was thoroughly braindead and gave up. Anyhow, we're here for the (static) pixel art so I'll stop moaning about that advert and game. Dare I ask if there are fans of the ST beat'em up out there!

I hope you enjoyed this silly little post by a disgruntled gamer remembering US Gold's misleading advert? O_o



Look at him trying to punch me even though I've jerkily leapt 15ft in the air.


Look at the magazine advert and then try and tell me that it's the same as the ST game!


Look at the size of this bad boy. Hmm, let's punch him in the nuts - that'll work!


Another giant dude to fight, so I decided to cower in front of Ian Dury's little car heh.


You'll see something like this at the end of each stage. Great, uh?


Look at all those strange faces watching. Quite scary!


Another clipping of the advert (enhanced using online tools, hence the weird text)

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Mr. Do! Run Run




4-bitplane sex appeal

It's been a long time since I added something cool to our Pixel Art section so let's fix that with what I personally consider to be a visual feast. Also, a fantastic arcade conversion with utterly gorrrrrgeous gameplay. Yep, it's Mr Do! Run Run which was released in 1990 by Time Soldier dudes, Electrocoin. (actually, I quite liked that quirky shooter).

Yep, I love the graphics and the sweet pixels were created by Gary Felix who was responsible for Exolon and Future Sports. Now, ignoring the rather lame animated intro (sorry Gary), the title screen that follows demonstrates what to expect. And that means peculiar and freaky pixels - especially if you hate clowns? Meh, I don't see what all the fuss is about.

It's the in-game graphics that score the most points because they are authentic to the arcade original using a rich, bold style with cutesy sprites. Lovers of Mr Do and PacMan are instantly going to feel at home in this world of colour. In fact, it almost makes Rainbow Island look drab. Well, no it doesn't, but this game is every bit as glam.

What, you don't believe me? Okay, check out the title screen and a couple of in-game screenshots...



This is the campest title screen I've ever seen. It's absurd but very colourful.


The overhead display is superb for a clear view of the task ahead.


Check out those melon monsters! But look, I can see logs just waiting to be knocked.



Shockingly awesome conversion!

In this top-down runaround, we play the part of a clown who dashes around the screen collecting fruit whilst trying to avoid various nasties that are chasing and getting in our way. We're armed with one ball used to defend ourselves but this can be replaced by picking up several smaller balls off the floor. Heavy logs have been precariously propped and require only one well-timed nudge to see them roll down squashing anything in their path. Just don't get in the way!

This gameplay is fairly similar to PacMan but Mr Do is also writing a line as he moves (think Qix). Use this to draw a box and turn the pills into fruits: repeat the process to flip them into oranges, lemons and eventually pineapples for extra points. Yes, it is 'familiar' but the gameplay mechanics are excellent and provide a frantic adrenalin rush as you busily race around the screen. The level is completed once all the balls are collected or the baddies are dead.

Basically, this game looks and plays as old-school as it can get but, it works. In fact, it works brilliantly with zany gameplay that's as crafty to master as it is stunning to look at. Yes, I am shocked by how much I enjoyed this game but what shocks me even more is never playing it back in the day. What was I thinking? Where was I? How did I miss this game?

We're here for the pixels so I think it's time for some more sexy screenshots...



Oh, I love the design of each level and how colours are used to enhance that.


Lots to do and many monsters to kill. This game is an action fest and I love it!


Another level of pixel beauty which honours the arcade game perfectly.



Hang on, do we have more?

Now, although this is a Pixel Art feature, I feel I cannot continue without mentioning the music by Wally Beben. I'm often amazed at what the YM can produce but I feel he knocked the ball out of the park with truly outstanding arcade-style sounds. His chip music truly does suit the gameplay and sounds ace. Check it out and click on the green arrow below...




The CryptO'pinion?

Mr Do! Run Run is a challenging game with the first level being an absolute butt-kicker!!! Stick with it. The joy I felt when reaching the second level was an ecstatic moment indeed. My advice: ignore the Qix elements and concentrate on the controls and then how to kill the monsters. Once comfortable, learn how to farm fruits and collect the bonuses.

Personally, I think this is one of the most overlooked arcade conversions for the Atari ST. And it looks superb too!!


FLOPPY  |  HDD

Friday, November 30, 2018

Another World



It's #PixelArt time!

Another World was released by Delphine Software back in 1991 and I feel this 16-bit legend is groundbreaking and something everyone will fondly remember? The gameplay feels like a cross between Prince Of Persia with dollops of Dragon's Lair thrown in, which isn't something this old retro gamer would normally be too eager about. However, this beauty is going straight into our Pixel Art section thanks to the stunning visuals created by Eric Chahi.

Our adventure begins with a nice intro that nicely explains how our unfortunate hero, Lester Chaykin, managed to find himself in such a strange world. Okay, we're not talking Race Drivin' standards (and the elevator scene is boring) but it's definitely worth watching. I also like the sound effects which are a lot clearer on the Atari STe. Nice!!

Okay, let's check out a few photos to prove why I admire this game's pixel art so much...



You know you're in for a great adventure the moment this beast appears!!


We start in deep waters so hurry!! Before something reaches up to get you!


You made it!! Hang on, what's that in the background?


We didn't last long before getting captured and banged up with another fella. I hope he's friendly!!


Like an old eerie B-movie!

There's no denying that Eric has created incredibly beautiful backgrounds for each and every area. Their abstract artistry is outstanding using a bleak, futuristic style that produces such an eerie environment. Characters are made using chunky polygons which are superbly animated. Just watch Lester run and jump his way through but he's a gullible chap so I dare you not to smile when he holds up his hand at the end of the first stage. Love it!!

Its attention to detail like this which is so impressive, like on the first screen with that ugly beast on a distant ledge who looks rather ominous - it then turns around and sees you. Scary stuff!! Also, when trapped in jail, I love to watch those distant prisoners working in the background. And what about when Lester flops to the ground after a slug slashes his leg? Brilliant stuff and Another World is surely one of the best-animated games from the early 90s?

Consider the lower resolution of old computers... Well, check out the artwork talent here...


Sadly, there is no obvious way to escape. Or is there...


Okay, we're out and I've lost my hands! What's going on?


Another World is full of frustrating traps so watch where you walk - and how you jump.


Gunfights are fun but tough to master...


Good pixels/bad game?

Overall, this is such a classic adventure which I have loved and hated in equal measure. Sure, I marvel at the aesthetics but its gameplay is rather cruel and unforgiving which makes me scream out loud at my monitor!! I mean, something as simple as those droopy slugs on the first level - yet they killed me so many times...

However, it's because of the visuals why Another World takes its rightful place within our Pixel Art section. I hope you approve of my screenshots which I think helped demonstrate why I love these pixels so much? A truly wonderful game so grab yourself some of Eric Chahi's cartoon styles on either a floppy disk or for your hard drive.


AtariMania has a great walk-through which is very helpful to frustrated games (like me!)

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Fred



Let's get medieval

Okay, I think it's time we posted more pixel art and today, we have Ubi Soft's Sir Fred (aka Fred) which is a scrolling platformer with beautiful visuals by Jean-Marc Torroella and Jerome Guerry. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that this contains some of the most unique styles with stunning attention to detail using a colourful, yet eerie, palette. The sprites are wonderful and nicely animated - even those rude ones who stick out their tongues!!

The intro is fantastic - our fearless knight is tragically zapped into a midget by an angry dwarf. Shocked by this, he shakes his fists at his foe but, they cannot help themselves and burst out laughing. Then, adding salt into Fred's wounds is a little gnome who completes Fred's ridicule. This is what I call a brilliant opening intro.

Why can't all games get this much love and respect? Kudos to Jean and Jerome!



Now come on, who would have ever expected rude gnomes to be our enemy?


Hang on, these are armed. They might be little but they're evil little b4s@£@s!


A garden centre platformer?

We begin life as a miniature warrior in a spooky forest who battles cute garden gnomes. There are other beasts lurking in the woods and castle grounds like skeletons, snakes, headless axemen and ghosts. Everything wants you dead, so kill them with your arrows - these will even reach the baddies off-screen which is kinda cool.

Fred is a nimble chap with the ability to walk, leap and roll his way through his quest but the controls often got me into trouble. Turning around reminded me of Black Lamp feeling quite restrictive and lethargic. This cumbersome method of turning around spoils the gameplay somewhat because our ability to react is hampered by its speed.

What is it with developers back in the day, didn't they play their own games? Or is it just me being grumpy?



I absolutely love the details and the murky palette which is perfect for the creepy scenario.


Check out that headless axeman and the gnome's facial details are truly astounding.


Perspective platforming

Interestingly, we have multiple platform layers used to climb steps or bypass obstacles like rocks or trees. This is used to present a more 3D or realistic feel to our ability to travel. Sadly, it feels weird at first when you happen to be higher/lower or behind an object. It's a 3D effect that isn't really needed and only complicates exploration.

Battling the foe requires that both parties are on the same level. That's quite fiddly and didn't work well when being attacked from all sides. Energy levels are indicated by three apples and, once they're gone, you're dead as a dodo. These don't last long but, your death produces a hilarious effect as our hero drops his sword in agony!

I honestly don't think there's a more humorously graphically unique and fascinating game.



Those darn gnomes are a pest even the rude ones lol


Oh no, is that a skeleton or a zombie? Whatever it is, I should run away!


The CryptO'pinion?

Fred is a good game but it's simply far too difficult thanks to the fudgy controls and having to fiddle with the vertical perspective of your character. That ultimately spoils what might have been a cracking platformer. Also, more checkpoints are needed to prevent you from restarting from the beginning - extremely annoying.

Overall, I felt Fred had huge potential but somehow fell short of the mark, which is ironic, uh? It's good, but it looks a lot better than it plays, but I'm proud to feature it in our Pixel Art section. If you fancy helping out Fred in this beautiful 16-bit adventure then pick up a sword and boot up this floppy disk or run this hard disk program.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Verminator



Put on your sunglasses!

Jake is a rather odd-looking fella who exterminates bugs in a fantastic fantasy world of weirdness. However, this is as much as I currently know - because I've never played this game before! Verminator is here because of it's pixel art - which is jaw-dropping. So it wasn't long into the first game that I wanted to make this post for our PixelArt section.

Actually, Verminator is granted VIP access because of Nigel Brownjohn's outstanding artistry. He used incredibly bold and rich colours with fine attention to detail for the sprites and backgrounds. This has to be one of the most gorgeous 16-bit games ever created? So perhaps I take time to play it? Yes, I think so too... Watch this space!


8BitChip has the hard drive version and Old Games Finder has the floppies.
Trusteft recorded a video and seemed pretty much impressed by this beautiful game.



Verminator took my breath away when I first booted it up. Ohhh, look at the sexy colours!


Ignoring the detail and colour, this reminds me of the Wally games on my Spectrum.


Hang on, is that a hammer? Let's beat the enemy like a psycho!!


Nigel Brownjohn knew how to use the palette to get the most from low-res. Impressive.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Bombuzal



Dazzling dots!

It's time for some more amazing #PixelArt with ImageWorks' 1988 hit Bombuzal. I remember seeing this in the magazines of the day, I couldn't believe the cartoon-like quality of the main character within a colourful isometric world. He is an odd potato-shaped dude who performs a funny expression as the bombs are exploding - it's almost like he doesn't trust himself!! There are some big names associated with this game but is it any good?

Well, this is quite a simple puzzler that requires us to detonate a collection of red bombs. Each screen contains a number of squares we can use to help calculate our best route but watch out for traps: crumbling tiles that can be walked on only once before they disappear forever, so don't get yourself stranded!

Other tiles might be too slippery to walk on whilst some can transport you to another location. Slotted tiles allow us to move selected bombs to a different location, usually to avoid being caught up in an explosive chain reaction. I like Bombuzal, it's a fun game to tax the old brain cells and it's got fantastic pixel art too!

Floppies can be found via Old Games Finder with HDD versions by 8BitChip & Klaz.


Wow, this must be one of the brightest and happiest games on the Atari ST.


This is interesting and being able to flip POVs is neat. But I prefer it in 3D myself...


I love its pixel art. Isometric styles always look cool but this one also uses the palette perfectly.


Oh no, watch out for crumble tiles and (so many) other hazards. This 3D world is dangerous!

Tuesday, August 08, 2017

Darkman



The darker side of pixel art

Darkman is a combination of mini-games strung together in that Ocean style we loved so much. However, the first thing that struck me was the quality of the artwork and I instantly knew this was going inside our PixelArt section. The title image and cutscenes have a mysterious theme that perfectly captures the movie's atmosphere.

There are movie scenes - like dodging the oncoming traffic or covertly sneaking pictures for a disguise (which will produce hilarious results for such a sinister game). This dark theme continues through to the end with a short comic strip. This game is a great example of extraordinary 16-Bit artwork thanks to the talent of James Clarke/Mister X, Darkman!!

 - Floppy disks can be downloaded off Stonish and I recommend Now 5 #7.
 - A hard drive installable version of Darkman is available via D-Bug.
 - AtariMania list the other works of James Clarke and the ominous Mister X.








Thursday, June 29, 2017

Flying Shark



Flying pixels!

Following on from Deathbringer, the next piece of wonderful Atari ST Pixel Art is Firebird's Flying Shark which is a belting example of 16-bit artistry. Just look at the title screen with that sinister face as it flies over the landscape. Yep, this screen is superb and so are the in-game graphics with gorgeous landscapes and sprites by Robert Hemphill and Jason Lihou.

I remember getting this on an ST/Amiga Format cover disk back in my college days - much to the envy of my Miggy mate!! It's actually a pretty faithful representation of the coin-op with great graphics, ace music and excellent gameplay. The play area doesn't slide left/right (like in the arcades) but that's not required due to our wider resolution ratio.

I personally think Firebird released a cracker and it's a blast on the Atari ST. You will love it!!


- SCREENSHOTS & LINKS -


Klaz's Hideaway has a HDD and floppy version w/ trainer!
Stonish has Flying Shark on Zuul #37 floppy disk.
ST/Amiga Format cover disk #7 can be downloaded from ST Format.