Another World

Delphine Desires!

Another World was released by Delphine Software back in 1991 and is nothing less than a legendary 16-bit game. In fact, it was groundbreaking! The gameplay feels like a cross between Prince of Persia with dollops of Dragon's Lair thrown in. This creation is a unique combination that Eric Chahi should be proud of.

Everyone already knows this game well. I have wanted to feature Another World for ages but, it's kinda like trying to review Dungeon Master or Captain Blood. What's the point? So I figured I'd base this feature on its aesthetics to, hopefully, persuade you ST Nutters to replay it :)

Our adventure begins with an intro depicting how our unfortunate hero, Lester Chaykin, managed to find himself in a strange world. The intro is good, but we're not talking Race Drivin' standards - as the elevator scene is boring! However, it's definitely worth watching. I like the sound effects, especially on the Atari STe!!

Let's check out a few photos to prove why you should consider replaying this...

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?



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

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

B-movie aesthetics

Eric created incredible backgrounds for each area using abstract artistry with a bleak, futuristic style, which is very eerie. Characters use chunky polygons - superbly animated. Just watch Lester run and jump. However, he's a gullible chap, so I dare you not to smile as he holds up his hand at the end of the first stage!!

Attention to detail like that is impressive. Like on the first screen with the beast on a distant ledge. It's rather ominous - especially when it sees you and turns around!! Also, watching the prisoners working in the background when you're trapped in jail is amazing. And what about when Lester flops to the ground after a slug slashes his leg? Brilliant stuff that proves Another World is one of the best-animated games of the era?

Consider the lower resolution and limitations of older computers. Now check out the artwork...

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. It took me a while to beat this lug, easier than it looks!

CryptO'pinion

This is a classic adventure that I have loved and hated in equal measure. Sure, I marvel at the aesthetics, but it's the gameplay that matters. That can be cruel and unforgiving, making you scream out loud. I mean something as simple as the droopy slugs on the first level - yet they killed me many times. Furious, yet addictive!!

However, there can be no denying that it ranks high in the Hall of Fame. I hope you enjoyed this short recap, and I hope you guys download and have a few games. This is a truly wonderful game in every respect.

Grab some of Eric Chahi's cartoon-style adventure on a floppy disk or for your hard drive.

AtariMania has a great walk-through, which is helpful for frustrated gamers (like me!)

Fred

Let's get medieval

Ubi Soft's Sir Fred (aka Fred) was released in 1989 and is a platform/beat 'em up. It was programmed by Tuan Do Cao and Philippe Villain, who were inspired by older games I played back in my Spectrum days.

Our adventure begins with an intro animation depicting our fearless knight 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. Adding salt to his wounds is a gnome who completes Fred’s mockery. A brilliant intro!!

That's the basis of the game: we need to heal our wounds. Wanna see some screenshots...

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?

As a miniature warrior, we first explore the spooky forest to battle those garden gnomes. Other beasts lurk in the woods and castle grounds - 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 who can walk, leap and roll his way through his quest. However, these controls often got me into trouble: turning around reminded me of Black Lamp feeling laborious and lethargic. This cumbersome method of turning around spoils the action because our ability to react is hampered by that speed.

The graphics are interesting beyond looks, using a multi-layer arrangement. This effect is used to climb steps and bypass obstacles, to represent a 3D feel. At first, this feels odd when too high/low (behind/in front of objects). It's a good idea, but awkward in battles because both parties need to be on the same level.

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. This is just one more aspect of the visuals that is brilliant. As you can see, there are some cool ideas implemented for Fred.

Enough reading, let's see those graphics! Yes, it's screenshot time...

I 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 astounding.

Aesthetics

Jean-Marc Torroella and Jerome Guerry should be forever proud of what they created. This is one of the best-looking games for the Atari ST, with colourful landscapes and stunning attention to detail. The palette is as eerie as it is comical with its superbly animated sprites. Even the rude ones who stick out their tongues!!

The audio is (almost) as good as the visuals, with a crunchy sampled tune on the title screen and intro. Charles Callet did great, but I'm more of a chiptune guy. In-game sound effects are sampled, and I love these. From the firing of arrows and clanging of swords to the silly screams of your enemies. Absolutely superb.

We've just enough time left to see a couple more screenshots. Keep on scrolling...

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 difficult thanks to the fudgy controls that need to be quicker. Also, more checkpoints were required to prevent restarting from the beginning (so annoying). Don't get me wrong, this is a good game, but it looks better than it is. Am I right? Let me know in the comments what you guys think.

Grab a sword and boot this up on a floppy disk or on your hard drive.

Prince Of Persia

A 16-bit classic gets updated!

Prince of Persia is incredible, but today it receives an audio upgrade using the DMA coprocessor (to play the effects). They sound much cleaner and without any slowdown because the DMA is a coprocessor, working independently. This means that the gameplay is uninterrupted when playing the sounds.

All credit to PP over at 8BitChip. This is a pretty cool update for all Atari STe gamers :)

Download right now. Yes, now!!