Torvak the Warrior

Rastan the barbarian?

So, Torvak? Why do I love this imperfect hack-and-slasher? In this scrolling platformer, I'm transformed into Hercules with giant weapons (ooer), and it's something I've returned to over the decades - whenever I'm brassed off and feel the need to hit something. So, whilst the wife breathes herself a massive sigh of relief, I admit that it could have been better. I still boot it up regularly because it's damn good fun.

The basic concept is incredibly familiar, but it whiffs of a rushed port for a small screen, with strange controls and suspect collision detection. Additionally, attempting to kill something that demands multiple hits, and you soon realise that this is definitely no Golden Axe. Having said that, it looks great, sounds great, and plays well. So, no matter how old I get, I'm always happy to boot it up, especially with a trainer enabled!

Torvak The Warrior was released by Core Design and programmed by Andy Green who developed a couple of stinkers but redeemed himself with Masters of the Universe, a game I think is unexpectingly excellent. The rastan visuals are by non-other than Lee Pullen of Chuck Rock fame and Matt Furniss produced the gorgeous chiptune bleeps that are nothing less than exceptional.

I bet you're dying to play this beastmaster? I hope so because it's a lot better than most people say! Just remember to hold down the fire button to use spells and grab that Broadsword (located near the beginning). Like I said, it's far from perfect but really enjoyable!! I'd love to know if you guys are fans.

Downloads are available for your hard drive and floppy disk. Righto, I'll end with nifty screenshots...

I love the first stage because it's not too difficult and the level I play the most!

The second stage is a lot harder, and you'll get attacked from both sides.

The third stage is a lot better than my gaming skills might suggest!

Lots of jumps in the fourth stage, and it's very hard with many hidden dangers.

The fifth level always felt a bit Castlevania'ish to me. It's good but too samey...

And this is the screen I see the most, so use your noodle and activate the cheats!

Deathbringer

It's Hercules!

Deathbringer is a horizontally scrolling hack and slasher that reminds me of a bunch of different Atari ST games like Barbarian II, Golden Axe and, dare I say it, Shadow Of The Beast. You are Karn, a warrior with muscles who must kill an evil wizard using a sword possessed by a blood-hungry spirit called Abaddon.

Our world is viewed side-on and can be travelled in either direction through a variety of eye-popping landscapes. Of course, the basic gameplay remains much the same, which means wielding your huge sword whenever you see anything nasty. Predictable or not, I like the sound of this slasher already!!

Karn can run & jump using 3 attack moves: fire + left/right for a jab that is handy against skeletons. Push up for an overhead swing - great for flying enemies. Pull down for an underhanded swing that works well for the goblins and other peculiar nasties like rocks. Yep, rocks.

Killing is the name of the game to keep Abaddon happily stuffed with souls - represented in the status bar by the sword's blood. The more baddies you kill, the happier our resident demon is. Try not to starve him otherwise; he might just get his fix elsewhere. It's silly, but I admired this unique mechanic.

Many other monsters will want to stop you from completing your noble quest: baby dragons, trolls, skeletons, bats, giants, and birds who drop stinky eggs. A boss screen follows each level and is rather easy!

It's time for an extraordinary screenshot. Breathe. Now, check this out...

The graphics in this game are outstanding.

Psygnosis, eat your heart out!

Deathbringer has fantastic graphics - truly fantastic - and regulars will remember I featured the game within our Pixel Art section because of its intro/boss stages and outstanding artwork. The in-game multilayer parallax scrolling is legendary and proves the power of the Atari ST in the hands of a decent programmer.

Aesthetically, this game makes our port of Shadow Of The Beast look like Pong!!

The audio is on par with the visuals and a great title tune, along with funny in-game sampled sounds - I love the horrific screaming in the intro!! However, I can't help but be disappointed that Empire didn't make use of the Atari STe. Even so, we have sampled effects and smooth parallax scrolling. Eat that Psygnosis!

I only hope they didn't concentrate on the aesthetics too much. Let's see another screenshot...

A goblin riding a snail is not the quickest way to get about lol

The CryptO'pinion?

Deathbringer appears to have it all, but I've not yet mentioned how this Conan wannabe actually plays. Surely running and hacking at slimeball enemies is guaranteed fun? Well, it should be, but this is where disappointment rears its ugly head, thanks to the unresponsive controls. The mirror opposite of what a game like this needs. It's the last thing you need during the heat of battle when dexterity and agility matter!

For example, press fire/up for an overhead swing which actions a split-second later. Other niggles exist like when Karn and a baddie are standing too close - so are unable to hit each other. How weird!

Deathbringer's strong points are its beautiful graphics and sound effects. I would also include its wide variety of interesting monsters too - I don't think I have ever seen a goblin on a sleigh before! Sadly, I'm left wondering if anyone at Empire actually bothered to play this game before releasing it. Probably not, which is oddly peculiar. With a little tweak to the control system, this would have been a show stopper!!

Ultimately, a good game, but the laggy controls ruin what might have been something tremendous...

Only one move will kill these skeletons, but I don't care because it's fun!

Atari Legend has the floppies.

I would install it on a hard drive if possible!