Archipelagos

Killer trees?

Astral Software's Archipelagos was developed in 1989 by (for me) a coding legend, Paul Carruthers (the man behind Resolution 101 and Quadralien). This is a surreal game that doesn't look, sound, or play like anything else, and still feels unique even today. You’re dropped into a strange, dreamlike world of floating islands, where your job is to smash eggs, topple an obelisk, and try not to get eaten alive by mutant trees.

Archipelagos is a first-person puzzler within hundreds of procedurally generated islands. Each map has egg-like stones and an obelisk. Smash all the stones, and you trigger a countdown, forcing you to leg it to the obelisk before the land collapses around you. To get there, harvest energy to build bridges and cleanse corrupted tiles, all while corkscrew trees creep closer, spreading their taint and making life miserable. It’s all about planning your route, staying one step ahead, and then surviving the panic of the endgame dash.

The islands were once part of a paradise world that pesky humans have probably ruined. So, Mother Nature hit back hard - mutating trees into some kind of twisted lifeform like something from an old 60s horror movie. This also left the land shattered into chunks, drifting in a toxic void. Yeah, this place sounds great, eh? Well, that’s where we come in as a "restorer" tasked with cleansing the islands by destroying corrupted stones(?) and toppling the obelisks that anchor the blight. Just don't get eaten by the monstrous wildlife.

This is one weird game - I mean, it's an FPS without a shotgun! However, it is uniquely different in terms of hypnotic aesthetics, most certainly unlike anything else I can remember playing. It's not easy, and occasionally cruel, but the mix of exploration and frantic strategy is exciting. So, smash those obelisks - only another ten thousand to go! This is one of the most captivating games you could play. And you should.

• There is a range of menu disks at Atari Legend for those wanting the floppies.
• The installable game for the hard drive is available at 8BitChip.
• Atarimania has access to a nifty cheat and loads of magazine ratings.

Muzzy

Wait, come back!!

Muzzy was featured in ST Format (#58) and is a puzzler by Enigma Software Developments. It caught my eye because I liked the oldskool visuals, plus it's something I've never played before. It should be compatible with both the ST and STe (it crashes on my STFM but works dandy on the STe but YMMV - the download).

An intro kicks things off at the start accompanied by stereo music on the Atari STe. Playing my first game was quite confusing and I wasn't sure what to do but I soon learnt the game's crazy personality. The object is always the same: collect every gem before being whisked off to do it again on the next zany screen.

The trusty joystick is used to control Muzzy which is easy. At first, it feels sensitive but stick with it because pushing against something, whilst pressing fire, will be the most complex action you will learn. Of course, the difficulty constantly increases as does the variety of silly mechanics and enemies (who kill you instantly). So fight back by blowing up these pesky critters using bombs. That is always going to be great!

Visually, I doubt Muzzy will blow you away with its tiny sprites and 8-bit styles. By ST standards, they suck. But since when have graphics made a game better? (I'm talking to you - Dragon's Lair). The audio is basic and it's disappointing that the DMA wasn't used for the sound effects but, the old YM does an excellent job.

Muzzy is a strange game with many weird levels that make little sense - it's different from what I expected. Attack each screen with a 'trial and error' method to see what solution works In my video recording, the last screen had me stumped but it was actually annoyingly obvious - but that's Muzzy for you.

To sum up, I'd say it is infuriatingly good fun!!

Bombuzal

Dazzling dots!

ImageWorks' 1988 hit Bombuzal is one of those games that I remember seeing in the magazines of the day. Those pixels - I couldn't believe the cartoon-like quality of the main character within a uniquely colourful isometric world. We play the part of an odd potato-shaped dude who performs a funny expression as the bombs are exploding - it's almost like he doesn't trust himself!! Interestingly, there are some big names associated with this game but is it any good to play?

Well, this is quite a simple puzzler at heart. It requires us to detonate clusters of red bombs. Each level contains squares used to help calculate our best route. However, there are traps to look out for - crumbling tiles that can be walked on only once before they disappear forever. Others might be too slippery to walk on, some transport us, and slotted tiles can move bombs to different locations (usually to avoid being caught in an explosive chain reaction).

I like Bombuzal, it's a fun game that looks hot as it taxes the old brain cells. It's bomb-blastingly excellent!! 

Floppies can be found via Old Games Finder

HDD 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!

Jumping Jack'son

A game with attitude!

All Jack wanted was a quiet night in with his record collection - just him, some snacks, and a few classic tunes, but he never got the chance. Why, I hear you scream? Well, I'm glad you asked... The soul of Rock ‘n Roll has somehow been imprisoned, and now deranged classical instruments are on the rampage, thirsty for blood. And not just any blood - yours! Yep, if there was ever a strange idea then this is it.

Jack’s strange world is viewed from above, made up of tiled squares that he can hop around on. Some of these tiles are special and will change colour with every hop—and if you manage to turn them all the same colour, they’ll produce a vinyl record. This needs to match an unused turntable, so for example, a red tile set makes a red record for the red player. The song will gradually compile as each record player is activated - which means that the level is only complete once all are working. Sounds weird but it works well.

Yeah, it may sound peculiar but it looks hotter than hell itself. Check out the first screenshot...

Never would I have imagined such a silly game would be so addictive!!

Not your normal game...

Each level is different and much like a jigsaw in design. Some aren't continuous, so the use of a transporter may be required – but be careful, because you don’t want to bump directly into a roaming baddie! Some instruments chase if you get too close and will kill you using a humorous "Pif-Paf" cartoon-like effect (this bit is absolutely fantastic). There are many items to collect for extra points and other oddball features: wear a pair of cool shades or take a breather to safely gather your nerves on a chequered tile for a moment.

Why not try dropping a couple of old cassettes on the floor to block an instrument dead in its tracks? Well, only for a few seconds, but that gives the gameplay a desperately needed break when the chaos ramps up - nobody uses those old tapes, so it’s nice they’ve found a new purpose! As you progress, the maps become more technical and offer a greater challenge in this insane, musical world of complete and utter craziness!

What an insanely unique game and I did rather well and made the hi-score table...

Daft question, but can you beat my Hi-Score? Nah, I didn't think so!

Aesthetics

Infogrames have worked their magic and produced another jaw-dropper. I normally start with the graphics but, not today - this game is a blast!! The sound effects are superb and these go to making up thumping tunes. Other sound effects for the instrument monsters are excellent and I love it when some will begin to violently bash out their sounds if you get too close. Sigh, just imagine if they'd have used the DMA hardware...

The graphics are frequently amazing throughout each and every level - rich in colour, beautiful backgrounds, and the funniest musical sprites chasing you. The scrolling is ultra-smooth and I even loved the high-score table which is almost like a demo screen. Hey, check it out above, can you beat my first-attempt score?

As you can tell, I love this game and wish you would boot it up also. Don't miss out! One final screenshot...

Oh no, something mean and green is attacking me. LOL this is insane!! :D

The CryptO'pinion?

Jumping Jackson is an absolute gem, bursting with quirky charm and unique humour. I mean, come on - how many games have you legging it from a furious trumpet? That alone makes it completely bonkers and brilliantly maddening! Yet it's also seriously challenging so remains one of the most playable puzzlers on the Atari ST. I reckon it's a timeless classic and a personal favourite. A lot of love went into making this!!

Download for hard drive or floppy.