Sokoban

Never judge a book...

I love hearing about new games in development for our handsome Atari ST, and today I found out about a brand new Sokoban puzzler. It's written by Peter Lane and is a GEM-based program, so it will work on every model of computer. It features 50 levels, a scale-adjustable display, and options for tons of extra levels.

Using the cursor, guide your icon around each screen, pushing crates onto their designated spots to clear the level. Beware: boxes can only be pushed, never pulled, so one careless shove can leave a crate jammed against a wall and force a restart. The key to success is to study the layout before making a move, thinking several steps ahead to avoid trapping yourself. Thankfully, we have unlimited "undo" functions, so experiment and learn to spot possible dead-end situations if you want to conquer all fifty devious rooms.

Oddly, I've enjoyed taxing my (very) old brain cells with this puzzler. Highly recommended!!

• Download via Atarimania https://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-st-sokoban_30652.html
• Demozoo has the credits & links https://demozoo.org/productions/158370/
• Key clicks begone with XControl :)

YOPAZ IceStar

A brand new GEM game!

Yopaz is a new Sokoban-inspired puzzler from Cedric Bourse starring a cheerful little chap with an obsession for collecting stars. It may be a GEM-based program, but don't let that put you off. This is a remarkably slick and polished release, with smooth presentation throughout. Better still, owners of a 4MB Atari STe are treated to ambient background sounds, while the game only requires 1MB without them.

Viewed from above, the playing field represents a small corner of the universe scattered with stars waiting to be collected. Out here in the vastness of space, everything obeys the laws of physics. Once Yopaz starts moving, he is committed to that direction until he collides with something. This makes every move crucial, forcing you to stop, think, and carefully plot your route. Ice blocks can be used to alter your course, while special tiles will teleport you elsewhere on the map. For those craving an even sterner challenge, an advanced mode offers fiendishly clever levels designed to push your brain to its limits. Consider yourself warned.

There is really only one rule here: think before you act.

I genuinely didn't expect to enjoy this game. You know what, I blummin' loved it!!

• Cedric Bourse, aka Orion_ has a website where you can download a playable demo. He asks only for $4 to purchase the full game. An incredibly low price for such a brilliant puzzler.