Knightmare

Best laid plans...

For those living on another planet for the last few decades, Knightmare is an RPG similar to one we all know and love. Developed by Commodore legend Antony Crowther, it utilises his excellent Captive engine but features a much better user interface. I admit, I've been eager to give this game a proper go for ages. I was hoping it would be a good one, as I wanted to attack its dungeon and come back with news of another crawler to recommend. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite turn out as expected, but more on that later.

Before we begin, pessimists might judge this game as nothing more than a Dungeon Master wannabe. They could be right, but the box has a line boasting, "It makes Dungeons and Dragons seem like newts splashing around in a muddy puddle". Needless to say, I booted it up feeling cautiously wary but with great anticipation. After all, who doesn't enjoy romping through creepy dungeons, killing the unearthly beasts?

This 1991 computer game is based on the 80s TV show, and being of a certain age, you might assume I was a fan. Well, no. I don't remember much, as I thought it was cheesy. I recall a medieval environment with kids pretending to be in a cryptic dungeon - all thanks to bluescreen computer-generated graphics.

I have no idea how closely the game follows the show, but I know its opening intro is cool...

This is the Knightmare castle? Awesome pixel art!! Wanna step inside with me?

Arghhh!! Lord Fear turns up to ruin everyone's day. Miserable sod isn't he!

What's the story?

As a party of four adventurers, we have the noble task of seeking out magical objects held within these dungeons: The Shield of Justice, the Sword of Freedom, the Cup of Life, and the Crown of Glory. By the sounds of it, the adventure will be huge and spread over four "episodes". Once all are found, we hope to destroy the evil sorcerer, Lord Fear. It sounds melodramatic, but show me the dungeon entrance. I want in!

The manual pulls no punches and instructs the player that 'fear will be with you constantly.' There are other cheery lines like 'death is always around the next corner.' It's grim and aims to prepare you for the difficult challenges ahead. Of course, it's not all bad. Treguard is the dungeon master who tries to provide helpful tips and advice. Well, I said, "Tries". Nonetheless, heed his words, but don't expect too much.

Dare you to enter the Knightmare and battle the minions of Lord Fear? Of course, you do...

First things first, create your own team or head out with a default crew of dungeoneers?

Choosing your own is best, but make sure you name 'em better than I did!

Controls & User Interface

Beginning with the basics, the controls instantly feel familiar to fans of Dungeon Master and the ilk. Exploration is done through a grid layout with 90-degree turns. Directional buttons are used for walking, sidestepping, and turning (there are buttons for up/down, but I've yet to find a use). The user interface is clean, uncomplicated, and concise, with our party's stats illustrated with bars for health, stamina, and magic.

The layout (and execution) of our actions is expected, whilst also fresh, using a design that performs perfectly. With the mouse, a left click interacts with the user interface and the world (picking up and throwing objects). Any character can also assign an action (like kicking and punching) to his/her default. This is superb, especially when holding a weapon, and a spellcaster's abilities expand greatly when using a wand.

This excellent design extends to other aspects, such as the inventory, with its many available slots. Encumbrance is conveniently detailed, so don't ignore it whilst lugging everything you find. There are also slots for equipping clothing and weaponry. That alien-looking dude in the middle signals hunger and should make perfect sense when it comes to food. I found the user interface a breeze, which is odd for a nitpicker like me!

Yep, I'm often slow to grasp a game's user interface, but Knightmare's is far beyond excellent...

The inventory screen is beautifully designed and so easy to use.

YES, click this thumbnail for a larger image!! Go on, you know you want to :)

Welcome to the dungeons of Dunshelm

So, who will you venture into the wild with for companionship and support? Well, you can decide whether to stick with the default or assemble your own band of merry men/goblins/elves/etc. I have a couple of Clubber Langs at the front with others helping with range, magic, healing, etc. The starting area is void of anything interesting, with no items or puzzles. Isn't that bizarre, but wait, I see a cart. Let's jump inside that...

Once you've arrived at the woodlands, exploring is mind-boggling. The area is a confusing jungle labyrinth. A Goblin soon appears, but is easy to kill, and he disappears into the void after a few kicks. Soon, you will stumble upon a 'ghostly thing' that's super easy to defeat and makes me wonder what the point was. Look out for rabbits, these nip at your heels the moment you turn away - give them a kick and watch them scarper. Actually, it's worth chasing these blighters because their death rewards with a rabbit pie. YUM!!

Compared to a typical dungeon environment, the woodlands are incredibly bewildering, so it's advisable to make a map as you explore. North of your starting location is a walled area where the 'ghostly thing' would often appear. Hint - look around for anything obscure that could be usable. Getting around the woodland is tough, but a map now proves its worth because I struggled to see the wood for the trees!

To the west is a prison, and inside it are several Giants. They are like goblins, only bigger and much stronger. This is where my progress hit a brick wall because this seemed to be the only way through the woodlands. They constantly killed me, no matter what tactics I used (I was losing the will to live). So, I eventually concluded that this was something to return to later. There must be another exit, somewhere...

I continued on and, by sheer chance, I found talking trees. One wanted her baby back, another asked, "Have you seen my cup?", and another wanted a weapon. By this point, I had collected quite an inventory of junk, and I had a thought about the first tree's request. What did it need? I'm sure you can guess. Well, she rewards our kindness with entrance to The Shield of Justice. FINALLY, I'M GETTING SOMEWHERE!!

You don't want to know how many hours were spent to get this far! Let's see some screenshots...

You thought a rabbit was timid? Not these buggers!! Kick 'em to death lol

You won't be able to beat these Giants so early in the game!

The Shield Of Justice

After (finally) escaping the woodlands, I arrived in what can only be described as Dungeon Master World (ha!). A nearby plaque announced that this was indeed "Quest One, the Shield of Justice". Instantly, I was relieved to be playing something that I originally desired from Knightmare, a dungeon and not a forest!

Yes, this relief of standing in a dungeon after many wasted hours in those damn woods is intense. As you begin, the first thing you will notice is the visuals. This is one enchanting place illuminated by a colourful design that makes Dungeon Master look decidedly bland. So, as I carefully tread and begin discovering interesting pathways, bizarre objects, and doors just waiting to be opened. This is great, I thought to myself.

I begin mapping and exploring the corridors, and I stumble upon an obvious trap involving a switch that launches a fireball to light you up like Blackpool Tower. However, I can also see something in the next room through the bars in the wall. These problems are easily overcome, and a few corridors later, I find myself using pressure plates in the floor to access a hidden area. This episode is becoming exciting!!

Sadly, my elation doesn't endure because something's not quite right. The deeper I get, the more frequently I fight the bad guys. Unfortunately, it's more of a struggle than a challenge because I found few weapons, and my health was suffering. Not only this, but all combat is extremely tough, and soon to the point where you cannot win any battle without running away to hide and gather yourself behind a closed door.

Thankfully, there is a ridiculous cheat I discovered by sheer chance - use the doors. There is no standing your ground like a man here. No, it's better to draw out an enemy and lead them towards an open door. Stand there, and when a monster gets close enough, shut the door on it. This action will eventually crush it to death, which is similar to Dungeon Master, Space Crusade, and others. However, I was using this method all the time rather than my weapons/spells because it was simply too difficult. It didn’t help that so few items were accumulated within this dungeon, aside from fatigue. Unfair, unbalanced, and disheartening.

I'll be honest, I was starting to wonder by this point why I had bought the game. Yes, bought. What a sucker I am. Anyhow, it wasn't long before I discovered the game's next oddity - sharks! That's right, there are flooded areas with sharks swimming about. Getting safe passage is a pain because the game's engine doesn't handle it well. Try as I might, I've completely lost interest in defeating Lord Fear.

From what little I remember, I cannot imagine this game comes close to following the TV show. In fact, it's an abomination!! I’m at my wits’ end and completely lost interest. I suppose I’d eventually find an object to unlock the next quest, but I won’t be returning to the nightmare of Knightmare anytime soon.

So, umm, shall we carry on? Well, I suppose so with a couple of screenshots...

This is the first object you come across. Wanna risk touching it?

Unlike this guy, most enemies are tough. So use the doors to crush them!

The CryptO'pinion?

Of all the Atari ST games I have played, this one took the longest to get into, perhaps even more than Armada (and that's saying something!). But it was all for nothing. Sure, the graphics and the thought that went into the user interface are impressive. But all that effort is for nothing as the game is utter tripe!!

The moving cart part is stupid, but you're rewarded with a woodland nightmare. Then the joy of finally beating that to entering a dungeon was short-lived because of the ridiculous, unbalanced gameplay. Constantly needing to crush enemies with gates takes the... Michael!! However, I did enjoy the tasty rabbit pies.

Knightmare has clawed its way into my Hall of Shame, and I'm rating it an unforgivable 35% because it's the Atari ST's worst RPG (I've played). Straight to the eBay pile. Just play Dungeon Master.

Fools may download PP's hard drive version or the floppies via Atari FTP Archive

Bio Hazard

Imperial Transporter Equadus

Bio Hazard is a 3D first-person adventure developed in STOS by Les Greenhalgh. If you’ve ever played Dungeon Master (I can’t believe I just said that), you will know exactly what to expect in terms of its basic gameplay. The documentation claims this is Dungeon Master in Space, and while the style and visuals support that, I’d say this is a completely different experience, being more of an action/adventure shooter.

We're in space, aboard a ship with a radiation leak on its fourth deck. It gets worse: the xenomorph containment vessels have ruptured, and an infestation is imminent - of course it is. Don't worry, a security team was sent to assess the damage. Actually, no - do worry - because all contact with them has been lost!

Meanwhile, the ship's computer is preparing to wake the remaining operatives from hypersleep and has initiated the self-destruct sequence to stop the xenomorphs from falling into enemy hands. Our job is to place plutonium fuel rods into their designated slots. Once that's done, we’ll have two minutes to escape before the entire ship undergoes a thermonuclear implosion. The escape shuttlecraft is located on the first level.

Enough of my jibber jabber, let's see some screenshots...

Based on the Dungeon Master engine, we explore a camp ship with a weird colour scheme.

Look everywhere for items that may help. Hey, what's that camouflaged on the ground?

Let's explore!

First things first, you won’t get far without fully understanding the user interface. It will be confusing at first, but once you get used to it, it’s actually quite good - just a bit clunky. The main window gives you a first-person perspective, while below it you’ll find details about what you’re carrying and your vital stats. Over on the right, there’s a cluster of icons that, frankly, could have been better - less is more & all that.

Now, before you charge off to an untimely death (courtesy of a xenomorph that looks suspiciously like a metallic Facehugger), take a moment to get familiar with this interface. Below, I’ve included a screenshot of the main screen and also the inventory, with helpful numbered markings for this guide...

• 1) Use the icons to navigate, but I preferred using the keyboard.
• 2) The two icons in the middle of the arrows are to aim, and the other operates the doors.
• 3) Pickup... Drop items... Load weapon/Battery... Recruit a person to your team.
• 4) Up ladders/teleporters... Same, but down... Inventory... Use syringes/disks.
• 5) These weirdo guys are the team members you've chosen.
• 6) This is where you can view a level map (it doesn't last long!)
• 7) Left and right hands to carry and use items - like laser guns and more.
• 8) Stats - until later in the game, only worry about "S" for Stamina.

The opening area is free from aliens, so take time to explore and get comfortable with this interface. You will find a disk on the floor with a message welcoming you to the game and instructing you to gather your team. Don’t forget to check the wall dispensers for extra goodies - ammo, a battery, and a syringe. Finally, you’ll notice two doorways. One is locked(!), but the other is open and ready for you to step through. Dare you?

You don't need to be brave and open that door - not with more screenshots to view...

They sure made these spacecraft with trippy colours using two main colour types.
Check out the numbered markings and use the key above. It's easier than it looks!

You can store everything in the inventory, from a spanner to a grenade.
However, there’s a catch: you can’t transfer items directly between team members.
Instead, you must drop the item on the floor and get another character to pick it up...

Let's kill aliens!

I’m guessing you’ve taken that next step and opened that door? From here on out, things get dangerous - especially since you’re unarmed! Thankfully, after a few steps, you will see several wall dispensers. Surely, one of them has a weapon we can use? You will also notice some with faces - these people you can add to your team. Strangely, there’s no real info about them, so I suppose we’re judging purely on looks?

Make sure you grab the map and, more importantly, find that weapon - which, as it turns out, is an axe. Not exactly sci-fi, but it gets the job done because there are no electronics or moving parts. A reliable weapon that is effective at close range. Later, you’ll come across a laser gun, though it’s not quite as dependable as you shall discover. Hey, did you happen to spot a repair terminal back there? That might come in handy!

The first level is big and nicely "divided" into sections using closed doorways, each crawling with aliens just waiting to be smashed with that axe (remember to close these doors!). As you push forward, you'll start getting access to other weapons, like a laser gun, mines, and grenades. Be careful with anything explosive - if you’re too close when it goes off, the character leading your team is going to take some heavy damage!

Each level has "hidden" areas you can access by what looks like a rubber swimming ring. It’s actually a teleporter that whisks you away to a separate section packed with rooms to explore and wall terminals to loot. Eventually, you’ll reach a point where the enemies are getting bigger and nastier. Your axe will do the job, but whatever you do, don’t stand still and soak up unnecessary damage - keep moving and stay sharp!

This game is probably starting to sound very familiar. A rip-off? But I'd say, Bio Hazard is very much a game of action and exploration - walk, search, find, use, and take down anything that gets in your way. I really like how the game eases you in with a simple map packed with useful items. This helps you get your bearings while also letting you experiment - reloading weapons, using syringes, reading disks, and so on.

The learning curve extends to the enemies as well. Before long, you’ll start coming across eggs. They may look harmless at first, but don’t be fooled - think of the Alien films! Once they (somehow) sense your presence, they crack open. And that’s when something jumps out - something that looks suspiciously like a spider. Or maybe an Alien Facehugger. Either way, it's time to put that new axe to good use!

At this point, you’ll probably start paying attention to the stats at the bottom of the screen. For now, it's only worth keeping your eyes on the first as the others won't really come into play until later.

• "S" for Stamina is essentially your health. This can be replenished with items you find.
• "R" for Radiation - though I never actually saw this increase.
• "I" for Impregnation - I have no idea if that applies to you or the ship!
• "C" for Countdown kicks in when you’re racing to escape at the end.
• "L" for the level of radiation during the final moments.

Dungeon Master in space? I’m more like Jason Voorhees in space! Let's have more screenshots...

The first real enemy on level one is a big mother with teeth!

Kill her, and a few Facehuggers, then you will see the exit to the next stage.

Aesthetics

The colour scheme in this game is... interesting. The early levels are drenched in beige and purple, which doesn’t exactly scream "stylish". However, it’s not a massive issue and not commercial, so I won't moan. Regardless, this beige theme actually works well for the user interface - it’s clean and precise.

This front-end feels overwhelming at first, so I jotted down notes on the function of each icon to ensure my old brain wouldn’t get confused. But after half an hour, it becomes second nature. There are a lot of icons, maybe too many, but you get used to them. The real pain comes with swapping weapons and items between characters - it’s a bit fiddly. But overall, the display works well, even if the colour choices are peculiar!

The audio is absolutely spot on with a wide range of effects for nearly every action - doors sliding open, the dispensers, and that gratifying clonk when you smack an alien with your axe. You’ll love hearing your own cries in action! The only letdown is the lack of footstep sounds, though I guess that’s not surprising.

I think I've yapped on enough! Let's see some screenshots before the gripping conclusion...

Something big is coming, and I can fight or close that doorway and run.

I was being beaten senseless. So... Game over, man. Game over!

The CryptO'pinion

To recap, the interface is (initially) awkward and cluttered with icons for actions that don’t need them - like separate buttons for picking up and dropping items instead of a click-&-drag. Recruiting teammates makes sense, but the system is clunky - item exchanges are cumbersome, and equipping them becomes a chore that’s easy to overlook. Worst of all, the map. It's super handy until its power drains way too fast!

That said, despite these gripes, this game absolutely rocks for a homebrew adventure. Navigating through the ship is quick and easy, with no lag. The maps are cleverly crafted, hitting that sweet spot - engaging and progressively tougher, yet never impossible. And unlike similar games, Bio Hazard is generous with items such as ammo and health, making it possible to progress deeper into the unknown.

It’s funny, but I wasn't expecting much when I first saw the graphics. I thought it would lack the charm of the commercial games and be nothing more than an "also-ran". How wrong I was. Bio Hazard is a blast! It's well-designed, fun, and worth checking out if you fancy a break from a traditional crawler.

Think of it as more of a Lite Dungeon Master that earns a respectable 75% rating from yours truly.

• The only download worth getting is the registered game from Atarimania!!
• However, there is a demo version with a simpler user interface/etc, which may tempt other players to take a stab at this rewarding game. I hope so. This can be found at Atari Legend, which has a few Menu Disks. AtariUpToDate has the demo on a Floppyshop disk.
• If you're interested in other 3D quests, then click here.

Legends Of Valour

Swashbuckle in first-person

Legends of Valour is one of the last Atari ST games I bought before shop shelves started to fill with PC/console games. I remember that it received relatively favourable reviews, with its first-person engine getting lots of praise for a 16-bit computer. Personally, I loved it and was smitten by its storyline, depth and longevity, not to mention playing in what felt like a cross between Wolfenstein and Dungeons and Dragons.

Our journey begins in the city of Mitteldorf in search of our cousin, Sven. He previously set out to find his fortune and is now missing - what an idiot. It's been far too long since anybody heard from him, and thus, our adventure begins. The storyline is a little lame, but it leads you into a world fresh and full of strife.

At the start of the adventure, players can choose to become a Human, Elf or Dwarf. Each race possesses different strengths and weaknesses, influencing everything from combat effectiveness to interactions. Begin by designing your appearance, including clothing and armament. Also, select hair, eyes, nose, and so on to create your demi-god, or perhaps your character will end up looking like a freak? Well, mine did lol.

Let's take a break and see the first screenshot...

It isn't long before somebody nice and welcoming pops up to greet us as new travellers.

Get lost ...in an amazing world!

Once you're dandy, enter the city and heed the advice from the local who pops up for a chat. I would advise you to take the time to explore and familiarise yourself with your surroundings, because this is such a massive place and you will need the necessary amenities, like safe lodgings, income, beer to sup, and grub to nosh. Yes, it's pen-and-paper time! Think of this game as your new virtual life, and be prepared.

Mitteldorf is a fortress city, populated with interesting characters, secretive guilds, curious places, and even a labyrinth of dungeons hidden underground. Of course, these are waiting to be explored, but be careful because you might not like what you find down there. Tip: your cousin wrote a letter which explains his story. Perhaps it might feature hidden clues that could help you out along this quest. Heck, you never know?

All exploration is through a first-person engine not too dissimilar to a shooter like Wolfenstein with fully texture-mapped graphics - a testament to what our 16-bit computer can knock out. The display can be configured in three sizes: small to large. Any ST will perform well, but the largest setting requires 16 MHz.

The user interface can be intimidating due to the number of icons, but it soon becomes easy to use with a little effort. However, I admit, it's a little OTT, so please read the manual. Anyhow, wandering the city is feasible with the GUI's icons, but it can become laborious due to the immense size of the play area; right-clicking activates mouse control, unlocking its full potential. Which is a tremendous way to explore.

Not all the people you meet are nice and helpful. Many are offensive, like this nasty guy...

Wow, there is no need to take that attitude with me. A festering sore? lol excellent!

Chill, relax, chat with the yocals

This isn't something you play for a few short moments; you live it. Life here is open-world, a "sandbox" if you like. You are free to roam and do almost anything you want, day or night. This genre has always fascinated me, and although it's an early example, it works extremely well. All the requirements we have in life exist: eating, sleeping, health and personal safety when in dodgy locations, especially late at night.

Exploring Mitteldorf is exciting and full of characters, monsters, temples, stores, taverns, employment opportunities, and more. I love the Olde English medieval setting, which is portrayed and experienced in real time, so day and night pass by with their own consequences. So, many places like shops will open and close at different times of day, and citizens follow their own unique routines. The city is alive.

Beyond the storyline, several Guilds can be joined. These offer unique quests, rewards, and opportunities, allowing you to access areas and information that would otherwise remain hidden. Also, Temples serve a greater purpose than providing healing or sanctuary. You can choose to align with various factions, opening new paths and possibilities while occasionally creating conflicts with rival groups across the city.

I find refuge (and a few ales) at The Hanged Man tavern. Always a good idea, but perhaps that's me? Just don't get too tipsy and end up in lockup. Ohhh, yes, this is a game offering massive potential.

Mitteldorf is bursting with places to eat, shop, trade and read messages...

There are many places to trade, even with this dodgy-looking fella.

Mitteldorf has many interesting places to explore, so don't rush and miss a thing.

Turn over every stone

This game is humongous, but stick with it and learn the city of Mitteldorf. Yes, it might be overwhelming, so make notes and a basic key to complement the official map (I wish). So much can be understood by communicating with the citizens - get chatting with them over a beer. Don't forget those strange folk who appear to aimlessly wander the streets. Remember, you're living inside this 'RPG', so experience it.

Progression is driven by a mix of inconspicuousness, exploration, guild membership, temple allegiances, and (of course) quest-solving. Rather than simply wandering aimlessly, you'll need to gradually build a reputation within Mitteldorf, unlocking new opportunities and uncovering deeper layers of the city.

And it's now you realise combat is unavoidable. This is handled through a straightforward system that lets us attack, defend, and use our abilities in real time during encounters. This can sometimes feel a little clumsy and repetitive compared to the game's more immersive elements. An afterthought, if you will.

So, be prepared to defend yourself when set upon by King's faithful knights in shining armour. But even a little old lady can throw a barrage of humorous insults before giving you a good slap, which was rather unexpected. There's only one thing left to do - slap her back!! That's right, why not hit an old lady?

Beneath the bustling streets lies an extensive network of sewers, caverns, and dungeons filled with monsters, treasure and hidden secrets. These dangerous underground regions provide a stark contrast to city life above and form a substantial part of your adventure. Explore and live this game.

What great advice for such a wondrous place. Also, let's pause for a couple of screenshots...

Arghh!! I've been caught again. I guess I look too dodgy?

 This means I've been thrown down before the King's mercy. Sigh...

The CryptO'pinion?

Legends of Valour is something special, offering a vibrant, exciting place to live a life of intrigue. Many characters, taverns to frequent, secret guilds to master, monster-infested dungeons to plunder, and then there are side quests. As you begin to make progress and delve in, you soon realise just how much more potential there is just waiting to be discovered. Heck, I had almost forgotten to search for Sven!

Nothing is perfect, and I feel Legends of Valour falls short in a couple of areas: the battles could have been better executed, and it's disappointing to discover that most buildings are (visually) empty. Also, audio is limited to spot effects, which is a shame considering the number of disks in the box - a few ambient samples or more chippy fx could have improved the atmosphere, especially during the night scenes.

Legends of Valour is epic. It's incredible and massively enthralling. Allow yourself to get lost in this advantageous world, because there is so much to see and do. One of the best Atari ST games you can play.

Grab the hard-drive version by 8BitChip.

Poor old floppy folk should use Atari Legend.

A city map and clue book ... and I had "fun" in October!!

Sleeping Gods Lie

Sticks and stones

Empire Software released this adventure in 1989, and it's quite unlike anything I expected. I'd seen screenshots and was half-expecting something like Drakkhen with a typical dungeon-crawler storyline. Well, it's similar in some regards and with monsters and weapons, including stones. I know, I know, stones...

We begin on Tessera, a world once rich and prosperous but now suffering famine, disease, and a crime wave that only Robocop could fix. Their god, N'Gnir, strangely seems to be in slumber, so it's your mission to find and wake him. It won't be easy because you must battle your way through the numerous different lands, and each has eight kingdoms. This game is huge, so pack butties because it's unlikely you will be home for tea.

Our adventure starts from the comfort of our castle. From the outside, it's impressive, and I wonder just how rich I am. However, inside it's rather sparsely decorated and mostly empty. This is situated in a strange, chaotic world with most of its populace being completely barmy. Not all early encounters are welcoming; instead, they're a brawl without provocation. They love to throw pebbles without any reason lol.

Let's take a look at my grand castle, and the second screenshot is from a peek inside...

From the outside, your home looks awesome. Wish it was real!!

But on the inside, it's a bit bare, so obviously furnished by a guy!

The lands outside are populated by weirdos who all seem to hate me?!

A game with character

Fortunately, some people are normal rather than fanatical psychopaths, so chat to them for information. As the box states, this isn’t just an adventure game; it’s packed with action and puzzles set in a fascinating world. There are puzzles to complete, including feeding a giant mouse mouldy cheese. These aren’t mind-boggling puzzles; the information you gather will soon make sense for these rather peculiar guardians.

The gameplay uses a smooth first-person engine with simple controls. Use the mouse to guide the pointer: pushing it upwards walks you forward, and downwards moves you backwards. Turning around is as easy as moving the pointer to the side of the screen. While a joystick is available, I found it less intuitive and rather awkward, but YMMV. Also, if walking feels too slow and you’d prefer to run, simply press the F3 key. This isn’t a traditional run, but it does speed up time for you and the entire game.

Exploring is a breeze, making it easy to navigate and find useful items, weapons, people and even enjoy a good fight. However, you’ll quickly realise people aren’t friendly, so practice and master your stone-throwing skills! Well, until you find something better, like a sling or crossbow. I recommend taking your time to thoroughly investigate your surroundings; you might find some seemingly insignificant objects that turn out to be valuable. For example, as you collect pebbles, why not check out those trees to see what's hidden?

Sleeping Gods Lie, though not entirely open-world, offers a similar experience. Each area allows free exploration within its segment, with limited exits that provide opportunities to move on and discover new areas. However, thorough exploration is crucial for finding helpful items and better weapons. As you upgrade your weapons, skirmishes become easier, but tougher enemies lurk ahead. Key tips include resting regularly, exploring thoroughly and saving your game frequently like a madman!

Once you get past its steep learning curve, Sleeping Gods Lie becomes a game of exploration and patience. Progress comes from searching each area, speaking to the right characters(!), and paying attention to any clues. Rushing ahead rarely pays off, and success often depends on revisiting places to gradually piece together what to do next. Stick with it, get over that weird learning curve, and enjoy its bizarre adventure.

It's time for some screenshots from this bizarre, yet enthralling, adventure game...

This ain't a peaceful land, and most start fights by throwing pebbles at you!!

That distant pixelated mess is a guardian (get closer for a better view!)

The second guardian is freakishly cute (but rather hungry!!)

Aesthetics

Visually, I’m torn. The 3D engine is fantastic, offering full exploration of expansive landscapes. Freedom to roam is great, but in sparsely populated places, it can feel somewhat barren. I’d have liked more to "look at" However, the sprites are a different story. From afar, they’re a wobbly mess of pixels, probably because of the low res? Get closer, they scale beautifully - a powerful feature I really admired in this old engine.

The audio isn't as good as it should be simply because there's hardly anything to hear! I'm sure something could have been done, even if it were footsteps, or a delicate background chiptune. Talking of that, the title screen introduction has a fantastic tune that is nothing short of gorgeous!

Right, let's see some more screenshots and this time I got closer to a guardian...

I later returned to get a better screenshot, but it's a vicious beast!

Then it wasn't long before the stone-throwing started again lol.

A wise old man restores my faith in humanity.

The CryptO'pinion?

Sleeping Gods Lie has some interesting ideas, but it's not perfect. The character integration should have been more inclusive with more depth. As is, it's only used to pass on information rather than any interaction. Also, the weird pebble-throwing battles are initially amusing but soon wear thin. Thankfully, progression comes thick and fast, therefore very rewarding, because the game gets better once you've found better weaponry.

There's no denying that this is an enthralling adventure, and I loved exploring the lands, wondering what I might find. If you have a lot of time, this is definitely something you should dedicate a weekend to. A fast-paced adventure perfect for those looking for something different in a weird, new world.

I enjoyed this game, but don't forget your pebbles and prepare for lots of mindless squabbles!

Download HDD and FLOPPY.