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 of what you’re carrying along with 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.

1. "S" for Stamina is essentially your health. This can be replenished with items you find.
2. "R" for Radiation - though I never actually saw this increase.
3. "I" for Impregnation - I have no idea if that applies to you or the ship!
4. "C" for Countdown kicks in when you’re racing to escape at the end.
5. "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, and 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'll not 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 about the function of each icon, ensuring 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 simple 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, for a homebrew adventure, this game absolutely rocks. 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 its items, such as ammo and health, which makes 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 that has a few Menu Disks. AtariUpToDate has the demo on a Floppyshop disk.

Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny

Santa has come early!

Atari Legend is playing Father Christmas with a fantastic run-up to Christmas by releasing something special every day throughout December. It wasn't until the 7th when they released an HDD-patched download of Ultima 5 did I become intrigued. I've not played any Ultima before and this looks especially interesting so I had to try it!

The land of Britannia has lost its king, Lord British (cool name dude) and is now ruled by a tyrant called Blackthorn. Okay, it all sounds corny and the visuals might not rock the Bitmap Bros off-top spot (but when did great graphics ever matter to the gameplay?) I mean, just look at Rogue which I found to be a breathtaking experience. Nuff said.

Okay, I take that back, the graphics are really very nice so let's check them out in these screenshots...

Looks like I'm in a pretty cosy place and very glam too.

Okay, let's get out and explore the lush countryside.

Oh no, a two-headed Ettin has found me when walking over the hills...

I'm too weak and need better weapons - I should have run away!

First Impressions

Creating yourself a character is an unusual affair. It's something I didn't expect, but this process eventually got little Stevie configured and straight into the thick of it. Boy, are there a large number of keys to learn for each and every additional action - which basically means the interaction within your world at large. In fact, the world is huge and the battles are very hard so exploring Britannia is going to be lots of fun (or agony?). But, I can take it!!

I am genuinely enjoying my first couple of games: a lovely country walk through grasslands and forests until I found a small bridge - with a Troll. Luckily I made it across without him noticing me but I then ran into some red demons who decided that they wanted a piece of me. You know, those pieces that I need to stay alive... Yep, my first battle didn't go down well if I'm honest - DEAD! But wait, I think I've been resurrected for another bash! Let's hope I can do better?

This is one seriously addictive and immersive RPG. I'm talking months of my life, gone...

Vicious snakes decide to spit venom at our plucky adventurers.

Now I feel Ultima V is finally starting to show its true colours.

What a game and I must say that I adore the graphical style and detail. Amazing!

Hey look, I've just found a map! Time for a drink before leaving...

Have my plans changed?

Yep, they sure have. I now plan on spending the Christmas holidays in the world of Ultima V - which also includes whiskey, turkey butties and mince pies!! I'm really looking forward to learning more about Ultima V and have enjoyed a few interesting attempts (aka failures). So I'm excited to take this game seriously and see how my next adventure plays out.

Thanks to Atari Legend for the daily treats!!

STay Atari. Or die!

Chaos Strikes Back

Yet more audio clarity

Following on from yesterday's wonderful news of the Atari STe enhanced update of Dungeon Master, Peter Putnik has improved the audio for Chaos Strikes Back. Once again, this news is making me jump up and down with joy!!! So why not make your Atari STe happy and download this DMA audio upgrade now? Enjoy!! :-)

Dungeon Master

Crawling with audio clarity

Peter Putnik has just updated Dungeon Master to use the Atari STe's DMA Audio hardware. This is huge news for fellow adventurers! Playback is much clearer and this won't impact the computer's performance. Peter informs me that Chaos Strikes Back is next in line for the STe treatment - and I cannot wait!!

Download the new upgrade from 8BitChip.

Legends Of Valour

Swashbuckle in first person!

Legends Of Valour is one of the last Atari ST games that I bought. It received relatively favourable reviews as I remember 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 Dungeon Master!

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

Firstly, you should design your character's appearance including clothing and armament. This means you can choose to be human, dwarf or elf and each type offers a different gameplay style and alternative outcomes. Select hair, eyes, nose and so on to create your demi-god or perhaps your character will end up looking like a freak?

Before we begin, ignore my poor capture above as this game is smooth. Right then, let's see a screenshot...

It isn't long until somebody nice and welcoming pops up to greet us, as a new traveller.

Get lost ...in an amazing world!

Once you're dandy, enter the city and heed the advice from the friendly local who pops up for a chat. I would first 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 necessary amenities, like safe lodgings, income, beer to sup, and grub to nosh. It's pen & paper time!

Mitteldorf is a fortress city, populated with interesting characters, secretive guilds, curious places, and even a labyrinth of dungeons hidden deep underground. Of course, these are waiting to be explored, but be careful because you might not like what you find down there. Your cousin wrote a letter which nicely explains his story, why not take a read? Perhaps that 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. This can be configured in three sizes, small, medium and large. Any ST will perform well but the largest setting requires a 16MHz computer or an upgrade.

Initially, the interface is scary due to the huge number of icons but soon becomes intuitive and easy to use. Wandering the city is feasible using the GUI's icons but it can become a little laborious due to the immense size of the play area so a right-click will activate mouse control to unlock its full potential. Which is a tremendous way to explore.

Only some people you meet are nice and helpful. Many are nasty, like this guy in the next screenshot...

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

Chill, relax, chat with the yocals

Legends Of Valour isn't something you simply play for a few short moments - you live it. Life here is completely open-world, a "sandbox" adventure if you like? Yes, you are free to roam and do almost anything you want, day or night. This genre has always been a fascinating concept for me and, although it's an early example, it works extremely well.

Exploring Mitteldorf is exciting and bursting with fun characters, monsters, temples, stores, taverns, employment 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 consequence. All the requirements we have in life exist here: eating, sleeping, health and personal safety when in dodgy locations - especially late at night. I find refuge (and a few ales) at The Hanged Man tavern is 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...

  

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

Explore and turn over every stone

This game is humungous and not something to play on one boring afternoon for an hour. Learning the city of Mitteldorf alone can be overwhelming, so make notes and a basic key to complement the official map. So much can be understood by communicating with your fellow citizens - so 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 its weird world.

However, be prepared to defend yourself when set on by anyone from the King's faithful knights in shining armour. Even a little old lady can throw a barrage of humorous insults before giving you a good slap which is rather unexpected, I can say. There's only one thing left to do - slap her back!! (tell me you're not tempted?). That's right, why not hit an old lady? Yes, you are limited only by your own imagination and fiendish desires. Explore and live the game.

That is great advice for such a wondrous place. Also, it's a good time to 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 and offers a vibrant and exciting place to live a life of intrigue. So many cool characters, taverns to frequent, secret guilds to master, monster-infested dungeons to plunder, and then jobs or missions are always on offer. This game has it all and, as you begin to make progress, and delve deeper, you soon realise just how much more potential there is just waiting to be discovered. Heck, I had almost forgotten to search for Sven!

Oh yes, I love wandering Mitteldorf but, nothing is perfect and I feel Legends Of Valour lacks in a couple of areas: the battles could have been executed better and it's disappointing to discover 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 varied chippy fx could have tremendously improved the atmosphere, especially during the night scenes.

Legends Of Valour is incredible and massively enthralling. Allow yourself to get lost in this advantageous world because there is so much to see and do. This is certainly one of my favourite Atari ST RPG/Adventure games, ever. Play it.

Grab the hard drive version by 8BitChip.

Poor old floppy folk should use Old Games Finder.

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

Walls Of Illusion

Sit back and relax for it's Jackanory time!

I picked up a random (#101) issue of Atari ST User magazine (see below) from my collection and sat down for a good read with a nice cuppa joe. All of a sudden, I almost spat out my coffee in disbelief. There it was. Something I had forgotten about: my old Motelsoft favourite - Walls Of Illusion.

How could I have forgotten about this?? Perhaps I'm crazy!! Yes, but, for those who don't know, Walls Of Illusion is a "Dungeon Master" follow-up to Arcan, released in 1993/4 (shareware). This is an impressive and extremely well-made RPG so I think I should lock myself away for a few days to relive it?

Has anyone played this RPG? I'd love to know if there are any fans. I remember playing this like crazy even though I would never have come close to finishing it! Anyhow, I feel like I've just been reunited with an old friend and I'm so happy! Atarimania has the registered version to download. Go on, get it. Play it. Live it!!

It's time to be flabbergasted because
Motelsoft still has a website w/ Atari ST downloads!