AtariCrypt | Atari ST Gaming: Tactical

Friday, July 17, 2026

Torment

Lead. Fight. Win!

Torment is a turn-based strategy war game for two players released in 1997 by Daniel Fielding. Think of it more like a strategic Command & Conquer(ish) with competing nations always at war. Yup, they're never happy and seem to have only one purpose: killing each other! Your mission is simple: build an empire, hoard resources, crank out units, and unleash them in a glorious show of destruction and military overkill.

You get a choice of two factions. The Empire is the "official" army - disciplined, orderly, and a bit too fond of laser weaponry. They field a variety of infantry but are lighter on tanks, aircraft, and heavy armour. Then there’s The Corporate - an aggressive bunch with a taste for mechs, tanks, armoured jeeps, and aerial nastiness. If the Empire are the knights of this world, the Corporate are the mercenaries with toys.

The game is viewed from above through a basic user interface that is initially quite difficult to master. The documentation can be hard to understand, but it's much easier than you might think. As you start, the landscape is mostly dark, with unexplored places yet to appear (until you get out and explore).

Each mission starts you off with different equipment. Every unit under your command gets a number of action points. These are used to move, fire, and build stuff. Of course, once you’ve spent them, it’s time to end your turn and let your opponent take his swing. You're expected to look away from the screen as the other player is in charge. Yeah, I know. That's not gonna happen, but more on this shortcoming later.

This game is controlled with the keyboard to scroll the screen and select/control your units. There are different methods, and I preferred using the cursors myself alongside these keys. Seems a lot, but it's not:

S = To select a unit to control/command/build/move it.
K = Cancel your selection.
I = Get information.
H = Centre the display on your base.
0 = End your turn.
B = Build is used to make a landscape of busy factories!
P = Once built, place structures/units where you like.
F = This is the fun option - attack!
SPACE = The in-game menu lets you listen to a selection of incredible chiptunes, change the display frequency, and adjust the DMA sound effects (volume, bass, etc.).

Before you do anything, head into the options screen and change the game speed.

Send in the Rookies

There are several missions to choose from across a variety of environments (jungle, snow, desert, etc.). Once you've chosen, a mission briefing appears, and I cannot stress this enough: make sure you read it!! Each begins with both sides armed (different, depending on the type of mission), and I don't mind admitting that it took me a while to fully grasp how everything works because of the long-winded documentation.

My screenshots are from the Forest Wars mission because it appealed to me. I liked the layout, and the starting resources were much more manageable (other missions take you into territories with completely different supplies). In Forest Wars, you start with two Raptor Scout units, a Surveyor, and an MCV (that’s your Mobile Construction Vehicle), the backbone of your base-building dreams.

Each faction is placed on the sides of the map. Begin by searching for oil with the Surveyor, so you know where to build a money-making refinery. This scans the area and informs you of nearby oil supplies. From here, you'll spend the early turns cranking out buildings like Barracks to churn out many infantry squads. Perhaps send out the Raptors to open up the map and (ahem) scout ahead? Learn the landscape and any vulnerable areas you need to defend - either with something you have made or defensive soldiers.

With each turn, a refinery earns money, and any buildings assigned to build something complete their objectives (some take multiple turns). Building stuff is great, and it's not long before your compound starts to look like an industrial site churning out equipment and soldiers. Once you are ready to battle, the ultimate goal is to outbuild, out-produce, and out-shoot your enemy until you’re the last commander standing.

It's shocking, I know, but disabling the awesome music might be best to hear those samples.

CryptO'pinion

My first impressions of Torment weren’t exactly glowing. It looked promising, but with so many unit types, buildings, and options, it felt a bit muddled. Sadly, there is no AI opponent, so you’re playing both generals, and that's a drawback most will immediately pick up on. And they'd be right, I'm sorry to say. This game requires two players to sit at the computer. Arghh, I wish there was support for another (AI) player :(

Regardless, after a few rounds of Steve vs Steve, I ended up glued to the screen for hours, scheming moves, stockpiling resources, and inching toward victory. Yep, beneath its unassuming presentation lies an absorbing strategy game that grinds through your (friendless) afternoon without you really noticing.

An immensely satisfying turn-based war game that I didn't expect to enjoy so much. But I did!!

Floppies can now be downloaded from Atarimania (supporting hard drive installation)
This game uses the Blitter and DMA audio, so it gets added to the Enhanced Game list.
Daniel Fielding also made one of my favourite Atari STe blasters - Death Chase!!
I think I've turned into a fan of Daniel's, as I featured his Alien Busters IV last year.
Additionally, Daniel created two more turn-based games for the Atari ST (enhanced on STe). Rebels V Laserthons and Rebels V Laserthons II. Excellent games and worth playing!! These are best downloaded from the Atari FTP Archive links I've included (Credit: Hang Loose).
My gratitude to Peter at 8BitChip for sending me a dedicated HDD version!!