L'Abbaye Des Morts

The Abbey Of The Dead

You all know of my love for the Atari ST/e computers but, now and then, I stray to other machines. Don't panic, I'm not talking about the Ameoba but a powerful 32-bit computer Atari should have had more success with - and released sooner. Yep, the Falcon which already has its own section here on my website. Go on, be unique, and check it out!

The Abbey of the Dead, or more precisely, L'Abbaye Des Morts was originally by Locomalito and converted to the Falcon by Jo Even Skarstein (Joska). Earlier this year, Cote Gamers released the boxed version which I had to have :)

As you all know, I do not own a Falcon so am stuck in the virtual wastelands of emulation thanks to the (fabulous) program Hatari. Sadly, this great emulator doesn't appear to support 60Hz so the game suffers slowdown and more. Have you seen the cost of a Falcon? Yeah, I can live with this performance hit until my pending lottery win comes through!

Righto, I think we need to see a couple of sexy Atari Falcon screenshots? Who's with me? Come on...

We begin with the Crusaders chasing us through the forest.

A couple of dangerous leaps in the windy woods and we make it to safety within the church!

So what's this game about?

It's quite a historical tale from the 13th century and somewhat disappointing thanks to humans being typically stupid. The Cathars, who preached Christian beliefs, were expelled from the Languedoc region of France by the Catholic Church. Sigh, I guess these people missed the point of what Jesus was teaching? Well, they treated the Cathars as heretics and banished them! If you're interested in more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albigensian_Crusade

Thankfully, one plucky monk managed to escape and, as he scarpered through the woods, he stumbled upon old church ruins. His name is Jean Raymond but he wasn't the luckiest guy because what he didn't reckon on was the evil lurking underneath the ruins. What are the chances of that? Anyhow, to exorcise this evil, he needs to find 12 crucifixes that have been scattered about but, it won't be easy, thanks to an infestation of monsters waiting for him!!

Okay, in this game, it's always a good idea to read signs and look for helpful items. Just like in these screenshots...

Activate that checkpoint Cross and read the script which hints at a hidden passage...

The only pointless script is here but look, behold our first Cross to collect!!

Gameplay

The Abbey Of The Dead is a 2D platformer with many rooms to explore as we go hunting for the Crosses. Each screen is separate, offering its own piece of the adventure with different monsters, objects, and tricky jumps to test our dexterity. We begin with only three lives but this can be topped up by collecting the hearts found on many screens.

Along with the 12 Crosses, there are other items that could prove very helpful. Firstly, there are scrolls that often provide cryptic clues - the first hints at a secret passage that needs discovery to begin our adventure. There are also checkpoints about the church, which are automatically used after losing a life. These are essential as you can imagine.

The joystick controls are dead simple - left/right to walk and fire to jump just like Manic Miner. What I really liked was the ability to alter my direction during a leap. Also, pulling downwards activates a crouch which will be very handy on some of the trickier screens!! The keyboard can also be used (which I preferred) and a Jagpad if you have one spare?

I'd advise playing several games - just to explore as many rooms as you can. With each attempt, you should find yourself going deeper into the church (which isn't a big) so make notes of Cross location and anything else that might be helpful - hearts, teleporters and easier routes. I would also look out for something that might appear out of place, this is how I stumbled upon a secret passage in my video recording!

Let's take a gander at some more screenshots whilst those Crusaders keep banging on that wooden door...

Here you might say we're Out On A Limb. I loved how the leaves blew with the change of music.

This is a fantastic room but I was running out of lives in order to find a cool screenshot!

Aesthetics

I have already experienced the joys of what the Falcon can knock out thanks to Racer 2. Although some might look at this platformer and assume it's technically a humble, static-screen game - they are wrong. It looks gorgeous and I think Joska/Mun has done a brilliant job using a style that looks uniquely different to what I initially expected.

It begins with a nice intro describing the historical tale with text scrolling over the title screen image. What I loved was how it doesn't overlap the logo - a simple effect with excellent results. The game has a console feel thanks to smooth sprites, palettes, and design. The level of detail is superb and I appreciated how each room has an individual feel.

I won't spoil the surprise of the Game Over screen. It's dark. But it's superb!!

If you're hoping the audio is just as impressive then you're in for a treat. The music is quite distinctive with a selection of fantastic chiptunes by Skuggemannen. I must admit, I didn't expect to hear "ST tunes" but they work well (and I'm relieved not to hear tracker music). Interestingly, playback isn't blindly continuous and can change depending on your location. This first happens in "Prayer Of Hope" and I think it's a killer effect that adds depth and tension.

Things aren't so impressive for the sound effects which are barely audible thanks to the problems of emulation. For example, I can hardly hear the Crusaders banging on the door and the church bell sounds miles away. Okay, this is hardly the end of the world but still disappointing. I envy Falcon owners more and more with each breath!

Yes, it looks and sounds the business so let's celebrate this 32-bit coolness with even more screenshots...

Otto from Berzerk is here, erm I think. He chases so use the platforms wisely to dodge him.

I might have struggled to reach this fantastic room without the aid of a nifty teleporter.

The CryptO'pinion?

Please note, that this review is based purely on what I experienced with Hatari. So, with that in mind, I must admit that I've had a fistful of fun albeit with some annoying slowdown and disappointing sound effects. Thankfully, it's still very playable and nothing can ruin my enjoyment of this excellent platformer which is challenging and very entertaining.

With each play, I get a little farther whilst noting everything of interest. It's this exploration and gradual progression that took me back to my ZX Spectrum days roaming the factory of Chuckie Egg 2 and the mansion of JSW.

L'Abbaye Des Morts is an excellent platformer and I'm chuffed to bits I got my order in with Cote Gamers. Yes, I'm stuck using an emulator but, even with the problem that presents, I enjoyed it. I love its old-school charm along with the fact that it keeps on dragging me back for more. I only wish there was a cutdown version available for the Atari ST/e.

I must admit, there's a part of me tempted to > map < this platformer but it's gonna be a tough one if I do...

Tough? Yeah, Hatari makes some scenes harder than they actually are. And with my gaming skills...!!

Credits and other stuff

It's obvious that a lot of love, sweat, and tears(!) went into this Falcon platformer which is thanks to these guys:

Jo Even Skarstein (coding & graphics)

Geir Vælidalo (additional code & graphics)

Mun (additional graphics)

Nevat (additional graphics & maps)

Skuggemannen (music)

Joska's website with Atari game download: https://atari.joska.no/abbayedesmorts/

Cote Gamers published the boxed release: https://cotegamers.com/shop/en/39-atari-falcon

Locomalito's website: https://locomalito.com/abbaye_des_morts.php

Video recording by tIn^demos using real hardware: https://youtu.be/J3JKvEop74Y

Hmph, I've no Falcon but I do own the game! Weird, I know, but take a gander at this boxed beauty...

The cover artwork is superb and it feels like you're trying to view the monk through the glare.

Squidgy bits to stop the disk rattling about have been kept. I don't know why either!

I know I'll never get to boot this up unless someone donates their Falcon O_o

I love the manual which is mostly an interesting "making off" in English and French.

The best of Dave Munsie VOLUME 1 :)

A lucky find!

I'm always on the scrounge for Atari ST goodies, especially floppies - who knows what gold is still out there waiting to be rediscovered? I see many tempting auctions of Atari ST disks but most are silly prices! Or the disks have degraded due to poor storage - I went through a box recently and only two floppies still worked. That wasn't a good week!

Well, sometimes you get lucky and, this week, I feel I've hit the jackpot. Within a slim envelope were 7 disks and one was by PD Library, Goodmans. I loved that company and remember buying tons from them over the years. However, there was a disk in their collection that I had previously never heard of - "Dave Munsie Game Collection Volume 1". Thankfully, the disk still worked 100% so I quickly made an image of it, because I noticed a carbon copy didn't appear to exist.

On it are a staggering nine Munsie games: Bugs, Kid GP, Evader, Kaboom!, Frogger!, ST Invaders, Dark Pearl, Kid Kong, and Bobble! Now that's some hefty gameplay just waiting for you to boot up. So let's check 'em out...

1. Bugs - Think Centipede/Millipede and you get the idea for this cracker!
2. Kid GP - Rainbow Islands meets Bubble Bobble for kiddies. Well, I know I loved it :)
3. Evader - this is kinda like a weird mash of Galaxians, Phoenix and Space Invaders. Great fun.
4. Kaboom! - I remember playing this on a mate's 2600 as a kid. Infuriatingly frantic action!
5. Frogger! - It's good, but possibly the weakest of the bunch, especially compared to Black's version.
6. Invaders - Once again, Dave messes with the original to produce something new and exciting.
7. Dark Pearl - I've never liked these games if I'm honest. However, this is well-programmed, I'll say that.
8. Kid Kong - Another game I'm not too keen on but it's fun - for the Kong fans!
9. Bobble - It's Tetris, kinda interesting for those who enjoy that. I guess?

Okay, this long-lost floppy disk is now safely stored within the archives of Atarimania so go and grab yourself a copy. It's impressive just how many great games are on this disk plus they're all by Mr Munsie (sounds creepy doesn't it). He certainly knew his stuff and this floppy disk proves just how much fun he must have had making games.

There are more Munsie games for the Atari ST that you should play with several already on AtariCrypt - Asteroidia, Frantick, and Berzerk. Righto, before rushing off to download this disk here are photos and screenshots to gawk over...

This is the disk! The photo makes the disk look nicer than it is - thanks to Instagram for that lol.

Did the world ever get to see Volume II?

I wasn't too impressed with this Centipede clone at first but it's excellent!

Plain, blocky but with tons of colour and cute sprites. It's still a ripoff but a great one at that!

Framerate could be better but this is a superb shoot 'em up of mixed genres.

Oh yeah!! This takes me back to playing the old Atari 2600 game. Simple yet fantastic fun!

2016 saw the definitive Frogger but this older version from 1993 is a great release!

Another game of Dave's that I wasn't umm totally sure about but is yet another exciting blaster!

Ugh, it's not you, it's me (that line, eh). You guys might like it but it's not a game I personally enjoy.

Donkey Kong fans are gonna love this one but is it better than Crash Time Plumber? :o

One for fans of the Tetris genre. Not for me, I'm sorry to say!

Robotz

Chicken, fight like a robot!

Robotz is a game I got on a cover disk and it was developed by P Fox of ProjectX. It feels somewhat like a tactical version of the Berzerk genre. Once again, we find ourselves in deep space on board a ship that has been invaded - by robots. As the last surviving crew member, we must eliminate them before they fully take over the ship.

This won't be easy because each room has electrified walls for instant death! Each room is different and populated by randomly placed robots who follow your movements in their own specific order (use that to your advantage). We are armed with a one-shot gun but the robots are protected by a shield your shots cannot penetrate. However, it will stun them for a few seconds. If only their shield had a generator we could blast into smithereens?

For a homebrew game, I must say I adore the visuals that personally remind me of a cross between Xenon and Leavin' Teramis. The palette is gorgeously metallic and I love the shadows which add so much depth to the scenario. All sprites are simple but nicely detailed with good animation and I always giggle at our protagonist's legs as he walks. Yeah, it's funny but nowhere near as entertaining as his "ouch" scream when losing a life! Why didn't he wear rubber gloves?

I think this is a cracking example of the Atari ST's public domain library. A stunning game with bundles of stress and tension. A simple idea beautifully executed. Yeah, Robotz is cruel and tremendously addictive. Highly recommended.

Each level has a design that demands lots of time to master the tighter areas.

Those robots are indestructible! Surely there's a way to kill them?

Some levels have more freedom to move, but that doesn't mean they're easy!

This level is extremely tricky. When I say tricky, I mean agonisingly difficult!!

Hmm, this appears easy? One generator... but... three droids!

Oh no, this level features TWO generators to destroy BEFORE the robots are killable.

Berzerk

Comparison Time!

I figured an expansion to AtariCrypt was in order because there are many other great Atari games to play. We already have sections for the Atari STe and Falcon030 so why not the consoles? The Jaguar has many superb titles but, I admit that I am a noob which means I'm excited to see what's out there in Atari console land...

- A T A R I  2 6 0 0 -

This actually looks/sounds a lot better than I first imagined albeit without speech. The control mechanics are spot-on perfect with spritely movements that almost made me forget about the Chicken's limited one-shot mechanic. However, I didn't see Otto during the recording so perhaps I did something wrong? But the fat man did show up in other games and he can even be shot. What? Overall, a limited version but without limited gameplay.

  

- A T A R I  5 2 0 0 -

Things feel familiar from the go, possibly because it's an authentic conversion and also reminded me of the ST game - both visually and with that funky digitised speech. I enjoyed it but the speed feels a little slow and it's extremely difficult, to say the least. The robots are way beyond accurate - more like ruthless assassins. They're quick so expect no mercy. Yep, I fear my old-man reactions found this the hardest of all. Chicken, fight like a robot...

  




- A T A R I  S T -

Finally, we shouldn't forget the ST/Falcon game developed by an ST legend who needs no introduction. Those robots might be a little too eager to smash into the walls but I fear this is one of the best conversions. Bold statement - but it has well-balanced gameplay, is authentic, and incredibly playable. Check out our feature from last year.

  

Sleuth

I've been searching for more...

Yep, after the jaw-dropping Berzerk, I went searching for other variants of the genre to see what might be lurking inside the ST's archives. Eventually, I found Sleuth a PD release by Larry Scholz of MajicSoft in 1993. The year is 2525 and man's existence is threatened by evil cybernetic organisms (yup, robots!) which Dr Spirit has so kindly butchered and made evil. Okay, it's not exactly what you would call an authentic clone (ahem) but the premise is there!

We are Inspector Sleuth and are about to infiltrate the doctor's lair to show these clumps of metal who's in charge! Gone are the randomly generated screens, replaced with a map that is populated by six different models of the doctor's robots. These range from the Hemroid which is a low-level (wait for it) "pain in the butt" to the Hopperoids and their warp technology, so don't get too close. Come on, you must love the humour in this whacky style?

Well, defend yourself using an armour-piercing gun that features a nuclear charge to incinerate all robots from the inside out. You still need to stay clear of the electrified walls and if you hang about for too long then something freaky appears and chases you across the screen. Now we're back on the familiar ground lol.

Overall, is it better than Berzerk? Not on your nelly! Sleuth feels like a tacky ripoff with rubbery controls, dodgy graphics and sounds. However, it's a good game in its own right, and my 8-year-old daughter loved it. I must admit, so did I.

IGNORE the graphics!! Remember, gameplay counts the most. It always does.

Shoot anything that looks... well... weird. Don't think, just shoot!! Enjoy :D

Berzerk

Let's go way back...

I strangely felt the need to compensate for my recent gaming horror (watch me embarrassingly struggling with Platform Capers). So, Dave Munsie has rushed to the rescue with his adaption of the 8-Bit classic, Berzerk. However, I admit I had my fingers crossed when first loading - hoping it didn't suck compared to the great 2600/5200 games!!

Once again, we are the wobbly stickman intruder running through randomly generated screens killing robots. Interestingly, these robot guys are a mixed bunch - some dumb enough to fry themselves on the electrified walls, whilst others are amazingly accurate shooters. Try to kill them all and collect the bonus reward otherwise, you're called a chicken!! Otto is as fearless as ever and only too eager to rear his smiley mug and chase you across the screen.

Some (those under 40) might scoff at the boring and blocky graphics. Yes, I appreciate that they aren't spruced up to ST standards but that would have ruined the authenticity completely. Also, I love the speech synthesis which is spot-on perfect and makes me grin like the Cheshire Cat. "Chicken, fight like a robot" -this is brilliant and I love it all!!

Berzerk is fantastic. This is one of the best 8-bit conversions I have ever played. An easy 10/10 from me!!

- Download the floppies from Atarilegend -

Shoot those angry robots before they shoot you!

Then again, some will kill themselves cos they're stoopid!

Mystic Realm

Cute dungeon crawling!

Mystic Realm is an action/adventure that feels like an early 80s mash of Gauntlet with limited RPG elements. It may scream "1985" but it was actually released in 1990 by John Lince for STart Magazine. Impressively, it's programmed in GFA Basic, a powerful language that has produced many games over the years so I already have high hopes.

Okay, the story is about an evil vagrant who has kidnapped a Princess (or Prince if you prefer the only other gender). Man or woman, it doesn't matter, as both will plunder monster-infested dungeons for a valiant rescue. Expect to fight zombies, ghosts, bats, etc. Obviously, I chose to be the prince even though I think he looks like a gingerbread man!!

Please, ignore its 8-bit appearance and enjoy the first screenshot. Dull decor but exquisite characters...

Wait, don't run away!! Remember that golden rule? Gameplay matters - not the graphics.

Plunge the depths!

There are 14 massive levels to explore with the basic objective of finding keys to venture through and ultimately rescue our beloved. Simple stuff! Each level is made from a number of separate rooms and navigation is aided by directional arrows displayed at the top of the screen. These show us the sides of the screen that will lead us through the dungeon.

The levels are mapped and included on the floppy disk (scroll down to view 'em here). Each is designed to be challenging but, never to a point where you feel bewildered or bored. Expect the usual and battle against a range of monsters and solve puzzles that are slowly integrated into your adventure. For example, a wooden gate may block your path but that isn't a strong obstacle against a couple of hits. However, later puzzles require more thought than simple brute force.

Fun, but requires some thought later on so use your brain. Hey, it's time for another screenshot...

Hang on, am I a gingerbread man? lol maybe! But there are still many monsters to kill. Oh yeah!!

Tread carefully, adventurer

Various weapons can be collected and each translates into a specific number of knives (visually displayed) for our adventurer to throw like a ninja. Do note that no other weapons are actually used but collecting a high-ticket item - like an axe - will reward your inventory generously. The firing method will instantly feel familiar to Berzerk fans: just hold down the joystick button and tap the direction you wish to throw a knife. It's apt and works superbly well.

Health points are displayed top/left of the screen and detail our vitality from 0 (you're dead) to 999 (the maximum). It's hungry work being a heroic gingerbread man so chomp on whatever you find to keep yourself alive. If you are already near the max then it might be worth leaving food behind until later? Sadly, health isn't regenerated at the beginning of a brand new level which is a terrible shame. You will transform into a skeleton if you foolishly starve to death!!

Tips? Easy, be a savvy adventurer! Beware not to waste ammo because you never know how long it will be before you can top-up your arsenal. Remember to eat only when hungry. Finally, there are lots of locked doors - but use your keys wisely because not all doors need opening. Use your brain, Rambo!!

Oh dear, it looks like I've run out of energy and thus instantly became a skeleton. Love it!

Aesthetics

Don't be fooled by the humble, almost childish, graphics. I find Mystic Realm quite fascinating as it reminds me of the games I played as a kid in the early 80s. Sure, there are more colours and a higher resolution but the "feeling" remains genuine - without having any unnecessary bloatware that would ruin the authenticity. Also, the sprites are all nicely drawn and with comical details: like the wobble of a zombie walk! The ghosts are excellent and are my favourite.

Audio? Well, even the meagre sound effects transport me back to the 80s. Hearing a knife skim through the air on its way to hit a fiend flat-bang in the face is brilliant!! I'm not ashamed to admit this - I adore the 8-Bit atmosphere.

Mystic Realm teleports me back to my pre-ST days and I'm loving it. Let's see another screenshot...

Prince or Princess, here are the details for power, weapons, your enemies and everything else.

The CryptO'pinion?

Mystic Realm is one of those games that helps to prove jazzy graphics and sonic boom sound effects aren't required for a great gaming experience. And that is exactly what we have here and, even though I don't imagine many people reading this article would agree? Well, not until you take the plunge and play a couple of games for yourself.

Fans of the RPG/Dungeon Crawling genres will love Mystic Realm, I am positive of this. It's no thrills with fantastic adventure elements and I have thoroughly enjoyed the arduous task of rescuing another damsel in distress!

An enjoyable, dungeon-crawling romp with frivolous graphics. Humble yet I absolutely loved every second of it!!

- Download from AtariMania -

- THE MAPS -

( Don't be a dummy!!! Click on each thumbnail to see the larger level maps displayed )

( Don't be a dummy!!! Click on each thumbnail to see the larger level maps displayed )

( Don't be a dummy!!! Click on each thumbnail to see the larger level maps displayed )

( Don't be a dummy!!! Click on each thumbnail to see the larger level maps displayed )

Asteroidia

Breaking rocks

Dave Munsie is literally a legend within the Atari ST world. It's as simple as that. This guy released several outstanding games like Berzerk, Frantick, and Kid GP. Hey, a couple of his games were even enhanced for the much-loved Atari STe.

Asteroidia, as you've probably guessed by now, is a Munsie-take on the old Asteroids arcade genre. This means it's hardly going to win an award for originality, but don't be put off because I've a sneaky suspicion this might be worth your time downloading and playing this rock blaster. Well, it's a Munsie game so that's a given, right?

Okay, forget about a static/no-scrolling ST screen and those old vector graphics. Dave is transporting us to a part of space where moving pixels rule thanks to the hardware of the Atari STe. Pixels that are powered by the Blitter chip so scroll along at blistering speeds. Not only that but you can expect DMA audio too. Your monitor won't know what hits it!

To be honest, it's hard to imagine Asteroids looking impressive but, I'll post a screenshot anyhow...

The planet is powered by the Blitter and whizzes by!

Boring old asteroids, right?

As you would expect, the gameplay is predicably asteroids with us controlling a ship to try and chase down those lumps of rocks. It's initially quite hard and surely takes some getting used to because everything moves so fast. Thankfully, the controls are a cinch to master so it won't be long before you realise how fantastic this alternative conversion is.

Visually, this is a nice looker but it's the speed of everything that will impress the most. To see planet Earth swooshing across your monitor certainly makes you realise just how under-utilised the Blitter and Atari STe was by the bulk of the commercial gaming companies. Once again, Mr Munsie puts them to shame. Audio hasn't been forgotten and we get DMA support which plays a short sampled tune. However, it's quite repetitive so I switched to chiptune/sound effects!

Here is the options screen with options to use the Blitter and flip between PAL/NTSC...

Gotta tip my hat to Mr Munsie... Blitter, 50Hz, Atari STe / Falcon support. Incredible!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Sure, this is Asteroids but, the twist is how it performs with impressive Blitted graphics zooming about the screen. It's like watching a demo and it proves how much potential the Atari STe had yet wasn't utilised. The joystick controls are superb so your gameplay is rock-smashingly addictive. This is one of the most entertaining versions of this original.

Blitted graphics or not, this is bucketloads of fun and a superb Asteroids conversion. Highly recommended!!

 Download Asteroidia from AtariMania 
 Hey, can you beat my hi-score below?