Reliving 1984

Horror, by Sandy White

A while back, I was watching a video by Gears of Games. It wasn't even an ST game either! No, it was Ant Attack for the ZX Spectrum, and that got my thinking. Whilst I enjoyed that game as a kid, I wouldn't say I was captivated by it. Not like I was its sequel, Zombie Zombie. I remember being late for school many times, as we'd be playing it on a mate's computer (I didn't get my ZX Spectrum until Christmas that year)

So, bearing in mind that I love emulation... I booted up my Atari ST and loaded the brilliant ZX Spectrum emulator by Christian Gandler. Now, this emulator is good on the stock ST so long as the game doesn't use scrolling or feature in-game music. For example, Manic Miner (with music turned off) runs about 90/95% of the correct speed, which is just insane for me to fathom. Sadly, Zombie Zombie has scrolling, so its demands are heavy. It's still playable (but perhaps I'm best digging out my Mega STe to play it properly?).

For those unfamiliar, it was released by Quicksilva in 1984. Taking place in an 'open-world' isometric post-apocalyptic city with no people. Well, no living people!! Of course, there are a few roaming zombies to keep us entertained. The gameplay is easy to grasp yet challenging to master, whether you play as a boy or a girl. Moving around the abandoned city is easy because we have a helicopter!! Whether you walk or fly like Howling Mad Murdock, this is a free-roaming game. The challenge lies in staying safe, ensuring you don't get cornered, so strategically use the environment to your advantage. As in Dying Light, find a safe house.

I must admit, I was pleasantly shocked at how well my trusty Atari ST ran Zombie Zombie (stock 8MHz STe with 4MB RAM). I figured the scrolling would eliminate any possible chance of playability. Sure, it's slower, and everything inside of me screams, "Steve, just use the Mega STe!", but I had bucket loads of laggy fun. I would estimate that the game (on a stock ST) is about 70% of the original game's speed. Not too bad most of the time, but the zombies are still far too quick for me. Yep, just use the Mega STe, Steve!!!

So why am I sharing this nonsense? No reason at all. I just love it, and emulating other computers using my Atari ST never fails to impress me. Anyhow, I enjoyed playing this great game after many years :-)

See you soon for the next [ST] game...

• The ST can emulate even more computers, which you'll discover by clicking here.
• Christian's excellent ZX Spectrum emulator can be downloaded from World of Spectrum.
• Gears of Games has a great YouTube Channel you should check out.
• I'd like to thank my two good friends, Doug and Paul, for their recent help.

Yeah, it needed 16MHz to be playable, but I still had fun like a 13-year-old!

When you begin, go for a fly about and explore from a safe distance.

When you're feeling brave, walk and climb the city's remains.

Hitting fire changes the camera view.

Unfortunately, I was still new to the controls and fell to my death!

Up on my feet again, I go exploring... and... I see a zombie!!

It's sad when a dead person has quicker reactions than me!! Sigh...

B SQUAD

A Crusade In Space

My first experience of an ST turn-based strategy game was with Sabre Team. I loved it, and it was one of those moments I wondered why I had spent my life 'avoiding' such games. Sure, I didn’t initially grasp the concept, but once I realised it wasn’t a run-and-gunner, I loved it. Games like this eat away the hours in the best way possible. I enjoy the careful pace, the planning, and the risk involved with every decision.

I suppose I've become a fan of turn-based games now. How did that happen?

B Squad was released in 1996 by Richard Hansell and has elements suspiciously similar to Space Crusade. So if you enjoyed that (stupendous) game, then I reckon you're gonna be head over heels about this one! However, please note this is the demo version and, with a heavy heart, I expect the full version wasn't released. Possibly because few people registered so late in the ST's life? If it had been released a few years earlier, I imagine it would have been a hit(££) like so many other PD/Shareware games within our library.

Before we begin, let's take a look at the first screenshot of my A-Team in action...

As you can see, the user interface is minimal, but incredibly effective.
(iPhone screenshots for this review rather than from Hatari)

User Interface

The story takes us into deep space as our ship docks with another that is (wait for it) infested with aliens! Of course, it is. And their queen has even taken control of the ship’s computers, preventing us from accessing the terminals, which means she also controls the AI droids. The good news is that we're not alone and part of a team of six military soldiers armed, who obviously have never seen any of the Alien movies.

When you first boot up B Squad, you're thrown into the start of a new game without so much of an intro or title music. The user interface is displayed alongside the main gameplay window and features our team and action buttons. Immediately, I'm impressed by this, as there is nothing worse than a chaotic screen of buttons offering functions that could easily have been simplified, as I found with (albeit excellent) Bio Hazard.

• To the right is our team that shows their name, health, and action points (you can right-click on any to view stats and information that will help with weapons, and more).
• Underneath are the movement arrows with the option to centre the gameplay screen around that particular character. These also scroll the gameplay window to.
• The button with the little squares is a map of the ship. Use this!
• To the right of the map is the button to execute commands.
• Next to the funky image (of your currently selected) soldier carrying his gun is a "?". This is used to describe the surrounding area of any soldier (similar to Temple of Apshai).
• Now you have two more boxes that are blank until attacking - the top one informs you of the chance of hitting the enemy (the calculation is based on distance, location, and weaponry). The lower one displays their chances of defence, and feels more like the expected dice roll.
• Finally, there is a button on the left side of the (erm) left arrow. Use that to end your turn.

See, it takes longer to read that than it does to understand. Let's see another screenshot...

We're inside the lift, which offers access to even more rooms to kill the beasts!

Let's play!

We're in control of six soldiers that we command in turn. Their efforts are executed using "action points" for walking/shooting. Being turn-based, the order of play is Your Turn - ST/Alien Turn - Random Events (before looping back to you again). The random events are a curious addition that works well; they might be something like jammed doorways or lifts failing, but could also be something irritating, such as random teleportation, or an explosion on a lower deck (which always seems to be where your soldiers are standing!).

Getting around is brilliantly easy using a grid layout for soldiers, enemies, and objects. Just select the soldier, and the screen changes to show all possible tiles that can be reached within the turn. Unlike in Space Crusade, walking doesn't need to be performed in one go, as you can move again later. This means you could move, shoot, and leggit (depending on how many action points remain). It's also worth noting that our soldiers need to walk around the team members during this action; you can't merely stride over a taken tile.

Each man (and two women) has their own skills and strengths, which should be taken into account before arming or positioning. Each person is different; for example, Hooper has tremendous strength, so I have him take point. Roxy has high agility with increased movements for each turn. Dorian is expendable, but he is good at chucking grenades. Also, this approach applies to the cargo boxes you find along your travels - inside are grenades, scanners, health packs, or better weapons like flamethrowers, assault rifles, and more.

Remember, check the character's stats. Put the right weapons in the right hands...

• Roxy is an ex-pirate and is best with an assault rifle (found near the start).
• Dorian is someone I'm wondering why he's here. A poet, no less, and with poor combat skills. Great.
• Julius is one of my favourite soldiers and is great with an assault rifle and grenades.
• Hooper is great with a flamethrower.
• Tobias is a good all-rounder who is neither rubbish nor excellent. Although if you find a plasma device, then he's your man. Powerful stuff that fwiw.
• Tallis is a great soldier and skilled with a Needle Gun.

The ship is split into three levels that you access using the elevator (lift!). The current level is free of the Alien Queen, but she has Grubs and Droids roaming the corridors, so it isn't long before you bump into something. There aren't many different enemies to contend with, but they are plentiful in number...

• Grubs are like a blob filled with explosive gas, so don't let it get too close!
• Droids are, just as you would expect. And they are armed to the teeth.
• Nest Warriors are extremely vicious, breathing fire that can affect multiple soldiers who are close together.
• Look out for Turrets later on, they're being controlled by the Queen, and they fire a powerful laser.
• Mines are something to obviously avoid. You may need to shoot some to create a pathway.
• The Nest Queen doesn't move, but it spawns Grubs through four tentacles. She is very strong and has bad breath, so beware! Beat her, and you've won the game.

It's worthwhile exploring everywhere on the current level before deciding to use the lift and venture deeper into the ship. My tip would be to head northwest of your starting location, as many decent weapons are waiting to be taken. And you won't stand a chance against the queen unless you are equipped properly!

Let's see another iPhone shot of my ST's screen in all its fuzzy glory...

The map might be a bit cramped, but it's helpful. Especially when locating members of your team

who were teleported elsewhere during the "Random Events". Can you spot the poor sod?

Aesthetics

The graphics are like an amateur Space Crusade, with a clean design that I love. Okay, I mean only the overhead part, as there is no funky-cool isometric display whenever the combat takes place. With that in mind, each part of the ship is distinct, and with a descriptive text that adds extra depth to your current location (think of Temple of Apshai). Likewise, the user interface is nothing short of legendary, with a clutter-free display. However, and this is my only quibble, I wish our six soldiers had more variety rather than all looking the same.

Interestingly, this game uses the Blitter, which positively affects general performance, especially when displaying new parts of the ship. So (yipee) play using an Atari STe if you can!

As for the audio, there is no music whatsoever, but we have DMA samples for shooting, explosions, cries, and (some) enemy movements. Sadly, our own men don't make a sound when walking. But, thinking about that, I'm sure they're in stealth and wouldn't want to give away their position... Hmm, I know, I know!

Right, it's time for a screenshot break with the Alien Queen spawning Grubs...

The "final" room with the Alien Queen. She's a beast of an opponent who spawns Grubs.

You shall note the computer-controlled turrets? Well, the Queen controls those, so beware!!

CryptO'pinion

I've thoroughly enjoyed playing through until the end (yes, without cheating!!). Most games I feature on my little-known website are deleted after reviewing, as I'm always on the go with something new to play and review. That won't be happening this time. B Squad is one of the best shareware games I've ever played. If you enjoy a tactical slog exploring a spaceship whilst hunting down the baddies, then this is for you. I've only defeated the Alien Queen once and lost two team members, but it's an incredibly tough mission! You won't get anywhere near beating it without exploring every inch of the ship to scrounge for new weapons/helpful items.

Surely I've got something to whinge about? Well, the soldiers could walk faster, and although there are loads of cargo boxes, there aren't enough health packs. My only real quibble is with the random events that occur after the computer has had its turn. That "Random Teleportation" sends one of your teammates to a distant part of the ship. ((Wow, what a whinger! I feel like slapping myself for that last whine because it happens so few times. At worst, it forces you to drop the plans you had to rethink and support that lone soldier))

B Squad is a legendary turn-based game and one I feel fortunate to have discovered (Richard, if I'd have known, I would have registered back in 1996). A terrific demo, and I can only dream what might have been with a full version. Quite literally one of the best games from the ST's homebrew library. Play this!!

• Atarimania has the download https://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-st-b-squad_30092.html.
• As the Blitter and DMA are used, B Squad is added to the Enhanced Games List!

I may have lost a couple of men, but I am victorious after killing the Alien Queen!!

It's an unfinished demo version, but I cannot deny how fantastic it is!!

Clown-O-Mania

Clowns make everyone laugh, right?

Clown-O-Mania sounds like the perfect title for today's crazy world. Instead, it's an Atari ST game developed by Matthias Krenzel and Carsten Mohr and released in 1990 by Starbyte. However, it's not a game I remember; my first impressions are of Spindizzy Worlds or Crystal Castles, which is not a bad thing.

So what's the story? Well, Beppo the Clown was strolling through the circus and found a mysterious map. Not just any map, but a mysterious map! This tells of a hidden place with valuable crystals. Beppo cannot ignore the temptation and quits the circus. Oddly, he remains in his clown gear and makeup! Anyhow, he finds the location and wants the crystals. Can we help him get rich? It's doubtful with me in charge of the joystick!

Let's look at the opening level, which is a great way to learn the basics...

Many levels are designed with multiple layers accessible via ladders and more.
I've collected a few crystals, but what are those two green "things"?

Can you see those blue boxes? They look helpful.

Let's play

All levels are displayed as an isometric map using different square tiles. Each is a mini-labyrinth made of sections, so teleporters, ladders, and more are used to get around. The objective is dead simple - collect every crystal. Earlier maps are easy, and they help to gradually introduce different elements and enemies as you progress. That's about as complex as this game gets. Collect the pills like Pac-Man and move on to the next.

Of course, it's not always so straightforward, as later levels are large and littered with pitfalls and enemies. Thankfully, there are collectables to aid your quest, like "jumps" and "razors". Jumps are a teleport and great when things get too difficult. Razors can be used as projectile weapons to kill the nasties.

The tiles of each maze offer various benefits alongside some strange effects. Arrowed tiles allow you to only move in a particular direction. Coloured tiles provide bonuses when they're all the same. Blue tiles reminded me of Wipeout to provide extra speed. Jump tiles leap you into high places (rewards for landing on a baddie!). However, the most infuriating are the yellow-patterned tiles that twist the world on its head!

Additionally, funnels and transporters provide instantaneous access to other areas. Those are blue with a yellow dot and reminded me of a litter tray lol. Use the pyramids to block the path of roaming baddies - think along the lines of Highway Encounter. However, you should increase your energy levels to utilise them fully. Fortunately, clown masks are scattered throughout the levels, offering a much-needed extra life.

Movement is slick and responsive using the joystick, of course. Pushing up moves you diagonally up/right, whereas pulling down moves you down/left. It sounds awkward, but I grew up with isometric games from 1984 (thank you, Knight Lore), so I'm used to this concept. It's easy to learn and perfectly apt.

What, you think this is an overcomplicated isometric Pacman? Let's break with some screenshots...

One of the first collectables is a severed bald head. Or a 1-UP ;o)

Watch out, those yellow tiles will flip everything on its head!

Aesthetics

Visually, this game is both fantastic and disappointing. What, I hear you cry! Am I insane? Well, yes, but hear me out... The pixel art is (I think) by Orlando Petermann and Roman Bossart, and they did a wonderful job. Beppo's details are superb, albeit with a surreal Rolling Ronny vibe. I also love the baddies (great AI) and each level, whilst lacking the glam of other isometric games, looks clean and concise.

Sadly (here we go), the poor old AtariST might look good, but the programming behind the scenes fails by comparison. It feels like a weak Amiga port because there is no scrolling. That makes later levels far too difficult, as you cannot see what enemies are nearby. Not until it's too late (think Cannon Fodder).

The audio fares much better with a belting chiptune by Adrian Dalecki. It's subtle and suits the gameplay without overpowering your concentration. Sadly, this is the only tune constantly playing alongside the sound effects. There's nothing wrong per se, as the music (and effects) are good, but more tunes were needed.

It's not looking that great, isn't it? Well, let's take another pause for some screenshots...

Why not change the colour of those tiles like in Jumping Jack'son.

Level 9 appears far more complex than it is. Hey, if I can do it...

The CryptO'pinion

It's tough to give an opinion when I didn't get anywhere near completing this game. After about a quarter of the way through, I hit a brick wall as the lack of scrolling made it impossible for me to continue. I'm genuinely gutted because I was having a blast until then. The levels are great and require much concentration to figure out a safe route, whilst worrying about other elements such as traps and the map's many enemies.

This game had great potential, but ultimately, it didn't fully deliver. It's obvious why. I'm disappointed Starbyte rushed this game through without utilising the ST's capabilities. My rating is a disappointing 55%.

I hate lame ports, but I'm always interested in your thoughts. Let me know in the comments.

+ Floppy disks can be found over on Atari Legend: https://www.atarilegend.com/games/clown-o-mania

+ 8BitChip has the hard drive version: https://atari.8bitchip.info/SCRSH/clownom.html

Hey, I wonder what will happen if I jump inside that funnel?

I loved this level, those arrows aren't nearly as bad as they look!

I should really take the screenshot before collecting the pills. Looks a bit dull ;-)

Do you want a tip for later levels? Always collect the razors (blue/red lines)

Level 19 is insane and gave me isometric Dungeon Master vibes because of the baddies!
(That green tree thingy reminds me of a Screamer)

Leviathan

Fly, dodge, shoot, die!

Leviathan is a Zaxxon-inspired (cough.. ripoff) isometric shooter released in 1987 by English Software. Interestingly, this is one of the oldest Atari ST games that I own even if it narks me. What, I hear you cry? Yep, every time I attempt to play it, I get nowhere. Either I'm crashing into the landscape or some canny alien smashes into me kamikaze style!

The box is one of those squishy DM types that never lasts very long but, I must admit, mine is in quite good condition considering. The back cover has an incredible line, "A space shoot 'em up to end all space shoot 'em ups!". That's a bold statement if ever there was one and it kinda makes you wonder if it's true? Hmm, anyhow if you wanna see some professionally-captured photographs of my boxed game, then continue to scroll past this amazing review.

Okay, so the storyline is pretty thin on the ground but it takes place over three different planetary zones in the darkness of space. Now, I'll only ever get to see the first one (of course) but they are: Moonscape, Cityscape and Greekscape. As you might have guessed, each level is stuffed with aliens that need blasting into smithereens.

Well, by now you'll wanna see a couple of screenshots from this Zaxxon wannabe? Of course, you do...

Okay, shall I try and shoot those boxy aliens? Or race off in the hope that I might flee to safety?

I must admit, the landscapes are quite desolate but still superb in both look and design.

Let's play

Yes, Leviathan blatantly rips off the Zaxxon idea without any shame but, it does feature a few differences and additional "improvements". From what (ahem) little I've seen, we pilot a plane armed to the teeth with a rapid-firing laser gun. There are also a few smart bombs that should only be used as a last resort when things get (even more) tough.

Skimming across the diagonally scrolling landscape isn't easy. Aliens appear in waves with an uncanny knack for getting underfoot and I found this aspect very difficult, as you might have guessed. Quick reactions are required to beat the alien formations but there is often little room to manoeuvre thanks to the terrain which isn't flat or dormant. So that presents its own challenge because I am either being beaten by the alien hoard or smashing into a chimney!

The joystick controls are fairly similar to Zaxxon - altitude can be changed by pushing up/down. Minimum speed can be increased if you hold down fire and push up/down. Strafing the ship left/right isn't possible and instead, the ship will turn itself in that given direction. I didn't like this at all because it takes time and leaves you feeling defenceless.

The status bar is feature-rich detailing score, remaining fuel, smart bombs, the next wave of incoming aliens, and (groan) a timer. Also, there are two arrows displaying the alien's location - this means we can head backwards and aren't restricted to flying forward. However, for me, that presents a fistful of new problems trying to safely fly backwards!

If you're copying someone's idea then don't attempt to be clever trying to improve it. As shown here...

Argh, massive floating eyes in space but it's too tough trying to shoot when moving sideways!!

The unnecessary fuel top-ups clutter up the game further. Well, if you survive long enough!

Aesthetics

From the amazing title screen to the smooth scrolling, Leviathan always looks fantastic. Each level uses a cosmic environment design that I really liked. Of course, I had no chance of seeing the later levels but I loved the rocky, industrial landscapes that I did manage to play. The aliens are often bright and colourful so stand out from the cold, stark backdrops.

The audio fairs well and begins with a sampled tune that isn't (hmm) too bad I guess. Then again, a 16-year-old me in 1987 would have been chuffed at its ambition and quality. Today, however, I'm not a big fan and much prefer chip tunes, especially as this is by Mr Whittaker. Thankfully, the sound effects are crisp and zesty so suits the gameplay dandy.

Let's see a couple more screenshots before reading the gripping conclusion of this pointless ripoff...

Ugh, why did the ship need to turn like that? Totally unnecessary. Hate it!

Is anyone a fan of ZZ Top? Got a Rough Boy feel about this? Fans will see it.

 

The CryptO'pinion?

Leviathan should have been an addictive shooter full of thrills and excitement. The graphics are superb and I liked the concept of simply clearing each level of its aliens. Sadly, it's the overly complicated joystick controls make the game that much more difficult. Whoever decided that the ship should physically turn instead of strafing should be shot!

I'm genuinely gutted to find an Atari ST game that I dislike almost as much as the hate I feel for Carlos or Chuckie Egg II. I'm always open to opinions and fear that it might just be me that sucks because Leviathan might actually be fantastic. Could this possibly be true? Hmm, let me know what you guys think in the comments below...

Before viewing the glorious box art, here are the downloads: floppy disk and hard drive.

I have the American version which is in better condition than my photography skills show.

Guess how many planetary zones I got to see... Go on, guess!

36 years later, the disk still works... I must remember that when selling on eBay!

I wonder how many filled this in? I should give it a bash and see if they're still alive lol

It's small but it's a great manual. Hang on, Commodore 64! Whaaaaat?

Shadow Sorcerer

Welcome to Krynn

Who doesn't love a good RPG with its story, lore, characters and creepy dungeons all whilst levelling up a character(s) you pray are up for the challenge. Yes, there's something extraordinary about losing your free time over something my missus recently described as "an antique game that nobody's interested in". Why I'm still with her, I'll never know.

Anyhow, here I find myself booting up a 32-year-old game by SSI/US Gold called Shadow Sorcerer, which is based in the DragonLance era of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. This adventure is stuffed to the crust with quests and combat against demons, dragons, ogres, skeletons, and many more grotesque creatures. I guess I'm working backwards because it's the third game in the Dragonlance saga and follows on from Heroes Of The Lance and Dragons of Flame.

I've always had a keen interest in anything AD&D and find it ferociously interesting with compelling storylines. I love the mythology and the worlds where we battle against all kinds of dreaded enemies in the creepiest places. So, I'm going to kick off a long-term plan to play all the Atari ST Dungeons and Dragons from my own collection.

Before we crack on, let's take a look at the two primary screens you will be using in Shadow Sorcerer...

This is the world/wilderness map. It's basic, and only the mountains are displayed until you get moving.

This is the Tactical view, a beautiful isometric representation of your present location.

Preface

The land of Krynn was once a peaceful place, but no longer, thanks to Verminaard, who conquered with his Dragonian armies. Cheer up, we're in charge of the Companions of the Lance, and these plucky fellas have rescued a whole bunch of Refugees from the city of Pax Tharkas. The plan is to head south to safe territory, but Verminaard has ordered his troops to track us down. Can you keep the refugees safe and guide them to a secure place to call home?

As with any RPG, begin slowly in order to learn the basic mechanics of what makes the game tick (along with understanding its user interface and any other oddities). This prevents me from doing something stupid (well, in theory), but it's a good idea with Shadow Sorcerer because it certainly throws you straight into the thick of it, pulling no punches!!

As you saw in the screenshots, the Dragonlance world is viewed using two methods:

The first is a wilderness map used only to explore great distances throughout the land (whilst you're making notes, I hope). Use it to keep tabs on the refugees and also Dragonian troops. Each possible location is initially a grey hex tile and, as you travel, they reveal their environment in and around your current location. Tread carefully!

The second is a Tactical view which provides an isometric representation of your surrounding area. All battles are fought on this screen plus the ability to interact with party members, along with communicating with other characters you might stumble upon. It's here that you can find items, equip weapons and armour, and more.

Beginning your first game is a little daunting, so take time to check out the file menu and experiment with the user interface within the Tactical screen. It's here that four portraits of the party members are displayed - Tanis, Caramon, Goldmoon and Raistlin. Clicking each reveals their stats along with default options when under computer control.

It pays to experiment before playing properly, and here's a deeper look at what to expect...

Get out there and explore, you never know what you might find. Here is a sword carelessly left!

Now we're talking!! A safe(ish) haven with food to keep those miserable refugees off my back!

User Interface

Shadow Sorcerer has a pseudo-GEM feel, so it's a doddle to use. You spend a lot of time on the Tactical screen, and it's here that your party is shown at the four corners. Clicking on each portrait displays their personal attributes like Strength, Dexterity, and so on. Oddly, all stats cannot be altered in any way, which is a bit weird for an RPG.

Also displayed are the details for hit points, weaponry and armour class  - all these can change depending on your condition and with regards to clothing/weaponry you happen to find along the way.

Each character has default actions that the computer can assist with. Such as attack, range, spellcasting or running off like a chicken. Base your choice on strength and ability rather than everyone doing the same thing!

Clerics and Mages need to memorise spells. Clerics are great for Blessings, Protection and healing. A mage can be handy to detect invisible objects and can throw a mean fireball. Actually, that's a very powerful spell, tempting to use but dangerous to both enemies and friendlies alike. So beware! Possibly use Magic Missile instead?

You shall also notice a satchel icon; this is obviously the inventory and is probably the lamest part of the entire game because it's not very good. Sure, it shows you what is being carried and you can use, equip and exchange items with other party members. However, no details are given before deciding whether to equip, which I didn't appreciate.

Don't forget the GEM-like menu options at the top of the display. Here you can heal, regroup, review refugee status and exchange players - very useful after losing a companion who needs to urgently be replaced by another. The caveat is that it must be located with the refugee party. Yeah, I'm sure you can guess how annoying that might be?

Hey, it's not all fighting! Let's check out one of the early puzzles the game throws at you...

Not everything is as it seems, and some things require a little more than brute force...

Of course, the game then decides to kick you in your teeth whenever it gets the chance lol.

Ultimate play the game

Initially, the world map shows nothing but a mountain range and a yellow icon depicting your band of merry men. Beginning your expedition is easy; just click on the nearest tile that you'd like to move to. Now you will notice a grey icon - that represents the refugee party who slowly plod on, encumbered by their number, supplies, wagons, etc

Babysit these guys the best you can, but not at the expense of your progress - it's a balance of adventuring and keeping them content. You can interact with the refugees through their (groan) council, with which you can discuss, reason, or even threaten. I find they are happiest when fed and under the belief that I know what I'm doing (ahem). Disgruntled refugees might disband, leaving scattered groups which are more difficult to manage and protect.

Of course, everything is in real-time, and you shall note the day/night clock display at the top of the screen. Time applies to every aspect of the game, which took me some time for me to feel comfortable with, especially for conflicts, learning spells, crossing rough lands, etc. Hitting the + or - keys can speed/slow down game time and is very helpful.

Shadow Sorcerer's strength is in how easy it is to get out there and begin exploring. It's not that long until you see an alert for a 'chance encounter'. In fact, you see this a lot, but don't worry, it's not always a nasty brawl. Quite often, it's because there's someone or something nearby, and that could mean treasure or useful items. Yes, and many brawls!!

It's not all run and chase, as there are safer areas within Krynn. These are places to restock or shelter, so use them wisely, but not for too long. Watch out for side quests; these are a massive part of your adventure and are fruitful for several reasons (actually, they feel more of a necessity rather than an option). Along the way, you never know how many potential friends you might meet, so try communicating before raising your weapon. Might work, but be prepared!

Oddly, I fear Shadow Sorcerer tries too hard - not only are we limited in time, but encumbered by clans of refugees dragging their heels, and then there are the Draconians!! A part of me wishes things were toned down in the respect that refugees could have been a silent entity that we don't need to worry about or communicate with (except when repositioning for lost members). Plus, I thought that the Draconians broke free of Pax Tharkas far too soon.

Shadow Sorcerer has amused me many times, although I don't think it was supposed to? Hmm, maybe...

The UI is simple with instant access to abilities: fight, look, grab, talk, move and computer control.

You must learn to fight as a team. Don't go throwing a fireball spell if the enemy is too close... Ouch!!

Faith and Spells

There are two main spellcasters, Clerics and Mages. Each type has its own unique custom collection of spells with which to help the adventure thrive positively. That might be healing, protection, detection, or an act of aggression. Clerics are helpful people, so let's first take a look at some of my favourites they have on offer, which are always very useful...

Bless - this improves your attacking because, erm, you're blessed!

Cure Wounds - there are two levels for this much-needed spell to help those in trouble.

Find Traps - quite useful if you feel a bit unnerved about something you can't explain?

Dispel Magic - very useful and helpful but often overlooked and I can see why.

Mages, like Raistlin, can detect something invisible, which is really cool, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how much that comes in handy. I shall say no more without ruining things with an obvious spoiler like that!! I like to think he's the rock star of the clan with some rather excellent abilities lurking up his sleeve...

Magic Missiles - don't disregard this impressive attack that saves you getting too close.

Fireball - a powerful spell best used out in the open. Very dangerous.

Web - quite tough to master this one but very handy to snar your opponent.

Shadow Sorcerer always seems to hurl something unexpected your way. Shall we go inside?

Argh, it was a Dragon!! And it killed two team players before I could even react!

Big Tips

As with any RPG, each of us explores differently, and although Shadow Sorcerer is very easy to get into, that comes with a higher-than-expected difficulty. Here are a few basic pointers which I hope are worthwhile...

* The default party are a varied selection, stick with these guys for as long as necessary.

* Always heal your companions after each skirmish (via the menu option).

* In the Tactical screen, spread your men out wide to overcome troublesome obstacles!
* The fireball spell can be disastrous without due care. Is it worth it?
* Sometimes the text descriptions read a lot better than the tactical screen reveals. Think.
* Try to send the refugees to a safe area (an already visited part of the map).
* Keep the refugees happy so they don't split and panic!
* I was unsure whether or not to include this line, but I advise you head west as soon as possible.
* Computer control is good but there are times it's better to do it yourself. Most apparent with ranged characters, especially when it comes to magic. Maybe it's better to DIY?
* This might just be me, but I found the game far more responsive using real hardware rather than an emulator. No idea why, but it was and especially with the character screens.
* The manual has a good line, "...repetitive saving is not encouraged - take your losses like a man...". Superbly written but ignore that taunt and save regularly. I cannot stress that enough!!

With a replacement party, I hit the road only to be ambushed by Draconians.

Skeletons are very weak opponents. Look, Richard Gere has joined our party (top/left!)

Aesthetics

Let's start with the mediocre sounds... the introduction plays nice sampled music whilst it cycles through the different intro screens. However, there is very little else afterwards and only when using a weapon or performing magic is anything heard. That's fine for a game like this, but a subtle background chiptune would have been a great option.

Visually, things are very different, and Shadow Sorcerer is comprised of two primary screens...

- The map/wilderness screen is rather drab, but a practical way to identify your surroundings along with the location of Draconians and refugees parties. Basic, but completely functional and that's fine with me.

- The tactical screen offers a beautiful way to explore, be it hunting down treasures, commication or battling the Draconians. In fact, this isometric display is superb with great decor for the different environments you're gonna do battle in. The monsters are all gorgeously detailed ableit with humble animation. Love it!!

In this game, I explored the east, but it wasn't long before we were being chased by Draconions!

The Dragonian armies proved too much for me. I hope there's time to recruit new members!

The CryptO'pinion?

Shadow Sorcerer is a fantastic RPG, especially for novices (like me). It's also a great choice for those without much spare time because it's so easy to immediately jump straight into it. Travelling huge distances isn't a problem, and you will slaughter monsters and meet lots of creatures along the way. Every battle is in real-time (with pause), so it's fun working out a strategic victory using magic, range and melee. This RPG is gratifying in almost every respect!!

However, it's strange that the characters aren't levelled up as the main attributes are fixed. I never got a feeling of the progression of skillsets, so gameplay occasionally feels unbalanced. Also, I didn't like the baggage between the Companions - that didn't work for me. Plus, they struggle to navigate around objects as they're a bit daft!

Nevertheless, this is a compelling adventure with a tremendous variety of places to pillage and creatures to meet and beat. Although I doubt I will successfully escape the Draconians, I think this is a belting aRPG, albeit more for the amateur than a hardened player. Like I said earlier, it's very difficult and I feel they crammed in too much unnecessary content - chasing Draconians AND pleasing the fumbling refugees! Yep, the odds are steeply stacked against us.

I have heartily enjoyed Shadow Sorcerer and thoroughly recommend you take a stab at ransacking the lands of Krynn for yourself. It's not flawless, but most certainly a captivating and formidable Lite-RPG. Consider this the first in a series of Atari ST AD&D that I personally own, cherish, and will return to over the years. Imperfectly excellent.

Downloads can be found on floppy disk but I'd recommend this hard drive version. (thanks PP)