Enhanced games - part 4

Five Star

Here we are again with another selection of games that are enhanced in some particular way when run on the Atari STe. What, you missed the other compilations? Shame on you, but I'll be nice and include the links to those articles right here(1), here(2), and here(3). Let’s crack on and see which games I've picked...

Birds of Prey is an unfinished project by Argonaut Software, with its intro released in 1991. While the game never reached completion, the surviving intro is a technical marvel, showing off the Atari STe with smooth 3D visuals and striking sound effects (all created on the ST). The gameplay would have been more of a lite-flight sim. Not really my cup of tea, but it's a shame that they cancelled it. It's definitely worth watching this intro, which is available at Atarimania.

Future Wars was released in 1989 by Delphine Software and was the first to use their "Cinematique" point-and-click engine. You play a window-cleaner who stumbles across a time machine and ends up bouncing through history - from medieval Europe to prehistoric eras and far into the future, all while trying to foil the evil alien Crughons. The game wowed everyone with its outstanding backdrops, smooth animations, and unforgettable DMA audio (ohh yeah). This little paragraph does it no justice. A true classic of its time, and the download is available at 8BitChip.

Leavin' Teramis was released in 1990 by Thalion Software and is often celebrated as one of the finest overhead shooters for the Atari ST. We are Nigel MacGibbons, an unlucky marine who wakes aboard an alien-infested spaceship and must blast his way through the levels. The gameplay is perfectly balanced, mixing frantic shooting with simple exploration with secrets and power-ups. This is one of the least "enhanced" games, but it's already a class act with supersonic scrolling, perfect music, and fantastic gameplay. Probably one of the finest shooters there is, so ignore the reviews out there and play it!! Downloads are available from Atari Legend.

Road Runner was released in 1987 by US Gold, where we guide the speedy bird across hazardous desert roads while avoiding Wile E. Coyote and his endless traps. It's like playing your very own cartoon! It's actually a fun game and a very enjoyable way to relive your childhood TV memories. Additionally, the game was updated in 2018 with Blitter support for the Atari STe by Peter Putnik. The download has both game versions and is at 8BitChip.

Robocop 3 is something of a masterpiece by Ocean in 1992. Obviously, based on the film, it mixes 3D Hard Drivin' with first-person shooting and even has a jetpack scene. So step into the metallic shoes of RoboCop to clean up the crime-ridden streets of Detroit. On the Atari STe, the game makes use of enhanced sound hardware, giving the gritty battles and explosive effects extra punch compared to the standard ST version. The download is available from Atari Legend.

That was quite a mix of incredibly different titles, and they're all good to play for different reasons. I really enjoyed Leavin' Teramis and Robocop 3, plus the improvement made to Road Runner is nice. However, there is no denying that Future Wars is something everyone needs to play. As always, compiling this list was fun, and each title has been added to our ever-growing Enhanced Games page. Go on, take a look at it.

I hope you enjoyed this fourth compilation. Stay enhanced... Stay Atari STe!!

You might not be able to play the game, but don't miss watching this intro!

What an absolutely epic adventure!!  >> Miss this one at your peril <<

Classy overhead shooter. Those with a keen eye will notice overscan (status bar).

MeepMeep... I'm reliving my 1970s/80s with this game!!

Way ahead of its time in terms of ideas, style, and performance.

Sleepwalker

Nightwalker

Imagine me in 1993, a dedicated Atari STe fanatic, but my beloved computer wasn’t valued nearly enough by the commercial gaming world, and its enhanced hardware remained largely ignored. So when Ocean promised an STe-powered platformer, I was ecstatic, imagining a vibrant world of exploration and adventure with extra colours, smooth scrolling, and sampled sounds. Then I got my hands on a cracked copy (99.9% sure it was Flame of Finland), and I was gutted. I wanted a platformer to be a platformer – run, jump, explore, pick up bonuses, and so on. No, it's more like Lemmings, and I hated that with a vengeance (sorry, not sorry).

For Sleepwalker, we take on the role of Ralph, a desperate dog whose owner, Lee, suffers from sleepwalking and might wander into all kinds of hazards. We must guide him safely through a gauntlet of different levels. Not only do we need to keep him alive, but we cannot let him wake up, or the shock kills him (good, I say!).

As Ralph, we rush to clear away any obstacles, some easy, some dangerous (this part weirdly reminded me of Highway Encounter). As you do this, you're opening up a pathway for the idiot kid, but you may still need to give him a (ahem) gentle kick in the right direction. I guess it’s a mix of puzzle-solving, wrapped in a slapstick package - with the ever-present tension that one wrong move could see Lee tumble into disaster.

As you can see, Sleepwalker does indeed share a bit of its DNA with Lemmings. However, I guess it’s more of a distant cousin you don't like, and, even though we're not digging holes or erecting ladders, you still manipulate the environment to steer Lee away from hazards. The challenge comes from being quick on the joystick and remembering the level map, all whilst thinking ahead to react and redirect Lee.

Sleepwalker is technically stunning, demonstrating the Atari STe with amazing graphics, sounds, and brisk hardware scrolling. Sadly, that means nothing when the game is doggy-do-do. Plus, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it's a cheap Lemmings in disguise. Only this time, we're stressing over a child. Something I do in life, and not what I desire from a game. Playing Sleepwalker is like being on unpaid babysitting duty!

It may have been for Comic Relief, but the only relief I got was switching off my STe and going to bed.

• Experience my version of 1993 with the same disks - Flame of Finland (download at Atari Legend).
• The best way to play Sleepwalker is using a hard drive, thanks to Peter Putnik.
• Sleepwalker is now listed in the Atari STe enhanced games list!
• Silly tidbit time... I decided to play Sleepwalker after a poll that I posted on X. While it didn’t quite go as planned (ahem), I would like to thank everyone who voted. Follow me on X.

So, we begin, and straight away, the first level is huge and easy to get lost in.

The next level looks really nice, with a bit of a Pitfall feel to it.

Irritating game!! This stupid kid is really annoying me...

...so, I left him and went exploring!

Lost the will to carry on here. So I let him die, for a laugh. Why not!

Once again, I left him to go exploring. I like to wander, me.

The daft look on my face as I realised games were supposed to be fun!

And after all that stress and hassle, the stupid kid is still asleep!!

(check out his big toes lol)

FateMaster

Strange creatures with guns

Fate Master is a top-down RPG released by Animal Soft in 1992 and programmed by Floris Muller (remember Color Clash and the Gobblin & Piggy games?). We are Tsin-Fei on planet Tafoi, which is at war with the Swocki who have killed many Galluks. Weird names, but it's the usual storyline with puzzles and payback.

As Tsin-Fei, we have 20 hit points, plus stats for strength, speed, and defence. Our inventory includes a pistol, two grenades, and a V-potion (health). We begin in town, looking for information and items that may help our quest for justice. Explore, but beware, some places have bizarre monsters whizzing about...

Contact with them results in an automatic battle that begins with two options: Attack & Escape (which rarely works). These battles are turn-based and conclude once someone dies. Successfully killing the enemy provides a cash reward you can use with traders to purchase better weapons and V-potions. The more cash you have, the better the weapons you can afford. I particularly like the very effective grenades and rockets.

Along the way, there are clues, hidden games, items (mostly pointless), and characters with information. Some might provide a hint to nudge in the right direction. You're unlikely to get lost as the levels aren't large and the puzzles are easy to suss. Just make sure you have a stockpile of V-Potions and a decent weapon.

Right then, I'm getting bored with all this chit-chat. Let's see a couple of screenshots...

I accidentally bumped into a spider and had to fight it to the death!

Most enemies appear to have (ahem) similar strengths.

The red splodge is a dead enemy, and you can see my HP, stats/etc.
Killing enemies increases stats, but you will run out of HP (and cash) doing so.

Something's not quite right

It's time for a whinge. Have you ever played a game, but felt let down because something didn’t feel right? Something that makes you wonder what was going through the developer's mind. Well, I wasn't long into the first level before I noticed that "something". The concept of Fate Master is superb, but spoiled by unfair mechanics. The idea is to battle/earn money, buy weapons, and progress deeper into the adventure. Simple.

However, the money earned by defeating monsters should be better when compared to the expensive shop prices. That difference is way off balance. So you're left deciding whether to buy a better weapon and hope you don't lose too much HP, or buy V-Potions. Rarely can you do both. It's a catch-22.

Not only that, but avoiding battles isn't always possible. Many rooms have no way to safely pass, so you are thrown into an unnecessary conflict. To make matters worse, the defeated won't stay dead and respawn fresh and healthy to do battle again! Yup, you're forced into (yet) another fight on your way back!

Also, I'm not sure this is an "RPG" as there is no sense of progression, and my stats never seemed to affect performance. Basic character interaction is, well, very basic!! Also, all weapons -more or less- perform the same. Perhaps a lite RPG, but I feel it's more of an action/adventure, and its "RPG" aspects can be ignored.

Okay, I barely scraped through level one, but the unfair design made the second impossible - without cheating! Sigh, the cash rewards don't work, but maybe it would if monsters didn’t respawn? Anyhow, this mix of unfair rewards and endlessly respawning enemies kills the game’s potential. Disappointing.

I'm shocked Animalsoft made such an unfair game! Let's console ourselves with screenshots...

The rockets are great but expensive! He respawned, so I had to fight him again :(
And yes, my HP is maxed at 20 because I am cheating!! I had no choice O_o

The stats for strength/etc don't appear to have any effect. Kinda odd, right?
The "escape" option rarely works. In fact, it only ever worked once or twice for me!

Aesthetics

Floris' visual styles use a cartoon design we all recognise. This design stands out a mile and looks great with its strange-looking characters. I loved the extra attention to detail, especially the blood! Each location is rather basic, but I liked the unnecessary clutter, which is clean and functional, using a quirky perspective.

The audio is lame because there isn't any chip music to keep us engrossed. In fact, we only have a few spot effects when something gets shot, blown up, or dies. Yeah, it desperately needed a chiptune.

This game isn't exactly impressing me, right? Let's wipe away my tears with more screenshots...

Blood and dead bodies were everywhere. Wait, I see a survivor hiding!
One of the more gruesome screens in the entire game.

The second stage is good, but would have been better with more shops.
It's impossible to play without a decent gun and lots of V-Potions in stock!

The CryptO'pinion

I absolutely loved the simplicity Fate Master presented when I began playing. It's easy to get around using smooth controls, the locations are no-frills but work well, the storyline is predictable yet interesting, and the monsters are humorously weird. I was hooked, so much so that I began mapping it with vigour.

Sadly, my passion waned halfway through the first level. I simply didn't have many opportunities to upgrade both weaponry and V-Potions to compensate for the loss of my HP. Not to mention the fact that I was pointlessly fighting some of the monsters for a second time. Hence, even more HP loss, which made the game impossible. Add suspect collision detection, and Houston, we have a problem. A misquote, but it applies!

At its heart, this could have been a great action/adventure. However, the cash situation is off balance by a mile, and the respawning enemies killed any chance the game had to redeem itself. Never have I been so disappointed by a game for many years. I shall rate Fate Master a depressing 25%, which kills me to type.

• Atari Legend has the floppies, and I recommend Neon Lights #15.
• Carry on scrolling for the hi-res level maps (others here).

Perhaps the most impressive room? Access to information, dynamite, and a freebie weapon.
However, try to exit this screen without coming into contact with an enemy. If you can!

Hidden games exist that provide a humorous and welcome break from the game!
You can find them all using the maps. Just keep on scrolling...

Level 1-3 Mapped

Firstly, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to Peter Putnik for helping me with my gruesome project to map Fate Master. Sadly, the game appears to crash when fighting the "last" monster, as it cannot die. However, after playing and mapping three levels, I lost interest. Perhaps there is a fourth level; who knows/cares?

As always, these images are thumbnails, so click here to download the high-res originals!

For the most part, level one was a hoot to play!

The second level is tiny, difficult, and without much-needed rewards.

The third level is possibly the "easiest", but without decent options to restock.

Cybernoid maps

We're back!

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I last updated my website. For various reasons, I've had little time to play/write, which means putting everything on hold. In fact, 2022 was even the year I almost threw in the towel, but things are getting better, so I'm back and ready for ST action. Hey, wasn't that a magazine?

So, whilst getting back into it, I came up with the notion of mapping. Now, if you've been following AtariCrypt for a while, you should already know that I'm a sucker for making maps with pen & paper. I guess they are more like rough scribbles in Steve-talk? That is great for me, but I wanted to make something 'better'.

As you have guessed, I have begun my quest with the Hewson blaster, Cybernoid. Ignoring the peculiar slowdown, this is a brilliant shooter, and I'm a big fan. The ST game is a remarkable conversion developed by Tony Cooper with challenging gameplay, superb graphics, and audio that lovingly bursts the eardrums with stunning music. Okay, there is the odd killer screen which discourages some gamers - I don't get it, haven't they heard of practice/practice/practice or infinite lives? Guess which method I chose?

Anyhow, here are the essential links and a cool interview I enjoyed reading...

• The mighty D-Bug have a sumptuous version featuring their excellent presentation style.
• The man himself (PP) has adapted Cybernoid for hard drive installation.
• Atari Legend has an excellent review, which is more than my lazy website can offer! :}
• Eurogamer has an interview with Raffaele Cecco, creator of the original game.
  (sadly, I've not been able to source anything similar for Tony Cooper)

So, how did I get on? Well, this new mapping venture has begun strong and I'm proud of myself for completing the first three levels. However, the fourth has one killer screen that I cannot beat. No matter how much I try, it's simply too tricky for my meagre gaming skills. So I'm leaving it be (before I violently damage my already-dodgy joystick in anger). Can't win 'em all, but I'm happy with how this turned out.

Here are the Hi-Res images you're all itching to grab and print out - thx Atari Legend for hosting!!

Merry Christmas, and I wish everyone all the beST for 2023. Heck, even the Commodore boys ;)

Level one is shockingly easier than most people think. If I can do it...

Careful timing and furious fire button-bashing are required more than ever for the second level!

Nobody will ever play Cybernoid without infinite lives, and the third level demands that so much!!

This part of level 4 is oddly incomplete because I'd overwritten my saved game... :(

I really enjoyed level 4, right up until THAT screen. I never managed to beat it :(

Greetings to our supporters - Loggins, Tweety, Mug UK, Marko Latvanen & Peter Putnik for their friendship whilst AtariCrypt has been off the air - a fantaSTic community!! Thank you :)

Okay, get playing Cybernoid and let me know in the comments if you can beat level 4.

D-Day

Rule Britannia!!

A couple of years ago, I managed to buy myself a mint copy of D-Day by US Gold. This is a war game on four disks, so it's a pain to someone (like me) who's been spoiled by the luxury of an Ultrasatan. However, I couldn't find a hard disk version anywhere, so I did what any sane person would do - I asked Peter Putnik.

Later, during the World Cup (and after a couple of beers), I had myself the hard disk adaptation of this wonky war game. Launching it from my Satan is a dream compared to the floppies, and I'm really grateful for Peter's commitment to the ST scene. So, what did I think of US Gold's take on this historic moment?

Before we begin, June 6th 1944 is a moment in time that we are unable to comprehend but will never forget. This video recording and game review is just my humble way to say thank you to those who have served.

We need to see a screenshot, so let's kick it off with the topography of this historic area...

Overlord offers a crude yet incredible insight into the situation on the day. Quite frightening!

Operation Neptune

A map of Normandy during D-Day illustrates enemy positions and planned missions, enabling their execution. This is like a campaign mode for the entire Overlord Operation, and each event features by time as it unfolded. However, it's confusing to newcomers, and even the manual recommends you start by playing the individual missions first. I love their honesty, so I did exactly that and began each part in turn.

The idea of these mini-games is great. They are broken up into four categories: Tank, Bomb (the most sluggish planes ever!), Paratrooper, and Infantry soldiers. Splitting them up is brilliant and allows you to skip directly to your favourite. Also, no matter the game, there are always several missions to choose from.

Wanna hear more? Good! So let's take a look at each of the mini-games right now...

There is a wealth of information and statistical detail to check out in the main game.

Mission #1 - Tank

The first game is Tank, a WWII twist on the Battlezone format, and looks like another ST title, possibly because they share the same programmer, Pascal Jarry! There are lots of missions, and the first instructs us to destroy every bunker on the beach - a lot harder than it sounds! There are loads of missions, but it's quite buggy, and I suffered a few crashes. At one point, I even managed to get myself stuck in a tree!

Performance is poor and lacks engine noise (which is weird), but I have to admit that I had a bunch of fun driving the little tank. Make sure you hit the function keys for the different modes of operation, and also a cool outside perspective. Overall, it's worth playing a couple of missions, but sadly, it feels like a rushed add-on.

An average game that could have been far better, so I rate this 5.5/10.

The big boys are here, and we're taking no prisoners!

We're out roaming the countryside - looking for a fight.

Mission #2 - Bomb

This next game is truly eye-opening. How did it manage to slip past the US Gold Quality and Control debt? (lol). Again, there are lots of different missions, and I chose to fly at night to bomb a bridge. Well, that was theory, anyhow, but I literally had not even the slightest chance of hitting it. Not in a million years!

Controlling the plane is strange. There are basic instruments to help with your noble adventure, but it's all a bit rubbish. It's nothing like I would expect, so you're left feeling blind, which makes completing any mission nigh on impossible. Calling it a sluggish 3D engine is a massive understatement; I reckon an Oric 1 could perform better. It’s definitely the weakest game, so I won’t be playing it again.

I am really struggling not to be too cruel here, but I must rate Bomb at 2/10.

Wow, I really don't know how to describe this part of the game... So poor.

Mission #3 - Paratrooper

We parachute in, either solo or with troops, into a dangerous warzone. Firstly, getting them safely on the ground is crucial, but be mindful of the challenging wind conditions. Despite the ludicrously bad gameplay, guiding your men to safety is surprisingly rewarding. My daughter enjoyed it and thought it was good - bonus!

Unlike the Bomb game, this game is so bad that you need to play it. Weird, right?

I don't know why I enjoyed this game so much. I have no answer, and rate it at 6/10.

Weeee, one man gets tangled and falls to his death, but the others land safely!

Mission #4 - Infantry

I enjoy overhead action/strategy games, and this is styled similarly to the likes of Cannon Fodder or Rebellion. However, don’t be fooled; it’s more of a slower-paced tactical game where stealth is key to survival.

Many missions involve guiding stickmen through fields, avoiding enemy bunkers, tanks, and more. The gameplay is crude, and the enemy AI is like a robotic turret (ie, not very good, but deadly!). Each enemy unit has a specific position on the screen, and once spotted, they relentlessly bombard that area. It’s your job to sneakily find an alternative route and pick them off with your machine gun, grenades, or mortar.

The controls are surprisingly imprecise, and getting the soldiers to stand exactly where you need them is half the battle. It’s also annoying when they take the long route around an obstacle, often putting them in the line of fire and causing them to die. The graphics are quite Cannon Fodder-ish, but of a very crude type. I might be a terrible pixel artist, but I honestly think I could have done better. The sound effects are made from crunchy samples and add to the atmosphere, but the constant noise might give you a headache.

I should stop complaining because, despite its flaws, this game is incredible. It reminded me of what I'd call (a lite) Stonkers on the ZX Spectrum. Infantry is nothing more than finding a safe route through the map and picking off the enemy one by one. It’s very simple and not much more, but I genuinely enjoyed myself more than I can explain. I played the game for several hours. Yes, I know, I’m mad!

It's crude and ridiculously unrealistic, but I loved it!!! So I'm giving Infantry a 9/10.

We're on the beach in one mission, and raising everything to the ground on another!

The enemy won't move, but they're sure out in great numbers. Can you kill everyone and escape?

The CryptO'pinion?

If there was ever a mixed bag of goodies, then this is it. The Operation Overlord sections are rich in depth and provide a unique historical perspective for eager gamers. However, D-Day feels like it was hastily programmed, which is odd considering the credits. Technically, it fails to utilise the Atari ST hardware effectively and is riddled with sluggish, buggy code. Very surprising. While D-Day is somewhat tacky, I thoroughly enjoyed playing Infantry. Therefore, I recommend it just for that, especially on such a significant historical day.

Grab the floppies via Atari Legend

8BitChip has the new HDD version!

Looks pretty good, right? Well, this was recorded using my beefy Mega STe.

I'll say no more...

PP's Enhanced Games

New game updates!

Everyone knows Peter Putnik has adapted hundreds of games for hard disk installation. These include extras, like bug fixes, TOS compatibility, 4MB patching, Mega STe/Falcon support, etc. However, some are also super-charged with cool coding that utilises the Blitter coprocessor and DMA for audio that will blow your mind.

Are you interested in games being better on your Atari STe? You should be!

I thought it would be a nice idea to compile a brief overview of his enhanced games here on AtariCrypt. Oids and Uridium are particularly impressive as they significantly improve on their original versions. I also enjoyed playing my own music during a game of Xenon 2 (you can convert your own music).

There is something here for everyone, and I hope you find this useful. Let me know what you think.

Let's play.

Let's take a look at some of these enhanced games that you can download and play right now...

• Xenon II - updated for the Atari STe and features DMA-streamed music. Turn up the volume!
• Cannon Fodder - enhance this lame port with your own DMA-streamed music.
• Prince of Persia - the DMA hardware is used to replay the game's sound effects.

  

Did you enjoy that? Well, here are three enhanced FTL games that are nicely improved...

• Dungeon Master - far cleaner samples are heard thanks to the DMA hardware.
• Chaos Strikes Back - again, the DMA hardware allows cleaner sample playback!
• Oids - double framerates deliver a smoother experience when rescuing the stickmen.

  

Let's take a peek at three more that aren't exactly favoured well by the average ST gamer...

• Jinks - this jerky game is weird, but at least it now uses the smoother STe scrolling.
• Menace - I cannot thank Peter enough for replacing that horrendous yellow ship!
• Uridium - Blitter-boost that sluggish ship and add DMA-streamed background music while you're at it!

  

Now let's take a little run-around with these three you might never have expected to boot up...

• Giana Sisters - this Zamuel_a enhanced game now comes with optional DMA streamed music!!
• Hard 'n' Heavy - gone is that embarrassing flip-screen, thanks to the Blitter.
• Road Runner - Improved and Blitterized for faster scrolling for this funny game.

  

Okay, let's end in style! Here are two ST classics and a PC classic, too! Ooh, nice...

• Goldrunner - Some might not like this, but I hit the F3 key to disable the fuzzy speech!
• Gauntlet - this sluggish hack 'n slasher gets big improvements, but still needs extra CPU grunt.
• Wolfenstein 3D - Ray's jaw-dropping FPS now has bugs removed with decent save game support.