Starquake

Stepping back in time...

I'm delving deeper into retro gaming with a favourite I haven't played since I was 14 (how did that happen?). Anyhow, Starquake was developed by BubbleBus/Mandarin Software and was released in 1985. Like most of that era, I didn’t have an Atari ST, but we'd have to wait three more years for our version!

So what's the story? Well, deep within the caverns of an alien world, catastrophe is imminent as the planet’s core begins to fracture in a devastating "starquake". We take control of BLOB, which means: BioLogically Operated Being. Our mission is to descend into this subterranean labyrinth and restore stability by locating and correctly positioning the scattered neutron plugs needed to repair the planet’s reactor. With time running out and danger lurking in every tunnel, Starquake becomes a desperate race to save an entire world.

Let's pause the reading and view a malfunctioning screenshot...

The intro is short but not without good humour, which I love!

Run, Shoot, RUN!!

Starquake is a big game, and it's easy to get yourself completely lost wandering from screen to screen. Each screen is basically a platformer in design, filled with cutesy baddies that can zap away your energy or kill you outright. To me, it always felt like Atic Atac, but visually, it reeks of Underwurld. There are tasks to complete, like collecting objects and computer codes, which is a lot harder than it sounds. Oddly, you cannot collect items when using a hover pad... so be prepared to think and make lots of backtracking!

We have a weapon, but the nasties are relentless with a swarm-like attack that never ends. Curiously, we cannot jump but have the ability to build temporary platforms that help reach those higher places. It's kinda cool and makes climbing fun and different - also dotted about the map are hover-pads used to climb.

Starquake is a shooter/puzzler that never lets up, and yes, it reminds me of Underwurld by Ultimate Play The Game with its schematics, styles and mechanics. The puzzler and exploration elements are as tough as they are interesting, and this is the part of it that makes you think, all whilst frantically shooting at everything.

I've always liked Starquake, and that Atari ST version doesn't disappoint...

As soon as you begin, cute critters appear from nowhere - constantly!

Colour clash and bleeps?

Fans of the original will absolutely adore the updated Atari ST version, which looks the same but tarted up with gorgeous 16-bit colours and lots more detail. Wow, I wish the old Speccy game looked this good back in the mid-80s. I mean, come on, check out those sprites - this must be one of the cutest games ever!

The audio is superb with fantastic music by none other than Jason C. Brooke. I could listen to it all day! All in-game effects are exellent, but I'm going to shock myself and say that the ZX Spectrum game is better. How can this be? It's true, as I miss those fuzzy-buzzy sounds that this 16-bit conversion lacks.

Right, we've got time for just one more screenshot. So, here you go...

Finally, an upgraded 8-bit game that isn't bloated and ruined!!

The CryptO'pinion?

The Atari ST version is harder than the Speccy original. It took some time to get used to that, if I'm being honest. This difficulty zapped some of the fun, especially for a casual gamer. However, Starquake isn't something for the casual gamer as it demands time and commitment to get the most from it.

Yes, it's tough. Yes, it's crazy. So you may need to cheat for infinite lives! Also, you will need a pen and paper to map it and make notes. However, it's definitely a brilliant conversion of the 8-bit classic and also an excellent game in its own right. It offers a massive, long-term challenge, and I love it. Highly recommend!!

Download Starquake via Old Games Finder.
Here is a map of the Speccy game!