Fancy a medieval adventure?
Let's cut to the chase: you’re a clown. Well, you are plucky Jack The Jester who happens to be in love with the Princess, Griselda. Sadly, she will never look at you with the same love-struck passion (probably because of your silly costume!). Fortunately, for you, the kingdom of Allegorid was attacked by dragons!!
Since when was that fortunate? Well, they stole all the magical lamps which helped to protect everyone in the kingdom from evil. This also includes the most acclaimed lamp - a cherished and powerful Black Lamp. So, let's get going and rescue our dolly bird princess Griselda. Fail and death awaits you... great storyline, uh?
Okay, let's take a little break because it's time to see the first screenshot...
The thing I adore about Black Lamp's visuals is the detail - from backgrounds to sprites!
How about a medieval nightmare!
Black Lamp is a flip-screen platformer with ledges to hop on, ladders to climb, items to collect, and monsters to kill. Not to mention what feels like thousands of rooms to visit as we undertake the honourable lamp quest. Interestingly, once our plucky jester ventures outside, that visual mechanic becomes a scrolling platformer. Here we can walk the castle walls, woodlands, and streets looking for areas to visit. Various bonuses are offered for points and also special abilities like increased firepower and invincibility.
The monsters reign supreme and this is perhaps the game’s greatest and possibly most annoying characteristic? Not only are their numbers countless but their assaults are relentless!! Wherever you go, they appear like magic - they don't need open doors because they can walk through the walls. This means there is literally no safe place that can offer a quiet moment of refuge which is brilliantly insane but can also be OTT.
This ain't a boring yawnfest and will entertain throughout. Let's check out another screenshot...
Beautiful locations and lots of monsters to kill. Just look at that ogre!
Beautiful locations and lots of monsters to kill. Just look at that ogre!
A beautiful looker?
Throughout, the graphics are awesome. It feels like a cartoon chronicle of England's medieval age. The monsters are incredibly alluring with so much charm. My favourites are the Imps and Trolls which are bewitching to watch with beautiful animation. It's hard to imagine better than this in 1988 on a 16-bit platform.
The audio is perfect. Not only is there an incredible theme tune but, all in-game sound effects are zappy and exciting. This is exactly how a game should sound and makes it enthralling to play. Do I need to mention the in-game music? Like, wow!! Greensleeves, the olde English folk song. Wow, the audio is superb!!
And with that revelation out the way, let's see the final screenshot before the gripping concussion...
Black Lamp was one of the first games I saw after leaving the Spectrum. Can you imagine my joy!
The CryptO'pinion?
Black Lamp is a brilliant game but it's not perfect. My beef is with Jolly Jack's controls that react slowly due to his (superbly) animated movements. Imagine that you are walking right, and need to turn left to kill oncoming monsters. This action does not immediately happen because his walking animation must finish.
Black Lamp is up there with other ST legends. It's a classic and nothing short of a fun-filled, hectic adventure that looks and sounds amazing. Sure, the aesthetics don't matter, but it's good to have them.
Everyone should play this platformer and experience what the Kingdom of Allegorid offers. It's challenging, addictive and rewarding. You won't regret booting up Black Lamp whatsoever, I guarantee it.
One of my favourite Atari ST games.
Available on both floppy and hard drive.
