Gauntlet

Dandy!

Gauntlet is an arcade masterpiece with a design that is simple yet genius. It's a combination of a dungeon crawler with an extreme kill-em-all, and this results in an unstoppable solo/multiplayer experience. Yep, 1-4 people can hack & slash through tons of hellish underground levels! Absolutely gaming heaven.

We can play as one of four groovy characters: a Warrior, an Elf, a Wizard, or a Valkyrie. Each has its own characteristics for strength and battling the nasties. I'm always the Warrior because he's bound to be the Samson of the group, and thankfully, there is no Delilah. Each needs to be fed, so don't do anything daft like shooting food, as that affects your health lol. Come on, you know how to play this classic!

Let's slap a pause on the reading for an animated GIF of Gauntlet...

A timeless arcade classic. Simple as that, really.

Four heroes against millions of monsters?

The monsters are among the most varied I have seen, which adds so much to the dungeon's feel. We have ghosts, demons, grunts, lobbers (I hate those!), and more. They have their own attributes and are usually born from a Generator - so destroy those first to cease the onslaught of hatred against you.

The objective is simple: kill the monsters and escape. We're trapped in a 100-level creepy dungeon, and everything lurking here wants to eat you. So it's up to you (and any potential co-op players) to kill everything and find the exit in order to escape the hellish catacombs. Keys are scattered everywhere to access restricted areas. You shall also note the booty conveniently left for you and collect it for extra points.

Finally, Death is here. Yep, literally Death himself, and he is almost impossible to kill, so try to avoid him if possible. This brings me nicely to the magical potions you can discover scattered about most levels. By collecting these, your chance of survival is greatly improved and will certainly help during an encounter with Death. Hint: do not assume he is a single individual making a single appearance, so be wise with your potions.

Before we get to the aesthetics, let's see a beautiful image from the game...

Whether demons or ghosts are attacking, this game is always freakishly GREAT fun!!!

Aesthetics?

Graphically, this has authentically crafted levels that look excellent. The monster sprites are just as good and must count as one of the best-looking arcade conversions for the Atari ST. However, there's a price to pay for all that glam, and it comes at the cost of framerate. This will drop when dozens of monsters are on-screen at once. Of course, faster computers like my 16MHz Mega STe (and emulators) have no such issues.

I love the audio, from the moment we hear the Da-Da-Da-Daaa begin playing. I'm hooked. This is superb and of high quality, further enhanced by in-game sampled effects. Oh, I absolutely love Gauntlet!!

Right then, one final screenshot, otherwise I'll only spoil you...

Argh, they're attacking from all corners of the dungeon!! Heeeeeelp!!

The CryptO'pinion?

There are two conclusions to draw from this 1986 release: If you're using an upgraded ST or have something like a Mega STe, TT, etc, then you're gonna love this game. However, stock STs will suffer a sluggish framerate when the screen is heavily overcrowded. Thankfully, I've just heard that Peter has updated Gauntlet to support the Blitter, which is great news for the Atari STe (that also includes the Mega ST)

Whether you play solo or not, this is an awesome shooter. Gauntlet is one of the best arcade games, and the Atari ST has another winning conversion under its belt. It's pure retro gaming gold. I love it!!

Stop whatever you're doing and download this wonderful game from Klaz' Hideaway (both hard drive & floppy versions). Klaz has implemented support for faster Atari computers and my own Mega STe (16MHz) delivered a far better framerate! This transforms the game completely - it's mind-bogglingly ACE!!

Update: Peter Putnik's version supports the Blitter!!
Download it from his website.

Mad Professor Mariarti

Nutty professor

Professor Mariarti is a platformer in wacky laboratories ranging from a biological lab to space rocket development. However, as a result of a dodgy experiment going mental, everything has come to life and taken over. To make matters worse, they aren't in the best mood and have grown body parts, like eyes and legs.

Hmm, I think we'd better fix this problem and clear out the labs before it drives the Professor potty. Okay, there are four levels to choose from, with a fifth only playable after completing the first four. As if!

Wanna see a couple of near-GEM green screenshots? Of course, you do...

A platformer with brains

I’ve been playing the Computer Lab level, and it’s full of strange creatures, hazards to avoid, and puzzles to solve. Don't worry, these puzzles aren't exactly mind-blowing and are often as simple as flicking a switch. However, some puzzles require a little more thought - take a look at the massive pressure chamber, which is lethal without first wearing a diver's helmet. I love cunning puzzles like that.

The baddies are a most interesting bunch and very humorous, but the slightest contact will zap your energy. It seems nothing you do will permanently kill them. You can use your trusty collection of greasy spanners, and they’ll vanish, but seconds later, they’re back for more. Argh, they are evil and relentless!!

This is a good thing and helps keep things interesting without any empty or boring screens. The weapons can be upgraded by using terminals, but that costs money, so don't forget to collect any coins scattered throughout. Expect nothing less than a challenge that requires time and effort to get the best from it.

Let's pause for more screenshots. Hey, it looks like I'm in the loony bin...

The CryptO'pinion?

Mad Professor Mariarti is a challenging and addictive platformer bursting with personality. While some puzzles are a bit vague and obscure, you’ll soon grasp the mechanics. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a platformer that demands a bit more from the old grey matter. However, be prepared for a significant time investment to fully appreciate it. I wouldn’t usually play a game like this, but I really enjoyed Professor Mariarti.

8BitChip has the download (floppy & HDD)

Update: Stickhead has a great video to watch!

Chuckie Egg II

My favourite Speccy game!

After playing the Atari ST version of Jet Set Willy, I remembered that we had Chuckie Egg II by Lothlorien. This made me happy because I love the original, and I even spent hundreds (thousands?!) of hours exploring and mapping its immensely wacky world. It was a uniquely fascinating and surreal place to explore.

Let's cut to the chase, the Atari ST conversion is awful. It looks/sounds better, but the gameplay is completely ruined - it doesn't feel anything like the original whatsoever. In fact, the controls are diabolical, so guiding Harry around is nigh on impossible. He walks far too fast, and they have altered the basic jumping mechanics. You know, I expected some differences, but this is a joke beyond anything I imagined.

This game is a complete disaster! It’s a terrible port of a brilliant ZX Spectrum platformer. Terrible is the word, because it's shocking to think they thought this was fit for release. I hate saying this because it’s a port of my favourite 8-bit platformer!! Perhaps it's hard to tell, but, yes, I'm disgusted by this game. 😡

Personally, this is the worst game ever released for the Atari ST. #gutted

It's not recommended, but if you're stupid and wanna play this, then the floppies can be found at Atari Legend. A hard-drive-installable game is at 8BitChip. Surely, you're not going to bother?

Jet Set Willy

Willy is back!

Who still plays the Willy platformers on their computer? Indeed, they are the most respected series of 8-bit platformers ever to grace a CRT screen. Sadly, the Atari ST missed that party as people expected more from their 16-bit computer by the late 80s. A fact that saddens me somewhat, as we missed out on a classic.

Software Projects never released this because they felt people's expectations had changed since 1984. I see their point, I really do. However, it's a massive shame because it's timeless. I will always love this platformer.

So, wait a moment!! Am I saying that the game was programmed, but never released? Well, yes. The Atari ST version was finished but ultimately forgotten. Until now! The screenshots you can see are of the Atari ST game, a replica of the original. Yep, it fully mimics the same gameplay style without unnecessary bloatware "improvements". It plays, looks, sounds, and feels exactly as you remember it from 1984.

Wait, are you disappointed how the Atari ST game looks? Perhaps you expected 16-bit aesthetics with more detail & colour?? Stop! Slap yourself!! Did you forget about Chuckie Egg II ???

Matthew Smith had nothing to do with this release, as it was coded for the Atari ST by Carl Whitwell and Paul Taylor. Best of all, this was during their university years. Wow, take 5 mins to think about that fact for a moment... Can you imagine programming this game, possibly as their coursework? Incredible!

I should go and help Willy clean up his messy mansion. Maria is quite angry, so wish me luck...

• Download JetSet Willy from my own Dropbox file server.
• AtariMania has an interesting piece of text to read on its website.
• Here is a pretty darn cool map of the entire Willy Mansion. Ahh, the memories!!
• What? Do you want Manic Miner as well? Then click that link ASAP!!!

I thought this room would be tough, but it's easier than it looks.

One of the coolest screens this (for me). I don't know why, but I love it.

I remember reaching this screen on my Speccy as a kid - waiting for the hoax!

I tried the code... but it didn't appear to work. I wonder if the hidden gem is still here?

The Chaos Engine

Another cheap ripoff

Not too dissimilar to Gauntlet, The Chaos Engine, by the Bitmap Bros, was released in 1993. It's a top-down arcade shooter where you choose from a selection of characters before running around levels with one purpose: killing baddies! Okay, there is a [minor] puzzle element, but this is about reaping death!!

Set in a twisted steampunk version of Victorian England, The Chaos Engine tells the story of a baron whose experimental machine (designed to harness chaos energy) spirals out of control. Of course, it does. It mutated both the land and its inhabitants into something monstrous. Enter the heroes: a band of hardened mercenaries is assembled to venture into the wilderness, battle through wave after wave of grotesque creatures, and destroy the machine. You will be one of six mercenaries, each with their own skill set.

Take a read and make sure you choose wisely...

 

 

 
So who are you gonna be? Let me know in the comments who you choose.

Who ya gonna be?

Each character has unique skills, so I advise that you play each one to find out what you prefer. Personally, I tend to prefer the Mercenary or Thug, but here's the list of all six badass dudes...

• The Mercenary is a good, dependable fighter with strong weapon power and overall toughness. He is less refined in technical ability than some others. His straightforward offensive capabilities make him an effective and dependable choice. A great option to run & gun!
• The Brigand is a nimble and technically gifted character, often suited to players who prefer careful positioning and tactical movement. I feel he is a character for the gifted game! He might feel underpowered in direct firefights, but he is agile and rewards determination.
• The Gentleman is a well-balanced all-rounder and one of the easiest characters for new players. I think he has good speed, firepower and decent resilience. Although he lacks the specialist traits of some of the other mercenaries. Why not start your first game with this guy?
• The Navvie is the brute-force option! A massive guy, packing tremendous physical strength. He can absorb punishment and dish out serious damage, but at the expense of speed. His sluggish movement makes avoiding enemy fire and navigating hectic situations more difficult.
• The Thug is fast, aggressive and built for direct confrontation, with strong mobility and attack power. His main weakness is lower resilience, meaning careless play can get him overwhelmed quickly if trapped. Kinda like the Navvie in many ways.
• The Preacher is the most unusual and often challenging choice. He is useful for interacting with terminals and is an efficient killer, but his weaker combat performance means he demands a skilled player. Even with God on his side, he's hard to recommend.

Each environment is extremely interesting, with wicked mechanics and beautiful visuals, helping create a wonderful Victorian England theme. Movement and positioning are crucial, as simply charging forward will quickly get you overwhelmed by the relentless waves of enemies. Along the way, fallen enemies drop cash, which can be collected and spent between levels on upgrades: speed, weapon power, health and intelligence. This allows you to strengthen your character for the increasingly brutal stages ahead.

Co-op is enabled whether you play solo or not - and is a treat. I love having a computer-controlled player alongside you, and that extra firepower comes in handy. Especially in the later levels, it is implemented well without ever taking over. However, it's embarrassing when he grabs the coins so quickly!! Argh, this is one of those games that demands practice before you can even think about beating it!

Hey, let's take another break for a couple of screenshots...

The first level is brilliant and works well with the computer-controlled guy.



Level two increases the difficulty, but it's still damn good fun!

Bitmap aesthetics!

The graphics are literally outstanding. From start to end, beautiful artwork, detailed sprites, and gorgeous landscapes. I love each of the environments, which have all been enhanced for the lovely Atari STe by using the hardware scrolling and extra colours. One of the best-looking games on the Atari ST/e. Period!!

All audio is cool - the chip music will stay playing in your head all day, and the sound effects do their job well. However, I must admit to being a little disappointed that this talented bunch failed to use the DMA audio for sampled sound effects. They're already utilising the STe, so why not use the DMA for samples?

So, it looks and sounds great, especially on the Atari STe. Agree or disagree? Let me know...

I struggled with the third level, or rather, my old man reactions did!



...and again for the frantic fourth. So tough!!

The CryptO'pinion?

I’ve always ranked the Bitmap Brothers among the finest developers of the 16-bit era, and this game helps to prove that. It's a surreal steampunk world with slick presentation, and an addictive blend of action and strategy makes it far more than a mere Gauntlet clone. Comparisons are going to happen, but while both look similar, The Chaos Engine has its own identity, atmosphere, characters, and great action.

My only gripe is the difficulty on later levels, which I fear is over the top and pushes even the most skilled players to cheat. Thankfully, the passcode system softens that disappointment somewhat.

This is a remarkable and addictive shooter stuffed full of action. Glad I bought this - I love it!!

8BitChip and D-Bug have created superb hard drive installable games!!

Chaos Engine floppy disks: Adrenalin #37A  #37B disks.

LEVEL CODES

World Two = T6MV6J4LGLCZ (Thug + Mercenary)

World Two = 73VBPXY1PZV1 (Brigand + Navvie)

World Two = QLVKM4YKJQVS (my own code!)

World Three = 4WQZTTRG61MZ (Navvie + Gentleman)

World Three = 2#YNLN7SR94W (Navvie + Brigand)

World Three = JSP99G416LY2 (I've no idea where I found this!)

World Four = PK2R9J6G5W4K (Navvie + Gentleman)

World Four = C8737KFPBCDB (Navvie + Preacher)

ST Format has a guide and a walk-through solution (issues: #51 #52 #53 #54)

Bitmap Bros have a cool website with maps, guides, and more.

Let's Play has a great page with loads of info.

The Mercenary Site

Update: Paul Woakes sadly passed away on July 15th, 2017. RIP †

The Mercenary Site

I love finding websites that are active and buzzing with great content for games that are available for the Atari ST. The Mercenary Site is run by a great guy called 'Symoon' and is dedicated to the entire Mercenary series. He's a bit of an obsessive, and it shows when you browse his immense website!

Personally, I'm all about the second game, Damocles, which is a cracker thanks to an open-world environment that isn't hampered by linear restrictions. Yep, you're free to do whatever you like, and how you choose to do it is up to you. That's something that holds dear because I'm a sucker for messing about!

Before you rush off to his website, we chatted, and I asked him a few questions about it...

My site is horribly old but, to me, the content is more important than its look - and spare time is a rare thing these days ;) .... (we then began to talk about Hunter!) ... I also have fond memories of Hunter, except that the energy was dropping way too fast! I cheated to stop that and finished all the missions a long time ago. Really good fun using helicopters or hovercrafts!

There isn't much to say about me - I can't call myself an active Atari ST owner. But my brother bought an Atari ST and we mainly played games with it. I remain attached to it, but not as much as I am to my very first computer (the Oric!). You'll find a few occasional posts from me on some Atari forums under the nickname Symoon, but nothing worth talking about really ;)

I began the website around 1996, learning HTML to make a solution page for Mercenary III while I was doing the compulsory military service in France. I had struggled so much to get my copy of Mercenary III (I guess it hasn't been imported at all in France then) that I played it and found a way to complete it with all the solutions. There was almost no information about Mercenary III on the Internet at the time, and I had discovered the great Mark Sachs' guide to Damocles which inspired me. So it all began as "the Mercenary III solution page", designed in the same way...

Then the site grew little by little, as I added content very quickly thanks to many, many contributors. I recently read old emails and was puzzled at how many people wrote to me about it, and how interesting many of the messages were. I got in touch with many people from Novagen (first was Mo Warden), all very kind, and even met some of them. I'm so sad that Bruce Jordan, who lead the Novagen company with Paul Woakes, passed away 9 years go.

Firstly, because he really was a friendly man! Of course, on more Mercenary-driven motivations, because he was a great source of information. The MDDClone, that appeared around 2002, also was a source of real motivation. Its author hadn't been here, I might not have kept updating the site so long - and certainly not with so much detailed content.

What I loved about the games? I can't tell you really, I'd say the freedom feeling, and the first-person 3D which put YOU in the world (it wasn't that common at this time). The fact that a whole world was created for the player to simply walk around and the mix between adventure and some kind of flight simulation too. Also, it's humour. As a French young man though, I didn't always notice or understand the fun there was in Benson's words!

I was visiting each and every location hoping to find something significant at any corner. I found (and still find) it amazing that a whole universe was there on a disk. Thanks again, I hope you spend many pleasant hours in the Gamma system soon!

Black Lamp

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 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, through the woodlands, and along the streets, looking for places to visit. Various bonuses are offered for points, as well as special abilities such as 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!

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 much charm. My favourites are the Imps and Trolls, which are bewitching to watch with beautiful animation. It's hard to imagine anything 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 of 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, 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 floppy and hard drive.

Hey, I bought this game :-)

HUNTER

Behold, the best 16-bit game

Hunter was developed by Paul Holmes for Activision in 1991, and many consider it one of the first open-world/sandbox 3D productions. Now, that's a pretty big claim when you think about it for any 16-bit computer. It's also relevant to today's younger gamer who might assume there was nothing before the likes of GTA or Battlefield. I wonder if anyone under 40 reads my stuff... As if. Bah, kids today!

This game takes place within a huge three-dimensional world filled with wonder and danger. This is also a game of objects, many vehicles, and gadgets. We are essentially a James Bond dude with various mission objectives to complete (should you decide to play the game properly - no pressure). All of these are far-reaching, with the key to success being careful exploration, interaction, communication, and often quick reactions.

Oh, and common sense won't go amiss before heading out into the wild landscapes:

• I wouldn't drive off in a jeep without carrying a spare jerrycan!
• It might be a good idea to find a medkit, as it's dangerous out there.
• It's always a good idea to stock up on ammo.
• Hey, use the map!

Never will you play a game that offers so many different types of vehicles to drive, pilot, ride, etc...

I knew this was gonna be good, and it wasn't long before I was Howling Mad Murdock!!

I start well, but it's going dark, and I'm on foot. Then I got rundown!

No rules, only fun!

Hunter provides an incredible array of vehicles to hop into. I love riding a wonky bike, tearing up the land in my jeep, and even stopping to watch birds. However, something like a helicopter might take practice. The hippie in you might fancy a swim with the fish? Why not chase rabbits? Why? Well, why not!

But why would you do any of this when you can drive an army vehicle, steer a speedboat, or pilot a helicopter? Heck, you can even hop into a tank and blow stuff up, like somebody's house!! Release your inner psychopath and terrorise the world. Your options are almost endless. This game will rock your world.

You can ignore the missions and go for your own adventure. I often boot up Hunter to drive around its fascinating landscape - what's better than exploring a new world, with the option of blowing stuff up? So, create mayhem and have yourself some fun. It's this freedom that is the best aspect of Hunter - because we are completely free to roam. Go anywhere and choose to do anything you like. Just don't get shot or blown up!

Hunter is limited only by your imagination. Be heroic. Be ambitious. Be an explorer...

There's nothing quite like this game - jump into a jeep and be a Mud Muppet for a day?

Armoured cars are every bit as good as they sound. Love these so much!

Polygons and squeaks?

Hunter's world is fantastic thanks to a concise design by Paul and Christian Roux, who have the Atari ST exhibiting fast and fluent visuals. The 3D objects look cool with an array of vehicles and buildings. I love the superb details, everything from the chequered landscapes to your bike looks and moves great.

Faster computers will benefit; like my 16Mhz Mega STe that performs exceptionally well.

Sonically, we have sampled music on the title screen. Everyone knows I prefer Chip, but I quite enjoyed this tune. However, it's the kind of thing you leave playing once, because we wanna play!! In-game sound effects are nice, with some funky booming effects. Along with hilariously silly ones - like the seagulls!

Much love went into Hunter with its stunning aesthetics. So let's see more screenshots...

Forget the objective, I'm going sailing on the open oceans. It's up to you what you wanna do!!

Hangers are always worth checking out. Always.

The CryptO'pinion?

In some respects, this is years ahead of its time, with comparisons already made to later games, like GTA and Battlefield 1942. It's remarkable exploring this strange new world. It's immense, and heading out into the unknown never fails to please, so who knows what you might find out there? Wear a good pair of walking boots, tread carefully, and leave no stone unturned in this thrilling and dangerous world.

Even when played properly (yeah, I should do that more!), this is an engrossing experience with taxing missions that require a tactical and careful approach. The emphasis is always on your freedom, and this priority extends into how you choose to complete a mission - there are no linear paths to blindly follow. That, I find utterly enthralling, to say the least. Yes, they're difficult, but never boring and always enjoyable.

An extraordinary adventure, and I guarantee it's one of the best 16-bit games you'll play. Hunter is epic.

Epic is a strong word. But it's also very true, so Hunter earns the accolade of an AtariCrypy SMASH!

Download FLOPPY and HDD.

 

~~~ Interesting Map Coordinates ~~~

Security pass = 90, 153

Master key = 164, 169

Old man = 181, 197

Second man = 99, 61

Third man (In rock) = 195, 119

Professor = 49, 115

Prisoner = 135, 239

Injured man = 10, 36

Antibiotics and saw = 151, 121

Monk (in tree stump) = 85, 174

Scroll = 91, 173

Disk = 100, 225

Computer = 244, 199

General's bunker = 135, 239

Officer's red uniform = 190, 65

VROOM

I don't think I've ever taken this (outstanding) racer seriously. Never have I booted it up to play through as a champion challenger. Instead, I boot it up whenever I'm bored and in need of a thrill... Madness, I know!!

Today I was bored.

Vroom is just the ticket for speed and thrills.

Enjoy the video :-)

Cannon Fodder

  

I've just stumbled upon a nifty program for Cannon Fodder. It's an intro that offers cheats like infinite ammo and level select, and was created by "Dr D" from The Casualty Dept. I've copied it to my Atari ST, and it works like a charm! Now, I'm not bothered about the infinite ammo/men, but being able to start on any level is superb & opens up the game. Highly recommended for those playing via floppy disk - enjoy!! :-)

[ Clickety-Click and Download ]

App appreciation day

A time to celebrate!

Some programs don't get the credit or respect that they deserve. The ones that we use regularly never let us down and get the job done perfectly. Yet, once their task is complete, they are TOSsed to one side without so much as a thank you. How cruel we are. Do you know a downtrodden PRG? Then shame on you!

Sadly, I am guilty of this sin. For me, it's called FastCopy (Pro) by Martin Backchat. An iconic copier/formatter for the Atari ST. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn't/doesn't use this funky program. I'd bet good money that every ST owner has a copy on their computer. And rightly so.

But why? Well, because it has several distinct features I admire...

• A brilliant backup tool.
• Essential formatting options.
• Actually, very smart formatting. Woo!!
• Nifty virus prevention.
• Can run either as a PRG or an ACC.

I format all my disks using Fastcopy Pro, as it never lets me down (touches wooden head), and I've used it since the 80s. How cool is that! So, dear FastCopy, I promise to start being nice to you and appreciate your commitment to the ST. Greetings to Mr Backschat for making an awesome Atari ST program.

I hope this silly (and truthful) post made you smile :^)

 Atari-Forum Wiki  |  Atarimania

Rick Dangerous

Indiana Jones

Rick Dangerous is a brilliant platformer. Simple as that! Well, I almost fell over myself when I found this superb website dedicated to this incredible game. Go on, take a look at it - have a guess which is the best version of Ricky Dangerous!! :-) Before you go, here is my video recording of this excellent game!

Addicted To Fun - Rainbow Collection

Addicted To Fun!

This is a compilation released by Ocean Software called Addicted To Fun: Rainbow Collection, which features three classic Taito games: New Zealand Story, Bubble Bobble, and Rainbow Islands. I have already featured two of these games here, but sadly, I've never "clicked" with Bubble Bobble. In fact, I hated it if I'm honest!

New Zealand Story was one of the first 16-bit games I saw when I was still a ZX Spectrum guy. Sadly, that was on a mate's Amiga, and months passed before I managed to "source" the Atari ST game. It's brilliant, although the difficulty increases after the first couple of levels. You might need a trainer with extra lives?

Rainbow Islands needs no introduction because it's a fantastic arcade conversion with glorious graphics, sounds, and gameplay. In fact, it's one of the best conversions and one I am proud to own. Yes, I bought it!

New Zealand Story.

Rainbow Islands.

Umm, so what about Bubble Bobble?

I figured I should try the other disk inside the lovely Ocean plastic bag. Remember, I've never been a fan, but I decided to give it my best shot. Well, the first thing I noticed is the music - it never stops! And I didn't see anything in the manual that says how to turn it off, but it actually becomes enjoyably bewitching.

The levels are all on the one screen and first appear humble in design, but somehow I get the feeling this is exactly how it's meant to be for progressive effect. There are a few monster cuties, and killing them is easy - hit fire to blow a bubble and turn them into fruits! Don't dare bump into the baddies or you'll lose a life, but there are lots of power-ups, and I got another shock on level 5 when water poured in and washed me away!

Overall, I still prefer Rainbow Islands over Bubble Bobble, but this is an excellent and faithful conversion. I loved it because it's simple yet insanely addictive with bucketloads of fun. I wonder why I didn't enjoy playing this back in the day? Madness!! I admit I was stupid because it is a brilliant Atari ST game.

Bubble Bobble

- DOWNLOADS AND LINKS -

8BitChip has Bubble Bobble ready to be installed onto a hard drive!

But if you need a floppy disk image, look no further than Old Games Finder.

Fancy a couple of juicy tips? Of course, you do!

          -> Stand beside a wall, close enough to blow a bubble that instantly pops, for extra points!

          -> When you lose your last life, hold down the fire button, and you can continue playing.

StrategyWiki has a helpful guide, which explains the basics for us Bub/Bob noobs.

Here is a cool web page that shows the Atari ST has the best version.