Pung

Pong?

Pung is an Atari STe game that has finally been released after years of lurking in purgatory. Obviously, it's based on the 1972 classic and currently stands at v0.30, so it may have a few bugs that could lead to those infamous bombs. Just reset and keep on playing! I'm glad this got a release as we have enjoyed playing it over the weekend - it's different with a few neat ideas, and I recommend you take a look.

Get it downloaded and let me know what you think...

• Demozoo website has a download with all the credits and more.
• I nabbed the MOD music file off Demozoo and made a recording. Love it!

Potsworth & Co

Another platformer? Yawn, let's check it out...

Potsworth & Co is a cutesy platformer developed by Ben Walshaw for Hi-Tec Software (1992) and is based on a Hanna-Barbera cartoon (which I'd never heard of). I've just learnt that Potsworth is a dog who happens to have a group of kiddy mates - The Midnight Patrol. The story is that someone stole a sleep potion and broke it up throughout five worlds. It's up to the kids to return it to a Grand Dozer (whatever that is).

As different members of the Midnight Patrol (depending on the level, each has different mechanics for powers and abilities). For example, in the first, we are a stroppy girl who begins underground in a place Rick Dangerous would love. It appears this heroine only has to open her mouth to kill most of her foes.

Sounds weird? You betcha! But I think you're gonna love it. Read on...

Each level is different and uses the other characters, who come with their own skills.

Developers who care!

Potsworth & Co offers a style similar to Doodlebug or Magic Boy, but don't let the comical visuals trick you; this game is not easy and very challenging. Each world features many hazards and, of course, a wide range of baddies who aimlessly walk back and forth, doing their best to make life troublesome. There are also puzzles, but these won't have you stumped; it's more like moving a block onto a switch panel (or a teddy bear!).

This isn't an easy-to-pick-up-and-play platformer, if I'm honest. I think it has a testing learning curve thanks to a difficulty level famous throughout the 8 and 16-bit era. Personally, I think a lot more lives should have been given by default, and there are some parts of the later levels that are quite irritating. But all this is solved by having more lives or (cough) a trainer, which means you're then able to enjoy this game fully.

The joystick controls are superbly responsive, so exploring is a breeze without any sluggishness. When you move onto a new level, the game changes your character, which is unusual. I especially liked the third world, where we play as a dog in a candy land - this is bursting with cool mechanics and is brilliant fun to explore.

Let's see a screenshot of that stroppy-looking girl level I mentioned...

No lame port here, but there are... walking guns in this Ricky Dangerous level!

Model looks!

The visuals are stunning, and it certainly proves what a developer can do when they care about their product. This looks the business, alright, and feels quite console-y with fantastic environments, awesome sprites, and bundles of colour throughout each and every level. The scrolling is both fast and fluent, which means we're being treated, rather than enduring a jerky, lame Amiga port. Amazing, just amazing.

Sadly, the audio is the mirror opposite of those lovely pixels and appears to be an afterthought. There are only a few spot sound effects and, even worse, no background chiptune, which would have been perfect. Oh, and don't even ask about a title theme. That is absolutely terrible and should be skipped - quickly!!

Why is that? So much effort was spent on the visuals and gameplay, yet little on the audio...

Another new level and another different character to master.

The CryptO'pinion?

This is superb and provides a fantastic venture through several interesting worlds. Each is a vibrant and charming experience and, not only that, but a testament to the power of the Atari ST when in the hands of a talented programmer. Prepare thyself for a game that is as challenging as it is beautiful.

This is one of the best platformers there is. I've loved every second with The Midnight Patrol. If I can pass on a piece of advice, it would be this: Don't be a knob and download this game right now. There ya go.

Downloads for floppy disk & hard drive.

MonoPack

The most exciting screenshot ever!

MonoPack was released by Shrimp of NewCore and allows the Atari ST (w/ colour display) to run in the high-resolution mode without the need for the correct monitor. Yes, there are already programs that do this, but I think this is better because it saves itself onto the boot sector of a floppy disk. This means a fast way to activate. Plus, it supports the Blitter coprocessor for faster rendering. Yup, this is an excellent utility!

Clickety-Click to download MonoPack and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Super Space Invaders

Space Invaders!!

How could anyone contemplate enhancing Space Invaders? How about supersizing it with power-ups and other cool ideas!! This is exactly what Domark did with the imaginatively titled Super Space Invaders, an authentic take with an array of next-gen invaders to quench our two-dimensional alien-zapping thirst.

> From the start, we're treated to a superb intro you should watch. I can't stress that enough!

When a game begins, select your path through a variety of grouped stages, similar to Blasteroids. As an attack wave begins, it's quite slow and gradually speeds up with each kill. These new invaders will attack using a variety of tactics - some will bloat after being shot, thus requiring extra effort. Don't expect the same attack formations, this time they use various styles with some breaking away - Galaxian style!

Let's peep at a screenshot of an unlucky guy struggling at his daily job. Some have it tough...

The intro is legendary. I loved it, and it's definitely something you don't skip!!

Can't knock the classic formula

An easily targeted mothership frequently passes by and, if destroyed, drops a power-up in true Arkanoid fashion. These power-ups are key to success and an enhanced gameplay experience. There are many. I love the laser, which slices through the alien horde like a hot knife through butter. I must admit to taking a liking to that rapid-fire power-up! Perhaps I should state this fact again? The power-ups are key to a better game.

If Space Invaders had a flaw, it's repetition. Super Space Invaders attempts to break that by introducing bonus rounds, different stages, and boss levels. One bonus is the flying saucers screen, which shows them hovering in the rural countryside, trying to abduct cattle! The groovy end-of-level bosses are in urgent need of a good hiding!! I am especially impressed by the boss after level three, which is beautifully animated.

Here is a screenshot that might look a bit awkward, but playing is miles better...

Some aliens balloon when hit, which is funny but also means more shooting!!

Aesthetics

The graphics are excellent with nicely detailed invaders, and I especially liked the huge insects. Framerates are great, but the game will appear sluggish without using power-ups. I really enjoy the colour schemes throughout; it has a surreal feeling. Finally, the End-Of-Level bosses are a fantastic example of cool pixel art.

Musically, very interesting as I am weirdly reminded of Escape From The Planet Of The Robot Monsters. The effects are good, but I was disappointed not to hear the famous cannon sounds from the arcade!

Okay, let's see a cutscene, and this one has helpless cows wanting a quiet life...

Now those pesky aliens are after cattle. I need burgers, so shoot them down now!

The CryptO'pinion?

I've had a blast (sorry) playing this. It's still Space Invaders, but with extras that bloat and bastardise the original format. Purists might turn up their noses in disgust at this abomination. Nonetheless, it's a terrific game in its own right, and the power-ups are key to getting the most from this alternative rendition. They really are, and transform what would otherwise be a predictable clone into a freakishly entertaining affair.

I feel this is an addictive and entertaining take on the original idea. Great fun and highly recommended!

Can you protect humanity from Space Invaders?
Help is stored ready on hard disk or floppy.

a real wallpaper!

Look at what came in the post today from Chris Swinson (aka Exxos). Designed by Darren Doyle for the release of AtariCrypt Magazine, and today it's on my bedroom wall like I'm 15 again. There are some ace ST folk in our community - thank you so much, Chris. I’m curious how long the wife will tolerate this up!!

Regardless, I LOVE IT!!! :-)

Collaboration One

   

A new group!

The Atari ST/e demoscene has entertained us with incredible productions over the decades. Predictably, these are often by the talented people who made our jaws drop from the late 80s onwards. Well, today we have something different and by a brand new group called STatariART, who have released their first slideshow!

It's called Collaboration One and features pixel art created by people from all walks. Along with the images, there is chip music and a lamer's scroll to read. Let's hope this is the start of something great!

Credits

---

Big Boss Man - Code

Cornervizion - Music

D-Force - Graphics

FedePede04 - Graphics

Forgotten Grove - Graphics, Text, Other (Conception)

Greyfox - Graphics

JOSE.ANT - Other (Group theme-tune on Site)

Lachoneus - Graphics

Loggins - Graphics

Pandafox - Graphics

Scarlettkitten - Graphics

spiny - Graphics ((and coding advice))

I hope you guys enjoy this, and to tempt you further, here is our theme tune by Cornervizion...

Zool

Whoosh, it's Zool!!

Zool was released in 1993 by Gremlin Graphics. Late in the ST's life, yet they went that extra mile to support both models of computers. Respect. At first, it appears to be a Sonic clone and does indeed have similarities, but Sonic it ain't. That fact disappointed many, back in the day (like me). I guess we wanted our Sonic? Well, I figured enough time had passed. Should I give this zippy insect another second chance?

Our little protagonist is a rather odd, badly-disguised ant-like ninja from the "Nth Dimension". He can run, climb, leap and perform an airborne pirouette. Sounds very Sonic'ish!! His mission is to travel six worlds and prove himself worthy of earning the black belt accolade he so richly desires. Each world is split into three segments of progressive difficulty and is littered with traps and countless baddies to contend with.

Sonically, a very cool game this (ugh, sorry). Let's see the first screenshot of this ninja roadster...

The first level is excellent and has a little iddy biddy Sonic vibe to it...

Run and leap like crazy!

There are several levels; the first is "Sweet World", which could be a child's best dream: an entire planet made of candy. But these are killer sweets: like wobbly jelly and a cute, rapidly-firing dolly mixture! The second is musically themed with angry instruments like bongo drums and some that play helpful musical notes.

Sadly, that is as far as I've managed to get. Very disappointing but, that's me and my skilful gaming reactions for ya'!! Well, be disappointed no more for I am extremely grateful for a cheat I found. This allows me to play on the later levels, and the Meccano-style in Tool World is excellent. Just carry on reading for more information about this handy cheat!

Zool is simple; it's all about collecting the items (in Sweet World, that's candy). Look at the bottom/left of your screen, which shows how many are required with an arrow pointing you in the right direction to find more. Thankfully, losing a life isn't a game-buster, as there are checkpoints from which to continue. That’s no easy task. Each level features a cruel layout filled with hidden traps and a huge number of enemies.

Power-ups are also frequently available to ease your hectic adventure, like Two Zool - your doppelganger. Zool even has an energy shield that can be replenished during play, but it can survive only three hits before you're as dead as a dodo. I would have liked more to balance it against the number of nasties.

However, this isn’t just a game that demands lightning-fast reactions; you’ll need to replay it countless times. Learning the levels is essential for progression; otherwise, you’ll be caught off guard by unexpected obstacles. This inherent replay value makes Zool’s replayability massive by default.

It's screenshot time, and this one was taken with my phone when using real hardware...

Watch where you're walking! So many dangerous places in this world of weird.

Input & Output

The joystick controls are incredibly intuitive and responsive. There’s also an inertia option, which I leave disabled (yikes!). For rapid firepower, keep banging the fire button. If you tap it again during a jump, a pirouette manoeuvre activates, allowing you to kill even more colourful nasties in this crazy world.

Visually, Zool is fantastic, and I’m sure they’ve used every colour imaginable for a strangely gaudy display. The sprites are lovely, particularly the purple dolly mixture. It’s incredible that a game like this runs on the ST, given the lack of hardware scrolling. It’s far superior to other similar games I could mention.

Of course, it's best on the Atari STe, as Gremlin made use of the hardware with 50fps scrolling. It's a thrill and crushes the experience you had using the standard ST. Not only that, but there are more colours too. Weirdly, there is some slowdown, which is a shame and doesn't make sense.

The audio is superb with effects and optional chiptunes. It would have been nice to hear DMA samples, especially noticeable in World Two, with its oddly silent musical instruments. A missed opportunity?

Right, who fancies a lollipop? No? Oh! Well, don't look at this next screenshot then...

Right, hands up who wants a lollipop now? What... Just me? Darn it!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Zool is a fantastic platformer packed with speedy fun, but some frustrating mechanics spoil what would have been a perfect game. For instance, don’t expect to zip across great distances like the spiky hedgehog. Zool’s levels are designed to contradict his Ninja-like abilities, as the levels are littered with deadly objects, many of which are off-screen. Plus, enemies constantly respawn, which is incredibly annoying.

Despite these negatives, I must admit I enjoy Zool. It’s fast, crazy and bursting with personality. It’s a great platformer, especially when played on the Atari STe. Now, give me some Chupa Chups!

8BitChip has the download for those with a hard drive/Ultrasatan.

If you're stuck using floppies, Atari Legend will ease your pain!

AtariMania features Zool in their ST database (with manual & code wheel).

To cheat, type in PANDA on the menu, and you will see a flicker.

During a game press:

          -> Spacebar 1 - will make you invincible.

          -> Spacebar 2 - to skip forward onto the next stage.

          -> Spacebar 3 - to skip forward onto the next world.

!cube

I've been browsing through some of the amazing works to come out of Silly Venture and found a superb chiptune by !cube (aka Toni Lönnberg). Hyper Ocean Ride came second in the competition and makes use of the Atari STe's DMA hardware with cool drums. I love this tune, so press the GREEN arrow below. Enjoy!

Okay, Mr cube has a great website and is also listed on Demozoo and SoundCloud. I have recorded a video of his "Meet !cube" musicdisk which you can download here and I must say that Bullet Sequence is another of my fave tracks (from Silly Venture 2014). Delicious!

Crash Time Plumber

New game alert!

Crash Time Plumber is a conversion of the Gamopat original released at Silly Venture demo party. The Atari game was developed by none other than Sebastien Lucas of Cerebral Vortex, and it will work on any Atari computer with a Blitter Chip: check the Options screen in GEM, but all late models of STfm, Mega ST, Atari STe, and Falcon should be a-ok. Many STfm computers have an empty socket just waiting to be used:

* Many newer STFMs have an empty Blitter Chip socket so head over to the EXXOS webSTore.

At first, I wasn't sure how this was gonna go - we've been burned by so-called 8-bit conversions before. However, it booted up with a neat intro and looks the business! Based on Donkey Kong with a dollop of Popeye, it's set in 1983 as the gaming industry crashed (which I was unaware of as a Spectrum kid!)

Anyhow, an Italian plumber has teamed up with an angry-looking monkey and kidnapped ten gaming heroes: Pac-Man, Pitfall Harry, Q-Bert, Frogger, and others. They are all preparing for a hideous death at the hands of these criminals from the East, so go and rescue them to foil Mario's plan and stop this invasion.

Sounds cool, right? It is, and so is the intro, which begins in Alamogordo (I've been there!)...

The intro is sweet and tells a good story. Also, I've been to Alamogordo, NM. #tidbit

Hang on, this looks familiar?

Taking place on the Donkey Kong construction site, we run along girders collecting love hearts by a damsel in distress. She floats by in her hot air balloon and, when enough are collected, we begin a steroid-jumping rescue to the top of the screen and save a trapped hero. Once free, we can move on to the next level.

This isn't easy because, not only is Mario rolling barrels downhill, but King Kong is hanging about, throwing deadly bananas at us with annoying accuracy! Some levels have weather conditions affecting your movement, and there's even a harsh 120-second time limit. This makes things difficult after a few levels!

The game ends once each and every gaming hero has been rescued. Easier said than done...

Watch out for angry monkeys throwing their killer bananas, or you're DEAD!!

One smooth looker!

The graphics are fantastic, using an 80s retro theme with cute sprites. The Blitter delivers a smooth 50fps display. Heck, the Atari STe even adds enhanced colour fading. Falcon owners get to witness a huge Zeppelin flying by, which I wonder why it's missing on the STe? Ignoring that, this game is ace!!

The audio is superb with lovely sound effects and a simple chiptune suited to the ye olde style. A lot of effort has gone into both the visuals and sounds, and I dare that jingle not to stay in your head all day.

Everything is just dandy and perfect with a retro, comical design...

Beautiful girl blowing kisses? Come back, my love!

The CryptO'pinion?

Don't be fooled by the 8-bit appearance. From the start, you're tricked into thinking this will be easy, but the combination of fantastic controls and tough mechanics will catch you out. I'm sick of being smacked in the face by a killer banana, but I keep on coming back for more of this torment. So addictively playable!!

Crash Time Plumber is extremely hard, but it manages to drag you back for more - kicking & screaming.

Download for FLOPPY / HARD DISK

Online ST Picture Viewer

Often, I need to quickly view an Atari ST piccy on my Mac, and there are plenty of options, but here is a fascinating web tool by Cyprian. It allows you to instantly view those old images within a web browser. It supports classic formats like Degas, Neochrome, Spectrum512 and works with drag and drop.

This is an outstanding web tool.

Blasteroids

Boring old asteroids again?

Blasteroids builds on the classic Asteroids formula. You pilot a lone starfighter, navigating hostile sectors filled with tumbling space rocks and aggressive aliens.  It’s the same old story: the galaxy is overrun with rocks that need smashing to smithereens. These rocks come in all shapes and sizes, and some are downright strange, like popcorn rocks that inflate before freezing. Then there are red rocks that leave behind crystals to conveniently recharge your shield. It's rehashing the old favourite, so are you ready for more rock blasting?

I hope so because this is frantic, and we're not alone as aliens frequently rear their ugly heads! These should be killed quickly to reveal a range of nifty power-ups - such as a double shot or the impressive Ripstar.

Let's pause the pointless chitter-chatter with some screenshots...

Who ya gonna be? Quite the selection for different gamers.

But how tough are ya? Come on, be brave and don't wimp out on me now!!

It's all rocks and aliens!

Blasteroids is divided into segments, each further subdivided into smaller sectors. Completing these unlocks a gruesome End Of Level Boss - the monstrous Mukor! Your ship boasts upgradeable weapons, a powerful shield, and the ability to transform. Once all the rocks are pulverised, a transporter whisks you away to the next sector. Don’t be disappointed. How else could they enhance Asteroids without overcomplicating it?

After clearing all sectors, you’ll finally face Mukor, a festering evil entity who launches miniature spaceships from his tentacles. My tip: shoot these first. Then watch him scuttle away like a cowardly, bloated coward. I genuinely enjoyed our battles; they’re fun without being impossibly difficult. It's not often you can say that!

This game is superb and features cool graphics I admire. Wanna see some screenshots...

Attacks from all angles and tremendous BAM BAM BAM fun!!

Asteroids, but with flashy backgrounds and colourful pixels? You are a cynic!!

Joyslick action?

The controls are excellent and responsive. Rotate the ship with left/right, up to thrust, and keep slamming the fire button to shoot anything rocky. It’s predictable, but gravity and momentum affect performance. Don’t worry, your shield will help to compensate for any poor piloting skills – not that I have any, ahem.

Pulling back on the joystick transforms your ship into one of three different models: the agile Speeder, the well-armed Fighter or the burly Warrior. Best of all, friends can join in at any time with impressive cooperative two-player support. This is a superb feature you shouldn’t overlook - I can’t stress it enough!

Fantastic stuff, right? Well, it's time to stop reading and see some cool screenshots...

The gravitational effect between sectors is superb...

...and then it's more rock-blasting again!

Aesthetics

The graphics are stunning, transforming what was once a visually stark experience into something truly captivating. The beautifully animated rocks rolling through space are a highlight, while the enemy ships are superb. All other sprites are large, detailed, and well-animated. Interestingly, the backgrounds are four-coloured, but this is hardly noticeable due to their clever design and impressive artistic flair, which I admire.

Unfortunately, the audio disappoints with lame bleep-bleep sound effects instead of samples. The ST would have easily handled that for a game like this. The music is also a bit of a letdown as it quickly becomes repetitive. Thankfully, this can be switched off, but it only emphasises the inadequate sound effects.

Looks fantastic, but sounds poor. Can't have it all, eh? Let's view some screenshots...

Shoot!! Kill!! Destroy everything!! <insert evil laugh>

BAM!! BAM!! BAM!! BAM!! BAM!! So-much-fun!!

The CryptO'pinion?

This is a fantastic conversion, though a few minor niggles detract from its otherwise great rock-smashing experience. Asteroid purists might not appreciate the changes, but keep an open mind; this game is incredibly fun. Ignoring the sound effects, they’ve done their best to elevate the genre without adding unnecessary bloatware. I love this game a bunch, so take the time to play this outstanding BLASTER!!

Download for hard drive

and floppy disk

Oh yeah, baby!!! I own this beauty :-)

Atari logos

Having zero artistic flair means I need to cheat whenever I fancy changing the website logo. Thankfully, I've found a couple of free websites that offer fancy text-generating tools, so I figured it would be nice to share today's experimentations. Take a look at Picture To People & FlamingText to design your own.

I've included a few logos that can be downloaded from my Dropbox account. These actually double as great wallpapers and are best when centred, not stretched or tiled. I hope this bundle will give you some ideas to create something cool. I'm always looking for an ST-inspired website logo - can anyone help??