Monday, July 03, 2017

Flappy Bird




The world's gone mad!

I said I wouldn't do it... but... here we are!! Yes, the most annoying game has arrived on the Atari ST and I've played it. Well, tried to as I managed about 30 minutes before I felt like throwing the joystick out my bedroom window. The animation, above, is just a slice of the hell I went through. I hope y'all have a giggle at my pain - it wasn't fun whatsoever lol

Well, I will say one thing about this maddening game, it looks great as it torments you. The graphics are bright and colourful plus it's running in 1VBL which means the scrolling is ultra-smooth. However, I just don't get it so I'm left wondering why the entire world appears to be in love with this flappy little flyer? What are they seeing that I'm not? Or is it me? :o

I never reached a point where I started to appreciate or enjoy this game. I simply hate Flappy Bird so much!!!!

Those who feel brave (or IMHO foolish) can grab the download from the AtariMania website.

Sunday, July 02, 2017

The Seven Gates Of Jambala





THALION!!

The Seven Gates Of Jambala was released in 1989 by Grandslam thanks to many talented sceners at Thalion. I bought this a few years ago and paid handsomely too. Not only because it's by Thalion, but it came sealed and in pristine condition: opening it was immense, especially when I got close and breathed in that trapped 1980s air... Mmm!!

There are some big names associated with this platformer, which I'm sure many will recognise from the ST's demo scene. These talented scenes knew how to get the most from the ST and prove what this computer is capable of - when programmed by people who didn't make excuses. Sadly, as with Enchanted Land, this is another that looks and sounds better than it plays. Don't get me wrong, the basic mechanics are good but there's something "off". I don't like how he shoots plus the momentum/slippy floors are weird. Especially when at the edge of a tight platform!

Am I being harsh? Perhaps I'll return to this for a proper playtest and review? Let me know in the comments!

Downloads are available by Klaz (for floppy and hard drive - plus a trainer). You will need that trainer...


- SCREENSHOTS -



We begin in a village but beware the threat of drowning in tiny purple puddles!



Where could these doors possibly take us? Let's knock and find out...



Woo!! It's really creepy down here and there are monsters too. Watch out!



The tunnels reminded me of No Buddies Land! You can find THAT on this website too :o)

More random ATARI ST articles from the archives