Flappy Bird

I said I wouldn't do it, but here we are!!

Yes, the most annoying game has finally arrived on the Atari ST, and I’ve tried to play it. I managed about 30 minutes before I was ready to chuck the joystick out my bedroom window. The animation above just gives a taste of the misery I endured. I hope you find my suffering amusing - it was absolutely dreadful!

Well, I’ll say this about this maddening game: it looks fantastic as it torments you. The graphics are bright and colourful, and it runs in 1VBL for ultra-smooth scrolling. However, I just don’t get it. Why is the whole world so enamoured with this flappy little flyer? What am I missing? I think that the world gone mad.

I never enjoyed or appreciated this game; I simply hate Flappy Bird so much!

• Fools can grab the download from the AtariMania website.

The Seven Gates Of Jambala

THALION!!

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

The game tells the tale of a lone adventurer who enters the forbidden land of Jambala, a realm sealed by seven magical gates that imprison an ancient power. To restore balance, you must pass through each gate, uncovering fragments of lost knowledge and confronting the evil force hidden at the heart of the land.

This platformer boasts some big names from the ST demo scene. These talented guys knew how to get the most from the ST and prove what this computer is capable of. Unfortunately, like Enchanted Land, it looks and sounds better than it plays. While the basic mechanics are solid, something feels 'off'. The shooting feels awkward, and the momentum and slippery floors are strange, especially on tight platforms.

Frankly, I’m quite disappointed with my purchase and haven’t booted up the game since. I fear it was a hasty reaction born of my disappointment (and I'm being polite there!!). Anyhow, please let me know in the comments if I’m being too harsh about this platformer. Perhaps I’ll revisit it for a proper playtest sometime.

Downloads are available by Klaz (floppy and hard drive w/ 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)