Bold / Wiliness III

 

 

BeST laid plans...

I recently discovered an unreleased shooter called Bold by Laurent Kermel. Rather than my usual approach, I delved into the documentation and found his old website listed, which is still up and running!! This has an Atari ST section detailing his unfinished ST games. Take a look at these pictures (above) of Slug Dragoon Twins Tenesis and Empire. Potentially great games that may never be completed...

So, I messaged Laurent to express my interest in his work - esp Wiliness 3 (Dungeon Master!!). He replied and is a genuine guy, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Maybe he'll complete his work one day?

Before we take a quick look at both games, here's the link to the Atari ST section of his website.

- B O L D -

Blitted Killings

Bold is a fantastic shoot'em up, drawing inspiration from several games. It’s a cross between Zynaps and R-Type, offering fast and frantic action as enemies zoom across the screen like they’re on steroids. Yes, quick reactions are essential!! I love the graphics, but it’s a shame that a large portion of the screen remains unused (perhaps for an intended status panel?). Bold isn’t controlled with a joystick but the mouse, which took a few games to fully grasp. However, I soon realised it’s absolutely perfect for sharp manoeuvrability.

Actually, any ST model is compatible, but Bold performs better with a Blitter chip. While all Atari STe computers meet that requirement, other users might need to purchase one to fill the empty socket inside their STFM. Unfortunately, those old pre-1987 STs might not even have an empty socket.

Despite being unfinished, Bold is incredible with precise controls and a thrilling shooter.

• The Bold web page has the download and a nifty walkthrough of each level.
• I made a video, but I hate YouTube, so I advise you to PLAY the game instead! :-)
• A cheat code is mentioned in the interview with Laurent within Alive Magazine #09.
• Chris Swinson, aka Exxos, sells Blitter chips, but I've now exhausted my hardware knowledge...

- W I L I N E S S  III -

Grab your sword, we're going in

Laurent developed a Dungeon Master clone called Wiliness 3, which is shockingly professional and could have possibly rivalled the FTL classic. The experience is amazing with a familiar user interface as we crawl through its creepy dungeon. Of course, it's unfinished, but 6 levels are playable, plus I liked the control system and the eerie sound effects. Sigh, Wiliness had the potential to be something quite extraordinary.

A brilliant dungeon crawler and something every ST nutter needs to experience.

• The Wiliness web page has the download and a BUCKET load of helpful information!
• Check out Walls Of Illusion and the newly updated Dungeon Master for the Atari STe.

 

Bootblock

First impressions

There are many different boot sector programs to add cool FX to a floppy. This helps prevent virus infections, but we all love the dazzling effects! Some are technically amazing! Bootblock by The Fingerbobs is one of my favourite programs that writes a number of boot sectors, and the one above is Bladerunners!!

Credits: Bootblock was coded by Oberje of Fingerbobs with music by Jochen Hippel.

I love finding awesome programs like this, and it's one of the reasons the ST never fails to impress. I'd bet there are more lurking out there in ST Land. Let me know in the comments what programs you find :-)