PouifOuf

English translation, please?

PouifOuf is a French word, but it seems no translator understands it. Well, it's the name of a unique platformer developed by Le Glod for the Atari ST using the old favourite: GFA Basic. Firstly, don't go off the familiar visuals because it's nothing like you might imagine, and there are no magic pockets, either!

This familiar-looking platformer also features a kid. But his journey is different, and he must run around, almost like a headless chicken, collecting items scattered on each screen. It's manic with a frantic style, reminding me of a cross between Roger and CarVup. We can walk left or right, but cannot jump or use any weapon with our idle magic pockets. Thankfully, there are platforms with "springboards" to use. These propel us upwards to reach those higher places. It's now that you realise the cunning thought needed to beat its design.

Curiously interested, or have you already walked away? Here is a screenshot for those still here...

Hang on, is that the Bitmap Kid I see? The little fella is running around collecting everything!

Boing!!!

The gameplay is very different from what I expected. It's a little crazy, and there are lots of silly enemies who love to get underfoot and make our lives hell. They aren't lethal but will humorously bounce you around the screen like a pinball. The emphasis here is Zool-like speed and fun, which is a breath of fresh air.

Sometimes, fruit items fall from the top of the screen, but they don't appear much more than something to be collected. Simple stuff, but I now assume PouifOuf is an unfinished project? I would love to know more about this hidden GEM, and I've contacted Le Glod, but have heard nothing back yet. So, gather those items because we can only move on to the next level once all are collected. Yep, very simple, and darn good fun!!

Glad you stayed? Of course, you are, because this game is cool. Here's a screenshot...

I was enjoying the game, and then a giant face appeared in the middle of the level. Wonder how it is ;)

Aesthetics

The visuals are lovely, and everything scrolls perfectly smoothly to complement the gameplay requirements. Ignore the ripped graphics and enjoy the blistering speeds. Note, I cannot stress this enough: play using real hardware for the best possible experience. Wonderful programming for a wonderful game.

Sound effects or music can be activated at any time using the F-keys, but I prefer the gorgeous chiptune.

It zips about like a drunk driver on a busy high street! Let's see another screenshot...

Use the springboards, but watch out for the baddies who will make you tumble!

The CryptO'pinion?

I have thoroughly enjoyed playing this platformer, which is a refreshing surprise - and nothing like I first imagined. It had me smiling like a Cheshire Cat thanks to its hectic playability. I might not be able to pronounce "PouifOuf", but I know a great game when I see it. And this is a blummin' furious platformer!!

Simple gameplay that is incredibly fun. I cannot recommend it highly enough, so grab yourself a copy.

Jumping Jack'son

A game with attitude!

All Jack wanted was a quiet night in with his record collection - just him, some snacks, and a few classic tunes, but he never got the chance. Why, I hear you scream? Well, I'm glad you asked... The soul of Rock ‘n Roll has somehow been imprisoned, and now deranged classical instruments are on the rampage, thirsty for blood. And not just any blood - yours! Yep, if there was ever a strange idea then this is it.

Jack’s strange world is viewed from above, made up of tiled squares that he can hop around on. Some of these tiles are special and will change colour with every hop—and if you manage to turn them all the same colour, they’ll produce a vinyl record. This needs to match an unused turntable, so for example, a red tile set makes a red record for the red player. The song will gradually compile as each record player is activated - which means that the level is only complete once all are working. Sounds weird but it works well.

Yeah, it may sound peculiar but it looks hotter than hell itself. Check out the first screenshot...

Never would I have imagined such a silly game would be so addictive!!

Not your normal game...

Each level is different and much like a jigsaw in design. Some aren't continuous, so the use of a transporter may be required – but be careful, because you don’t want to bump directly into a roaming baddie! Some instruments chase if you get too close and will kill you using a humorous "Pif-Paf" cartoon-like effect (this bit is absolutely fantastic). There are many items to collect for extra points and other oddball features: wear a pair of cool shades or take a breather to safely gather your nerves on a chequered tile for a moment.

Why not try dropping a couple of old cassettes on the floor to block an instrument dead in its tracks? Well, only for a few seconds, but that gives the gameplay a desperately needed break when the chaos ramps up - nobody uses those old tapes, so it’s nice they’ve found a new purpose! As you progress, the maps become more technical and offer a greater challenge in this insane, musical world of complete and utter craziness!

What an insanely unique game and I did rather well and made the hi-score table...

Daft question, but can you beat my Hi-Score? Nah, I didn't think so!

Aesthetics

Infogrames have worked their magic and produced another jaw-dropper. I normally start with the graphics but, not today - this game is a blast!! The sound effects are superb and these go to making up thumping tunes. Other sound effects for the instrument monsters are excellent and I love it when some will begin to violently bash out their sounds if you get too close. Sigh, just imagine if they'd have used the DMA hardware...

The graphics are frequently amazing throughout each and every level - rich in colour, beautiful backgrounds, and the funniest musical sprites chasing you. The scrolling is ultra-smooth and I even loved the high-score table which is almost like a demo screen. Hey, check it out above, can you beat my first-attempt score?

As you can tell, I love this game and wish you would boot it up also. Don't miss out! One final screenshot...

Oh no, something mean and green is attacking me. LOL this is insane!! :D

The CryptO'pinion?

Jumping Jackson is an absolute gem, bursting with quirky charm and unique humour. I mean, come on - how many games have you legging it from a furious trumpet? That alone makes it completely bonkers and brilliantly maddening! Yet it's also seriously challenging so remains one of the most playable puzzlers on the Atari ST. I reckon it's a timeless classic and a personal favourite. A lot of love went into making this!!

Download for hard drive or floppy.