Space Monsters

Don't panic!

Space Monsters was developed by Darren Ithell for Goodman PDL, and I'm sure you've already guessed it's a conversion of the arcade classic, Space Panic. I'm often a little dubious of 16-bit conversions for old arcade or 8-bit classics because, quite often, they don't work or it feels like something is missing.

The game looks good, with each screen having the expected platforms and ladders with horrid nasties roaming. It's instant death if you bump into one, so Spaceman has discovered the best way to kill these critters is to dig a hole. Once they've foolishly got themselves stuck (for a few seconds), he has the opportunity to whack 'em with his spade for a splattery death. Spaceman is a truly gruesome fella, but whatever works, right?

Let's check out the different types of nasties that you'll encounter. . .

Oh, the nasties in this game are so... well... nasty!! The Boss is tough, but Don is a killer!!

No matter how much I try, I still panic!!

Yup, there are only three types of monsters, but that doesn't mean that's boring. The first is a "Creature" and is gullible and easy to avoid or kill. However, the other two aren't so dumb and possess a freakishly cunning AI. "Boss" is tough, and "Don", well, he's the real boss. Try not to anger them!!

Also, it takes a greater falling distance to kill the stronger nasties, but you are rewarded with lots of points. However, if you fail to smash in their faces with a spade, then they angrily climb out looking for blood!! Finally, watch out for that time limit. Don't dawdle and get these beasts killed before your oxygen runs out.

Right, let's check out an in-game screenshot...

Right, we've got him just where we want him. Quick, club the sucker!!

Input & Output?

The controls are superb, with pixel-perfect alignment for climbing the ladders. Digging holes and caving in the heads of aliens is easy and so much fun. My only quibble is not being able to fall down a hole; otherwise, the authenticity for both style and gameplay has been perfectly captured, and I love that.

Visually, everything is as you expect, with a clean-cut design and cutesy sprites. It won't win any awards, and nor should it, but who cares? The audio is super with sampled sound effects throughout - that ROAR as a monster climbs out of a hole will scare you to death!! I just miss the lacking background chiptune.

Well, you guessed it! Yes, it's time for another screenshot, so keep on scrolling...

'Creature' is a cute but gullible goon, and temporarily falling into a hole will make him angry!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Space Monsters is fantastic and captures that oldskool vibe in both look and style. The gameplay itself gradually increases for a stressful experience, and trying to tactically dig the right holes whilst worrying about what could creep up on you is truly a PANIC. This is literally one of the best conversions I have played.

Grab the DOWNLOAD right now!

Sabre Team

I always wanted to be Lewis Collins!

Sabre Team was released in 1992 by Krisalis by Richard Teather (I think this was his only AtariST game?). This is a turn-based war zone fuelled by hardcore strategy. Yep, straight to the point there, as this isn't an arcade runaround shooter, it's tactical turn-based. Still interested? Great! Let's play.

We are in control of an elite SAS squad, who enter the lion's den to kill bad guys, rescue hostages, and save the day. This ain't a fake arcade action affair, but instead, tries to be realistic and thus requires stealth and tactical thought. So, a wrong move could end without assessing the situation, and it could get the team killed. And dead means dead; there are no second chances in this world. It's brutal, so be warned.

The first job is to select a 4-man team from eight warriors. Equip these guys with the right weapons for each mission whilst taking into consideration type, rate of fire, ammo, weight, and noise. There is a lot of hardware to choose from, like machine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, stun grenades, and gas canisters.

Choose your weaponry wisely and specifically for the mission at hand. Remember, some weapons need a reload after each shot. You're not superman, it's often advisable to wear a bulletproof jacket. I hear there are a limited number of medkits? But these will certainly help to recover from injuries.

The next screenshot is of you after your workout! Is it lifelike? Well, take a look...

This guy is ripped yet still manages to look a bit gay. Put on a shirt, mate!

Think covertly

There is a lot to consider, so put aside any ideas you had of an arcade shooter. Sabre Team demands careful, calculative and strategic thinking, so your assault should be executed with a stealthy approach that protects your men from danger. For example, don't stand near a window! The terrain isn't just something nice to look at; use it for cover as the enemy won't know you're there if they cannot see (or hear) you.

The battlefield is viewed isometrically, and our soldiers are controlled through the use of action points. This means your men are allowed a specific number of moves before the computer gets a turn. The user interface is excellent with helpful animations to identify their purpose (just hover the mouse over them).

These icons are used to turn, walk, shoot and other fun stuff like searching dead bodies. The compass not only controls the soldier's direction but also displays the number of action points required for each particular task. Plus alerts for what a soldier might be able to see (red) or hear (blue). Play as if you were there!

The next screenshot explains the mission's task. Read it carefully and don't be daft...

Always read the backstory and gather as much detail as you can. It will help.

No manual to read?

Sabre Team provides incredible insight into the tactical strategy like few others. Using your action points to run into a situation, guns-blazing will only get you and your teammates killed. Take your time, think about your moves - there's no rush as it's turn-based, so the computer will wait. However, when it’s the computer’s turn, you’re stuck waiting 3/4 minutes for it to decide the baddy's actions.  This wait is particularly brutal, not only because of its length but also because you’re watching your team take hits due to your mistakes.

It's now that you need to read this tip:) Press and hold the mouse button to speed up the computer's process. It's like hitting fast forward on a tape deck (or a DVD player for the youngsters!)

Right then, let's see another screenshot taken with my phone on my real Atari ST...

Sometimes I hate emulator screenshots and prefer using my real ST. Sometimes it's a bit naff!

Graphics & Sounds

We begin at the title screen depicting a sinister SAS soldier emerging from the darkness, ready to assassinate terrorists. It's like a post-apocalyptic/Who Dares Wins, and is incredibly impressive. Phil Hackney did a superb job with the in-game graphics, as each environment has superb attention to detail for the landscapes and their scenery. I adore how all levels take on a realistic scene without feeling cheap or tacky.

The sound effects are excellent, with samples used to complement the tension of tactical warfare. Great quality, and I'm excited to see they didn't wimp out by using samples for weaponry, cries, and other effects.

I need another screenshot from my Atari ST that shows how great I am at the game... He says...

Another shot from the ST, and here I am helping a poor civilian to safety.

The CryptO'pinion?

Never have I enjoyed a game that demands such a truly tremendous amount of tactics, stealth, and strategic thinking, all within a complex turn-based world. Take your time, plan your every move, and use those action points wisely, before anxiously watching the computer do exactly the same (it's very good!).

There is a learning curve, so don't expect a cakewalk. Initial attempts will end with laughable casualties as you uncover the joy of its realism. It’s cruel and takes no prisoners, but addictive. Sabre Team demands thought, patience, and wit to be successful. Covertly eliminating nasty terrorists is extremely satisfying.

Stop what you're doing. Don't miss this game. Play it right now!!

8BitChip has a hard drive game, floppies at Atari Legend.

Trusteft has a great video from unboxing to gameplay!