Killing Machine

The killer from Atlantis

Killing Machine is a vertically scrolling shooter by Atlantis Software released in 1992. We're on a remote planet controlled by a giant brain that identifies you (and your sassy spaceship) as nothing less than an invading bacteria. Vermin, that needs to be wiped out!! The battlefield spans three levels and is stuffed full of kamikaze enemies - out for blood.

The first thing that struck me was the graphics which are uniquely colourful using a sweet palette. The smooth scrolling is slow and steady with impressive enemy sprites zipping across the screen. Sound effects go beyond mere bleeps for some rather raspy samples. Okay, they're not the greatest but the grunge works well and suits the styles.

Killing Machine is brutal and requires lots of practice before you get close to beating the first level. That learning curve is nothing less than painful. Keep at it - collecting the power-ups and learning the enemy attack patterns is a must. Or you die a suckers death. This isn't the best shooter, but it's good fun and I've enjoyed playing it. Highly recommended.

Atarilegend has floppy disks (Pure Energy #53)
8BitChip has a version for hard disk installation.

AtariMania has this listed along with scans of the manual.

Rambo III

Everyone loves 80s Action heroes!

Rambo III was released by Ocean Software and is an overhead shooter not too dissimilar to others like Into The Eagle's Nest. I'm incredibly excited to finally own this game that has tremendous Hollywood artwork (and is one of few with a great back cover). So I decided to take a piccy of both and double-up on our love for movie legend Sly Stallone.

Sly is our musclebound action hero and is about to infiltrate a Soviet base that has Colonel Trautman held captive. Our mission spans over three levels with the first parts being the actual rescue, before fleeing for our escape in an over-head game similar to a Gauntlet. The final part is a shooting gallery stage that feels a little like an Operation Wolf.

Let's see a couple of screenshots, starting with the outstanding title screen...

I can't help but admire this superb screen. Yes, it is superb!!

Okay, we're in. Grab your knife because it's time to kick ass!!

Run. Shoot. Kill everything!

The gameplay style, on the first two levels, is kinda umm Gauntlet-inspired. Ironically, you shouldn't run around pretending to be just like Johnny Rambo - this will get you killed! Instead, carefully explore the complex, looking for the best route. Plus any useful items like health, ammo, and Infra-Red goggles to detect the invisible boobytraps!

Enemies occupy each room but they feel more like automated drones than the Soviet elite - they robotically patrol back and forth. I imagine these guys also suffer tunnel vision because they are completely unaware of your presence until you stumble directly in their line of sight. When that happens, an alarm sounds, and nearby soldiers begin attacking. Don't be put off by these silly soldiers because it actually works well to distinguish itself from being a mere Gauntlet clone.

At least you have an awesome health meter! An idea that looks ahem familiar and is freakishly excellent!! 

This is no Gauntlet; I love the careful tactics that are needed. So play more like the real US Army Special Forces instead of the Hollywood claptrap. My only quibbles are trying to memorise the humungous map as it's easy to lose your bearings. Each room will be blindly entered, so try and learn where the soldiers patrol otherwise those Ruskies will gang up to give Sly a kicking. This is what brings me onto pick-ups, there should be more health packs to balance the gameplay.

Want more screenshots? YES, I hear you cry. That's great to hear feedback!!! So here you go...

Tread carefully because most rooms are heavily guarded with many tunneled-vision soldiers!

These guys will patrol back and forth so be slow and make sure you don't set off the alarms.

But is it any good?

Graphically, Rambo has a pretty place to covertly explore - perhaps a little too brash and colourful? There is no scrolling, which is a shame, but this might actually give a close and more confined feeling - which I prefer. I love the sprites, and their movements remind me of a certain WWII shooter!! The music is gorgeous and suits the gameplay.

I understand why Rambo III failed to capture the hearts of most reviewers back in the day. It's Marmite so you will either love or hate it but, I think, it's a belting game albeit with the niggles mentioned above. It's not Gauntlet so remember that. Use a stealthy approach and prepare thyself to spend many hours sneaking about and mapping the level.

Rambo III is challenging and tactical, with arcade action. Be covert and persevere - then you have a great game.

Tear your shirt off and grab Rambo 3 from Atarilegend or Old Games Finder (Automation #47).
Wanna see maps? Of course, you do: Speccy Screenshot Maps / Hall Of Light.

The back of the box is absolutely awesome. Gotta love Sly!!