Berzerk

Comparison Time!

I figured an expansion to AtariCrypt was in order because there are many other great Atari games to play. We already have sections for the Atari STe and Falcon030 so why not the consoles? The Jaguar has many superb titles but, I admit that I am a noob which means I'm excited to see what's out there in Atari console land...

- A T A R I  2 6 0 0 -

This actually looks/sounds a lot better than I first imagined albeit without speech. The control mechanics are spot-on perfect with spritely movements that almost made me forget about the Chicken's limited one-shot mechanic. However, I didn't see Otto during the recording so perhaps I did something wrong? But the fat man did show up in other games and he can even be shot. What? Overall, a limited version but without limited gameplay.

  

- A T A R I  5 2 0 0 -

Things feel familiar from the go, possibly because it's an authentic conversion and also reminded me of the ST game - both visually and with that funky digitised speech. I enjoyed it but the speed feels a little slow and it's extremely difficult, to say the least. The robots are way beyond accurate - more like ruthless assassins. They're quick so expect no mercy. Yep, I fear my old-man reactions found this the hardest of all. Chicken, fight like a robot...

  




- A T A R I  S T -

Finally, we shouldn't forget the ST/Falcon game developed by an ST legend who needs no introduction. Those robots might be a little too eager to smash into the walls but I fear this is one of the best conversions. Bold statement - but it has well-balanced gameplay, is authentic, and incredibly playable. Check out our feature from last year.

  

RVF Honda

Street Hawk!

I felt it was time I included more biking games as they're pretty scarce on this lil' old website. So here is MicroStyle's RVF Honda which is one tough biking simulator many remember. It comes in a familiar box that features a beautiful bike somebody... somewhere... will appreciate. Inside the box, is a brilliant manual but that's enough yapping and I booted up the game and took my new Honda for a ride.

First things first, RVF Honda isn't an arcade racer, more a simulator with semi/realistic mechanics like manual gears and opponents that only Barry Sheene could beat. The graphics are barebones but the performance is furious. Heck, there is an option for a faster 60Hz display - which is something all games should have.

This racer is fun albeit with a massive learning curve due to the way the bike handles. The controls take some time to master and you will crash a lot - having to push the bike is a neat touch when restarting (but that soon wears thin when struggling to master those corners; slamming into yet another tree). Yep, the learning curve is hell on two wheels which I think is successfully demonstrated in my video recording.

Basically, you must devote lots of time to learning the controls. Again, this isn't an arcade racer so play Enduro Racer if that's what you want. Devotion beats the learning curve; your reward is a superb racer.

Okay, let's take a look at the box, contents, and some nifty screenshots...

In keeping with their theme, the front is predictable yet pretty cool.

The back of the box is actually better than the front, which is odd!

The manual is concise and stuff full of information. Make sure you read it...

Hmm, not much for your pennies when you think about it?

Make sure you're in the right gear for the corners otherwise, you hit the tarmac!

That then means pushing your bike to get going again. Love it!!

Take time, learn the controls and grasp the feel of the handling.

Oi you, keep off my grass!! Pah, a need to practise more...