Clever And Smart

Fancy something weird?

Magic Bytes released Clever & Smart back in 1987 and is a peculiar puzzler that is based on an original Spanish comic strip. Now, if I'm honest, I've never heard of that comic strip before nor have I ever played this Atari ST game. I'm hoping that being new to something is going to be a good thing. I can but hope! Let's see and take this weird game for a spin.

So, we begin at an odd city and are two special agents - who are controlled at the same time. Okay, they're hardly Mulder and Scully but these guys have been informed about a gifted scientist, Dr Bakterius. He is being held prisoner by a terrorist organisation called OMP. Yup, I guess it's our job to free him but why is there always an evil scientist on the loose?

Folk, brace yourself. This is going to be a bumpy ride so let's check out a couple of screenshots...

Terrorists are causing trouble again so let's plod through the city looking for clues... I think?

I must admit, the graphics are quite shocking but the character sprites are kinda cool.

Let's play something different, you said?

The city is viewed from above and exploring is quite a weird experience. Watch out for odd characters lurking in the streets - it usually ends in a brawl for some insane reason I cannot figure out. Finding a cop won't help because they just disappear (like in real life). I wandered around for a while until a car suddenly appeared with the sole purpose of running us down!

By chance, I entered the sewers through a manhole and found myself in a place that reminded me of an old ZX Spectrum game, Maziacs. I pottered about, dodging rats and silly cats, but there wasn't much else of interest other than to seek out an exit. Also, bumping into the walls displays a menu with two useless options, so I assumed I needed to previously hunt down items from in the city above? However, I found nothing in the three games I recorded. Yes, three.

Aesthetically, this sucks. It's almost like my Atari ST has been transformed into an Amstrad with such poor visuals. The animations are suspect and whoever created that shuffling walk (during the sewers scenes) should be shot!! Saying that some of the sprites are kinda cute and those brawls are a neat cartoon-like touch. However, this isn't a game you'll boot up to show your friends (lol). Sadly, the YM2149 blurts out little more than the odd scratchy effect and footsteps.

However, this now leads me to a couple more screenshots with humorous sprites like this cat...

Wow, the sewers are bad but not as much as our shuffling walk which is quite odd.

Hey, look is that a baby trapped in the wall or just hilarious graffiti. Love it!!

The CryptO'pinion?

Well, that was certainly one of the most unusual Atari ST games that I have ever attempted to play. It's quite confusing with lots of careless walking about. Little makes any sense so you basically wonder, wondering what to do and where to go. But then be prepared as you'll probably get mowed down by a car for no reason! Nah, this game didn't give a good vibe.

Those willing to torture themselves can grab the floppy and hdd versions for instant fuji pain. Good luck and enjoy it!

Another World

Delphine Desires!

Another World was released by Delphine Software back in 1991 and is nothing less than a legendary 16-bit game. In fact, it was groundbreaking! The gameplay feels like a cross between Prince Of Persia with dollops of Dragon's Lair thrown in. This creation is a unique combination that Eric Chahi should be proud of.

Everyone already knows this game well. I have wanted to feature Another World for ages but, it's kinda like trying to review Dungeon Master or Captain Blood. What's the point? So I figured I'd base this feature on its aesthetics to, hopefully, persuade you ST Nutters to replay it :)

Our adventure begins with an intro depicting how our unfortunate hero, Lester Chaykin, managed to find himself in a strange world. The intro is good but we're not talking Race Drivin' standards - as the elevator scene is boring! However, it's definitely worth watching. I like the sound effects, especially on the Atari STe!!

Let's check out a few photos to prove why you should consider replaying this...

We start in deep waters so hurry!! Before something reaches up to get you!

You made it!! Hang on, what's that in the background?



You know you're in for a great adventure the moment this beast appears!!

We didn't last long before getting captured and banged up with another fella. I hope he's friendly!!

B-movie aesthetics

Eric created incredible backgrounds for each area using abstract artistry with a bleak, futuristic style, that's very eerie. Characters use chunky polygons - superbly animated. Just watch Lester run and jump. However, he's a gullible chap, so I dare you not to smile as he holds up his hand at the end of the first stage!!

Attention to detail like that is impressive. Like on the first screen with the beast on a distant ledge. It's rather ominous - especially when it sees you and turns around!! Also, watching the prisoners working in the background when you're trapped in jail is amazing. And what about when Lester flops to the ground after a slug slashes his leg? Brilliant stuff that proves Another World is one of the best-animated games of the era?

Consider the lower resolution and limitations of older computers. Now check out the artwork...

Sadly, there is no obvious way to escape. Or is there...

Okay, we're out and I've lost my hands! What's going on?

Another World is full of frustrating traps so watch where you walk - and how you jump.

Gunfights are fun but tough to master. It took me a while to beat this lug, easier than it looks!

CryptO'pinion

This is a classic adventure that I have loved and hated in equal measure. Sure, I marvel at the aesthetics but it's the gameplay that matters. That can be cruel and unforgiving, making you scream out loud. I mean something as simple as the droopy slugs on the first level - yet they killed me many times. Furious, yet addictive!!

However, there can be no denying it ranks very high in the Hall of Fame. I hope you enjoyed this short recap and I hope you guys download and have a few games. This is a truly wonderful game in every respect.

Grab some of Eric Chahi's cartoon-style adventure on a floppy disk or for your hard drive.

AtariMania has a great walk-through which is very helpful to frustrated games (like me!)