I've returned to browsing through eBay after a few years away and, lo and behold, I see a sealed copy of one of my favourite platformers, Chronicles Of Omega. Yes, one of my favourites I actually said that didn't I. Please note, that I am not saying it's one of the best platformers for the Atari ST/e. No. I'm saying that it is one of my favourites.
For those new to this often unknown website, I first featured Chronicles Of Omega back in 2016 so you can read all about it by simply digging through our archives (loads of links on the righthand side) or by skipping straight to that page by clicking here. Go on, you know you want to. Enjoy yourself!
I liked ARC but they didn't seem to last that long, so I reckon that I was dead lucky to find this still sealed. In fact, being sealed means I carefully sliced it open to breathe in some of that 20th-century air before inserting the disk and praying it still worked. Well, it does and I'm happy to say that I stand by my earlier thoughts about this platformer - it's one of my favourites albeit with clunky mechanics that should have been better. Click the link above folks.
For those interested in other Atari ST games that I've purchased, click here to see lots more (all are from my own collection). Okay, let's check out the cover art of this ST/STe platformer! And also see what goodies are inside its box...
I must admit, a part of me wanted to keep this sealed and safe from the insanity of the 21st century!
Is anyone else reminded of Thunder Jaws? No, I mean the game...
Wow, what incredible cover art!
A good storyline and cool Atari ST screenshots. Nicely done, Arc!
Inside the box, we have a poster. That the wife won't let me pin to the wall... :(
No guys ever read the manual? Well, it's tiny and enough even for us blokes to bother with.
Decades after being told the Atari ST had died, another new game is out by Côté Gamers. It's a puzzler by demo crews Dune (José Martins) and Sector One (François Galea & Denis Huguet). Each screen has a 5x5 board of square tiles and the challenge is to flip these (in order) to display the correct pattern. Easy Peasy!
This is done by group-selecting a particular number of tiles and flipping them over until you obtain the desired pattern (which is shown opposite side of the screen). You select these tiles in either a vertical or horizontal line but not diagonally. I know it sounds like a superficial idea and one that is probably very easy?
Wait a minute - you're only allowed X number of moves (indicated on the right). That means staring at the screen - before making a stupid mistake - as each action must always be correct. Toogle is demanding but would be boring if it were easy, right? Are you ready to be tortured and entertained in equal measure?
Visually, this ain't no Enchanted Land. But that's a good thing, right? Let's check it out...
Level 6 is actually one of the easier boards to fix. It's almost like the game is spelling out a word ;-)
Six Juicy Tips
Take a gander at the instructions in the title menu for initial guidance.
Toogle is very simple, but that doesn't mean you should go rushing in like an idiot.
Stop. Look at the screen for what feels like an eternity and think.
Mull over each move that you might be thinking about - how will that affect the next move?
Take care to note how many moves you're allowed. A cruel but necessary limitation.
Basically, you're dead unless you can think like a Vulcan. Or reboot the ST!
This is a game of learning and trial & error. And then more trials and more errors! But it's always entertaining and has that addictive factor you cannot deny. Yep, this game puts you through agony but somehow you keep coming back for more! So take your time, think, and you'll get the hang of it. Or cry trying (bring a tissue).
On that tearful note, let's take a gander at another funky screenshot...
I was proud of myself for finally completing this one. Only took about 25 attempts!
Aesthetics
Graphics are by Mic of Dune so everything looks very cheerful with colourful, bold visuals. I don't know of many games that have a scroller and jazzy background smoothly whizzing about all over the screen - is this a demo or a game? Either way, Toogle looks downright superb and crammed with 16-bit sex appeal.
Music has been composed by Mathieu Stempell, aka DMA-SC. There are two outstanding chiptunes which are both absolutely chip-tastic!! You can listen to either tune, at any time, by pressing the F1/F2 keys (never hit F3). Yep, killer tunes once again and my only gripe is wanting more from this incredible musician.
This is possibly the best-looking/sounding puzzler made for the ST? Truly, stunning stuff!!
I got so close to beating this screen. I'll smash it next time!!
The CryptO'pinion?
I'm often sceptical of puzzles but Toogle is as sweet as it is sour using an elegant design that hides its devious soul. There are screens that had me stumped for aeons and remembering that agony is almost unbearable! Level 3 had me stumped for longer than I care to admit but I breezed through others.
So, if you're wondering why I would purchase something so sinister. Think again. Toogle is unique in many respects and a tough brainteaser that entertains by design. If puzzlers are your thang, I highly advise you to head over to Côté Gamers website and grab a boxed copy. Quite simply, this is a fantastic game.
Sigh, I doubt I'll beat all 99 levels but... hang on... there's an envelope inside the box...
The box is nice and I love the colours. Plus today I finally learned what 'jeu' means... doh!
Hmm, I wonder what sadistic reason Cote Gamers had for sealing this envelope? ;-)
Guys, this is the one time you really must read the flipping manual!!
The disk design is superb but "a 3D printed stress reliever". What's one of those? heh
