RogueCrypt

ROGUE!!

I've been considering doing this for quite a while. Why it's taken me so long is anyone's guess, but I can imagine most of you already use Peter's excellent hard drive version? Nonetheless, I have created my own bootable floppy image, which I have named RogueCrypt. Yes, I know the name is awful.

My disk is built on Peter's excellent hack, but I've added a few optional extras to make the Rogue's quest even more interesting. QuickST is used for a slightly faster display (hopefully) and XControl automatically disables the key clicks. You also have the option to switch between 50/60Hz which I love to use. I've tested with Atari ST/STe running TOS 1.02(1MB) and TOS 1.62(4MB). Oh, there might be a couple of extra surprises too!

I hope someone finds this interesting enough to download. Rogue is such a fantastic game and the perfect reason to take a break from your PC or Xbox. Download my disk and enjoy the dungeons of Rogue.

• RogueCrypt (.ST) disk image: https://www.dropbox.com/.../RogueCrypt...
• Peter's original hacks: https://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/R/rogue.php
• JayMSA to convert to a real disk: http://jaysoft.atariportal.cz
• Rogue, but with a twist: https://ataricrypt.blogspot...rogue.html
• Game maps can be sourced here: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/game-maps
• Other ST stuff made by me: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/MadeByMe

After creating the disk image, I decided to test my luck and take a stroll through the dungeons...

Rogue is quite possibly one of the best Atari ST games. What say you?

Oh no, I've hit a dead end? Use the search, dummy!

In the dark and set upon by a zombie and a rattlesnake. Life's not fair.

Exploring another corridor, and something from a children's TV show appears!

My adventure ended soon after. I need a cheat (joke!)

Tony - Montezuma's Gold

Montezuma's Gold

Many excellent productions came from this year's Silly Venture, but it was a platformer that caught my eye. Tony Montezuma's Gold is a conversion of the C64 original by Rafał Dudek, based on the explorer Tony Halik. Coded by ST legend, George Nakos (aka GGN), its gameplay is like a mash of Rick Dangerous and Pitfall Harry.

"Embark on a pixelated journey inspired by Tony Halik, the real-life Polish explorer and filmmaker whose adventures spanned continents and decades. He was exploring ancient civilisations for NBC, Tony's love of discovery knew no bounds. Now it's your turn to step into Tony's digital shoes and unravel the mysteries of Montezuma's Castle in this nostalgic 8-bit homage."

You know me. I love platformers, and this one is outstanding with superb joystick controls that feel natural and responsive. Each screen features ledges to jump, spikes to avoid, crushing pillars, and more. Look out for helpful items like keys to unlock doors and potions to help prevent death. Only four items can be carried at once, so think before blindly encumbering yourself with something you might not immediately require.

Most games are tough, and soon I'm searching for a trained version. Let me ask, are there any LAMERS here? I'm looking for a show of hands... Good, because there is an option for infinite lives in the game's settings. What a fantastic feature, albeit at the expense of labelling you a lamer. Don't care; I've no shame :D

You may have looked at the graphics and assumed they were high-resolution. No, this is in low res with a black-and-white design by Rafał Dudek. His effect works flawlessly to represent the aged theme, but can be tinted using a variety of colours. Likewise, the audio can flip between sound effects or music, but you would be insane to disable the incredible tunes by Adam Gilmore. A minor quibble, I only wish the STe hardware was used so (as an option) we might be able to hear sampled sound effects alongside the incredible music.

I've only been playing for a short while, but I'm eager to report this as a wonderful platformer. It's extremely playable, and I'm enjoying the exploration and old-school excitement of reaching new screens!! Heck, I even managed to map the first level. I hope to find time over Christmas to complete all of the levels.

Don't waste any more time reading. Download the demo before purchasing the game - enjoy!!

• Demo and full commercial game https://monochrome-productions.itch.io/...atari-st
• The boxed version https://retronics.eu/?a=cat&id=50&l=en
• Silly Venture 2024 https://demozoo.org/parties/4780/#competition_19577
• GGN https://demozoo.org/sceners/10489/
• Rafał Dudek https://www.youtube.com/@rafaldudek3731/videos
• Adam Gilmore https://www.mobygames.com/person/5192/adam-gilmore/credits/

Settings can be changed for colour tints, sfx/music, and even a lamer mode!

The first level begins in the jungle. Loads of pitfalls and great fun.

The swamp level is a lot tougher. Go lamers!

The catacombs crank up the difficulty but remain so playable.

I mapped the ST's first level. Scroll back up for the download link!

Smile and be as happy as Tony because the ST has a brand-new platformer!

The Bugziacs man did us proud for a wonderful conversion!!

A boxed version is available to pre-order!!!!