The DM Editor

The Ultimate ST Game

I realised some time ago that I would never find a copy of Dungeon Master at a reasonable price or in decent condition (and certainly not both). So, I hate to admit this but I gave up searching years ago! However, I have since chanced upon what I consider an oddity. I don't mean the software, but rather the fact that I’ve managed to find something most people would have likely left to gather dust in their attic.

The Dungeon Master Editor was released in 1988 by Edward Penman for Softex. I remember seeing adverts for it in magazines like ST Format, but it was something that passed me by at the time. Only now, looking back, do these things excite, fascinate, and captivate me beyond words! (the wife says I'm a weirdo)

Well, hold onto your hats because I actually own the real thing! This surprises me, as I would have thought it lost to time - in its physical form. I have The Way of the Firestaff, the editor’s manual, and the floppy disk. Not only that, but I also bought the floppy disk and manual for Dungeon Master. Granted, it’s not boxed, so incomplete, but I’m still thrilled. I guess that is a meagre consolation - but a damn fine one at that!

The software can be downloaded at Atari Legend and Atarimania. Also, the Dungeon Master Encyclopaedia website has scans and more information about the Editor. So, a cynic might question why I bought this product. Let's be honest, nothing beats the feeling of holding the originals. So I am one happy bunny!

Okay, I have taken a few photos of my precious warez...

Things That Made Us Go Hmmm....

Almost a Megademo

Every so often, I come across a demo I have not seen before, and today, I’ve got a rather good one - Things That Made Us Go Hmmm by The Watchmen. It starts with the above screen, cycling through a range of psychedelic colours that look absolutely stunning!! The main menu plays an original (ahem) tune and also reminded me of Life’s a Bitch by The Lost Boys. From here, you can access a selection of five demos…

> Now There's A Frood. This one features multiple background layers scrolling in different directions, along with a scroller that you’d struggle to read unless you’re an owl! It’s packed with proper old-school effects, executed brilliantly, and paired with some super-duper music.

> A Toaster Called Zippy. I first came across this a while back and absolutely loved it. I even recorded it because I was so taken with its simple yet stylish 3D presentation and that (Mmmm) compelling chip music. Thanks to a couple of cool chaps, I later found out the music is from the movie Fletch - how did I not spot that straight away?

> There's A Flower Dying In The Vase On My Shoulder. Quite possibly one of the strangest title ever! It starts with a simple screen featuring a massive logo and a sweet chiptune. Then, the full-screen scroller kicks in! It’s been done a million times before, but this is still a fantastic screen.

> The Joy Of Sex. No, not what you’re thinking! But if you’re expecting swirling, sexy 3D visuals, you’re in for a treat. This was easily my favourite demo of the lot - not because of full-screen effects or flashy extras (because there aren’t any), but because the 3D itself is superb. The thick, vibrant lines give it a laser-like effect, making it look absolutely stunning.

> The Fifth Screen. This one is a greetings demo packed with... well, greetings and lots of stars!

One more thing I must also mention is each demo's loading screen which has incredible artwork. Overall, this is a superb demo and I tip my hat to The Watchmen because I've enjoyed it as if it were 1992.

Demozoo has the download and also a dedicated group page for The Watchmen.

Credits

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Chris(tophe) - Code

Ian - Graphics

Mad Max - Music

Zogg - Graphics (additional graphics in 'A Toaster Called Zippy')