Laserball 2015

Wear your thinking head, Worzel

Laser Ball was released in 1991 by Thomas Ilg and then updated in 2014 with bug fixes and larger screens. After months of tinkering and making even more improvements, we have the completed product: Laserball 2015. This can be downloaded for free with the option of buying a boxed version, which is what I had to get!

This first appears simple in nature, but turns out to be furiously challenging. If you've ever played Deflektor and the like, then you will immediately have a grasp on the basic concept. There are many screens of increasing difficulty, with all featuring a laser gun shooting out a beam of light in a straight line.

In order to complete a level, the beam must be redirected onto a red ball using mirrors and other objects. That means using the various mirrors by tilting them to redirect the light toward distinct directions. These can be physically moved in all four directions - and move continuously until blocked by an object or wall.

So, it's paramount to stop and think.

Let's take a gander at a screenshot of the first level that gently breaks you in (he says)...

This is the first level where I learned a lot about when and how to move those mirrors.

My brain hurts!

Your thinking determines where to position the mirrors to perfectly align the light beam - so it can blast that red blob! However, doing so proves a LOT harder than you first imagine, thanks to each screen's design. As you progress, you'll see lots of different types of objects that can either aid or restrict your options.

For example:

Closed doorways need to be activated using the beam before they can be used. Easy that, init!

Some objects cannot be moved - except by the beam of light. I now hate timers even more.

Some eliminate walls and others present hidden functions. Dare you experiment?

Watch out for the timer. Sigh... Yes, there's a timer, which I felt rushed the player and spoiled the fun somewhat. So, I would like to thank Thomas for implementing a feature to disable it!! Try not to zap a bomb; otherwise, it's game over - but you can always come back to a particular level without replaying the previous screens. There is an insane number of levels to wade through, which should keep you busy for weeks! No, months.

Feeling brave? Think this game is easy? Let's take a look at the next screenshot to shut you up...

A timer or not, this level is a ticking time bomb. Look closely, and you'll see what I mean!!

Aesthetics?

Visually, this is a nice looker thanks to its clear-cut display style that suits the cute theme. Each screen is without unnecessary clutter, whilst also featuring an appealing type of youthful style that I really admire. Sadly, there aren't many sound effects (ahem) beyond the few key clicks and funny jingles. That doesn't matter in the slightest because Laserball features charming chip music by xFalcon that suits the game perfectly.

So, it looks nice and sounds great! It's time to celebrate that fact with the final screenshot...

Now things have changed once again with new mechanics I couldn't grasp at first. Killer game!!

The CryptO'pinion?

I've learned many things about myself playing Laserball, as a gamer and as a person. Like my patience, or rather lack of it!! I can spend so much time on any level, constantly replaying it, but then be utterly flabbergasted at what is often a simple solution that I failed to work out. Argh, it's so infuriating!!

This is a fascinating puzzler too, and probably one of the best thinking games ever released for the Atari ST. You know what? I think that humble sentence pretty much nails it and definitely sums up this game. That's saying something when you consider how many awesome puzzlers are already out for the Atari ST!!

- Download Laserball for floppy & hard drive -

   
Update: check this out!!! Thank you, Thomas, for making this new level :-)

Interphase

Another ST game from my collection!

It's time for some more box art and we have a gorgeous "Starglider" alternative by Image Works. Interphase was given away free on a magazine cover disk and I reckon every ST guy has played this game before? However, I never actually owned the boxed original - until now!! It's actually in fantastic condition and with all contents perfectly preserved.

As I boot this up, I know this will be an amazing gouraud-tastic experience!! Such a fine shooter and a great example of what the ST can achieve when programmed by people with talent and commitment. Not only are there superb sound effects, but smoother framerates than any other 16-bit computer manages. An excellent game!!

Grab yourself a piece of this 3D action and grab the download for either the sluggish floppy or your hard disk.

I can't end this without including some screenshots so, here you go...

Ya' can't beat a Fine Young Cannibals sample for this cool title screen.

You begin in this weird tunnel sequence which is better and tougher than you realise.

The graphics are fast and smooth with unique polygons - like the unicycling frog!! O_o

The power and performance of the Atari ST... when in the hands of developers with talent!

Cerror Terror!

Music to your ears!

A Beginning is a music disk that was released to celebrate Roel Heerspink joining Dead Hackers Society. It's one heck of a production that was made with the excellent MusicMon software. My recording features a minute(ish) of each track, and they are gorgeous chiptune goodness that your Atari ST/e deserves.

So get down and boogie, folks, because it is chip-tune Tuesday!! :^)

Credits:

Cerror (Roel Heerspink) - Music

Evil - Code

Gizmo - Code

Proteque - Graphics

| Cerror | Demozoo | MusicMon |

Elvira - The Arcade Game

A game with sex appeal

Elvira has graced our favourite 16-bit computer three times, two of them being adventures. However, the third is a little-known platformer by Flair Software, which is a platformer not too dissimilar to the likes of Turrican or Gods. Yes, that doesn't sound very original, but I don't care. Also, it's enhanced on Atari STe thanks to the Blitter and lots of extra colours. So, kudos to the boys at Flair for supporting both computers.

For this game, we are the Mistress who finds herself awoken by a wizard who needs her to complete a mission (here we go), and, apparently, we need to recover the Queendom. Whatever the story, I'm in, but it means there are three ginormous worlds to explore. And guess what, there are many demons to fight!!

Let's take a look at their loading screens, which are beautiful examples of pixel art...

Those looking for a tan might first wish to play the Underworld of Fire?

Or perhaps you prefer to plunder the cold depths of Arctic Earth? Bring a scarf!

Let's play with Elvira

It's obvious that Gods and Turrican inspired this, so no prizes for originality. There are two levels: Underworld of Fire and Arctic Earth (the third cannot be played until these are completed). Each has a range of baddies walking and flying in the sky. Hitting fire shoots a magical weapon with loud and exciting deaths - it's a shameless ripoff effect. There is constant action through huge, colourful levels stuffed with monsters.

The controls are good, but turning this sexy woman feels too slow. Elvira moves majestically; it's something seeing her flaunt those legs when turning or jumping. The walk is funny as she stomps the ground, but gravity appears low, so jumping takes on the form of Neil Armstrong on the moon. Actually, this is great for killing the monsters as the jump mechanic takes longer, so you can change direction as needed.

There's little that feels new as Elvira is running on ripped inspiration. That's fine, but it also means there's nothing unexpected, so everything feels familiar. I also found the levels too big and bewildering. The ability to save progress via checkpoints could have been better. As you can imagine, I kept on getting lost!

Let's take a peep at a jazzy screenshot of the fireworks you will experience...

Elvira doesn't waste any time flashing you a quick glimpse of her underwear!

Aesthetics

Visually, this is a corker with gorgeous levels that feature lots of colour and detailed sprites that explode like it's bonfire night. Parallax scrolling is smooth, but the action can slow down when a lot is happening. The screen width has been squashed a little to maintain the framerate on older STs, which is understandable.

The Blitter Chip is supported for both Atari computers if present (obviously, a standard on the STe). This makes the game run at a smoother albeit slower pace. So, an STfm without Blitter features a lower framerate but faster gameplay. Personally, I prefer the game without Blitter support! :o

The excellent theme music is by Sean Connolly with nice Gods-like effects (S key toggles). To be honest, there aren't an awful lot of sound effects; you will hear Elvira stomping more than anything else.

Righto, fellow ST Nutters, it's time for the final screenshot and guess what? It's beautiful...

Elvira is so hot that she can create sparks even in the cold Ice World.

The CryptO'pinion?

Sadly, even the busty goddess cannot save this game. The basics are very good and enjoyable for a while. However, the levels are far too large and thus the quest soon becomes tiresome without frequent checkpoints. Although the graphics are legendary (I tip my hat to Flair for using the Blitter), they should have removed the parallax effect in favour of a larger display/spritelier scrolling. That would have been better.

Elvira the Arcade Game may never have been in the arcades, but I don't care. Who doesn't enjoy dressing up as The Mistress Of The Dark? Oops, did I say that out loud? Yes, it might feel like a cheap Gods or Turrican clone, but I've enjoyed it. More than worth playing, especially if you have a trainer and map at hand.

Great game, and Elvira will keep you entertained for many hours. (Mmm, given half the chance!!)

Who wouldn't help Elvira if she asked?

Exactly, so grab her by the floppy or hard disk!!

lotsa stars!

You won't believe this!

It’s been ages since I uploaded a video, so I thought it was high time. I’ve had it for a long time, but I should have shared it sooner, because it’s so impressive and deserves to be seen by the demoscene fanbase. Come on, just look at the specs: 1265 zillion+ stars, calculated in real-time and at 50fps. Mind-boggling!!

I would like to see another 16-bit computer try this! So sit back and enjoy the show... 

Credit

No More - Music

Phenomenon - Code, Graphics (Logo)

TiNKer - Graphics (Font)

Download from Demozoo.

Blood Money

No lame Amiga ports (for once)

This is one of my favourite Atari ST shooters and by Psygnosis, a company (more or less) synonymous with weak Amiga ports. This game features some of the best graphics you will see in any scrolling shoot'em up and it sounds excellent too.

It's all thanks to the talent of Wayne Smithson who proved the power of the ST when in the hands of a decent programmer - who needed no custom chips. Still, I cannot help wondering how an STe would have done... Just saying...

Okay, soak your money in blood and play this amazing game using either a floppy or off your hard drive.

Do Things [Cream]

Chipmusic will live forever

Here is a superb music disk for the Atari ST/e: Do Things by Cream. Yes, it works on both machines, but the colours are better on the Atari STe, plus the tunes are in stereo, which is lovely!! The disk features fantastic #chiptunes by Tao, a talented musician I really admire, and I think you will too after listening.

The demo features a wonderful tunnel effect leading to the main music screen, where you'll find a huge list of chiptunes. But the fun doesn't stop there - press the spacebar to view an incredible comic strip with legendary artwork. Some of the best I've ever seen. Cream has done it again, so download this now!!

 

All the Creamy credits go to this bunch of talented folk :

Abyss - Code | Agent T - Graphics | Candyman - Code, Music (End part) | Tao - Music

Atari STe demos playlist ( link )

Atari chiptune playlist ( link)
- Demo Encyclopaedia -

Fire And Brimstone

Tough as nails!

It's a well-known fact that games were harder back in the day. Perhaps our generation was made of tougher stuff, and today's kids are wimps? That sounds right, and we have a game to prove it. Hey, before we begin, did you know that I've fully mapped this game? No? Well, click the "Game Maps" link to your right...

Fire and Brimstone was released in 1990 by Firebird and is one of the most visually stunning platformers I have seen. The adventure takes place in a fantasy world of Norse mythology, as the mighty Thor must battle the forces of Hel. She has escaped and spread her lust for evil over the Nordic lands with her minions, creating havoc! So, wait for it, it's up to us to clean up this hellish infestation and get home in time for tea.

Check out these gorgeous screenshots with the first immediate puzzle (that makes no sense, ironically)...

This game blows you away from the start with an oddly puzzling demon who always wakes up!

Look out for witches with their rapid spells. Who are also tough to kill!

We are the mighty Thor!

There are five worlds (including Hel) to beat - Alfheim, Anaheim, Nidavellir, Muspell, and Nilfheim. Each screen is a puzzle in itself that requires careful thought before you attempt to foolishly maraud through. Even the first screen can confuse, and its solution makes little sense - get used to this trickery!

Each level’s objective is to find key parts and complete them. Only after all fragments are discovered can you finish the levels (along with a boss to defeat, of course). Therefore, every screen should be thoroughly searched for hidden objects to avoid being punished for laziness and sent back to revisit previous screens!

Thor doesn't only carry an axe but two individual weapons, which he flips between, including bombs and fire. Some power-ups will help improve our abilities against the hordes of baddies who come in all shapes and sizes - each possesses a cunning yet humorous personality. Everyone is often really difficult to kill, from magic-throwing witches to goblins, old bats, and things hiding in trees. It's impossible not to love this game's awesome charisma - I especially love the funky ghosts and creepy witches who fly by on their broomsticks.

Let's view another ghostly and witchy screenshot from this tough platformer...

Watch out for all kinds of freaky monsters. Oh, look, it's the mother-in-law on her broom!

We're in the creepy woods, which are full of ghosts. And HIM too! Runnnnn!!!

Aesthetics

Fire and Brimstone offers an exceptional visual treat by Chris Sorrell. Astounding attention to detail, using an artistic flair that perfectly complements the medieval and hellish atmosphere. The characters look fantastic and are superbly animated with scenic settings that are always beautiful. Jaw-dropping 16-bit pixel art.

Warning: there’s no scrolling. For an Amiga user, this likely translates to their usual complaints about Atari ST ports. However, Fire and Brimstone wasn’t designed to scroll and is perfectly suited as a flick-screen platformer. In fact, I'm pretty sure scrolling wouldn't have had the same effect at all.

David Whittaker’s thumping sample tune serves as the title music, and while brilliant, I must admit I prefer his chiptunes. Don't get me wrong, it's excellent, but just my personal taste. The in-game sound effects are superb for all the usual effects, but clearly can’t match the majestic quality of the lush and detailed graphics.

It sure looks and sounds the business, alright, so let's see another couple of screenshots...

See that guy in red, I wonder what's his story?

Oh, each level has a secret room. Don't miss it otherwise, you'll be sent back!

The CryptO'pinion?

Fire and Brimstone is the most challenging platformer I’ve ever played, with its unforgiving mechanics. However, with patience, you’ll learn how each screen functions and make progress. Even then, it remains incredibly difficult, so I’d rate it as one of the most frustrating games. Hardly a glowing review, right?

Ignoring my painful progress (with a trainer), this game is incredibly entertaining and potentially rewarding for a determined player. I love how each screen offers its own mini-adventure, which naturally extends its lifespan due to its design. Despite its flaws demanding a trainer, I absolutely love it.

However, I fear only the foolish bravest should venture into this world of torment. Enjoy!

Download for floppy or hard drive.

Teserae

I love sausages!

Teserae was developed by The Albanian Sausage Corporation - the funniest name ever! It is a Tetris clone if you hadn't guessed, but this is different and pushes the Atari ST with fantastic aesthetics that no version of Tetris has ever seen. I'm talking about the whackiest & jazziest graphics with a cool wobbly logo, zooming backgrounds, a text scroller, and gorgeous music. Plus, everything runs at a smooooth 50fps. Flashy and slick.

Regardless, it wouldn't be worth its salt if the gameplay were rubbish. Fear not, because it not only looks incredible but plays just as well. Once you have got over the shock of what is a visual carnival, there is actually a challenging version of the classic game here. I'm not exactly a Tetris fan, but I adored Teserae a bunch!!

I recommend you wear sunglasses before you hit AtariMania for the download.

Lights, Camera, Action! (take 2)

Update: I've long since lost these videos. Has anyone got copies to share?

Following on from a previous posting, here are the remaining videos being played using a program called ST Video Player. Just like last time, these are running on a stock 8MHz Atari STe w/ a hard drive, of course.

Chariots Of Wrath

Whilst fighting for King and Country, an evil Baron kidnaps the beautiful Princess Arthena. So jump into your chariot and rescue her. Actually, this really means playing lots of different arcade-style games, which surely can't be a bad day at the local war zone, right?

Released in 1989 by Impressions, Chariots Of Wrath isn't just one particular game but instead is a half-dozen bundle of retro gaming oldies. If there was ever a mixed-goody bag of various games (thrown together), then this is it. Each range in style, from a Breakout clone to a pretty nice shoot 'em up, and each must be played in order before you can advance to the next.

Of course, each and every game will become progressively harder the further you venture. Initially, I didn't care for the "Operation Wolf" clone because it's far too easy and a little boring, but later on, I admit to liking this as it became a lot harder and thus more challenging. But would you play it compared to Op.Wolf?

The breakout game is awesome and comes with a number of power-ups to increase the excitement. I found it enjoyable, but I'm sure the Arkanoid fanboys won't be quaking in their boots! The platformer looks nice, but the controls feel wooden, and it has an incredibly frustrating and extremely unforgiving time limit. Asteroids also make an appearance and play very well with some nifty new touches that I really liked. Finally, I really enjoy the vertically scrolling shoot 'em up, which is both loud and exciting. Sadly, it suffers from amateur mechanics and a little slowdown, but it is still great fun, and I did enjoy it with its BOOM BOOM sound effects!

The graphics are good throughout, with smooth scrolling and lots of colours. So overall, my ears and eyes had little to complain about. However, in terms of playability, Chariots of Wrath almost has a homebrew feel, and with a little spit and polish. We could have had a unique release, as the potential is there with this jack of all trades. However, I fear it falls short, and there are better individual games out for the Atari ST.

• Play off a hard drive, which is best - thanks to 8BitChip!
• Need the floppy disks, then look no further than Atari Legend.
• Check out the superb video recording by CaptainD from Indie Game News.

Destruction Imminent

Who needs a PC?

Destruction Imminent was released in 1996 by Cunning & Devious Games for the Atari ST/e and is a first-person shooter, similar to a typical Wolfenstein clone. In fact, it's incredibly reminiscent of that early 90s era, thanks to its familiar look and gameplay style - which probably has your mouth watering about now?

Our adventure takes place in a comparable environment, gloomy corridors filled with evil hordes of enemies waiting to eat you alive! Oh, and we have a range of familiar weaponry. Okay, let's say this game was (ahem) inspired? Before you begin, watch the intro play through. It's very cool and accompanied by gorgeous music as it introduces the monsters we will soon encounter. These are a scary bunch and pretty freaky!!

It's time to stop reading and look at a couple of screenshots of the robots and rock monster...

The robots can be really tough opponents at times.

Rock monster? Hmm, I'll say no more...

Enter the dungeon!

From the start, the atmosphere is predictable, with each level plagued by strange creatures - not to worry, because we have weapons ranging from pistols to machine guns, rocket launchers, and plasma rifles. Some of these monsters are oddballs - the Rock Monster is like a crude Daroou from Dungeon Master. He's oddly cute and looks like he's made from gingerbread! Anyhow, kill him and free your monitor from that pixel art.

The controls are superb: cursor keys are used for walking, CTRL fires weapons, and SHIFT allows you to run away like a cowardly chicken. Also, side-stepping is possible, which is always needed. There isn't a key to open doors, just walk up and nudge them with your nose. This is where the engine is at its weakest because it's often a pain to align yourself properly. But then again, Wolfenstein has the same issue (for me).

Additionally, the Function Keys are used to flip between weapons/health. It's a bit awkward, but you will eventually get used to this. Sadly, the mouse isn't supported, but the wooden movement from a keyboard is responsive and just like Wolf3D. Remember, this isn’t Doom, so it’s not that game!

Wanna see some more of the enemies you'll be up against? Of course, you do...

Things are getting creepy with bugs!

There are also bats. Surely, you're not scared? Come back...!!

Aesthetics

Surely the 8MHz Atari ST isn't powerful enough to run a first-person shooter? You need at least a 25MHz PC, right? Ignoring its drab user interface, the visuals are remarkable, using a 3D engine that won't fail to impress. This makes use of texture mapping, light-sourced sprites, and a decent framerate. Power without the price. The only niggle I have is that the weapon is perhaps too large, as it obscures close enemies!

As for the audio, it's equally impressive, using sound effects and great music. Everything is even better on the Atari STe thanks to the stereo DMA coprocessor. This game is awesome, so colour me impressed!

It looks and sounds excellent, which is always nice, so let's check out the last two monsters...

Mutants? Nah, they're not scary! In fact, they look like me on a Monday morning!

Gotta love the pixel artwork - minimalistic yet stunning!

The CryptO'pinion?

As you can probably tell, I've enjoyed blasting my way through this game! The weapons are great, and exploring demon-infested worlds is engaging. I have very few complaints (already mentioned), so I cannot take anything away from what is an extraordinary first-person shooter. Plus, it's an example of what the Atari ST/e is capable of knocking out in the hands of talented people who care about their product. No lame port!

Preferably, play on an Atari STe to enjoy what is nothing short of a brilliant first-person shooter.

Destruction Imminent

[ download from my Dropbox ]

Tiger Road

The arcade comes home

Tiger Road was released in 1989 by US Gold, but I felt it didn't do justice to the awesome original, so I thought I'd give it another go. From the very beginning, you're thrown into an instant hack & slash scene battling a constant horde of stupid bad guys, so pick up your axe and thrash your way to victory.

Well, that's easier said than done because the enemies won't give you a moment's rest, and the larger baddies are a pain in the rear end - so difficult to kill those guys! Which is made worse by little visual feedback to help show if you're doing any damage. Argh, sometimes it feels like I'm hitting at thin air!

Overall, this is a good conversion in terms of how it looks and sounds, but the gameplay is better. And that's all that matters. So pick up your joystick and hack away at the bad guys. Highly recommended.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Update: I've long since lost these videos. Has anyone got them to share? Thx

ST Video Player is one of those programs that will drop your mouth wide open with amazement. You just won't believe that your humble 512kb 8Mhz Atari STE (with a hard drive) can produce such amazing high-colour movies.

This piece of magic was written by Cyg of BlaBla (the creators of some of the best Atari ST/e demos that I've ever seen). Movies come in the format of .CAV files so just drag & drop one onto the program and prepare to be amazed. I hope to see more videos released for the Atari STe - very soon! Download from Demozoo and Pouet.

Atari ST magazines

( my virtual Atari Falcon w/ MiNT and three PDF magazines being displayed using zView )

An era long gone

The Atari ST had some of the best magazines the world has ever seen, and I still find it helpful in referring back to old issues for their features, reviews, and other information. Thankfully, many websites have scans of this golden era covering ST Action, ST Format, Atari World, ST User, The One, etc...

So enjoy the 16-bit reading, and cover disks!!

Grab a magazine from the rack...

AtariMania is always a great resource, as they have a fantastic magazine section.

A wonderful website dedicated to Atari ST Review, including their coverdisks.

Kiwis World seems to have bucketloads of Atari ST magazines.

Exxos has a page for ST Format and Atari World with coverdisks.

The Zogging Hell website has a great collection of various magazine coverdisks.

Of course, there's always the newest Atari ST magazine on the block - AtariCrypt!!

Starglider

Unplug the TV!

If I had to name an Atari ST game that defined the 1980s, then Starglider would be up there with the best of 'em. This 3D shooter somehow appeared from out of nowhere and rewrote the book on how a shooter should be. A whole new generation of gamers got to witness this explosion of 3D aesthetics like never before.

Today I wanted to show you a lesser-known aspect of Starglider. It supports the ST’s crisp Hi-Resolution mode, sacrificing colour for increased definition thanks to the 640x400 display. A legendary game running on a display, unlike anything else at the time. Of course, everything else remains unchanged, including the gameplay.

I've always loved Starglider as it's a perfect blend of action and strategy. The mouse controls are spot-on, and the combination of using both buttons to fire/move is extraordinarily efficient. The sound effects are superb and feel somewhat arcade in their style to me. However, it's the opening music that many remember the most. What can I say... Staaaaaaaarrrrrrgliiiiiderrrrrrr from Rainnnnnnbirrrrrrd (insert echo effect)!!!

This is still a jaw-dropping shooter, which plays every bit as well as I remember. Everything from the smooth framerate, crisp sound effects, and exciting gameplay style. It's challenging yet a constantly enjoyable shooter. In fact, it's timeless. Play it by downloading either the floppy or hard disk versions. Yes, right now.

Rainbow Islands

Rainbows? No thanks!

Today, I booted up Rainbow Island on my Atari ST, and I fondly remembered the time I saw it in our local computer shop. I was instantly hooked by its lush colours and the delightful effects; it looked so outstanding! After paying lots of cash, I walked home as fast as my lanky legs could carry me! This is probably one of the most famous platformers for the Atari ST, and there isn't anything new I could tell you.

Waste no more time, play Rainbow Islands. It's one of the beST!!

• 8BitChip has a download which can be installed onto hard drive!
• Atari Legend has all the floppy disk images.
• Fancy a few cheat codes? Of course, you do so type these on the title screen:

           -> BLRBJSBJ for fast feet.

           -> RJSBJSBR for double rainbows!

           -> SSSLLRRS for super fast rainbows.

           -> BJBJBJRS for the first hint.

           -> LJKSKBLS for the second hint.

           -> LBSJRRWL continues each round.

           -> SJBLRJSR will slow down the baddies.

           -> Inf.lives: choose 3 credits and hold QWERTY & tap fire.