Sleeping Gods Lie

Sticks and stones

Empire Software released this adventure in 1989, and it's quite unlike anything I expected. I'd seen screenshots and was half-expecting something like Drakkhen with a typical dungeon-crawler storyline. Well, it's similar in some regards and with monsters and weapons, including stones. I know, I know, stones...

We begin on Tessera, a world once rich and prosperous but now suffering famine, disease, and a crime wave that only Robocop could fix. Their god, N'Gnir, strangely seems to be in slumber, so it's your mission to find and wake him. It won't be easy because you must battle your way through the numerous different lands, and each has eight kingdoms. This game is huge, so pack butties because it's unlikely you will be home for tea.

Our adventure starts from the comfort of our castle. From the outside, it's impressive, and I wonder just how rich I am. However, inside it's rather sparsely decorated and mostly empty. This is situated in a strange, chaotic world with most of its populace being completely barmy. All early encounters aren't welcoming; instead, they're a brawl without any provocation. They love to throw pebbles without any reason lol.

Let's take a look at my grand castle, and the second screenshot is from a peek inside...

From the outside, your home looks awesome. Wish it was real!!

But on the inside, it's a bit bare, so obviously furnished by a guy!

The lands outside are populated by weirdos who all seem to hate me?!

A game with character

Fortunately, some people are normal rather than fanatical psychopaths, so chat to them for information. As the box states, this isn’t just an adventure game; it’s packed with action and puzzles set in a fascinating new world. There are many puzzles to complete, including feeding a giant mouse mouldy cheese. These aren’t mind-boggling puzzles; the information you gather will soon make sense for these rather peculiar guardians.

The gameplay uses a smooth first-person engine with simple controls. Use the mouse to guide the pointer: pushing it upwards walks you forward, and downwards moves you backwards. Turning around is as easy as moving the pointer to the side of the screen. While a joystick is available, I found it less intuitive and rather awkward, but YMMV. Also, if walking feels too slow and you’d prefer to run, simply press the F3 key. This isn’t a traditional run, but it does speed up time for you and the entire game.

Exploring is a breeze, making it easy to navigate and find useful items, weapons, people and even enjoy a good fight. However, you’ll quickly realise people aren’t friendly, so practice and master your stone-throwing skills! Well, until you find something better, like a sling or crossbow. I recommend taking your time to thoroughly investigate your surroundings; you might find some seemingly insignificant objects that turn out to be valuable. For example, as you collect pebbles, why not check out those trees to see what's hidden?

Sleeping Gods Lie, though not entirely open-world, offers a similar experience.  Each area allows for free exploration within its segment, with limited exits providing opportunities to move on and discover new areas. However, thorough exploration is crucial for finding helpful items and better weapons.

As you upgrade your weapons, skirmishes become easier, but tougher enemies lurk ahead. Key tips include resting regularly, exploring thoroughly and saving your game frequently like a paranoid madman!

It's time for some screenshots from this bizarre, yet enthralling, adventure game...

This ain't a peaceful land, and most start fights by throwing pebbles at you!!

That distant pixelated mess is a guardian (get closer for a better view!)

The second guardian is freakishly cute (but rather hungry!!)

Aesthetics

Visually, I’m torn. The 3D engine is fantastic, offering full exploration of expansive landscapes. Freedom to roam is great, but through sparsely populated places, making it feel somewhat barren. I’d have liked more to "look at". However, the sprites are a different story. From afar, they’re a wobbly mess of pixels, probably because of the low res? Get closer, they scale beautifully - a feature I really admired in the old engine.

The audio isn't as good as it should be simply because there's hardly anything to hear! I'm sure something could have been done, even if it were footsteps, or a delicate background chiptune. Talking of that, the title screen introduction has a fantastic tune which is nothing less than gorgeous!

Right, let's see some more screenshots and this time I got closer to a guardian...

I later returned to get a better screenshot, but it's a vicious beast!

Then it wasn't long before the stone-throwing started again lol.

A wise old man restores my faith in humanity.

The CryptO'pinion?

Sleeping Gods Lie has some interesting ideas, but it's not perfect. The character integration should have been more inclusive with more depth. As is, it's only used to pass on information rather than any interaction. Also, the weird pebble-throwing battles are initially amusing but soon wear thin. Thankfully, progression comes thick and fast, therefore very rewarding, because the game gets better once you've found better weaponry.

There's no denying that this is an enthralling adventure, and I loved exploring the lands, wondering what I might find. If you have lots of time to set aside, this is definitely something to dig your heels into over a weekend. A fast-paced adventure perfect for explorers looking for something different in a weird, new world.

I enjoyed this game, but don't forget your pebbles and prepare for lots of mindless squabbles!

Download HDD and FLOPPY.

YOPAZ IceStar

A brand new GEM game!

Yopaz is a new Sokoban-themed puzzler by Cedric Bourse that stars a happy chap who loves to collect stars. It's a GEM program, but don't let that put you off. No, sir, this is one slick, very smooth puzzler. Heck, it even features ambient sounds on 4MB Atari STe computers (without that, the requirement is 1MB).

The Sokoban table, viewed from above, represents a part of the universe with the stars we need. In the vast expanse of space, everything follows the rules of physics. Once Yopaz starts moving, he’s locked in that direction until he hits something. So, take your time and think carefully. You’ll need to use the ice blocks to move around and collect all the stars. Some blocks aren’t ice but will teleport you to a different place.

Basically, there is only one rule to constantly follow - think carefully before you move.

There is an advanced mode for those with a sadistic desire to punish their brains with incideously cunning levels. This is a brain-killing choice (I'm too scared!!). You have been warned!!

Cedric Bourse, aka Orion_ (not Orion), has a website where you can download a playable demo, and he is only asking for $4 to purchase the full game. An incredibly low asking price for such a brilliant puzzler.

Bootsie

A boot sector program that's useful

Bootsie is a utility by Stefan Krey that writes a boot sector on a floppy to perform system init functions. These are useful for Atari's with a hard drive or those fortunate enough to own a MSTE, TT, or Falcon. By default, my Mega STe boots up in an 8MHz "compatibility mode", which is great for gaming but lame for everything else. Also, the boot process from start to end will be slower than if it were running at 16MHz.

Enter Bootsie to set the processor speed to steroid mode! And it can do more cool stuff, such as CPU caching, activating the Blitter chip, 60Hz display, etc. What a fantastic utility that helps make a computer as ultra-zippy as possible. Download it right now from Atari ST Essential Software List.

Ballerburg

Artillery gaming

Whilst enjoying my cuppa this morning (in my Atari ST mug), I stumbled upon a tweet about Ballerburg, a turn-based artillery game by Eckhard Kruse. It's an ST classic and offers addictive, strategic gameplay, blasting enemies into smithereens using basic maths to calculate our weaponry's speed & direction.

Ballerburg requires the ability to read German and a monochrome hi-res monitor. Let's be honest, as ST users, we are familiar with language translation on-the-fly. And there are programs to emulate the ST's high-resolution mode for those using real hardware. As I type, my Atari STe is running Ballerburg, and I'm (trying) to teach our 6-year-old daughter the basics. Sadly, that ain't going well, so I know she will be an easy victim!

Yes, I am father of the year. I'm going to destroy her. Muwhahaha!!

• A download is available on Eckhard Kruse's website.
• Ballerburg has a wiki page.
• I use MonoPack to enable ST High Res on my colour monitor. It's excellent.
• So you didn't believe me about my Atari ST mug, uh? Slurp... Slurp...

The Immortal

A thinking man's Diablo?

I have always found something appealing about exploring a monster-infested dungeon - and this is one of the best, if tough! Designed by Will Harvey and programmed by Brett G.Durrett, The Immortal offers a challenging experience, but only if you survive long enough to see what's around the next corner.

We are a wizard who has been asked to help another in a spot of bother. He is called Mordamir, but somehow thinks your name is Dunric, which it isn't. Will you still help him? Of course, you will, even though we later find out this means exploring creepy dungeons infested with hideous nasties intent on your demise.

Are you still feeling brave? Don't lie. Be absolutely sure before accepting the challenge this brutal adventure offers. If you're still here, then it's time for clean underwear as we venture forth into the realms of myth, sorcery, and cruelty. (Some of you might be laughing at my obvious overreaction? Tut...Tut...Tut)

Okay, let's check out some screenshots of the sinister troubles ahead...

Do you think it's safe walking around down here? Well, you shouldn't!!

Learn how best to battle and defeat your foe. And why not chat with the locals?

Welcome to a dark place with monsters and lots of traps!

The Immortal is a scrolling isometric adventure set within a creepy labyrinth of unforgiving pitfalls and ghastly horrors. I cannot stress that enough, right from the start, too. These harsh characteristics will torment even the most experienced adventurer, so you will witness the bloodiest of deaths at a most frequent rate. Never have I played a game like this with so many hidden traps, so grab a pen and paper to make notes.

Lurking within the labyrinth are trolls, goblins, and other creatures that want you dead. Some have exquisite names like The Shades, which you soon encounter. These are a life form that hides in the darkness, only casting a faint shadow near a firelight. Are you scared yet? You should be, this is callous and ruthless.

As you can imagine, The Immortal isn't a game to rush through. Its design dictates a need for a determined player with patience. One who will fall victim to many gruesome deaths to master the intricacies of each level. Don't underestimate it - grab that pen and paper to make notes, you'll need them. Trust me.

This game makes my skin crawl, so I need a break! For more screenshots...

That's some drop there. Best watch your step or come back later?

Hey, I hear there is a prince in Persia who would love one of these carpets!!

You will die and die and die!

Each room is unique and has its own battles, treasures, and pitfalls - so think first, be vigilant, and always on your guard. The good news is that you can often avoid a confrontation by being stealthy, but brave warriors can always use their weapons or conjure magic spells to beat their foes. Expect your endurance to be tested to the full by each level's cruelly hidden traps. Argh, there are so many bloodthirsty traps!

Careful exploration is the key to success. Take your time, but also make sure to examine everything. Who knows, an item may help later? A slain victim is a great place to find cool stuff (Hey, what's better than plundering a dead corpse?). Finally, don't forget to rest. If you see a straw bed, then take the time to catch up on your sleep and enjoy forty winks. This restores health and might even produce an enlightening dream.

Sadly, there is no instant save function. Instead, successful wizards are awarded a certificate, IE level passwords. Yes, this might appear disappointing, but the levels aren't overly massive. Plus, it forces you to tread carefully and be a better adventurer. Oh, cheaters skipping levels will soon realise the error of their ways!

The thing with monsters is that they hate equally, as you can see in this next screenshot...

Even the monsters appear to hate each other. Let's watch them fight!

I never expected a boat ride - whitewater madness style!!

Aesthetics

All visuals are by Michael Marcantel and Ian Gooding and are excellent. They've helped to create a dungeon of horrors using a dark and creepy design. Each room looks the part, plus all monsters are ghoulishly drawn with good animation. I wonder how much inspiration was later taken from this old game?

Spot effects are used for many actions, and various pieces of chip music by Doug Fulton feature throughout the levels. Some dislike the tunes for a game like this, whereas others enjoy them. You can run with sound effects only, but I fear you will be missing out on much atmosphere if you do. I say leave the music on.

Okay, adventurers, it is time for the final screenshot, and it's animated...

The CryptO'pinion?

The Immortal is groundbreaking due to its gripping storyline, eerie atmosphere, and captivating deeds. Mix in a style employing exciting action and a fascinating storyline, and it's apparent why I love it so. An extremely excellent game that will provide hours of agonising pleasure as you uncover its many secrets.

The Immortal is cruel, so very cruel. Skill, dexterity, perseverance, and pure luck are what you'll need to play this adventure. Yes, it's damn tough. Yet it's also one of the best horror adventures for the Atari ST!!

Download for floppy & hard drive.

Rana Rama

We. Are. A. Frog. Really?

Most action games have you playing as something cool, like a wizard, a warrior or perhaps even a Hollywood hero with a deadly automated weapon that never runs out of ammo. Well, not so with Ranarama. You're a novice magician called Mervyn who has accidentally turned himself into a frog? That's right, you're a frog!

Wizards have invaded and brought a horde of monsters who killed everyone, although luckily, they ignored this unassuming frog. So it's time for you to leggit and deal a hefty dose of revenge on them! Played through an overhead view, you crawl through a dungeon, battling the minion slaves of the powerful wizards.

Wanna see who you are up against? Check out these minions of evil...

   

Make the time to check out your foe and find out who you're battling against.


   
Not only that, but a chance to view the gorgeous artwork!!

An amphibian gauntlet?

First impressions are of an action-packed Gauntlet clone; although it looks aesthetically similar, it's different. Beginning in the upper area of this 8-level dungeon, you must kill the baddies and defeat the wizards. Interestingly, only the places explored are visible, and the baddies themselves are only seen when you’re in the same room. This makes entering new rooms-  an anxious moment - who knows what surprises lurk!

Monsters come in various scary shapes and sizes, starting with the humble Dwarf (I love those) and leading up to the mighty Gargoyles. All can be killed with increasing efforts, and wizards need to be defeated in a Countdown-style sub-game that has you rearranging letters to form the word "Ranarama". It's not easy, and later wizards are very tricky, but once won, he dies and leaves behind his rune goodies.

Magic plays its part in Ranarama, and Mervyn has four categories at his disposal: offensive, defensive, effect and other powers. All movement and monster hits will reduce energy; fear not, because you can cast a spell or collect the energy cells, which are frequently available. Finally, use the floor-based glyphs to activate special features like a map, status, and casting powerful spells. Quite confusing at first, but don't give up!

Check out this screenshot. Looks a little like Gauntlet, but... it's... not...

As you can see, the rooms are displayed only when they have been explored.

Aesthetics

The graphics are superb with fine attention to detail, and great use of colour, plus the sprites are beautiful. Also, I love how each screen isn't instantly viewable in full - not until you've actually explored that region. This is a great idea and makes the journey far more interesting because you have no idea what's around the corner.

The in-game Sound effects are extremely good, using a style that shows just what the ST's Yamaha chip is capable of. All chip music is by Dave J. Rogers, of Exolon and Zynaps fame, so absolutely superb stuff. Basically, the audio is wonderful and certainly proves that chipmusic will live on forever. Gorgeous sounds.

Ranarama was one of the first Atari ST games with speech (that I owned).
Thus I adore the fuzzy girl speaking. It's historically humourous but also very epic!!

I love the red eyes of Mr Froggy, and each character has fascinating attention to detail.

The CryptO'pinion?

If you expected a run-of-the-mill Gauntlet clone, then you will be happy, as Ranarama is different. It offers a long-term mix of arcade action with hints of role-playing whilst venturing through the cunning levels. It's difficult but very rewarding, so expect many late nights - if you're brave enough to accept the challenge?

An utterly engrossing Atari ST game, once again by legends Hewson. Absolutely fantastic, in every respect.

The best download from 8BitChip (hard drive)

Old Games Finder should suffice for floppy dudes!

ASCII art

Unreversable demo (2013) by M.E.C for Atari ST

Credits : bob_er (code) | Dhor (music) | gwEm (code/music)

I came across this rather uniquely mesmerising demo the other night on Demozoo and just had to record it. Unreversable is an ASCII art sensation accompanied by funk and dunk chip music for an outstanding experience. Perhaps most amazing is that it's only 64kb, quite incredible... How do they do it?

Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this outstanding demo as much as I did.

Unreversable is by a group of talented 8Bit'ers called Masters Of Electric City.

 (creators of Unbeatable - a monochrome Atari ST demo!!)

Gauntlet

Dandy!

Gauntlet is an arcade masterpiece with a design that is simple yet genius. It's a combination of a dungeon crawler with an extreme kill-em-all, and this results in an unstoppable solo/multiplayer experience. Yep, 1-4 people can hack & slash through tons of hellish underground levels! Absolutely gaming heaven.

We can play as one of four groovy characters: a Warrior, Elf, Wizard, and Valkyrie. Each has its own characteristics for strength and battling the nasties. I'm always the Warrior because he's bound to be the Samson of the group, and thankfully, there is no Delilah. Each character needs to be fed, so don't do anything daft like shooting food, as that affects your health lol. Come on, you know how to play this classic!

Let's slap a pause on the reading for an animated GIF of Gauntlet...

A timeless arcade classic. Simple as that, really.

Four heroes against millions of monsters?

The monsters are some of the most varied I have seen, which adds so much to the dungeon feel. We have ghosts, demons, grunts, lobbers (I hate those!), and more. They have their own evil attributes and are born from something called a Generator - so destroy those first to cease the onslaught of hatred against you.

The object is simple - kill the monsters and escape. We're trapped in a 100-level creepy dungeon, and everything lurking here wants to eat you. So it's up to you (and any potential co-op players) to kill everything and find the exit in order to escape the hellish catacombs. Keys are littered everywhere to access restricted areas, and you shall also note the booty which is conveniently left for you, and collect it for extra points.

Finally, Death is here. Yep, literally Death himself, and he is almost impossible to kill, so try to avoid him if possible. This brings me nicely to the magical potions you can discover scattered about most levels. By collecting these, your chance of survival is greatly improved and will certainly help during an encounter with Death. Hint: do not assume he is a single individual making a single appearance, so be wise with your potions.

Before we get to the aesthetics, let's see a beautiful image from the game...

Whether demons or ghosts are attacking, this game is always freakishly GREAT fun!!!

Aesthetics?

Graphically, this has authentically crafted levels that look excellent. The monster sprites are just as good and must count as one of the best-looking arcade conversions for the Atari ST. However, there's a price to pay for all that glam, and it comes at the cost of framerate. This will drop when there are dozens of monsters on-screen at once. Of course, faster computers like my 16MHz Mega STe (and emulators) have no such issues.

I love the audio, from the moment we hear the Da-Da-Da-Daaa begin playing. I'm hooked. This is superb and of good quality, which is enhanced further with in-game sampled effects. Oh, I absolutely love Gauntlet!!

Right then, one final screenshot, otherwise I'll only spoil you...

Argh, they're attacking from all corners of the dungeon!! Heeeeeelp!!

The CryptO'pinion?

There are two conclusions to draw here. If you're using an upgraded ST or have something fancy like a Mega STe, TT, etc/etc then you're gonna love this beautiful game. However, there is slowdown (on the original Atari ST), and it will get sluggish when the screen is heavily overcrowded. Thankfully, I've just heard that Peter has updated Gauntlet to support the Blitter, which is great news for the Atari STe (that includes the Mega ST)

Whether you play solo or not, this is an awesome shooter. Gauntlet is one of the best arcade games, and the Atari ST has another winning conversion under its belt. It's pure retro gaming gold, and I love it!!

Stop whatever you're doing and download this wonderful game from Klaz' Hideaway (both hard drive & floppy versions). Klaz has implemented support for faster Atari computers and my own Mega STe (16MHz) delivered a far better framerate! This transforms the game completely - it's now mind-bogglingly ACE!!

Update: Peter Putnik has made a version that supports the Blitter chip.
Download it from his website.

Mad Professor Mariarti

Nutty professor

Professor Mariarti is a platformer in wacky laboratories ranging from a biological lab to space rocket development. However, as a result of a dodgy experiment going mental, everything has come to life and taken over. To make matters worse, they aren't in the best mood and have grown body parts, like eyes and legs.

Hmm, I think we'd better fix this problem and clear out the labs before it drives the Professor potty. Okay, there are four levels to choose from, with a fifth only playable after completing the first four. As if!

Wanna see a couple of near-GEM green screenshots? Of course, you do...

A platformer with brains

I’ve been playing the Computer Lab level, and it’s full of strange creatures, hazards to avoid, and puzzles to solve. Don't worry, these puzzles aren't exactly mind-blowing and are often as simple as flicking a switch. However, some puzzles require a little more thought - take a look at the massive pressure chamber, which is lethal without first wearing a diver's helmet. I love cunning puzzles like that.

The baddies are a most interesting bunch and very humorous, but the slightest contact will zap your energy. It seems nothing you do will permanently kill them. You can use your trusty collection of greasy spanners, and they’ll vanish, but seconds later, they’re back for more. Argh, they are evil and relentless!!

This is a good thing and helps keep things interesting without any empty or boring screens. The weapons can be upgraded by using terminals, but that costs money, so don't forget to collect any coins scattered throughout. Expect nothing less than a challenge that requires time and effort to get the best from it.

Let's pause for more screenshots. Hey, it looks like I'm in the loony bin...

The CryptO'pinion?

Mad Professor Mariarti is a challenging and addictive platformer bursting with personality. While some puzzles are a bit vague and obscure, you’ll soon grasp the mechanics. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a platformer that demands a bit more from the old grey matter. However, be prepared for a significant time investment to fully appreciate it. I wouldn’t usually play a game like this, but I really enjoyed Professor Mariarti.

8BitChip has the download (floppy & HDD)

Update: Stickhead has a great video to watch!

Chuckie Egg II

My favourite Speccy game!

After playing the Atari ST version of Jet Set Willy, I remembered that we had Chuckie Egg II by Lothlorien. This made me happy because I love the original, and I even spent hundreds (thousands?!) of hours exploring and mapping its immensely wacky world. It was uniquely fascinating and surreal place to explore.

Let's cut to the chase, the Atari ST conversion is awful. It looks/sounds better, but the gameplay is completely ruined - it doesn't feel anything like the original whatsoever. In fact, the controls are diabolical, so guiding Harry around is nigh on impossible. He walks far too fast, and they have altered the basic jumping mechanics. You know, I expected some differences, but this is a joke beyond anything I imagined.

This game is a complete disaster! It’s a terrible port of a brilliant ZX Spectrum platformer. Terrible is the word, because it's shocking to think they thought this was fit for release. I hate saying this because it’s a port of my favourite 8-bit platformer!! Perhaps it's hard to tell, but, yes, I'm disgusted by this game. 😡

Personally, this is the worst game ever released for the Atari ST. #gutted

It's not recommended but, if you're stupid and wanna play this, then the floppies can be found at Atari Legend. A hard drive installable game is at 8BitChip. Surely, you're not going to bother?

Jet Set Willy

Willy is back!

Who still plays the Willy platformers on their computer? Indeed, they are the most respected series of 8-bit platformers ever to grace a CRT screen. Sadly, the Atari ST missed that party as people expected more from their 16-bit computer by the late 80s. A fact that saddens me somewhat, as we missed out on a classic.

Software Projects never released this because they felt people's expectations had changed since 1984. I see their point, I really do. However, it's a massive shame because it's timeless. I will always love this platformer.

So, wait a moment!! Am I saying that the game was programmed, but never released? Well, yes. The Atari ST version was finished but ultimately forgotten. Until now! The screenshots you can see are of the Atari ST game, a replica of the original. Yep, it fully mimics the same gameplay style without unnecessary bloatware "improvements". It plays, looks, sounds, and feels exactly as you remember it from 1984.

Wait, are you disappointed how the Atari ST game looks? Perhaps you expected 16-bit aesthetics with more detail & colour?? Stop! Slap yourself!! Did you forget about Chuckie Egg II ???

Matthew Smith had nothing to do with this release, as it was coded for the Atari ST by Carl Whitwell and Paul Taylor. Best of all, this was during their university years. Wow, take 5 mins to think about that fact for a moment... Can you imagine programming this game, possibly as their coursework? Incredible!

I should go and help Willy clean up his messy mansion. Maria is quite angry, so wish me luck...

• Download JetSet Willy from my own Dropbox file server.
• AtariMania has an interesting piece of text to read on its website.
• Here is a pretty darn cool map of the entire Willy Mansion. Ahh, the memories!!
• What? Do you want Manic Miner as well? Then click that link ASAP!!!

I thought this room would be tough, but it's easier than it looks.

One of the coolest screens this (for me). I don't know why, but I love it.

I remember reaching this screen on my Speccy as a kid - waiting for the hoax!

I tried the code... but it didn't appear to work. I wonder if the hidden gem is still here?

The Chaos Engine

Is it time for another ripoff?

Not too dissimilar to Gauntlet, The Chaos Engine, by the Bitmap Bros, was released in 1993. It's a top-down arcade shooter where you choose from a selection of characters before running around levels with one purpose: killing baddies! Okay, there is a [minor] puzzle element, but this is about reaping death!!

It's now that I can imagine the look on your faces. Why attempt to take on Gauntlet? Hmm, read on...

"Sometime during the last century, an experimenter with time, space and early computers created a bizarre machine. The inventor's name was Baron Fortesque and the machine was... THE CHAOS ENGINE! Although primitive the machine became incredibly powerful and went crazy, turning ordinary humans and household pets into razor-toothed, armour-plated killing machines."

The characters: you can be one of six mercenaries, each with their own skill set. Chose wisely...

 

 

 
So who are you gonna be? Let me know in the comments who you choose.

Who ya gonna be?

Each character has unique skills, so I advise that you should play each one to find out what you prefer. Personally, I tend to prefer the Mercenary or Thug! Each of the environments is extremely interesting with wicked mechanics and beautiful visuals, helping to create a wonderful Victorian England theme, etc.

Co-op is enabled whether you play solo or with friends and is a treat. I love having a computer-controlled player alongside you, and that extra firepower comes in handy. That helps, especially in the later levels, and is implemented well without ever taking over. However, it's embarrassing when he grabs the coins so quickly!! Argh, this is one of those games that demands practice before you can even think about beating it!

Hey, let's take another break for a couple of screenshots...

The first level is brilliant and works well with the computer-controlled guy.



Level two increases the difficulty, but it's still damn good fun!

Bitmap aesthetics!

The graphics are literally outstanding. From start to end, beautiful artwork, detailed sprites, and gorgeous landscapes. I love each of the environments, which have all been enhanced for the lovely Atari STe by using the hardware scrolling and extra colours. One of the best-looking games on the Atari ST/e. Period!!

All audio is cool - the chip music will stay playing in your head all day, and the sound effects do their job well. However, I must admit to being a little disappointed that this talented bunch failed to use the DMA audio for sampled sound effects. They're already utilising the STe, so why not use the DMA for samples?

So, it looks and sounds great, especially when played on the Atari STe. Agree or disagree? Let me know...

I struggled with the third level, or rather, my old man reactions did!



...and again for the frantic fourth. So tough!!

The CryptO'pinion?

I have always ranked the Bitmap Brothers as one of the best 16-bit developers. The freakish charm of Chaos Engine certainly helps to prove that. I cannot say whether it's better than Gauntlet because it's similar, but different. It's marmite and I think people will find themselves split over these two crackers?

My only gripe is the difficulty on later levels, which I fear is over the top. This means I need to cheat, which isn't good if you think about it. However, there is a passcode system, which is a fantastic feature to have.

This is a remarkable and addictive shooter stuffed full of action. Glad I bought this - I love it!!

8BitChip and D-Bug have created superb hard drive installable games!!

Chaos Engine floppy disks: Adrenalin #37A  #37B disks.

LEVEL CODES

World Two = T6MV6J4LGLCZ (Thug + Mercenary)

World Two = 73VBPXY1PZV1 (Brigand + Navvie)

World Two = QLVKM4YKJQVS (my own code!)

World Three = 4WQZTTRG61MZ (Navvie + Gentleman)

World Three = 2#YNLN7SR94W (Navvie + Brigand)

World Three = JSP99G416LY2 (I've no idea where I found this!)

World Four = PK2R9J6G5W4K (Navvie + Gentleman)

World Four = C8737KFPBCDB (Navvie + Preacher)

ST Format has a guide and a walk-through solution (issues: #51 #52 #53 #54)

Bitmap Bros have a cool website with maps, guides, and more.

Let's Play has a great page with loads of info.

I love this game so much that I went "out" and bought the Apple Mac version.