Michigan Mike is a 1994 platformer developed using GFA Basic by Gordon Storey. It features an Indiana Jones wannabe who's got himself into a spot of bother and desperately needs our help to escape...
The story follows a 1930s explorer named Michigan Mike who becomes separated from his expedition in the South American rainforest. After being rescued by the "Ohla" tribe, a village fire leads the tribe to blame Mike. Your objective is to navigate trap-filled jungle levels to recover five pieces of the Great Ring of Zorog and place them on an altar to save your soul and escape with your life.
As you would expect from any platformer, each level has poisonous critters and many traps like crumbling rocks, acid pools, and spikes. However, Mike's energy levels are slowly depleting, which is really annoying because it forces you to rush. Of course, touching the nasties only increases that energy loss, so collect food to replenish him. That said, it's worth watching him die just to enjoy the explosive graphics! Evil, ain't I?
Michigan Mike And The Lost City of Zorog is a no-frills platformer with great joystick controls, making it very playable. He may have big feet and freaky eyes, but I've enjoyed this. My only gripe is the energy meter, because it goes down far too quickly. Not a great platformer, but far from being a bad one. Worth playing.
After the jaw-dropping Berzerk, I searched what might lurk inside the ST's archives. Eventually, I found Sleuth, a PD game released by Larry Scholz of MajicSoft in 1993. The year is 2525, and man's existence is threatened by evil cybernetic organisms (yup, robots!) created by Dr Spirit. A simple storyline for a familiar game. Okay, it's not what you would call an authentic clone (ahem), but the premise is there for another Berzerker!
We are Inspector Sleuth and about to infiltrate the doctor's lair to show these clumps of metal who's in charge! Gone are the randomly generated screens, replaced with a map populated by six different models of the doctor's robots. These range from the Hemroid, which is a low-level (wait for it) "pain in the butt" to the Hopperoids with warp technology, so don't get too close. Come on, you must love Larry's humour?
Movement and firing are performed in all eight directions using the joystick. Defend yourself using an armour-piercing gun that features a nuclear charge to incinerate all robots from the inside out. You still need to stay clear of the electrified walls, and if you hang about for too long, something freaky appears after a short time to chase you across the screen. Now we're back on the familiar Berzerker ground lol.
So, is it better than Berzerk? Not on your nelly! Sleuth feels like a tacky ripoff with rubbery controls and dodgy graphics. I can imagine that shocks you. Have I just wasted your time writing this mini-review? No. Regardless, Sleuth is a good game in its own right and is nice to play something different. You may have noticed I've not mentioned the audio? The chip fx are good, but the music? Wait and see for yourself!
For what it's worth, my 8-year-old daughter loves this shooter. She played several games badly and never understood why the walls killed her. But, she loved it!! I must admit, so did I. Remember, it's not Berzerk, so keep an open mind and give it a fair playtest. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Sleuth can be downloaded over at the legendary Demozoo website.
IGNORE the graphics!! Gameplay counts the most, whether it's perfect or not.
Shamus shoots anything that looks... weird. Don't think, just shoot!!
Bombs And Bugs is a multiplayer Bomberman, developed by Stefan Eilert of Awkward Software. Supporting two or three players, it has superb power-ups and the most vibrant and jazzy graphics. Although the game was never released, it has been saved and sent to Atarimania for safekeeping as of today. 🥳
This game is an exciting, frantic Bomberman-style blast of multiplayer fun that’s all about outsmarting your opponents in tight maze arenas. We are a battle bug, dropping bombs to destroy walls, uncover power-ups, and trap rival players, to be the last survivor. Simple stuff, but stupidly chaotic! Its colourful presentation and explosive gameplay make it a brilliant "party game". So gather around the ST like it's 1993.
Sadly, there’s no single-player support, which I miss as a lone gamer 90% of the time. My video shows my gameplay against our 8-year-old daughter. She said, "It's freaky and very silly". I think she's right!!
Download this previously unknown game from Atarimania.
I decided it might be amusing to revisit a handful of games I’ve always hated. Good idea, right? Well, as it turns out, there are far more games I absolutely loathe than I expected, which shocked me somewhat. Perhaps I’m just a miserable bloke (there’s a surprise). Still, let’s do this anyway; it might actually be fun.
So, here is a handful of dreadful #AtariST games...
1) Lemmings is a game everybody went crazy for, but I couldn't find any joy in herding those idiotic critters. A few screens in, I would discover that I had no tolerance for their stupidity and found it irritating. Instead, I would deliberately watch them plummet to their death or explode!! 2) Next is a conversion of the arcade hit, Hard Drivin'. This looks the part with its polygons and wacky stunts enticing you to try your luck. However, it never goes to plan as I cannot steer the car in anything that resembles a straight line. In fact, I corner worse than a drunk Stevie Wonder. 3) Next is Strider, a game I saw in ST Format and it looked amazing. They gave it a glowing review so I went out and spent all my pennies. Well, I certainly won't be giving it a glowing review because I cannot stand this platformer for more than a few minutes - without throwing down the joystick!! A terrible Tiertex port.(UPDATE) < < < < <
4) Chuckie Egg II is the worst platformer for the Atari ST. I'm disgusted this game was released. Why? Perhaps it's because it's such a dredful conversion, but more likely because they ruined what is one of my favourite ZX Spectrum games. Yep, I was hoping they'd remain faithful (like with Jet Set Willy), or perhaps enhance it (like with Highway Encounter), but no. They destroyed it!!
5) Yolanda is a platformer that I've always thought looked curiously interesting and something very different. The sprites are superb and it has a funny title screen, so I've often wondered if it played as well as it looked? Well, and no joking here, this is my actual experience:
Start the game... Wonder what to do. Die.
Start again... Run left. Die.
Start the game again... Run right. Die.
Start for yet another go... Panic. Die.
Reboot my Atari ST, and wonder what I'm doing with my life.
The CryptO'pinion?
In case you're wondering, this article was just for a bit of fun. Except for the part about Lemmings, as it's another lame Amiga port by Psygnosis (explain its intro if you can). Okay, ignoring the odd game like Blood Money & Anarchy, they sucked with their rushed ports. My apologies to their fans worldwide.
Sorry, not sorry. :p
Are there any Atari ST games you hate? Let me know in the comments below...
This is a recording of my usual game. All over the road and driving like a drunk!
The controls... those controls...!! What have they done to this game? :(
A typical game, but seriously, I need to play this again to see what it's all about.
I thought it was time to introduce more 32-bit games to AtariCrypt, especially as AtariMania's Marko Latvanen has promised to give me his Falcon - Muahahahaha!! (he's since denied that conversation!). I'm happy with Hatari as it appears to emulate the bird well (even on my old Mac). Let's kick this off with Dune's Racer 2, which was released at Silly Venture 2014 for the stock 16MHz Falcon (4MB RAM / 320x240 true colour).
A driving game needs to be an interesting road trip with fast thrills to keep me coming back. We don't want boring. Well, Racer provides its motor fun with three types of gameplay: championship, challenge, and the good old arcade mode. Each can be played using three levels of difficulty, from beginner to an ace driver.
Wanna see a couple of colourful and (Mmm) absolutely gorgeous Falcon screenshots...
Creepy!! So keep the pedal to the metal when things get too spooky for you to handle.
Hey, I saw that you naughty boy. Don't stop to look at the pretty beach girls!!
Let's race!!
This feels like Crazy Cars 3 or Lotus 2 with its style and handling. It works well using either a manual or automatic gearbox, so it wasn't long before I was whizzing around the tight corners thanks to the effortless controls. They're dead easy, and you can choose either the keyboard, joystick, or JagPad.
Championship events are tough and definitely put this gamer through his paces, so don't expect to complete it on your first attempt. Arcade and Challenge modes offer a great way to practice the laps, with the potential to further yourself by unlocking numerous extra tracks. I probably enjoyed Challenge mode the most.
Optional bonus items can be collected for a myriad of effects: freezing the timer, increasing speed, ejecting your closest opponent, flattening the opponent's tyres, etc. However, joystick players might find reaching for the keyboard a pain. Perhaps I should try my Jagpad? Oh wait, I've no Falcon... (Marko's a rotter!!)
It's screenshot time, and here are a couple of beauties. Well, they're still colourful...
Perhaps I'm boring, but I turned off the Bonus feature...
New Race Unlocked? Oh yeah, I love it when that happens!!
32-Bit Aesthetics?
It was the graphics that originally enticed me to play this game - they are knockout and easily on par with other machines of the day. Each environment is accompanied by its own unique styles, drivers, and background music. Framerates are superb and can be increased further by disabling the textures. If I had to nitpick, the point of view is a bit low, and it’s a shame so few frames are used during the car’s cornering.
The audio is typically Falcon - nothing less than stunning. The selection of music is incredibly varied and suits each track's style. All effects are made using awesome samples, so whether you're skidding, bumping, or tearing up the road, it's ear-blasting and always amazing. Love it all, especially the smooth engine noise.
Looks and sounds incredible!! Well, isn't that nice? Wanna see a couple of screenshots...
Some tracks are weirdly different from what I expected...
...whereas others look more "traditional". Don't worry, all are great!
The CryptO'pinion?
What an awesome racer!! In fact, I could end my review there, but let's waffle on for a little longer. To say that I've enjoyed this game is an understatement, but it isn't without faults: slamming into roadside objects can stop you dead - even if that object is a spectator! Starting off from zero feels lethargic, almost as if you're behind the wheel of a Kia. The strangest is when the countdown timer begins before the green light.
Let's stop nitpicking! Racer 2 is a stonker with outstanding graphics, roaring sound effects, brilliant tracks, and superb controls. This is an utterly addictive experience and one of the best Falcon games.
I highly recommend this extraordinary racer, even if you're stuck using an emulator like me!!
Supa Zazai Da is another Gamopat conversion by Templeton, the same genius who graced us with the stupendous Crash Time Plumber. I couldn't wait to get my grubby mitts on this after reading the superb review by ST Graveyard on Atari Legend. Sadly, I admit to being disappointed with it. I failed to play more than a handful of frustrating games before rebooting my Atari STe with a massive portion of dismay.
I'll never knock anything powered by Maria Whittaker (yeah!), but this is rock solid and difficult!! Having only one life didn't help, especially when the enemy could fill the entire screen with bullets! Yep, this is a wolf in sheep's clothing and seemed like a bad joke. Dang, I was incredibly bad at it and genuinely gutted.
I know, I know, those first impressions of a weak gamer. Sigh, but read on...
Trust me, this game will destroy you and any expectations for success!
Don't judge a book by its cover
I returned and anxiously grabbed my creaky old joystick, determined, but expecting the battle of my life. After many embarrassing failures, I eventually beat the first horde of nasties and even gained extra points thanks to the green particles. How I managed to dodge the enemy's bullets, well, it felt like a personal achievement!! The clue is how you navigate through the cloud of bullets; it's easier than you think (watch the video).
Nevertheless, the scary boss gave me a good drubbing, and I was again greeted with the Game Over screen. I defeated him on my next nerve-racking attempt, so I was close to tears and ecstatic!! Once the second level begins, you realise there's a familiar and repetitive pattern, so I hammered it home and battled onto the third and fourth levels, with relative ease. The lesson is to stick with it, as it can be conquered!!
Talk about a massive learning curve. Or at least for me? Wow, this game is so rewarding...
However, nobody said those bosses would be easy. Especially when they can fire so much!!
Pixels and Sonics
The visuals scroll at an ultra-smooth 50fps. It's the outrageously cute sprites, from a wide variety of games, that everyone will adore. Your computer will require a Blitter coprocessor, which is not a problem for the Atari STe and Falcon, but the original ST models are outta luck (unless you have a later revision or a Mega ST).
Musically, Supa Zazai is great but different depending on your hardware: an unnerving chip rattles ST players, whereas the STe gets exhilarating streamed audio (both brilliant). As instructed, pump up the volume!
It looks and sounds fantastic, is what I'm saying about this Blitter-boosted game...
50fps action through, and just look at that huge sprite. Impressive, to say the least!!
The CryptO'pinion?
What a journey!! It's nothing like I initially imagined, yet it lived up to my expectations at the same time, which is weird. Arcade fans are going to drool over their keyboards because this shooter is fast, fun, thrilling, and addictive. Quite simply, Supa Zazai Da is an exhilarating game with gorgeous aesthetics.
I hope Templeton has many more Atari STe games in the pipeline, I really do.
Mario's Quest was released in 1993 by Dean Sharples of Silly Software and is a Hunchback clone. However, this time we're an unofficial clone of that ridiculous Italian plumber, but the gameplay remains pretty much the same. The screens feature lots of tricky jumps, pesky platforms, and annoying arrows trying to kill you.
I adore the humble visuals, which use a cool 8-bit theme, and the music is superb, too. However, the controls are far too sensitive, so judging exactly where a platform ends - without falling to your death - is nigh on impossible. With a little tinkering to its code, I'm sure Dean could transform this into a belting platformer.
However, Mario's Quest is one of the most frustrating games I've played. An infuriating game!
Fractal Landscape Generator was developed by David Billington, who offers us an opportunity to develop mountainous worlds. Now, it's worth stopping to read the disk's doc file before you do anything else, because of an excellent mini-guide. I know, I know, nobody reads the manual... but you should this time!
Creating a brand-new rugged landscape is extremely easy thanks to the fantastic user interface. Not only that, the results can be produced and viewed quickly, even on an 8MHz computer. Thankfully, the program made great use of my 16MHz Mega STe, which is superb. Hatari's versatile speed will be a huge bonus!
The 3D part was initially difficult to grasp but don't give up - keep on tinkering and you'll grasp it. Once you're happy, you can then add light-shading, alter various colour parameters, and increase the detail level. Heck, you can even animate a fly-by through your newly created world.
Dabbling in 16-bit creation was fun, and it's impressive to see what wonders I could knock out. To think I found it by chance: Floppyshop ART-3647. It's a nice feeling to find something "new", and this is a great program to get started in fractal landscaping. Give it a go and let me know what you think in the comments!
Sometimes a game doesn't need a long-winded storyline, puzzles, or life-sucking RPG elements. Sometimes all you want is a huge mother of a weapon (with unlimited ammo, of course) and lots of baddies in need of urgent annihilation. Be happy because Dinamic's AMC fits the bill with lots of gratifyingly brutal violence!
This multi-level scrolling shoot 'em up involves nothing more than walking through grim alien landscapes and hammering the fire button to kill everything in sight. Upgradeable weapons use a directional-firing technique, and our marine can crouch and leap high into the air (with wiggly legs). We are equipped with powerful bombs, which are needed when the main gun isn't effective. (tip: perhaps you can drop a few into a crater)
The aliens are an obscene bunch of misfits ranging from man-eating plants to mechanoids that even Robocop would run away from. Don't get close to the unassuming caterpillars, these will suddenly grow in size - with teeth!! I think AMC has some of the best enemies, and the monstrously huge Guardian proves it.
Technically, AMC could have been better; the scrolling is somewhat lacking, and the landscapes look rather "unfinished". Thankfully, the joystick controls are excellent. However, it is awkward reaching for the keyboard to throw a bomb - especially when mechanoids are chasing. With a bit of spit and polish...
AMC is crude and predictable but thoroughly entertaining. It features great baddies, crunchy sounds, and loads of action. I loved it, and being an Astro Marine is ace because it’s fantastic killing alien scumbags!
Dan Wilga has released NeoDesk and Geneva as freeware, downloaded directly from the Gribnif website. I've quickly run through a test installation (within Hatari), and it worked without a hitch. My next project is to install this onto my Mega STe and get this amazing operating system running from an SD Card.
What a fantastic opportunity this is, but please don't forget to donate whatever you can. I would love to see your NeoDesk screenshots! Let me know what you guys think of Geneva/NeoDesk in the comments below...
Killing Machine is a vertically scrolling shooter by Atlantis Software released in 1992. We're on a remote planet controlled by a giant brain that identifies your sassy spaceship as an invading bacterium: vermin that needs to be wiped out!! The battlefield spans three levels with lots of kamikaze enemies out for blood.
The first thing that struck me was the graphics, which are uniquely colourful using a sweet palette. The smooth scrolling is slow and steady, with impressive enemy sprites zipping across the screen. Sound effects go beyond mere bleeps for some rather raspy samples, and that grunge works well and suits the style.
Killing Machine is brutal and requires lots of practice before you get close to beating the first level. That learning curve is nothing less than painful. Keep at it - collecting the power-ups and learning the enemy attack patterns is a must. Or you die a suckers death. This isn't the best shooter, but it's still loads of fun.
Rambo III, released by Ocean Software, is an overhead shooter similar to others like Into the Eagle’s Nest. I’m thrilled to finally own this game, which boasts impressive Hollywood artwork and a great back cover, too. So I decided to take a picture of both and double up on our love for movie legend Sly Stallone.
Sly Stallone plays our musclebound action hero, about to infiltrate a Soviet base holding Colonel Trautman captive. Our mission spans three levels: the first involves rescuing Trautman, followed by our escape. The final level is a shooting gallery reminiscent of Operation Wolf. Before you ask, the first part is the best.
Let's see a couple of screenshots, starting with the outstanding title screen...
I can't help but admire this superb screen. Yes, it is superb!!
Okay, we're in. Grab your knife because it's time to kick ass!!
Run. Shoot. Kill everything!
The gameplay on the first two levels is somewhat reminiscent of Gauntlet, but it’s not the same. Ironically, running around like Johnny Rambo will get you killed! Instead, carefully explore the complex, searching for the safest route. You’ll also need items like health, ammo, and infrared goggles to detect the invisible booby traps. Watch your health displayed using a meter that older games will find nicely (ahem) familiar.
Since each room is entered "blindfolded", always be cautious (ie, not shown until entered). Otherwise, the Russians will gang up and beat Sly. Yup, enemies occupy most rooms, but feel more like automated drones than the Soviet elite. They robotically patrol back and forth, unaware of your presence until you suddenly appear in their line of sight. Watch their movements and habits. If you get seen, an alarm sounds, and nearby soldiers come. Don’t be deterred by these tough soldiers who are creatures of habit.
This isn’t a run-of-the-mill Gauntlet rip-off; careful tactics are essential. Play more like the real US Army Special Forces than Hollywood claptrap. My only complaints are trying to memorise the massive map, which can easily lead to getting lost. I also think that there should be more collectables to help. But I'm entering into the territory of, "Steve's a bad gamer"! And yes, I doubt I’ll ever reach the third stage without a cheat!
I hear you cry for more screenshots! It’s nice getting feedback... Here you go…
Tread carefully because most rooms are heavily guarded with many tunnelled-vision soldiers!
These guys will patrol back and forth, so be slow and make sure you don't set off the alarms.
But is it any good?
I understand why Rambo III didn’t win over most reviewers back in the day. It’s Marmite - you’ll either love it or hate it. Despite its flaws, I think it’s fantastic. While it resembles Gauntlet, it’s totally different and more akin to our version of The Great Escape. Stealth is key, so prepare to spend hours sneaking (and mapping). Rambo III is challenging and tactical first and foremost, with arcade action as a secondary element.
Understand the type of game you're playing, and you’ll love it - I certainly do.
I received my latest "Atari Games" mug by Peter Jørgensen (Enduro Racer / YMT). No, they're not all the same, just scroll down for the reverse side. These cups are superb, and it's so kind of Peter to send them. The mouse mat was a gift from my mate Tom, another ST nutter. Both Peter and Tom made the ZombieCrypt mug - probably because they were blown away by that slideshow I released last year. Hmm, probably not lol.
My greetings, Peter/Tom - nothing is better than suppin' coffee from these mugs!! 😎
KillThings, by Orm of Digi Tallis, is a 3D first-person shooter similar to something like Wolfenstein. Alas, it was never finished, but it is still very playable, and I'm impressed by the speed of its 3D engine, which is both fast and fluent. What's more, is the mapping screen which works just like the one in Doom - love it!!
Sadly, there are no audio effects and little to do other than wander stark corridors looking for a bug-eyed stickman to kill. Still, the potential is staggering when you think about what's completed for this unfinished version. Interestingly, there is a level editor if you're feeling bravely creative. Go on, I dare ya.
Let's check out a couple of screenshots of the map and level editor...
The game's mapping function works like a dream, much like we saw in Doom!
Why not design your own levels using the editor?
The CryptO'pinion?
KillThings was never going to replace Wolfenstein or Substation, but I'm fascinated by oddities like this lurking within our archives. I'm impressed by the hopes and dreams of what this developer wanted to create back in the day. It's a shame his idea died before it was completed. The 'readme' explains a great deal.
But fear not, we have this demo, which is neat and shows what might have been if completed. It's rather cool and can be downloaded from their website, along with the level editor and much more.
I hope that one day, Orm gets back to this project because it's funky cool with massive potential.
When my hard disk decided to kick the bucket, I replaced it with an Ultrasatan. It's built like a tank and incredibly versatile and (obviously) silent - the old hard drive sounded like a Vulcan Bomber!! I could have bought CosmosEx/Gotek, but I would rather attempt open-heart surgery than risk cutting my Atari ST.
But what about games?? Not to worry, there are runnable disks thanks to Floppy Image Runner by Peter Putnik, who has adapted hundreds of games to load directly off the Ultrasatan. The D-Bug guys have converted loads of games with stunning menus and cheats - I wish they'd continue on as they are amazing.
I sure love my Ultrasatan, which is a superb clump of hardware and one I cannot recommend highly enough. Visit Lotharek's website for more information and lots of other goodies - get yourself one of these beasts!!
Goin' Down With The Captain was developed in GFA Basic by Terry King of Ninth Wave Software and must be one of the silliest titles since the robot monsters invaded. Or is it just me? Anyhow, imagine yourself as the unlucky cabinboy onboard a sinking ship who is running around for the lifebuoys. Can you help save him?
Collecting the lifebuoys is easy, but you must venture deep into the waters to find some scattered about the ship. Fetch them back to their hangers up on the top deck, but you are only able to carry a maximum of two at a time. Later levels will require multiple trips into Poseidon's realm. This is a frantic race against the clock!
Sounds interesting, right? Okay, let's take a look at a screenshot...
Leaky pipes, rising water, and now a crab has sent us to heaven, ala Monty Mole!
This ain't no killing gameshow!
The flooding is constantly rising due to leaky pipes splurting out water. These can be patched with a sticky plaster, and some decks have pump levers to reduce water levels. Flooded decks can be accessed - if you hold your breath and use air bubbles to replenish oxygen. Any treasures you find are yours to keep, but beware of snippy crabs roaming the lower decks who love nipping at your toes. There's much going on, but it never feels OTT.
The joystick controls are incredible, with responsive movements and no learning curve. Oh, and using the levers is an entertaining moment that brought back memories of Decathlon, albeit waggling up & down!!
It's fun and very hectic - trust me! Hey, I think it's time for another screenshot...
Some levels are a little more puzzling with lifebuoys hidden behind locked doors...
Cheap & cheerful
The graphics aren't exactly Bitmap Bros standard, but they do their job, albeit with the occasional slowdown. Scrolling is great, and I have massive admiration for the palette - especially when underwater.
The audio is in stereo on the Atari STe, but I'd much rather have the crisp YM chip over poor-quality samples. Yep, the music and sound effects are made from low-quality samples, which I didn't care for. Hence, this is another reason why chiptunes are timeless compared to many MODs. Flame me all you like, but it's true.
Am I trying to start a fight? Bring it on, Commies! No, let's chill with another screenshot...
Remember, not every door needs to be unlocked - so use your keys wisely before you drown!
The CryptO'pinion?
This is an oddball with more than a hint of a certain other action platformer. I enjoyed the gameplay style; it's fantastic with many interesting ideas. In fact, it's downright silly at times, but you won't mind one bit. Ignore the weak visuals and fuzzy audio because the gameplay is top-notch, and that's what matters.
Going Down With The Captain is challenging, addictive, and one of the best PD games I've played.
After drooling over Sinister Development's Centipede, there seemed to be little reason to play any other version. Stupidly, I skipped Robert Dytmire's Megapede without giving it a second thought. Thankfully, I came to my senses and went back to it. I'm glad I did because this is nothing less than a fantastic homebrew effort with exhilarating gameplay featuring bosses, extra swarms, level-select, and support for adults or kids. The audio is great, and I adore the clunky 8-bit style with comically cute sprites and enormous mushrooms.
Don't be an idiot, like I was, this is a fantastic millipede conversion!!
