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?