Mad Professor Mariarti

Another nutty professor!

Professor Mariarti is a 5-level platformer in whacky laboratories that range from a biological lab to futuristic space rocket development. However, as a result of some 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 also grown body parts, like eyes and legs.

Hmm, yeah I think we better fix this problem and clear out the various 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 there are many strange creatures populating the rooms, lots of hazards to avoid, and many puzzles to solve. Don't worry, these puzzles aren't exactly mind-blowing and are often as simple as flicking a switch. However, there are some puzzles that will require a little more thought - take a look at the massive pressure chamber which is lethal without first wearing a divers helmet. I love cunning puzzles like that.

The baddies are a most interesting bunch and quite humorous. Sadly, the slightest contact will zap energy and potentially kill you. It seems nothing you do will permanently kill them - use your trusty collection of greasy spanners and kaboom they've gone but, seconds later, they are back for more. Argh, they are evil and relentless!!

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

Let's pause the reading and view more screenshots. Looks like I'm in the loony bin...

The CryptO'pinion?

Mad Professor Mariarti is challenging and addictive with bucketloads of personality. Some of the puzzles are a little too vague and obscure but you'll soon get how this platformer works. Recommend only if you enjoy a platformer that requires a little more effort from the old grey matter. But you will need lots of spare time to get the most from it.

Overall, not something I would usually go for but this is a good game and I enjoyed Professor Mariarti a bunch.

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 another 8-Bit platformer by Lothlorien called Chuckie Egg 2. This made me incredibly happy because I love the ZX Spectrum original and I even spent hundreds (thousands?!) of hours exploring and mapping its immense and whacky world that was fascinating.

Let's cut to the chase - the Atari ST conversion is awful. Okay, I guess it looks and sounds better but the gameplay is completely different because it doesn't feel anything like the original whatsoever. In fact, the controls are diabolical so guiding Harry around any room is nigh on impossible. His movements are way too fast and they altered the basic mechanics of jumping too. You know, I expected some differences but this is a joke beyond anything I imagined.

This is a car wreck of a game!! A terrible port of what was originally brilliant. Terrible is the word!! 😡

It's not recommended but, if you're feeling stupid and wanna play this game, then the floppies can be found using Old Games Finder. A hard drive installable game can be found over at 8BitChip.

Jet Set Willy

Willy is back!

Who still plays the Willy platformers on their retro 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 if I'm brutally honest as we missed out on a classic.

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

Actually, the Atari ST game was completed but simply not released. Until now! The screenshots you can see are of the Atari ST game, a perfect replica of the original. Yep, it fully mimics the same gameplay style without unnecessary bloatware "improvements". This means it plays, looks, sounds and "feels" just as you remember playing in 1984.

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? Perhaps it was just a side project to keep them busy.

Wait, are you disappointed how the Atari ST game looks? Perhaps you expected better 16-bit aesthetics with more detail & colour?? Stop, slap yourself right now!! Did you forget about our version of Chuckie Egg II...

Okay, I should help Master 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?