Andrei Ellman of Wacko Software created a game made from three classic genres: Pong, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man. This release is different because all three games are playable at the same time. Yep, you heard correctly!
Pong is controlled by holding the fire button and moving up/down. Pac Man is initially quite confusing so read the docs within the download! Space Invaders is easy, left/right moves and pushing up/down fires the gun.
The controls are odd and things get very weird when trying to play everything at once! However, there's only so much my tiny brain could cope with and I found that I could play two games at once. But not three, I had no chance!! Visually, it works well but, if you're struggling to see things properly, then you can alter each game's appearance using the numeric pad. Also, there's an option to invert colours which makes everything look ugly but it's much better on the eyes.
I think Andrei was one crazy, mixed-up kid who had a good laugh when coding this. Don't take it too seriously and practice with the controls because Video Games 1 is ridiculously entertaining. You will love this maddening nightmare!!
The excellent Universal Item Selector by Application & Design Software was released in the UK by ST Club. The Atari ST is blessed with a small, but great, selection of replacement file selectors and UIS is the best. Only this weekend, I trudge through a folder containing over 100 tracker mods, deciding which ones to keep or delete. It was mad so I installed UIS which made the job 100x easier because of its integrated tools.
This is a game with few friends: Navy Seals is deceiving and, first impressions, are of an arcade-style platformer. However, this Ocean gem is anything but a typical run and gun 'em. It's more ruthless and requires stealth, strategy, and tactics. Extreme perseverance is the order of the day because this game requires a committed player willing to spend many hours mastering the levels. No spare time? Then don't bother!
Taking down scumbag terrorists is all part of the job when you're a member of the US Navy SEALS. The mission requires us to sneak into the lion's den, kill everyone, and plant explosives to destroy their stockpile of missiles. Each map is a layout of platforms within a maze of trigger-happy bad guys.
Use covert tactics - so play slowly and carefully to learn the enemy's location. Many practice games will be required to plan the best route from start to end, this is vital and the only way to successfully complete the mission. This is not easy so will not appeal to a casual gamer - who will run away crying!
Let's take a look at the first screenshot with gorgeous details and colour palette...
I love the layout of the first level. This is an absolutely fantastic retro gaming design!
Aesthetics
Navy Seals is a babe with gorgeous graphics that ooze a style I admire. I love the beautiful character animation as you run, leap, climb and sneak about. Each level compliments the environment and feels like something from a movie, a cheesy 80s B-movie! Heck, even the screen showing me dead is great. Yep, I said that.
Sound effects do their job well and the music is an excellent chiptune to bop along to. Liking it a lot!!
Hey, it's time for a screenshot. How about one you will see a lot? Here you go...
Don't expect to beat this game on your first attempt. Or second. Or third. It's rather hard!
The CryptO'pinion?
This is such a difficult game but I found myself enjoying the challenge. Each level requires the player to learn all aspects thoroughly, so don't expect a cakewalk. There are two drawbacks to Navy Seals: the time limit which is harsh. And I don't understand why Ocean didn't include a way to unlock each level with passwords?
Navy Seals won't appeal to the casual gamer as it requires much playtime with strategic planning to figure out an efficient route through - before the dreaded timer expires. Can you do it? I hope so because Navy Seals is a rewarding game albeit brutal. In fact, brutal might be too namby-pamby a description for this?
Gamers were tougher in the 80s and 90s. Navy Seals proves that!
Hard drive installable versions are available from both D-Bug and 8bitchip.
