Platform Capers was released in 1992 by Kay Downes for Budgie UK and has obvious 8-bit roots I'm instantly attracted to. Aesthetically, I feel it's a cross between Clod Hopper, Jumping Jack and Donkey Kong with adorable authentic graphics and sound effects. These transport me back to the early 80s when I was a kid sitting in my cold room in front of an old portable TV waiting for my Speccy to finish loading from tape.
The objective is simple, collect the keys on each level before exiting through the doorway. However, there is a myriad of frustratingly cunning enemies we need to avoid. Touch one and a life is lost as we go tumbling down the screen like a fat plumber. It's brilliant and classically old-school gameplay. However, it's very hard...
I believe there are 7 levels but I dare anyone to complete this game without resorting to a cheat!! At best, I have reach level 4. However, I more often than not, will struggle to complete level 3, if I'm honest. On bad days, I can struggle to beat level 2 and usually end up throwing the joystick down in temper!
Superbly programmed but the design is far too difficult. I love & hate Platform Capers in equal measure.
I was bored and converted a picture I found on the internet to 16 colours using Imagecopy 4. I figured it would make a great wallpaper background so I booted up Deskpic - which is on ST Format cover disk #60.
That's my rock and roll lifestyle. Yep. Anyhow, that's enough for today. STay Atari.
The Lost World was developed in 1989 by John Leather who, sadly, didn't find a publisher. The game is complete, except for the audio and he "only" managed to create half of the planned 100 levels. What a slacker, eh? I've always loved platformers of this ilk. It's obvious that John was inspired by various 8-Bit games with superb level names and a character that even walks quite similar to Master Willy, which I liked.
Well, cry no more because we can finally get to play this platformer - and with audio. Grazey has added an unreleased Mad Max chiptune that plays in the background. This ended the deafening silence and suited the gameplay too. So, I just had to tick this off my bucket list and take it for a spin.
Stop right there and take a look at this beautiful screenshot...
Just look at the intricate layout and design. You ain't gonna complete this on your first go!!
Let's begin!
The Lost World is very challenging and I struggled. The first screen is tough and it took me a few attempts before I beat it. Thankfully, this game is generous with many bonuses littered throughout along with stickmen for extra lives. Pressing the spacebar displays a dialogue of potential spells and potions for effects like invulnerability. Also, I love how each screen has a different name, like Pie Processing Plant!!
The controls are superb with simple movements that feel natural for a 2D platformer. You'll appreciate that because the level design is shrewd with hazards, be it a sharp object, sinking ledges or tricky jumps. Evil critters roam the screens and aren't limited to simply moving back 'n forth. Did I mention this is a tough platformer? Level two is actually easier but the third cranked up that difficulty once again. Sadly, I didn't beat 'The Locksmith' so I fear it's doubtful I'll be disappointed John didn't fulfil the plan to create more screens!
Perhaps I should try the level editor? Yep, if dozens of levels aren't enough for you, then why not create some using the in-game editor? That's quite exciting and the potential is huge!
Right then, I can sense you want another screenshots? Here you are then...
Whatever you do, don't forget the keys... What's the little man doing there?
Willy's mansion never looked this good!
The graphics are a true 16-bit spin on an 8-bit genre and lovely. Every screen is stuffed to the brim with incredible decor using intricate attention to detail. I love the colour schemes and the sprites are smooth.
Audio never made it into the original, making our Atari ST as loud as a ZX81. Thankfully, Grazey (Psycho Hacking Force) changed that so we can enjoy a fantastic Mad Max chiptune. It's brilliant, but I admit to missing sound effects for the jumping and collisions. I know, I'm being picky but I do miss those effects.
This is an 8-bitter hiding behind 16-bit graphics and I love it. Hey, it's screenshot time...
That purple flying monster is a pain in the £@$!! and killed me more than once!
The CryptO'pinion?
For a homebrew game, this is huge and I don't simply mean the number of levels. The creativity that went into its development is exquisite and there is always something new that keeps dragging you back. Sadly, it is hard so be warned!! Please, don't wimp out, learn the mechanics and beat its cruel learning curve.
When you do, you have a tremendous platformer. Step back in time and enjoy a great platformer!
