Berzerk

Let's go way back...

I needed a game that compensated for the horror I just suffered playing (Platform Capers). So, Dave Munsie has rushed to my rescue with his adaptation of the 8-bit classic, Berzerk. However, I admit I had my fingers crossed when first loading - hoping it didn't suck compared to the great 2600/5200 games!!

We are the wobbly stickman intruder running through randomly generated rooms, killing robots. Interestingly, these robot guys are a mixed bunch - some dumb enough to fry themselves on the electrified walls, whilst others are amazingly accurate shooters. Try to kill them and collect the bonus reward; otherwise, you're called a chicken!! Otto is fearless and only too eager to rear his smiley mug and chase you across the screen.

Some (those under 40) might scoff at the boring blocky graphics. I appreciate that they aren't spruced up to ST standards, but that would have ruined the authenticity. Also, I treasure the speech synthesis, which is spot-on perfect and makes me grin like the Cheshire Cat. "Chicken, fight like a robot" -this is fantastic!

Berzerk is one of the best 8-bit conversions I have ever played. An easy 10/10 from me!!

What an easy decision it was to award this game with the AtariCrypt SMASH accolade.

Download the floppies @ Atarilegend

Shoot those angry robots before they shoot you!

Then again, some will kill themselves cos they're stoopid!

Platform Capers

My ST has turned into a 2600!

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, but 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 feel it's all down to the small jump, which needed to last a bit longer. It's so unforgiving. I find myself loving and hating Platform Capers in equal measure.

Deskpic

Dump the green

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.