Mario's Quest was released in 1993 by Dean Sharples of Silly Software and is basically a Hunchback clone. However, this time we're an unofficial clone of that ridiculous Italian plumber but the gameplay remains pretty much the same. The screens feature lots of tricky jumps, pesky platforms or annoying arrows trying to kill you.
I adore the humble visuals which use a cool 8-bit design and the music is superb too. However, the controls are far too sensitive so judging exactly where a platform ends - without falling to your death - is nigh on impossible.
Sadly, Mario's Quest is one of the most frustrating games I have played. An infuriating platformer!
Fractal Landscape Generator was developed by David Billington who offers us an opportunity to develop mountainous worlds. Now, it's worth stopping to read the disk's doc file before you do anything else - because of an excellent mini-guide. I know, I know, nobody reads the manual... but you should this time!
Making a brand new rugged landscape is extremely easy thanks to the fantastic user interface. Not only that, the results can be produced and viewed quickly, even on an 8MHz computer. Thankfully, the program made great use of my 16MHz Mega STe which is superb. The versatile speeds of Hatari will be a huge bonus!
The 3D part was initially difficult to grasp but don't give up - keep on tinkering and you'll grasp it. Once you're happy, you can then add light-shading, alter various colour parameters, and increase the detail level. Heck, you can even animate a fly-by through your newly created world.
Dabbling in 16-bit creation was fun and it's impressive to see what wonders I could knock out. To think I found it by chance: Floppyshop ART-3647. It's a nice feeling to find something "new" and this is a great program to get started in fractal landscaping. Give it a go and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Sometimes a game doesn't need a longwinded storyline, puzzles, or life-sucking RPG elements. Sometimes all you want is a huge mother of a weapon (with unlimited ammo, of course) and lots of baddies in need of urgent annihilation. Be happy because Dinamic's AMC fits the bill with lots of gratifyingly brutal violence!
This multi-level scrolling shoot 'em up involves nothing more than walking grim alien landscapes to hammer down the fire button to kill everything in sight. Upgradeable weapons use a directional-firing technique and our marine can crouch and leap high into the air (with wiggly legs). We are equipped with powerful bombs, which are needed when the main gun isn't effective. (tip: perhaps you can drop a few into the crater?)
The aliens are an obscene bunch of misfits ranging from man-eating plants to mechanoids that even Robocop would run away from. Don't get close to the unassuming caterpillars, these will suddenly grow in size - with teeth!! I think AMC has some of the best enemies and the monstrously huge Guardian proves it.
Technically, AMC could have been better as the scrolling could have been more energetic, plus the landscapes look rather "unfinished". Thankfully, the joystick controls are excellent. However, it is awkward reaching for the keyboard to throw a bomb - especially when mechanoids are chasing. With a bit of spit and polish...
AMC is crude and predictable but it's thoroughly entertaining with great baddies, crunchy sound effects and tons of action. Loved it and being an Astro Marine is ace because it's fantastic killing alien scumbags!!
