Monday, May 14, 2018

ST Globe




By 1999 we will be living on the moon!

In a time long ago, when there were no search engines, we had to read something called a "book". If we wanted to chat with friends then that would mean leaving the house to meet up - in person - for a real conversation. Crazy times, right? Well, I've found something cool that takes us back to this early disconnected age (that we loved to return to).

ST Globe was developed by Jean Pierre Cazes which you will find on the Page 6 website. I thought it was rather amusing (respectfully) but very interesting. It definitely put Encyclopædia Britannica to shame [ahem]. However, my daughter was having none of it and prefers to use Siri or Google. Sheesh, what's up with kids these days, uh?

Grab yourself ST Globe and pretend the Internet isn't real.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Capy






Crappy... Capy... Uh, what?

Capy is a spin on Sokoban and was released in 1998 for the Atari Falcon by YesCREW. We are a shiny ball that desires refuge on an 'exit' tile - usually located on the other side of the screen. Initial levels are easy and break you in nicely, but it soon gets tough, so careful thought is required to execute the correct route.

Interestingly, there is an option to create your own "worlds" in an Editor, but read the docs before jumping in at the deep end. This is a cool addition, and I hope somebody picks up the gauntlet and has a bash.

Take a look at these screenshot animations to get a feel of what to expect...






Sokoban in space

The goal is to guide the ball into a black hole exit. That may sound simple, but it's not... Well, it is based on Sokoban, so what did you expect? Anyhow, there are often obstacles in your way, routes that need to be followed correctly, and even the risk of falling into the gaping deep space that stands between you and your exit. So, take a moment to think about how you're going to get to your target as efficiently as possible.

Each screen uses different tiles in a variety of ways: push tiles can be moved almost anywhere and can allow access to other places by fixing holes. Be careful not to push them into a useless part of the map, and also don't get yourself trapped! Look out for cracked tiles that disintegrate after one use, thus altering your potential route. Sliders are fun and can transport you across the void easily, and Movable tiles have an arrow pointing in a one-way direction with which to travel. Don't forget to collect the goodies for extra points.

This game is a tough nut to crack, with each screen requiring logical thought and planning. My first stumbling block was on Level 6, which my old brain struggled with! This was mainly due to the time restriction (which isn't necessary), so it spoils what should be a difficult puzzler, played carefully. I asked Swe [Janez] if that could be removed, and it wasn't long before it was - and Capy got its first upgrade in 20 years!!

Okay, let's check out another animated screenshot from one of my games...







The CryptO'pinion?

I've had a blast playing Capy, but sadly, there just aren't enough levels for me. Thankfully, there is an editor, so perhaps I should pick up that gauntlet and take a stab at creating some of my own? Also, the timer was a problem for me that been removed, so I can now enjoy Capy to its full potential without rushing.

Capy is an odd spin on the Sokoban genre, but it works. I'm sure its cunning levels will have you stumped for ages! Capy is fresh and addictive, using a beautiful style and presentation. The levels are fascinatingly cruel to solve, and I love it. A fantastic puzzler, and I hope it gets an ST conversion, soon!

Capy has humble requirements:
a Falcon with a VGA @ 640x480/16 colours.

My download contains the original and the newly updated "Crypt" version!

My greetings to Janez :)



One day I'll get to see this screen for myself. One day...

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

Galactic Conqueror





STress relief!!

Sometimes I need to keep my life simple and take time to enjoy blowing stuff up. This is Galactic Conqueror, published in 1988 by Titus. This is a personal favourite of mine because it grants stress-busting, wanton violence without any hassle. No life-sucking storyline - shoot everything and enjoy the pointless destruction!

That's as complex as it gets - pick up the joystick to mindlessly destroy everything. It's a wicked mash of Buck Rogers: Planet of Zoom, Afterburner, and Thunder Blade. Okay, it's not perfect, but it's excellent fun, and that's what matters most. Highly recommended, especially after a "great day" at work (yes, sarcasm!!).

Play this game to blast away the stress from your rat race. A fantastic shooter!!

Download this awesome space shooter now!

Random ATARI ST articles from the archives