Kev vs Bolda
Before we begin, please note that this is the two-level demo version. Sadly, the complete (registered) version seems to have vanished into the digital ether, like a floppy disk’s lost soul forgotten to time. Perhaps Ben has a disk locked away in his attic? My fingers are crossed!
This is a typical platformer with many pitfalls and even the odd puzzle to solve using keys and teleporters. The graphics are as bold as the sound samples, and we have many cute creatures to kill. Our journey will eventually lead to a crude end-of-level fight with a deranged-looking Bolda. This sounds like a typical platformer, but that’s what I love about the STs shareware and PD scene: there’s always something great to play!
Let's take a look at the first colourful screenshot...
There are many baddies, but watch out for the green alien things - I hate those!
Gameplay
Any platformer needs responsive controls that blend well with the mechanics of the game, and this works great. Kev can leap into the air and change direction as he falls back down - this is superb and helps avoid many pitfalls. I love how agile Kevin's movements are as he leaps and explores through each room.
Also, there are a few neat touches that help provide a little feedback. For example, you'd better keep this Krazy Kid busy; otherwise, he complains that he's bored using a speech bubble. Actually, that bubble is also used to indicate whenever Kev's hurt. Along with any items/power-ups he has collected.
Look out for special floor panels that are randomly placed in most rooms. Stepping on one will reward you with extra points or a smart bomb that kills everything on-screen. However, this reward is totally random and may cause something negative - like a rockslide, alert a gang of baddies to your location, or reverse the controls (argghhh, that one is so annoying). Are you ready to take a chance?
Also, you'll find lots of bonuses scattered throughout the rooms that offer a variety of features:
- QuintStar contains the value of five individual stars.
- Aurora Of Invincibility provides temporary invulnerability from everything but spikes.
- Hero Head ... well, don't get too excited because it's a 1UP!!
- Power Heart boosts Kevin's health.
- Sands Of Time adds to the ever-decreasing time limit.
- Oh, and Kevin's partial to playing arcade games!! :)
It's time for another screenshot! This piccy features our beloved Katherine and the nasty Bolda...
Shoot Bolda in the face to save your girlfriend from this fiend!
Aesthetics
I love the old 8-bit blocky look, which has a clear and concise design in each room. It might look crudely cute, but there's no visual clutter, so the enemies are easily visible, objects aren't accidentally missed, and so on. The sprites are ace and comical; it's obvious Ben spent most of his time getting these just right.
I love the old 8-bit blocky look, which has a clear and concise design in each room. It might look crudely cute, but there's no visual clutter, so the enemies are easily visible, objects aren't accidentally missed, and so on. The sprites are ace and comical; it's obvious Ben spent most of his time getting these just right.
The audio is excellent, with tons of samples used throughout the game. However, Kev's World isn't using the Atari STe's DMA hardware. This means the playback feels like it's pushing STOS to its limits. Don't get me wrong, I love the effects, but the YM chip would have been a better option to avoid slowdown.
Games like this prove the Atari ST has/had a fantastic PD scene. Here's the final screenshot...
Argh, that damn Bolda!! My girlfriend is (slowly) whisked off once again!!
The CryptO'pinion?
I love Kev’s World for its classic/old school/8-bit-style gameplay. The joystick controls are superbly responsive, and the additional bonuses, smart bombs, and other neat surprises really set it apart from other budget platformers. However, the speed of STOS suffers when samples are played. I wish there were a way to use the STe’s DMA hardware or simply replace the samples with zesty YM sound effects.
Yup, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this two-level demo and would have bought it in the mid-90s. It’s a fantastic platformer, and I hope Ben finds the full-registered version soon. We absolutely need to play it!
- The demo of Kev's World can be downloaded for either a floppy or a hard disk.
- Update: I have fully mapped the demo's two levels. Click here to download my hi-res maps!
- I interviewed Ben, which you can check out by clicking here. Go on, click it!
Completed!! I made 12th place and even beat Metallica. Can you beat me?
