Leviathan

Fly, dodge, shoot, die!

Leviathan is a Zaxxon-inspired isometric shooter released in 1987 by English Software. Interestingly, this is one of the oldest Atari ST games that I own, even if it narks me. Yep, every time I attempt to play it, I get nowhere. Either I'm crashing into the landscape, or some alien smashes into me kamikaze style!

The box is one of those squishy DM types that never lasts long, but I admit, mine is in good condition considering. The back cover has an incredible line, "A space shoot 'em up to end all space shoot 'em ups!". That's a bold statement if ever there was one, and it makes you wonder if it's true. Anyhow, if you wanna see some professionally-captured photographs of my box, then scroll down past this amazing review.

So the storyline is pretty thin, but it takes place over three different planetary zones in the darkness of space. Now, I'll only ever get to see the first one, but they are: Moonscape, Cityscape and Greekscape. As you might have guessed, each is stuffed with aliens that need blasting into smithereens.

Let's see a couple of screenshots from this Zaxxon wannabe? Of course, you do...

Shall I try to shoot the boxy aliens? Or race off in the hope that I might flee to safety?

I must admit, the landscapes are quite desolate but still superb in both look and design.

Let's play

Leviathan blatantly rips off the Zaxxon idea, but it features a few differences and additional "improvements". From what (ahem) little I've seen, we pilot a plane armed to the teeth with a rapid-firing laser gun. There are also a few smart bombs that should only be used as a last resort when things get tough.

Skimming across the diagonally scrolling landscape isn't easy. Aliens appear in waves with an uncanny knack for getting underfoot, and I found this aspect difficult. Quick reactions are required to beat the alien formations, but there is often little room to manoeuvre thanks to the terrain, which isn't flat or dormant. So that presents its own challenge because I am either being beaten by the alien horde or smashing into a chimney!

The joystick controls are fairly similar to Zaxxon - altitude can be changed by pushing up/down. Minimum speed can be increased by holding down fire and pushing up/down. Strafing the ship left/right isn't possible, and instead, the ship will turn itself in that direction, which takes time and leaves you vulnerable.

The status bar details score, fuel, smart bombs, the next wave of incoming aliens, and (groan) a timer. Also, there are two arrows for the alien's location - this means we can head backwards and aren't restricted to flying forward. However, that presents a fistful of new problems trying to safely fly backwards!

If you're copying an idea, don't try to be clever by "improving" it. As shown here...

Argh, massive floating eyes in space, but it's too tough trying to shoot when moving sideways!!

The unnecessary fuel top-ups clutter up the game further. Well, if you survive long enough!

Aesthetics

From the title screen to the smooth scrolling, Leviathan looks fantastic. Each level uses a cosmic design that I really liked. Of course, I had no chance of seeing the later levels, but I loved the rocky, industrial landscapes I played. The aliens are often bright and colourful, so they stand out from the stark backdrops.

The audio fares well and begins with a sampled tune that isn't too bad, I guess. Then again, a 16-year-old me in 1987 would have been chuffed at its ambition. Today, I'm not a big fan and much prefer chip tunes, especially as this is by Mr Whittaker. Thankfully, the effects are crisp and zesty, so suits the gameplay dandy.

Let's see more screenshots before the gripping conclusion of this pointless ripoff...

Ugh, why did the ship need to turn like that? Totally unnecessary. Hate it!

Is anyone a fan of ZZ Top? Got a Rough Boy feel about this? Fans will see it.

 

The CryptO'pinion?

Leviathan should have been an addictive shooter full of thrills. The graphics are superb, and I liked the concept of clearing each level of its aliens. Sadly, the overly complicated joystick controls make the game that much more difficult. Whoever decided that the ship should physically turn instead of strafing should be shot!

This could have been great, but I'm genuinely gutted to find an Atari ST game that I dislike so much. I’m open to opinions, but I’m also worried it might just be me who’s rubbish because Leviathan might actually be fantastic. Could this possibly be true? Hmm, let me know what you guys think in the comments below...

Before viewing the glorious box art, here are the downloads: floppy disk and hard drive.

I have the American version, which is in better condition than my photography skills show.

Guess how many planetary zones I got to see... Go on, guess!

36 years later, the disk still works... I must remember that when selling on eBay!

I wonder how many filled this in? I should give it a bash and see if they're still alive lol

It's small, but it's a great manual. Hang on, Commodore 64! Whaaaaat?

Geeky memories

The biggest games club in the world

Today I was going through a few games from my collection, deciding what I should keep or (sigh) get rid of. Apparently, there's only so much space a married man is allowed for this "old junk", as she calls it. She's a cruel woman!

Anyhow, inside one of my game boxes was a flyer from Special Reserve - these guys were superb and sold many discounted Atari ST games. I've not seen this advert before, so it was an exciting find for this old man. I remember joining them and getting many great deals that our one-and-only local computer shop couldn't compete with. I think I was a member until the mid-90s when our gaming era was drawing to a close. A sad time, but with many mega-cheap deals!

You know, I absolutely love finding geeky stuff like this! It makes my day and is going up on my ST Wall because it's something to treasure! Does anyone else remember this catalogue company? Let me know in the comments below.

Oddly, there were two copies of the same flyer inside my game box - I'll freely send the other to anyone who is interested in this tiny slice of ST history (sorry, UK only). I've taken a few photographs...

Can you imagine ringing their helpline for a game like Dungeon Master or another RPG?

Rubbish! All games worked on the Atari STe. Well, if you used a menu disk hehe!

Even the then-new Atari Lynx gets a little support. I miss my Lynx...

The prices are pretty darn good. I'll take North & South, please!

The mega blaster sounds cool, especially with its steel shaft. Stop it!

Spikey in Transylvania

Lucky Eddie

Spikey is a Viking who crash-lands near a village called Transylvania after suffering horrendous weather conditions in the North Sea. He has no weapon or shield, but has kept hold of his helmet. Weirdly, his shipmates have been rounded up and locked away in a dungeon - so it's our job to free them. Thankfully, the cell keys have been scattered about in different places. All we have to do is find them and free our comrades.

Is it just me, or does Spikey look an awful lot like Hägar the Horrible? Anyhow, Spikey in Transylvania comes from the same Code Masters stable as the Dizzy series, so it's hardly surprising that it looks familiar for both gameplay and visuals. Released in 1991 and programmed by Dave Clarke, who, sadly, didn't seem to do a lot more for the ST. That's a shame, because I've got a sneaky feeling this is a good game.

Wanna see screenshots of the earlier puzzles? Of course, you do! So gander at this lot...

Farmer Piles!!! It's like something from a Carry On movie. Brilliant!

The pixel art in this room is amazing. Love the cauldron, the wizard, and the king's painting!

So what's the plan?

Our adventure starts in a small village with a few houses, including a pub and a hungry farmer. After escaping from one of the houses, our task is to gain entrance to the castle where our friends are held captive. Surely an impossibility, as it's guarded by a mean soldier (bribe him?). If you've played any of the Dizzy games before, then you will know what to expect as you help Spikey scour rooms for discarded prison keys.

Things begin simply and, if I'm honest, remain simple throughout. For example, the first puzzle is escaping from a house - the front door has no handle, and there is a doorknob on the floor. This is the difficulty level for most puzzles, and I enjoyed it because I dislike baffling or vague clues and pointless solutions.

So, that's the difficulty, which isn't bewildering but entertaining. It's time for more screenshots...

I wanted to take this screenshot as the dog approached to take a bone. But he was quicker than me!

Bored, eh? I think he needs a Walkman to listen to. Showing my age now, right?

Explore, examine, scrutinise!

Once inside the castle, it's a myriad of mazes, but nothing too overwhelming. Getting around is easy and, once again, there are puzzles to solve, but nothing mind-blowing. For example, a drink for a thirsty guard, ghosts will flee from the Cross, and you should wear Wellington boots in the mud. The only puzzle I failed to instantly solve was with the cannon, which was dead simple and something I didn't even consider!

Walking around the village and castle areas is never too troubling, but there are still some dangers to look out for. Spikey only has four lives, and each has a finite amount of energy that depletes when coming into contact with soldiers, rats, ghosts, dripping acid, etc. Sadly, health replenishment is scarce, with only the odd pieces of chicken or bread left lying about. Stay clear of rotten foods that will make Spikey feel a lot worse.

Unlike the adventures Dizzy endured, Spikey can walk left/right but cannot jump. Instead, he moves diagonally in/out of the screen. Sadly, you can occasionally get stuck on objects or walls. The inventory is a cinch, just hold fire and move up/down to pick up/drop and left/right to select what object. Dropping most objects near another character will solve that puzzle, as they will automatically collect them and reward you.

It's never a bad idea to venture into a pub. Check out these beer swiggers...

The local Wetherspoon! My kinda place. But then everyone stops and stares at me! Creepy.

Hmm, weren't there some gloves carelessly left lying about?

Aesthetics

The graphics are by Jonathan Smyth, who also did Cj in the USA and Cj's Elephants Antics. They are gorgeous with a colourful cartoon design. The backdrops are good, but it's the characters that feature stunning details - I love the beady-eyed rats who watch Spikey. Sadly, there is little animation, which, I'm not bothered about, but it would have been nice to see a roaring fireplace rather than a static flame.

The audio fares differently, with a choice of chip music or sound effects (selected on the title screen). The music is by Ashley Hogg (who worked on Cj in the USA and Cj's Elephants Antics) and is superb. Sadly, there is only that one tune which loops around constantly during play. If you opt for sound effects, then you shall hear Spikey's footsteps along with a ding when interacting with objects. And that's that.

A shipmate is trapped, so hurry up and find all the other keys! Then everyone can party...

This is one of many cells holding our mates. Simple task - find the keys!

This is the end screen - just to prove I did it!! Sorry for the spoiler :p

The CryptO'pinion?

I have thoroughly enjoyed Spikey in Transylvania! However, it's not a big adventure, and there isn't enough food available to replenish his energy. Also, the puzzles are easy (even for me), and I completed the entire thing in a couple of hours! I can't imagine fans of Dizzy, Spellbound, or Stormlord will be impressed by that.

Ignoring my quibbles, this is extremely enjoyable and incredibly addictive. So I loved the progress I made right from the start. The puzzles are logical without any irritatingly pointless solutions, which meant I continued on. So how can I say anything terrible about a game that gave me so much pleasure? I cannot.

• Before you view my map (click it), grab this puzzler on a floppy or a hard drive.

Don't be a muppet, click the image thumbnail to download the hi-res version.

Hey, click this link for loads more ST game maps.