Every so often, I come upon something so ridiculous it's weirdly enjoyable. Well, today I found an absurd game called Worm which I can imagine was made for kids. Oddly enough, the big kid within me still found it very amusing. Worm was developed by Craig Graham of Data Uncertain Software and is a public domain release (shocker). The title screen says it was released in 1991 but the game files are time-stamped 1989 on my floppy disk so who knows... Maybe a default?
The story is, we're a worm called Ooey Gooey who is on a mission to save the world from an unnatural disaster. Yep, we have been invaded once again by monsters that threaten our very existence. These nasty creatures have they've taken all the worm's eggs so it's our job to rescue those before it's too late (hey, do worms actually lay eggs?).
Wow, I've just googled it and worms do indeed lay eggs!! On that note, I think we better see some screenshots...
The title screen oozes a professional presentation easily on par with the Bitmaps ;)
There is a designer used to create your own levels. Look what I've started making...Hmm!
Let's play
There are 25 whacky levels and each is displayed side-on like many platformers. Using the joystick, Ooey can crawl along the ground, ledges, and other objects looking for eggs. This isn't exactly mind-blowing but there are some located in high areas and worms cannot fly so how can we grab 'em? Well, it's a good job Ooey has a hidden gadget - a helicopter pack! This is actually pretty cool and he uses it to reach those dizzy heights no worm was ever designed to see.
Don't be too quick to rush off and collect the eggs because there are other items for points and helicopter fuel. Also, there are power-ups like extra lives, invulnerability, and ice - used to freeze both enemies and everything else. Once all the eggs are collected, we are automatically whisked onto the next room to repeat the task on a slightly tougher level.
Interestingly, the main menu has a scroller but it's incredibly lame!! However, it does mention about a possible cheat code "Craig Loves Andrea". Perhaps it's for the high score table or maybe a key combo? I didn't have any luck but YMMV. If anyone's still reading this review, then let me know in the comments below.
And that's about all there is to this bizarre game. It's dead simple to play and quite enjoyable in a terrible way...
Leave the title screen alone and you get to view the instructions.
The evil eyeball looks drunk!
The CryptO'pinion?
To be honest, there's not a whole lot to this game and its design feels very amateur with crude aesthetics. Weirdly, I actually found the concept humorous, and enough to warrant writing about it. I really admire what Craig was trying to achieve but sadly, the sprites are far too big and this also comes with a bunch of truly dreadful collision detection too.
Sadly, this spoilt what might have been a silly and childishly enjoyable game. Regardless, it's worth downloading especially if you have kids - who might need punishing for spending all your money and ruining your life. Whaaaat?
You can find this game and lots more over at Exxos' excellent Floppyshop archive (GAM-3341)
The ST is fast approaching its 40th birthday yet this old computer still manages to surprise me with something new. Recently, I rescued a floppy disk by Seventeen Bit Software called "Disk Magazine". It's labelled Membership 5000 which seems a little dubious being such a high number. Although I do wonder if that was the original owner's ID?
It appears 17BIT supported the ST for only about a year until late '89. They supplied commercial games for both the ST/Amiga platforms at a discount along with tons of public domain software too. Membership was required (free!) and that got you a regular disk magazine of which I found number #6. (cheers to Atarimania's Marko for all his help)
The disk boots to the GEM desktop with a hilarious wallpaper - are these the guys behind 17BIT? The contents are varied from utilities to a couple of Spectrum 512 images and also a megademo by XXX International. But the main reason was to advertise everything in their PD catalogue using a program by Andy Styles to browse through their stock.
I'm eager to find disks 1-5 along with anything else they produced. Sadly, I suspect the worst but I have hope that their other disks aren't lost in the void! If you know more or happen to have their disks laying about then get in touch. For now, at least no. 6 is safe because I've made a copy that you can download for either your Atari ST or emulator.
Wait! Before you go, check out these exciting photos and screenshots...
"That Bit Better Than The Rest", I really like their slogan!
This is where all the magic happens. Well...
QMOUSE is cool and I wonder how SPEEDDISK might perform?
One of the readme files. Gripped with excitement now, aren't ya?
XXX International Demo by XXX International (must have taken ages to choose the demo's title)
One of the Spectrum 512 images.
Their program allows you to slowly browse through everything they had in stock.
You all know of my love for the Atari ST/e computers? However, I stray to other machines but, don't panic I'm not talking about the Ameoba! No, a powerful 32-bit computer Atari should have had more success with - and released sooner. Yep, the Falcon which already has its own section here on my website.
Go on, be unique, and check that out!
The Abbey of the Dead, or more precisely, L'Abbaye Des Morts was originally by Locomalito & converted to the Falcon by Jo Even Skarstein (Joska). Earlier this year, Cote Gamers released the boxed version!
As you all know, I do not own a Falcon so am stuck in the virtual wastelands of emulation thanks to the (fabulous) program Hatari. Sadly, this great emulator doesn't appear to support 60Hz so the game suffers slowdown and problems with the sound volume. Have you seen the cost of a Falcon? Yeah, I can live with this performance hit until my pending lottery win comes through!
I think we need to see a couple of sexy Atari Falcon screenshots? Who's with me? Come on...
We begin with the Crusaders chasing us through the forest.
A couple of dangerous leaps in the windy woods and we make it to safety within the church!
So what's this game about?
It's an historical tale from the 13th century and somewhat disappointing thanks to humans being typically stupid. The Cathars, who preached Christian beliefs, were expelled from the Languedoc region of France by the Catholic Church. Sigh, I guess these people missed the point of what Jesus was teaching? Well, they treated the Cathars as heretics and banished them! If you're interested in more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albigensian_Crusade
Thankfully, one plucky monk managed to escape and, as he scarpered through the woods, he stumbled upon old church ruins. His name is Jean Raymond but he wasn't the luckiest guy because what he didn't reckon on was the evil lurking underneath the ruins. What are the chances of that? Anyhow, to exorcise this evil, he needs to find 12 crucifixes that have been scattered about but, it won't be easy, thanks to an infestation of monsters!!
Okay, it's a good idea to read signs and look for helpful items. Just like in these screenshots...
Activate that checkpoint Cross and read the script which hints at a hidden passage...
The only pointless script is here but look, behold our first Cross to collect!!
Gameplay
The Abbey Of The Dead is a 2D platformer with rooms to explore as we hunt for the Crosses. Each screen is separate, offering its own piece of the adventure with different monsters, objects, and tricky jumps to test our dexterity. We begin with three lives but this can be topped up by collecting the hearts.
Along with the 12 Crosses, other items prove helpful. Firstly, scrolls often provide cryptic clues - the first hints at a secret passage that needs discovery to begin our adventure. There are also checkpoints about the church, which are automatically used after losing a life. These are essential as you can imagine.
The joystick controls are dead simple - left/right to walk and fire to jump. What I like is the ability to alter direction during a leap. Also, pulling downwards activates a crouch which will be very handy on some of the trickier screens!! The keyboard can be used (which I preferred) and a Jagpad if you have one spare?
I'd advise playing several games - just to explore as many rooms as you can. With each attempt, you should find yourself going deeper into the church (which isn't big) so make notes of Cross location and anything else that might be helpful - hearts, teleporters and easier routes.
I would also look out for something that might appear out of place, this is how I stumbled upon a secret passage in my video recording!
Let's take a gander at more screenshots whilst the Crusaders bang on that wooden door...
Here you might say we're Out On A Limb. I loved how the leaves blew with the change of music.
This is a fantastic room but I was running out of lives in order to find a cool screenshot!
Aesthetics
Some might look at this platformer and assume it's technically a humble, static-screen game. Something that the ST/STe can handle? You're missing the point, you snob. The graphics are gorgeous and I think Joska/Mun has done a brilliant job using a style that looks uniquely different to what I initially expected.
It begins with an intro describing the historical tale with text scrolling over the title's image. What I loved was how it doesn't overlap the logo - a simple yet excellent effect. The game has a console feel with smooth sprites, palettes, and design. The level of detail is superb and I appreciated how each room has an individual feel.
I won't spoil the surprise of the Game Over screen. It's dark. But it's superb!!
If you're hoping the audio is just as impressive, you're in for a treat. The music is distinctive with a selection of fantastic chiptunes by Skuggemannen. I admit, I didn't expect to hear "ST tunes" but they work well (I'm relieved not to hear tracker music). Interestingly, playback isn't blindly continuous and can change depending on your location. This first happens in "Prayer Of Hope" and is an effect that adds depth and tension.
Things aren't so impressive for the sound effects which are barely audible thanks to the problems of emulation. For example, I can hardly hear the Crusaders banging on the door and the church bell sounds miles away. Okay, this is hardly the end of the world but I envy Falcon owners more and more with each breath!
It looks and sounds the business so let's celebrate with even more screenshots...
Otto from Berzerk is here, erm I think. He chases so use the platforms wisely to dodge him.
I might have struggled to reach this fantastic room without the aid of a nifty teleporter.
The CryptO'pinion?
Please note, my review is based purely on what I experienced with Hatari. With that in mind, I've had a fistful of fun albeit with some annoying slowdown and disappointing sound effects. Thankfully, it's still very playable and nothing can ruin my enjoyment of this excellent platformer which is challenging and very entertaining.
With each play, I get a little farther whilst noting interesting item details or things that appear odd. It's this exploration and gradual progression that took me back to my ZX Spectrum days roaming the factory of Chuckie Egg 2 and the mansion of JSW. Yes, this game has that old-school feel and I'm in heaven!!
L'Abbaye Des Morts is an excellent platformer and I'm chuffed I ordered with Cote Gamers. I'm stuck using an emulator but, even with the problem that presents, I enjoy it. I love its retro charm along with the fact that it drags me back for more. I only wish there was a cutdown version available for the Atari ST/e.
I must admit, a part of me is tempted to make a map but that will be challenging!!
Tough? Yeah, Hatari makes some scenes harder than they actually are. And with my gaming skills...!!
Credits and other stuff
It's obvious a lot of love, sweat, and tears(!) went into this platformer. All thanks to these guys:
