Wow, where do I begin with that? Anyhow, regarding the
ST and AtariCrypt, I'm a bit daft and usually annoy myself. I always have too many games on the go! I hardly ever finish writing before moving on to the
next. Sigh, so this time I've decided to concentrate
on one game. Something that I find truly fascinating.
Cosmos Chronicles
If you're wondering what Cosmos Chronicles is, then you're either dead, in a coma, or just insane. I
previewed
it yonks ago. Perhaps you should check that link out? This is such an engaging
adventure, a unique mash of ideas and somewhat a futuristic Ultima you might
say - with touches of Sundog and Frontier!
So, I figured it would be a great game to feature my progress. Kinda like I did for Atari's
Super Pack
and when mapping
Sword Of Kadash. However, with shorter posts this time, I can knock them out more quickly. However, note that I'm no expert adventurer. I'm merely an ST dude with a wonderful new game :)
The game
We are a chap called Floyd Cooper, and we live on Acriel, a small rock
orbiting a larger planet called Nova. Here we work the land as farmers with
my Auntie and Uncle Vetea. Sadly, the military turned up and
killed them! Our father's spaceship is inside the barn, and a friend is to the north. Better check all that out, eh?
Exploring Acriel is easy, similar to what you would have seen in Ultima. Move with the cursor keys, then enter a building by walking up to it and tapping the 'up arrow'. Once inside, explore as you did outside. Additionally, to
interact and select/talk/pick up, you should press the 'Return key'. The cursors are now used to select items in the inventory and to perform relevant actions. Hitting "backspace"
cancels and returns to the game.
Interestingly, Cosmos Chronicles supports the Blitter Chip so will feel faster on the Atari STe.
Additionally, the backspace key will be used within the Cosmos to take off and enter
space. The 'spacebar' is also used, but
more on that later in this series. Finally, the 'ESC key' can be used to quit. Don't be a quitter!!
"Day one"
The early stages of this tragic storyline are ideal for learning the gameplay. It allows easy learning of the interface, exploration, item collection, radar use, and interaction with the soldiers (battles!). The interface is straightforward - top/right is the
planet's conditions under the radar. Further down are details on health,
fatigue, food and water. Under the play area are your inventory and a message/communication area.
I'll no doubt die and restart multiple times, but I hope this will be an
enjoyable adventure to document. Perhaps this might inspire you to
buy
the game? Please note that this isn't a walkthrough - not
possible - it will be my romp through the adventure. Wish
me luck - my only wish is not to embarrass myself ha!!
Let's look at the trials and tribulations we go through before the game really begins...
We've been rumbled! Skiving under a tree, we hear a distant noise at the farm.
(Note the radar, top/right, this helps to show where the farm is)
Heading northwest, we arrive at the farm, but our uncle has a worried look on his face!
(Hey, there's a field of food... I wonder what is inside that barn?)
Of course, we decided to check out the farmhouse first... Ah, a weapon!
(Note the inventory - food/water. On the right are your stats)
Those soldiers are cruel. At least they didn't kill that cute cow!
(Mmm, there's nothing tastier than a big, juicy steak)
This takes us into our first battle. Note the new options and helpful info on the right.
(Your first battle is confusing - choose to arm yourself first and then attack)
Buried them quick, didn't I? Anyhow, our uncle survived long enough for a few final words.
(You could walk north, it's not far. But you have a spaceship now...)
We're scared but bravely head northwards into unknown
lands.
We find food, animals, and a house. Let's investigate inside that house!
We find food, animals, and a house. Let's investigate inside that house!
