Sleuth (mapped)

Inspector Clouseau

Many moons ago when the Crypt was young I stumbled upon a Berzerk game called Sleuth. It's by Larry Scholz and originally came on an ST Review cover disk. It sucked compared to the Dave Munsie conversion but I still liked it. In fact, I liked it enough to warrant spending many hours over Christmas mapping it.

However, without a trainer, I had to save my progress each time I entered a new room. It was a tedious process, and I desperately needed a better solution. That’s when Mug UK came to the rescue, kindly creating a hack for extra lives. Remarkably, the change only required 4 bytes. Not that I'd understand the jargon:

"I disassembled it using EasyRider4. Then converted the huge source file using Stew's Convert program to make it smaller.

Using Notepad++, I search for all occurrences of '5' being moved into a value. I then worked out which address the lives were (at a guess) being stored in, then looked elsewhere in the code for that same address.

Found a SUBQ.W #1, address and removed it using 2 x NOPS (4E71 twice, hence 4 bytes). Tested it and it worked the first time 🙂 "

This was a game-changer. It's remarkable how such a small change made a big difference - I could suddenly map Sleuth a hundred times faster so it wasn't long before the entire game was fully mapped - complete with all the extra details: key locations, locked doors, and bonus lives. I might be the only person left on Earth to play this quirky Berzerker, but I hope my map sparks curiosity and inspires someone else to try it.

And you should download it because Mug UK went the extra mile - Sleuth now boots up with a trainer option screen before the game begins. So I’ve created a floppy disk image (which you can optionally copy to your Ultrasatan or hard drive). Of course, it’s free to download and exclusively available first here on AtariCrypt. Now, the big question: what should I name this new disk? Arghh, surely not SleuthCrypt you cry? O_o

All credit goes to Mike Mee ~~> aka Mug UK <~~ for his fantastic hacking skills. My sincere gratitude as I doubt I would have made it past the first locked door without the extra lives (not without spending several months of my life). Okay, I imagine somebody out there is eager to play the Crypt version of Sleuth?

I sure hope so; keeping my fingers crossed. Here are all the links...

• SleuthCrypt: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d1djl0biy8twqm030e4b4/SleuthCrypt...
• The map: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/on5on2sewc895oekjlyr3/Sleuth-map...
• Atari Legend: https://www.atarilegend.com/games/sleuth-majicsoft
• Mug UK: https://demozoo.org/sceners/2542/
• Mike's website: https://mug-uk.co.uk
• More ST game maps: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/game-maps.html
• Even more ST productions by me: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/MySTstuff/

I would never have seen the final room without a trainer. Flashy place, uh?

Can you beat me? Will anyone ever play this game again?

It was only after completing the game I noticed it was on "Novice".
I replayed on "Expert", the controls seem quicker but everything else is the same?

Yep, I have fully mapped the game and the download link is above!

Haywire

Not what you think

I was wadding through a few PD disks and saw this game. It rang a bell but I wasn't sure and booted it up to read the name "John Hodskinson". Another bell began to ring - I was starting to think I was in Notre Dame going insane with all that ringing! Then it hit me where I had heard the name before, HangAbout! Yikes, 5+ years have passed since I played that uniquely satisfying cliffhanger. I even mentioned Haywire!

This is a dead simple game that deceivingly looks like it's gonna be Defender. It's nothing like it. Sure, the landscape scrolls left/right but there are no lasers or aliens to zap. Instead, we are here to gather several cute critters left roaming the planet's surface. Okay, it's Defender but without the frantic action?

We start with a mothership deploying us in a craft that performs like Flappy Bird, struggling against gravity. This ship is fragile, even with its shield, so try to avoid hitting the ground more than five times. Creatures wander passively on the planet's surface, and rescuing them is as simple as making contact. Once on board, return it to the mothership to ensure its safety. As you advance, new hazards and challenging weather conditions are introduced. The level is complete when all the creatures are safely returned to the mothership.

There are eight planets to search while hunting for these quirky creatures, though I doubt I’ll beat this game anytime soon! Unfortunately, there’s a time limit and you all know how much I detest those. But that’s the extent of my complaints, as the graphics are modest but also amazing, gliding along at a smooth 50fps.

Haywire loots different ideas yet still manages to become something quite unique. I never expected to enjoy this daft/irritating "collect 'em" as much as I did. Am I good at it? Not on your nelly!! But I had a bunch of fun bouncing my way along a sparse planet looking for... well... to me, they look like hamsters!

Have you not played this before? Fancy something different? You've got it!! Highly recommended.

+ Demozoo has Sanity's disk stuffed full of goodies https://demozoo.org/productions/...

+ Atarimania has the ST Format cover disk https://www.atarimania.com/lists/Hayw...

+ Did you miss out playing HangAbout! https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/hangabout.html

Hmm, level one sounds okay to me. Let's hit this hard and win!!

It took me a while to grab this screenshot - without crashing!

I got one!!! Now get that hamster back to the mothership quick!

Annnnd I hit the ground which turned my ship into a pixellated mess. Joy!

I love that John is a Lancashire lad like me!

SHOTGUN

Click Click BOOM!!

One of the latest games for the Atari STe is from Thomas Ilg, a bloke known for his passion and dedication over the past few years. It all began with the marvellous Laserball and has since blossomed with a string of crazy-stupid-silly games!! The latest comes from the same Froggy stable and is a Commodore 64 port of a rather unassuming shooter. Imagine yourself in an arena with a sole objective - massacre everyone!

This game is for 1-4 players, whether human or computer, and uses various control methods - keyboard, joystick, JagPad, and even the option to use the parallel port via the ST4PLAYER adapter. Shotgun offers a selection of gameplay styles, including battle/deathmatch and a treasure hunt (which I absolutely loved). There are also Marathon/Tournament modes and more to take Shotgun beyond its humble 8-bit roots.

Let's reload our shotguns and take a quick break for some sexy screenshots...

Forgetting the treasure chests, I try to shoot my daughter. Dad of the year, eh?
( Atari STe graphics )

There aren't many games I can win these days so I'll take anything I can get!
( Commodore 64 graphics )

Let's Play

Each player competes in a walled arena, similar in design to a Bomberman maze. Players begin in their specific corner of the screen and must rush to find a shotgun. Once armed, the goal is to blast your opponents into smithereens. If you die (and you will) you are respawned, unarmed, at your starting position. And that's pretty much the gist of Shotgun - running around a maze trying to take out your friends & family.

Actually, there’s more to it than meets the eye. This simple format has been expanded in several ways to add more playable and aesthetic content. You aren't restricted to Battles and Deathmatches as you can also run a Marathon of events and compete in Tournaments. There is also a Treasure Hunt which I personally adore. This takes the basic design one stage further by adding shootable chests filled with goodies.

However, for me, it's best when the co-op part is activated in normal games. That feature brings everything together very nicely. Why? Well, it's good to have backup rather than struggling alone. Especially with my reactions! (AI can still be used in the tournaments - see below)

Thomas has created a variety of unique options to alter the play length and includes the Extended C64-smashing features. The computer can take over idle players with impressive AI. They may frantically dash about like headless chickens but their reactions are sharp - I dare you to outmatch a trigger-happy ST!!

The audio is incredible with outstanding music and sound effects; you can swap between them from the menu. The graphics constantly run at 50fps which is jaw-droppingly smooth. Even better (is that possible?), the visuals can be swapped - like we saw in Frogs - for an assortment of styles. I shouldn't say this, but the C64 graphics are my favourite. Sure, they might look clunky with less detail but they suit the vibe perfectly.

Yep, Shotgun has an impressive array of configurability; I love how I can customise the look and feel so easily. Being able to change how an ST game looks is quite unique when you think about it. I dare you to dislike C64 graphics when playing the Treasure Hunt on Arena G (a gorgeous map). Whatever you modify, gather the family around your Atari and enjoy the chaotic panic of killing them. That's great family entertainment!

Okay, enough yapping. Let's take a peep at some more screenshots...

Marathon is the right title because it's certainly a marathon quest.
This game can cause conflict - my daughter stormed off in a huff during this!

No, this wasn't a real Tournament as I just wanted a playtest. Like I've that many friends!
Although it would be nice to play with Daisy Duke... sigh...

Big Tips

• The AI opponents are annoyingly quick so why not disable that to practice?
• Afterwards, enable the AI and practice in Battle/Deathmatch modes.
• Just a thought... if the AI is active, you could (ahem) be a big, fat cheating camper waiting for an enemy to cross your path. Surely not?
• The AI is good for shoots but less so when navigating a tighter maze. Something to think about?
• Each shotgun only carries 3 bullets, so don't get caught unarmed!
• Getting your ass handed to you on a plate - try co-op.
• Don't double-shoot the chests in Treasure Hunt.
• Type in "xmas" on the main menu for a Christmas mode with our Shotgun guys in Santa outfits.
• Don't forget to use the different display modes. I'm a sucker for the C64 and Stony graphics.
• Gamers can use all of the different ST/STe controllers but those with more friends than me should consider buying the ST4PLAYER adapter. Links below.
• No friends for the Tournament? Create a name using this format to assist "AI <name>".
• Great on the ST but even better for the Atari STe 🎧
• Best played with a friend(s). Or friends you hate and wish to lose quickly!

Words of wisdom? Well, maybe not. Let's take another break for some more screenshots...

Co-op is great and the threat of friendly fire made it feverishly exciting!!

( using the Stony theme )

Probably the hardest map of all to play any game as it's so open.
( using the "Bunker" theme )

The CryptO'pinion

When I first played, I immediately liked Battle/Deathmatch but I could tell there wasn't much longevity, especially solo. However, I thought the Treasure Hunt mode was better by a long shot (no pun). This introduces random treasure chests for points rather than merely playing a form of deathmatch. Better still, are the Marathon and Tournament events because they can use random game modes that spice it up further.

For me, the best is the slick integration of co-op into all but Tournament and Marathon. Having someone to fight alongside is an outstanding feature that won me over big time (this works with the AI if playing alone).

I hope you guys download Shotgun because it's a blast(!). I enjoyed frantically scurrying in a frenzy looking for a weapon and someone to kill. It's an exciting adrenaline rush far beyond my meagre words.

Waste no more time and get this game!

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+ Game download for only $4 https://anarcholab.itch.io/shotgun-st

+ Can I tempt you with the boxed game? https://www.hd-videofilm.com/shotgun/boxed

+ Full credits and a demo download https://www.atarimania.com/shotgun.html

Even more Atari ST games by Thomas

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+ Laserball https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/2015/06/laserball.html

+ Anarcho Ride https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/2016/10/anarcho-ride.html

+ Frogs https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/2019/12/frogs-v12-update.html

+ Randomazer https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/2020/04/randomazer.html

Completing a Tournament/Marathon rewards with extra maps.

Bonus map #1

Note the doorways that can be opened, a simple but nice feature.
Bonus map #2

Of the three bonus maps, this one is my favourite.
Bonus map #3

These are photos of goodies Thomas generously sent me.
This one is going on my Atari ST wall asap!!

Unfortunately, this isn’t the boxed game I had originally hoped for.

This is like a flyer and will also be going on my ST wall.

Thank you Thomas for the ST4PLAYER adapter!!!
Whether they like it or not, my family will enjoy being beaten by me. (gameplay wise lol)