D-Bug's TDE is a program to convert floppies into MSA disk images. I know there are excellent apps already out like Jay MSA and Magic Shadow Archiver, but TDE works at a technically lower level and therefore has more success with those crusty old floppies. In fact, even if TDE fails with a dead part of a disk, it still offers you the option to save a good image. Thus, you're able to partially rescue the contents.
This is such an excellent and essential utility!
Update October 2020
Version v1.05 is out and with lots of changes: low RAM reqs, low-level FDC code, faster code, Drive B support, and compatible with all Atari computers. See the readme within the download.
ImageWorks released this cool shoot 'em up in 1988 and is pretty much another Commando/Ikari Warriors clone designed to unleash our inner combat soldier. Every time I play, I'm reminded of those A-Team episodes in a dodgy part of South America. Just like the TV show, an evil dictator is causing havoc, but B.A. Baracus refused to get on the plane! So we're on our own; grab a weapon and head out to the killing fields, soldier!
The war zone is stuffed with enemy soldiers and their slow-flying bullets that we can dodge. Our weapon of choice is a machine gun with unlimited ammo, but we have a rocket launcher for extra firepower. Some buildings can be plundered by blowing off the door with dynamite, which is useful in ammunition depots! We're not only on foot, as vehicles can be utilised. And what's better than the option of mowing down a few soldiers?
The visuals are "1980s", using a cartoon style for the soldiers and buildings. It's colourful and interesting to explore the terrain, looking for enemies to blast. Not only that, but ImageWorks didn't wimp out and employ smooth scrolling. The audio is great, with sampled sounds used for the effects. No complaints from me.
This is one of those games I'm glad I bought because it's fantastic fun and highly addictive without ever taking itself seriously. Fernandez Must Die might have zero originality, but it makes up for that with bucketloads of gun action. This is an awesome Commando shooter and possibly my favourite for the Atari ST!!
Get out on that battlefield, soldier! Arm yourself with a floppy or hard disk.
Bullets flying and armouries to loot. This is just like being part of the A-Team!!
Watch out for sneaky soldiers hiding in the trees and also those operating gun turrets.
The action comes thick and fast, and the onslaught of soldiers never ceases. Oops, I died!!
Evil Reptilons are hell-bent on destroying us humans and taking hold of Planet X. They've enslaved much of the population, forcing them to build a robot army for an invasion. Jake and Duke are two heroes with a simple plan: destroy as many robots as possible, trash the computers, rescue cute girls, and save the day.
Robot Monsters is played in a fashion similar to other 3D isometric games you might have seen, going back to the days of Knight Lore. Imagine a pinch of Buck Rogers with a dollop of Gauntlet, and you get the idea. The goal is to rescue the humans, without forgetting those held in stasis pods! Along the way are traps designed for us, soft fleshy humans: sharp spikes, rotating chunks of metal, and electric floor panels.
All this is going on whilst Planet X constantly spawns enemy robots. Yes, the alien horde is relentless, so you'd better be quick on the trigger, otherwise you will be overrun. It's insane, but it works. And it works better than other games that employ the same mechanic because it's manageable and playable.
This game is like living a B-Movie, so let's see some screenshots from the intro...
Grab a raygun and fight
We're not going to sit back and take this invasion lightly. Armed with a powerful weapon that is great for quick kills. However, refrain from overuse; otherwise, it is less effective. Thankfully, it can be charged by collecting the green blobs that a dead robot might leave behind after dying. There are also bombs - hit the shift key and they detonate. That kills anything nasty within your vicinity - even the captives, so be careful.
There are bonus stages along a canal route after a few levels, and they feature many extra bonuses. These aren't essential to your overall progress. Also, I wasn't too eager about them because I wanted to get playing the main game. The big Reptilon boss will first seem an impossible opponent, but there is a cunning way to avoid it by using a few bombs and a little joystick waggling!! Just ask me if you need any help.
A cynic might say, that's all there is to this game: Run around, kill monsters, rescue girls. Well, yes and no. Yes, that's the gist, AND IT'S BRILLIANT!! But no, you're a knob for even thinking that. Look, just play it.
I know, I know, you want more screenshots from the intro. Well, you're in luck...
Next-Gen aesthetics!
Back in the day, I remember being blown away by the comical artwork, which still looks great. In-game, I adore the isometric 3D viewpoint, which is perfect, and the entire environment has superb attention to detail. The Alien Hoard is varied and excellent - my favourite being the biscuit-looking guys lol. They're not biscuits, of course, but they are cute! That's this game to a tee; it's different and loves to be different. It works perfectly.
The audio is a blast, with zappy effects complementing the gorgeous background music. I like how it integrates during gameplay. Sure, I wish we had an extra channel, but the music beats away while you hear relevant sound effects. It works and sounds amazing. I loved the music, so click the arrow and listen for yourself.
Go on, I said, click this arrow just below and enjoy the YM Bliss...
Don't run away. Come back, there are girls to be rescued and robots to kill!
The CryptO'pinion?
I have really enjoyed playing this great game again after all these years. This is one of those shooters stuffed to the brim with originality and frantic metallic mayhem. Running around killing everything is totally demented and done with a comical personality, using great characters. This is a superb isometric shooter.
It's as much fun to play today as it was in 1990. Such an iconic 16-bit shooter, and I love it to bits!!
Late last night, I found an interesting post on AtariAge by Philsan concerning an unreleased game called Lupo Alberto. This is a platformer that (I think) is based on a European comic or a TV show. Well, after 25 years of lurking in unreleased hell, the ST version gets to see the light of day (now listed on AtariMania)
First impressions are good with cartoon visuals and cute sprites roaming about - just look at those chickens!! However, it's push-scrolling, which is a severe shame because the game's mechanics demand scrolling. Well, it is unfinished, so I shouldn't complain too much, and the push technique is fast and zippy...
Gameplay is tricky for this cute platformer, so I imagine lots of frustration ahead of me. I'm delighted we have this rescued, and I look forward to giving Lupo a proper run for its money tonight!
Update: during a game, press CTRL and type: otrebla. Thanks to Luca Stradiotto!!
