Nesulator is a collection of programs by Ed Cleveland that emulate five Nintendo games: Donkey Kong Jr, Castlevania, Dig Dug, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda. Each program is the same emulator but dedicated to that particular game. This package was released at STNICCC 2000, but sadly never completed. However, as is, the potential is outstanding - with Dig Dug performing the best I thought (relatively speaking!)
Thankfully, we can still enjoy these games to a degree - remembering that they are unfinished!! However, you will need an upgraded Atari ST or a Falcon because each game demands lots of horsepower to run at an acceptable speed. A fantastic piece of software, but I sure wish Ed had finished his work.
I wish I could go back in time to tell myself NOT to sell my TT or Falcon...
Midi Maze is a multiplayer first-person shooter that hit the shelves in 1987, thanks to the talents of Xanth FX. This really is an early taste of multiplayer first-person gaming, similar to a typical deathmatch. It takes place inside a labyrinth of weird smilies who roam looking for blood. So ignore their happy faces because they're anything but nice - and need killing!! You could say, the last sphere "standing" wins?
The controls are rather straightforward and very easy to master. You can use either the joystick or the mouse, but I personally think the joystick works the best (and I never expected to say that, as I figured the mouse would be best). Those without MIDI cables can play in Solo mode, which allows up to 15 computer-controlled bots with three levels of AI. Those with MIDI cables and other Atari STs can invite friends over with the potential to link 2-16 computers. Think about that, it is quite staggering for an '80s deathmatch. This was 1987, folks!!
The graphics are good, but nothing like Wolfenstein, Substation, and others. The walls are "paper-thin" and also without any texture or ambient lighting - but remember just how old this game is. Frame rates are fast and exceptionally smooth, and I was impressed to see the baddies have a shadow, thus adding to the 3D perspective. Sound effects aren't going to win any awards, but they do their job.
There is nothing I enjoy more than a good first-person shooter, and Midi Maze certainly packs a punch! Single-player is welcome and works well, but Midi Maze comes into its own when linked with other Atari computers. Midi Maze is one of the best games I have featured and is easily a true Atari ST gaming legend!!
Check out this Midi Maze fanzine (It's in German, but Google Translate will help!
Here is a PDF document of the original game manual
Atarimania has all three games listed in their Atari ST database.
Yep, that stupid plumber is now available for the Atari ST. Phew, thankfully, I'm lying!! This is actually an intro screen that was created as a main menu for a demo that was never released. Good old Demozoo informs that it's by Channel 38 and features neat music and a "play area" making good use of those borders!!
My apologies for my video recording, which is pretty poor. A real ST/e performs silky smooth.
Dave Munsie is a legend within the Atari ST world. It's as simple as that. The guy released several outstanding games: Berzerk, Frantick, and Kid GP. Some of his games were even enhanced for the Atari STe.
Asteroidia, as you've probably guessed by now, is a Munsie-take on the Asteroids arcade genre. This means it's hardly going to win an award for originality, but don't be put off because I've a sneaky suspicion this might be worth your time downloading this rock blaster. It's a Munsie game, so that's a given, right?
Forget about a static/no-scrolling screen with vector graphics. Dave is transporting us to a part of space where moving pixels rule, thanks to the Atari STe hardware. Pixels powered by the Blitter chip; scrolling at blistering speeds. Not only that, but you can expect DMA audio. Your monitor won't know what hits it!
To be honest, it's hard to imagine Asteroids looking impressive, but I'll post a screenshot anyhow...
The planet is powered by the Blitter and whizzes by!
Boring old asteroids, right?
As you would expect, the gameplay is predictably asteroids with us controlling a ship chasing lumps of rocks. It's initially quite hard and surely takes some practice because everything moves so fast. Thankfully, the controls are a cinch to master, so it won't be long before you realise how fantastic this alternative conversion is.
Visually, it looks nice, but it's the speed that will impress. Planet Earth swooshes across your monitor and makes you realise how under-utilised the Blitter and Atari STe were by many commercial gaming companies. Mr. Munsie puts them to shame. The audio hasn't been forgotten, and we get DMA support, which plays a short sampled tune. However, it's quite repetitive, so I switched to far better chiptune/sound effects!
Here is the options screen where you can activate the Blitter, flip to PAL/NTSC, and more...
Gotta tip my hat to Mr. Munsie... Blitter, 50Hz, Atari STe / Falcon support. Incredible!!
The CryptO'pinion?
This might be Asteroids, but the twist is how it performs with impressive Blitted graphics zooming about the screen. Not only that, it's like watching a demo that proves how much untapped potential the Atari STe has. That enormously changes and enhances the gameplay mechanics. Factor in the excellent joystick controls, and you know why this is rock-smashingly addictive. One of the most entertaining games I've played.
Blitted graphics or not, this is bucketloads of fun and a superb Asteroids conversion. Highly recommended!
Download Asteroidia from AtariMania Hey, can you beat my high-score below?
