Frontier: Elite II

The End Of An Era...

After a worrying delay, Gametek released Frontier Elite II in early 1994. It was unlike most other games because of its sheer size within creation. That's right, a whole universe of near-countless stars to explore, which basically meant long gaming nights were ahead (over the decades and through to the present day!)

The story begins like this... Commander Jameson has sadly left this realm, and you came along just in the nick of time to reap the benefits of his will reading. Being his favourite grandson, he left you 100 credits with strict instructions to stay clear of Vegas. He also left you his pride and joy, an Eagle Long Range Fighter - be careful and don't scratch it. You now have the means and opportunity to explore the heavens! So jump into your ship and begin the journey of a lifetime! And that is no overstatement; I mean it quite literally.

Sounds immense, and it was/is so let's check out a couple of screenshots...

There are two starting positions, and faster computers can crank up the graphics.

Play with the views... Isn't my ship very sexy!!

The Universe Is Yours!

After watching the awesome intro, you'll see various menu options to begin your adventure, and I recommend selecting Option 1, which takes you safely into the Ross 154 System. Or more precisely, at the Sirocco starport on the planet Merlin. You have 100 credits and a rather funky 3D piece called your spaceship. Starting at Sirocco is a great way to learn the ropes of the GUI and trading, and to brush up on your piloting skills.

Frontier is an open-world (space!) sandbox game that doesn't restrict in any traditional sense. You are free to travel almost anywhere and do almost anything you like. However, even gaming folklore doesn't come for free, and this lifestyle costs money. Use your ship to earn a living through job contracts and trade. Everyone needs something, and this is where you come in to make your hard-earned cash.

It's always about cash, but don't let it become the love of money. Chill, and check out some screenshots...

First things first, let's check out the cool spaceships...

...and find dodgy jobs on the bulletin boards.

Trouble at t'mill?

Frontier's universe has two factions, and this is the Trekkie part, for me. We have the Federation, which is based in the Sol system, and then we have the Empire, which is based within the Achenar system. Both offer a haven for living and trading, but aren't the best of friends. Also, outside the safety of their territory, you risk running into pirates who want your precious cargo - and your life!! Who said life was gonna be easy?

These dogfights are difficult to master and possibly the hardest part of the entire game. Gone are the arcade-style controls in favour of realistic Newtonian physics, which affect the control of your spacecraft. So, momentum will need to be compensated for you to slow down, stop, or change direction. Perhaps now is the time to advise saving your game at regular intervals? Learn physics because the pirates are tough cookies.

Do the pirates spoil it? I'll let you decide while you view a couple more screenshots...

Check out your local solar system, wherever you might be.

Then see which goods are best to trade in.

Trade, Respect, Fight!

Ultimately, Frontier is all about trade and earning the means for a lucrative lifestyle through adventures in space and exploration of the heavens. Use your galactic map to explore a 3D perspective of creation to plan a route, dig for information to find out what's needed, then buy in bulk to earn lots of cash.

Enjoy your journey, but prepare thyself, because nothing beats making your first hyperspace jump!! That ends once you are within the vicinity of your destination, but the distance to travel is still huge, so don't forget to use the Stardreamer buttons to quickly pass the time. Auto-docking is supported, and once you've boarded, you'll get details on goods sold to maximise profits. Before you begin looking for another trade route, remember to refuel your ship; otherwise, you won't be able to make another hyperspace jump!

It's completely up to you how to live, but these two screenshots were entirely my doing...

I love exploring the universe. Hang on, what's that dot?

I zoomed in... and saw this beauty!!

But Is It Any Good?

Stick with it and, once you've earned a lot of money, consider checking out the Bulletin Board. It's here you can upgrade your ship or search for jobs like transporting passengers, helping to find a missing person, mining, military work, or information work. There is even a black market for those without a conscience - trade slaves, weapons, narcotics, or even be assassins. Such a lifestyle will definitely take you into dangerous waters and will almost certainly attract the attention of the law. Are you ready for that kinda heat, bad boy?

Frontier is one heck of a game with immense potential, and I'm hoping this feature will rekindle your interest in playing. Frontier is all about progression and making the right choices to build up your own empire. Don't expect to jump into the pilot's seat and see the entire universe in one sitting because it will take time, money and commitment. Frontier: Elite II is jaw-dropping and literally one of the best games ever.

One of the best games, ever. Thus earning the accolade of an AtariCrypt SMASH!!

Grab a slice of creation on a floppy.

Or better still, for your speedy hard drive.

The manual is on AtariMania.

Catch a glimpse of the 16-bit universe.

Knight Lore

A Falcon game???

AtariCrypt is all about the Atari ST/e computers, but I shall make an exception for its big brother. I recently contacted Janez Valant (Swe from YesCREW), and he mentioned a Falcon release of Knight Lore, which might interest those unfamiliar with it. I was one of them. How did I not know about this game?

I’m a huge fan of Ultimate’s iconic 1984 ZX Spectrum game (so long ago!!). I vividly recall its release and the sheer awe we felt at the next-generation visuals. Each puzzle was presented as a 3D room, but nothing quite like this. Frankly, it was one of those truly mind-blowing moments in gaming history.

The Falcon version seems to be the complete game, with spot-on gameplay. Heck, it’s probably even better as it lacks the slowdown of the Speccy version. However, the lovely monochrome palette has been replaced with a very colourful one, which is perhaps a bit too much. It feels unnecessary.

A part of me doubted Janez, but here it is running brilliantly on my virtual Falcon (Hatari). I’m sad it doesn’t work on the ST/e. Ignoring the tacky colours, I don’t understand why the ST can’t handle it. Someone must know the answer, but if it’s just because of the extra colours - I’ll be furious!

Playing this iconic game on the Atari Falcon is fantastic. All I need now is a real Falcon...

 Download Knight Lore and relive 1984 ZX Spectrum style!! 

What's wrong with this picture?

Can you spot two wrongs?

Those with a keen eye will notice the larger screen real estate on my desktop. What about the three resolutions that appear selectable? If you saw these things, then you're an Atari ST rock star. I salute you!

I've been experimenting with a few programs that support higher resolutions and more. Some use interlacing to double the vertical resolution, but that can look odd and hurt my eyes! (use 60Hz!!). Others can create a virtual screen by using the Atari STe's hardware scrolling (Uh? Why would you wanna scroll?)

Interestingly, some programs feature overscan. This technique uses the empty borders and sparked my curiosity. Using this extra screen space is great, and it doesn't slow anything down. Most GEM programs should work perfectly fine, and I'm left wondering why Atari couldn't have made this standard?

I've made a bundled download of these programs - please let me know if there are others I've missed.

Magic Boy

Prepare to be amazed!

Magic Boy was released in 1993 by Empire and is one of the cutest platformers I have ever seen. Personally, it reminds me of Rainbow Islands because of its ravishing visuals and charming style. It's a stunner!

We play as Hewlett, a young boy with a magic wand who accidentally turned all the animals into cute monsters. Seems plausible, but how do these things keep happening? Not to worry, it's our task to restore everything back to normal, so that means venturing forth through many beautiful worlds to tag & bag the nasties.

Firstly, check out this screenshot. Wear sunglasses and take a deep breath...

Magic Boy must be one of the most colourful games on the Atari ST.

Shoot, jump, bag & grab!

There are four worlds to explore (Sand Land, Wet World, Plastic Place, Future Zone), and each offers eight levels. Things begin relatively easily before lots of crafty tricks and traps are introduced. This difficulty is staggered, which helps to keep things interesting - without being too tough to play properly.

This mild learning curve is nothing much on the easier levels. It's easy to pick up and play, so you're instantly leaping your way through. Make sure you collect all the power-ups, which will aid your progress. Just watch out for anything that looks oddly cute. It's not, it's nasty - so shoot and then bag it. Great stuff!!

However, the later levels are challenging, and I really mean formidable!! Those cute critters are actually deceivingly mean and seem to know just when to strike with a perfectly well-timed shot. Also, the level layout adds the usual moving tiles, and others might dissolve or randomly disappear. Infuriatingly difficult, which can be a shame sometimes, as the levels are impossible for me to complete (without a trainer!!).

Wanna see another multi-coloured screenshot? I know you do...

Things are now starting to get serious with cunning-level designs!

Aesthetics

This is literally one of the most stunning 16-bit games I have ever seen. This quality is thanks to John Dale and Leigh Christian, who made everything bright and radiant with many comical characters. Nothing has been sacrificed, which includes your fluent movements and ultra-smooth scrolling. Wonderful stuff!!

Sound effects are excellent and best experienced when using an Atari STe. Yes, I said STe, but that doesn't mean the ST is lacking. Not one bit. Accompanying music is perfect with a high-quality tune that remains in your head all day. Yes, Magic Boy is most definitely one of the sexiest Atari ST games I have ever played.

Why couldn't every game have this much love put into it? Let's view another screenshot...

Future Zone has incredible levels to hop through, as does the quirky Plastic Place.

The CryptO'pinion?

You won't be shocked to hear that this is one seriously addictive platformer. Yup, it's near perfect and a genuine pleasure to play because it's so much fun, and I really cannot think of anything negative to say. Okay, okay, that difficulty in later levels is really tough, but something weirdly reminiscent of games from the era.

The controls, game mechanics, visuals, and audio are stunning and make this game a showcase, but one that is also loads of fun and a thrill to play. Doesn't this prove what the Atari ST/e is capable of when in the hands of talented people? This is one of the best 16-bit platformers ever released.

Grab yourself either the floppy disk and there are loads!

This is a version for hard drive/Ultrasatan by 8BitChip.

The codes for those who wanna zip through to the later levels: on the menu screen, press and hold the keys before pressing fire to choose:

Sand Land......(part 1)  =  S + 1

Sand Land......(part 2)  =  S + 2

Future Zone....(part 1)  =  F + 1

Future Zone....(part 2)  =  F + 2

Plastic Place..(part 1)  =  P + 1

Plastic Place..(part 2)  =  P + 2

Wet World......(part 1)  =  W + 1

Wet World......(part 2)  =  W + 2