Platform Capers was released in 1992 by Kay Downes for Budgie UK and has obvious 8-bit roots I'm instantly attracted to. Aesthetically, I feel it's a cross between Clod Hopper, Jumping Jack, and Donkey Kong with adorable, authentic graphics and sound effects. These transport me back to the early 80s when I was a kid sitting in my cold room in front of an old portable TV waiting for my Speccy to finish loading from tape.
The objective is simple: collect the keys on each level before exiting through the doorway. However, there is a myriad of frustratingly cunning enemies we need to avoid. Touch one, and a life is lost as we go tumbling down the screen like a fat plumber. It's brilliant and classically old-school gameplay, but it's very hard.
I believe there are 7 levels but I dare anyone to complete this game without resorting to a cheat!! At best, I have reach level 4. However, I more often than not, will struggle to complete level 3, if I'm honest. On bad days, I can struggle to beat level 2 and usually end up throwing the joystick down in temper!
Superbly programmed, but the design is far too difficult. I feel it's all down to the small jump, which needed to last a bit longer. It's so unforgiving. I find myself loving and hating Platform Capers in equal measure.
I was bored and converted a picture I found on the internet to 16 colours using Imagecopy 4. I figured it would make a great wallpaper background, so I booted up Deskpic - which is on ST Format cover disk #60.
That's my rock and roll lifestyle. Yep. Anyhow, that's enough for today. STay Atari.
The Lost World was developed in 1989 by John Leather, but was never released. The game is complete, except for the audio, and he "only" managed to create half of the planned 100 levels. What a slacker, eh? There isn't much of a storyline, nothing like an angry Maria making you clean a mansion. Instead, we're in a mysterious prehistoric land where survival depends on skill and quick reactions. That's me done for!
Today, we finally get to play it, and Grazey has added a new Mad Max chiptune. This ended the deafening silence and suits the gameplay. I've always loved platformers of this ilk. It's obvious John was inspired by various 8-bit games, with level names and a character who even walks much like Master Willy, which I like.
Stop right there and take a look at this beautiful screenshot...
Look at the intricate layout and design. You ain't gonna complete this on your first go!!
Let's begin!
The Lost World is very challenging, and I struggled with it. The first screen is tough, and it took me a few attempts before I beat it. Your goal is straightforward: explore each screen, collect the required items, and locate the exit. Progression isn't simply a case of just that, as the levels require you to locate keys and other objects before the exit can be opened, adding a neat puzzle element.
Thankfully, this game is very generous, with many bonuses scattered throughout all rooms, like stickmen for much-needed extra lives. Pressing the spacebar displays a dialogue of potential spells and potions for effects like invulnerability. Also, I love how each screen has a name, like Pie Processing Plant!!
The controls are superb, with simple movements that feel natural for a 2D platformer. You'll appreciate that because the level design is shrewd with hazards, be it a sharp object, sinking ledges, or tricky jumps. Evil critters roam the screens and aren't limited to moving back and forth. Weirdly, level two is actually easier, but the third cranked up that difficulty once again. Sadly, I didn't beat 'The Locksmith', so I fear it's doubtful I'll be disappointed that John didn't fulfil the plan to create more screens. Yep, I'm that bad lol.
Perhaps I should try the level editor? Yep, if dozens of levels aren't enough for you, then why not create some using the in-game editor? Not only that, but this also offers the option to create levels we've seen in other games. That's quite exciting, and the potential is huge!
Right then, I can sense you want another screenshot? Here you are then...
Whatever you do, don't forget the keys... What's the little man doing there?
Willy's mansion never looked this good!
The graphics are a 16-bit spin on an 8-bit genre, and lovely. Every screen is stuffed to the brim with incredible decor using intricate attention to detail. I love the colour schemes, and the sprites are smooth.
Audio was never included in the original, making our Atari ST as loud as a ZX81. Thankfully, Grazey (Psycho Hacking Force) changed that so we can enjoy a Mad Max chiptune. It's brilliant, but I admit to missing sound effects for the jumping and collisions. I know, I'm being picky, but I miss sound effects.
This is an 8-bitter hiding behind 16-bit graphics, and I love it. Hey, it's screenshot time...
That purple flying monster is a pain in the £@$!! and killed me more than once!
The CryptO'pinion?
For a homebrew game, this is huge, and I don't simply mean the number of levels. The creativity that went into its development is exquisite, and there is always something new that keeps dragging you back. Sadly, it is hard, so be warned!! Please don't wimp out, learn the mechanics, and beat its cruel learning curve.
When you do, you have a tremendous platformer. Step back in time and enjoy a great platformer!
The Ultimate Arena was released in 1995 by STeam and must rank as one of the last real commercial releases. Of course, it's a beat'em up, and the first thing to do is choose our character: Sandy or Terry. After that big decision, we can then proceed to the first match against a series of dodgy villains, each of whom has their own skillset and special abilities. Some might say it is Atari Mortal Kombat, and why not, because we fight in various arenas against several lunatics whilst watched by a bloodthirsty crowd. Sounds good to me!
Each arena offers a different environment, but they're not just for looks, as they can have unique features: I chuckled when I noticed the electrified fence - just one touch, and you're crispy burnt toast!! Each warrior has their own personality, with varying degrees of speed, talent, and special abilities. Watch out for a T800, which is really well done! There is also an Indiana Jones wannabe who is an incredibly tough opponent.
No beat 'em up would be worth its salt without fast and responsive controls to kick seven bells outta your opponent. The Ultimate Arena has what it takes, and I found it easy to learn the various moves along with their special abilities. Interestingly, your energy bar isn't fully replenished at the start of a round, thus increasing longevity for determined gamers to figure out all the moves. This is a fun beat'em up!
Got a friend? Yes, this type of game demands two-player support, and it's got it!! This is great and allows us to play as the other characters (all except the final guy). This is superb, tons of fun, the joystick controls and display never lag, and it's the best reason to play the game. A turbo mode is optional, but I found it pointless; I simply wasn't impressed. Oh, and the blood & gore can also be turned on/off (what... why?).
Now let's check out a couple of screenshots of a Terminator and some silly fighting...
Whether you're Samantha Fox or a Terminator - this game is kick ass!! Love it!!
Showing off some cool moves there? Or is he just defying gravity? You decide.
Don’t forget to breathe, very important!
Like Domark's Pit Fighter, each character is digitised, and they try their best to look macho whilst kicking seven bells outta you. It's quite remarkable how much detail is squeezed into each pixel with smooth animations. The backgrounds are always interesting, like the Terminator watching you on a screen, and the crowd with their silly movements. However, I'm not so sure about the colour palette, which is too brownish.
The audio doesn't disappoint, using the DMA hardware to deliver good music and a range of silly sampled sound effects for every kick, punch, and grunt. For once, I'm glad the YM wasn't used. Yeah, I love it!
Let's fight our way through some more screenshots without getting electrocuted...
Kick people to death while they're already being electrocuted. It's all allowed!!
Or just pounce from a great height until they are splattered. All good fun!
The CryptO'pinion?
I'm no expert when it comes to beat 'em up games, but I am genuinely shocked at how much fun I've had with this Mortal Kombat wannabe. I half-expected it to suck, especially since it was released so late in the ST's life. Surprisingly, even though the STe has no hardware to move the sprites, it's shockingly brisk and lively. A delightful game and a possible replacement for Double Dragon 3 as my favourite game?
Also, I love how it doesn't take itself too seriously, and the fact that I can try my luck against a Terminator is kinda cool. It's obvious that a lot of hard work and love went into its production - and all during the twilight years. Beating the hell out of digitised guys is a great way to spend a few hours. Play this!!
The best floppies are on Atarimania. (stay away from the old betas - they are rubbish!)
