Sometimes, I don't want to play a life-sucking adventure or learn the ins and outs of some RPG. Sometimes, I just wanna smash up stuff and then feast on many annoying human beings. Well, today I loaded Aaargh, by Melbourne House. It's basically Rampage, and we can be a giant ogre or a fire-breathing dragon.
Destroy buildings, kill attacking critters, eat stupid humans, and then collect an egg trophy. Watch out for the angry yocals and dangerous critters, so conserve energy by eating what you find - like tasty humans!! Once you have the egg, it's time for a battle with a beastie opponent before plundering the next village.
The controls are a little clumsy because our beastie must be facing in the right direction to pick up items and perform attack moves. Sadly, we can be knocked to the ground too easily, which is frustrating when waiting for him to get up (and that gives other nasties more than enough time to creep up on you once again).
It's not Rampage, but it's still fun for an hour or two. And who doesn't enjoy burning homes to the ground before eating the angry villagers? Aaargh! might be utter rubbish, but I actually enjoyed it. And I enjoyed it a bunch!! Of course, I'm mad, but it's great fun being mad, so play this ridiculous game now. You'll love it.
I've just been laughing my ST socks off at my oldest video recording on YouTube. Rainbow might not mean much to those around the globe but, here in dear old Blighty, it was one of the most popular children's TV shows for about 25 years. I miss Zippy! Enjoy this amazing demo that pushes the Atari STe to its limits.
Erm, honest... Anyhow, it's still great to watch. Insane, more like!! :D
Joust is a cracker - whether solo or with a mate - and all you need is medieval chainmail and a flying ostrich. I think this is one of those games that everyone loves, so I figured that I should record a video demonstrating different versions. This also includes Winglord, an awesome take on the theme for the Atari STe.
Note: I used OpenEmu to emulate the Atari 2600/5200/7800 and Hatari for the Atari ST/e computers. My recording is best viewed directly on YouTube as each part is linked within its description.
Okay, let's start at the beginning and see what's what in the jousting world...
- A T A R I 2 6 0 0 -
First up is the Atari 2600, which I'm saddened to report I did not enjoy nearly as much as I was expecting. I don't know what it is, but I didn't gel with this version at all. The gameplay was quick and fun, but I was left a little baffled as to why I wasn't enjoying it that much. I guess that I never felt comfortable with the controls?
However, I will say that the sound effects are typically 2600 and raspy! This is what I absolutely love about the machine because it's so cool. Ultimately, I came away feeling cold, so this isn't something I'll return to.
- A T A R I 5 2 0 0 -
I'll always be the first to admit I'm a noob concerning old consoles, but the Atari 5200 never seems to disappoint me. Once again, it delivers the goods with a fascinating conversion that is fast, frantic, and well-balanced. And it's that what I enjoyed the most, for maximum, fair and balanced gameplay.
The graphics aren't exactly pushing this machine, but that doesn't matter. The sound effects are a brilliant step up from those on the 2600 (which I loved). The 5200 knocks it out of the park with a killer and zany experience. Looks bad, sounds great, and plays even better. What a fantastic version of Joust this is!!
- A T A R I 7 8 0 0 -
Next up is the obscure Atari 7800, and what a tough conversion this brought to the table. It's pretty much as you would expect, so more of the same Joust'y goodness. In fact, it looks, sounds, and plays superbly well, but is it a hard nut to crack? Over and over I would fail miserably, and I began to question why I bother!
Like the 5200, I found the controls perfect, even if I failed to progress much (and that's an understatement). This version could/should have been the best of the lot, but it's just so darn difficult. Make sure you watch my video for a hilarious end to this game - I think this sums up my luck rather well with this game?
- A T A R I S T -
Onto the Atari ST, and the boys did a superb job. After a peculiar title screen, we are greeted with detailed sprites and lovely animations that look the part!! The gameplay is spot-on perfect thanks to awesome mechanics. This is a belting conversion that I find hard to fault because it's fun without the irritation of being too difficult.
I'm trying not to sound like an ST fanboy, but I genuinely had the most fun here. A perfect 10/10.
Winglord by Victor Bruhn is something possibly unknown to many, and it runs on both ST computers, but is best on the Atari STe thanks to Blitted graphics and lots of funky DMA sounds. There are changes, like unicorns and yellow jackets, so it's hardly an authentic clone. Which I'm glad of. Plus, I love how the unicorns strut their stuff, and did I mention that we have missiles? Oh yeah!! Winglord is a magnificent alternative to Joust.
Rebellion's Alien Vs Predator is a 64-bit masterpiece and the main reason I bought an Atari Jaguar. It offers a fascinating first-person experience set in outer space on board an alien-infested spaceship. Rarely did I play as either the Alien or Predator - I almost always chose the Colonial Marine, Private Lance J. Lewis.
This marine is a bad boy who awakens from stasis in the Brig. Wondering what's going on, he conveniently finds a dead body and picks up a shotgun before speaking the line: "What on earth got hold of this guy?". Lance is hungry and heads to the canteen on sublevel 3 only to find the place is swarming with aliens!!
Let's use that shotgun and create some hell!!
I love it, but we need to pause the reading for some screenshots from the intro...
Original and gripping storyline? Well, at least the artwork is gorgeous... Hang on, is that a pink ship?
All I need is a big gun!
The ship might be overrun, but we have a shotgun, and there are plenty of supplies to pick up. Sadly, your clearance level is pretty lame, but fumbling dead bodies could reveal hidden treasures and possibly better keycards. When all seems lost, follow in the footsteps of Gordon Freeman and use the vent shafts. Finally, don't ignore the computer terminals as they often contain helpful information and mapping details.
This adventure is yours to enjoy how you see fit, but it will be hard unless you make a map - especially for the vent shafts, which are tricky to navigate. Upgrading to the Pulse Rifle is a must, and I love the handy Motion Tracker. Don't dawdle because reports suggest another alien ship is docking!! This game is epic.
We aren't limited to simply being human! Choose your character race for a unique game...
Wanna be a Marine with a big gun? Of course, you do!!!
Or a sleek alien with speed and power? Or a big wimp who hides behind his gadgets?
The CryptO'pinion?
Alien vs Predator is all about taking the time to explore. There's nothing like crawling through the air vents looking for secret places or just places that aren't accessible the usual way. The excitement you feel when first firing that pulse rifle is legendary. These are nasty times, so find the keycards, kill as many aliens as possible, and activate the self-destruct before it's too late. Be brave and don't step in the goo.
Just don't forget about the escape pod, otherwise it's "Game over, man"!!
Did you enjoy this?
It wasn't related to the Atari ST, but I hope to feature more for the Atari consoles.
My apologies for the video quality. Doing both the recording and running the emulator was a struggle for my old Mac. I had lots of fun, but regret selling my Jaguar!
