Laserball 2015

Wear your thinking head, Worzel

Laser Ball was initially released in 1991 by Thomas Ilg and then updated in 2014 with bug fixes and larger screens. After months of tinkering and making even more improvements, we have the completed product: Laserball 2015. The game can be downloaded for free with the option of buying a boxed version - which is what I had to get!

This is a puzzle game that first appears simple in nature but turns out to be furiously challenging. If you've ever played Deflektor and the like, then you will immediately have a grasp on the basic concept. The game has many screens of increasing difficulty with all featuring a laser gun shooting out a beam of light in a straight line.

In order to complete a level, that beam must be redirected onto a red ball using mirrors and other objects. That means using the various mirrors by tilting them to redirect the light toward distinct directions. These can be physically moved in all four directions - and move continuously until blocked by an object or wall. So, it's paramount to stop and think.

Righto, let's take a gander at a screenshot of the first level that gently breaks you in (he says)...

This is the first level where I learned a lot about when and how to move those mirrors.

My brain hurts!

It's your calculative thinking that chooses where to place the mirrors in order to align the beam of light just right - so it can blast that red blob! However, doing so proves a LOT harder than you first imagine thanks to each screen's design. As you progress, you'll see lots of different types of objects that can either aid or restrict your options. For example:

Closed doorways need to be activated using the beam before they can be used. Easy that, init!

Some objects cannot be moved - except by the beam of light. I now hate timers even more.

Some eliminate walls and others present hidden functions. Dare you experiment?

Watch out for the timer. Sigh... Yes, there's a timer which I didn't like at all - I felt rushed which spoilt the fun for me (so I would like to personally thank Thomas for implementing a feature to disable it). Finally, try not to zap a bomb otherwise it's game over - but you can always come back to a particular level without replaying the previous screens. There is an insane number of levels to wade through - which should keep you busy for weeks! No, months.

Feeling brave? Think this game is easy? Okay, let's take a look at the next screenshot to shut you up...

A timer or not, this level is a ticking timebomb. Look closely and you'll see what I mean!!

Aesthetics?

Visually, this is a nice looker thanks to its clear-cut display style that suits the cute theme. However, let's face it, puzzlers are rarely jaw-dropping and how can they be? With that in mind, I think Laser Ball actually has excellent graphics. Each screen is without unnecessary clutter whilst also featuring an appealing type of youthful style that I really admire.

Sadly, there aren't many sound effects (ahem) beyond the few key clicks and funny jingles... But that doesn't matter in the slightest because Laserball features charming chip music by xFalcon that suits the game perfectly. It's beautiful.

So, it looks nice and sounds great! I think it's time to celebrate that fact with the final screenshot...

Now things have changed once again with new mechanics I couldn't grasp at first. Killer game!!

The CryptO'pinion?

I've learned many things about myself playing Laserball both, as a gamer and as a person. Like my patience - or rather lack of it!! The fact that I can spend so much time on any level - constantly replaying it over and over. But then be utterly flabbergasted at what is often a simple solution that I failed to work out. Argh, it's so infuriating!!

But this is a fascinating puzzler too and I've been quoted saying, "Probably one of the best thinking games ever released for the Atari ST". You know what? I think that humble sentence pretty much nails it and definitely sums up this game. And that's saying something when you consider just how many awesome puzzlers are already out for the Atari ST!!

- Download Laserball for floppy & hard drive -

   
Update: check this out!!! Thank you, Thomas, for making this new level :-)

Interphase

Another ST game from my collection!

It's time for some more box art and we have a gorgeous "Starglider" alternative by Image Works. Interphase was given away free on a magazine cover disk and I reckon every ST guy has played this game before? However, I never actually owned the boxed original - until now!! It's actually in fantastic condition and with all contents perfectly preserved.

As I boot this up, I know this will be an amazing gouraud-tastic experience!! Such a fine shooter and a great example of what the ST can achieve when programmed by people with talent and commitment. Not only are there superb sound effects, but smoother framerates than any other 16-bit computer manages. An excellent game!!

Grab yourself a piece of this 3D action and grab the download for either the sluggish floppy or your hard disk.

I can't end this without including some screenshots so, here you go...

Ya' can't beat a Fine Young Cannibals sample for this cool title screen.

You begin in this weird tunnel sequence which is better and tougher than you realise.

The graphics are fast and smooth with unique polygons - like the unicycling frog!! O_o

The power and performance of the Atari ST... when in the hands of developers with talent!

Cerror Terror!

Music to your ears!

A Beginning is a music disk that was released to celebrate Roel Heerspink (aka Cerror) and his joining of Dead Hackers Society. It's one heck of a production that was made with the excellent MusicMon software. The recording (above) features a minute, or so, of each track and they are all gorgeous chiptune goodness that your Atari ST/e deserves.

So get down and boogie, folks because it is chip-tune Tuesday!! :^)

Credits:

Cerror - Music

Evil - Code

Gizmo - Code

Proteque - Graphics

| Cerror | Demozoo | MusicMon |

Elvira - The Arcade Game

A game with sex appeal

Elvira has graced our favourite 16-bit computer three times, two of them being adventures. However, the third is a little-known platformer by Flair Software which is a platformer not too dissimilar to the likes of Turrican or Gods. Yes, that doesn't sound very original but I don't care. Also, it's enhanced on Atari STe thanks to the Blitter and lots of extra colours. So, kudos to the boys at Flair for supporting both computers.

For this game, we are the Mistress who finds herself awoken by a wizard who needs her to complete a mission (here we go) and, apparently, we need to recover the Queendom. Whatever the story, I'm in, but it means there are three ginormous worlds to explore. And guess what, there are many demons to fight!!

Let's take a look at their loading screens which are beautiful examples of pixel art...

Those looking for a tan might first wish to play the Underworld of Fire?

Or perhaps you prefer to plunder the cold depths of Arctic Earth? Bring a scarf!

Let's play with Elvira

It's obvious Gods and Turrican inspired this game so no prizes for originality. There are two levels: Underworld Of Fire and Arctic Earth (the third cannot be played until these are completed). Each has a range of baddies walking the levels and flying in the sky. Hitting fire shoots a magical weapon with loud and exciting deaths - it's shameless ripoff effect. There is constant action through huge, colourful levels stuffed with monsters.

The controls are good but turning this sexy woman feels too slow. Elvira moves majestically, it's something seeing her flaunt those legs when turning or jumping. The walk is funny as she stomps the ground but gravity appears low so jumping takes on the form of Neil Armstrong on the moon. Actually, this is great for killing the monsters as the jump mechanic takes longer so you can change direction as needed.

There's little that feels new as Elvira is definitely running on ripped inspiration. That's fine but it also means there's nothing unexpected so everything feels familiar. I also found the levels too big and bewildering. The ability to save progress via checkpoints could have been better. As you can imagine, I kept on getting lost!

Let's take a peep at a jazzy screenshot of the fireworks you will experience...

Elvira doesn't waste any time flashing you a quick glimpse of her underwear!

Aesthetics

Visually, this is a corker with gorgeous levels that feature lots of colour and detailed sprites that explode like it's bonfire night. Parallax scrolling is smooth but the action can slow down when a lot is happening. The screen width has been squashed a little to maintain the framerate on older STs which is understandable.

The Blitter Chip is supported for both Atari computers if present (obviously, a standard on the STe). This makes the game run at a smoother albeit slower pace. So, an STfm without Blitter features a lower framerate but faster gameplay. Personally, I prefer the game without Blitter support! :o

The excellent theme music is by Sean Connolly with nice Gods-like effects (S key toggles). To be honest, there aren't an awful lot of sound effects; you will hear Elvira stomping more than anything else.

Righto fellow ST Nutters, it's time for the final screenshot and guess what? It's beautiful...

Elvira is so hot she can create sparks even in the cold Ice World.

The CryptO'pinion?

Sadly, even the busty goddess cannot save this game. The basics are very good and enjoyable for a while. However, the levels are far too large and thus the quest soon becomes tiresome without frequent checkpoints. Although the graphics are legendary (I tip my hat to Flair for using the Blitter) they should have removed the parallax effect in favour of a larger display/spritelier scrolling. That would have been better.

Elvira The Arcade Game may never have been in the arcades but I don't care. Who doesn't enjoy dressing up as The Mistress Of The Dark? Oops, did I say that out loud? Yes, it might feel like a cheap Gods or Turrican clone but I've enjoyed it. Far from perfect but worth booting up, especially if you have a trainer and map at hand.

Elvira will keep you entertained for many hours. Mmm, given half the chance!!

Who wouldn't help Elvira if she asked?

Exactly, so grab her by the floppy or hard disk!!

lotsa stars!

I figured that it was about time I uploaded a video of this demo. I've had it for absolute yonks but I should have uploaded it ages ago. Why? Because it's so impressive and needs to be shared amongst the demoscene fanbase. I mean, come on just, look at the specs: 1265 zillion+ stars, calculated in real-time and at 50fps. Mind-boggling specs on show!!

I would like to see another 16-bit computer try this! So sit back and enjoy the show... 

Credit

No More - Music

Phenomenon - Code, Graphics (Logo)

TiNKer - Graphics (Font)

Download from Demozoo.