The Phantom Demo was released by Amiga/PC crew, Arkham who (for me) seemed to appear on the ST out of nowhere, only to disappear once again. This demo is actually two different party releases from 1993/4 bundled together. They feature super-duper visual effects and fantastic chiptunes by Kane Wood. Can you tell that I enjoyed this a bunch!!
The two videos are incomplete but a good idea of how fantastic it is. This was deliberate as I didn't want to spoil the fun - the demo is best viewed using a real Atari ST computer. If you can, please do!! The download is available on AtariMania with more of Kane's music on Demozoo. Enjoy what is nothing less than blummin' immaculate :)
Top Banana is a vertically scrolling platformer similar to Magic Boy or Rainbow Islands. Ignoring the stupid eco storyline, this has an unusual mix of weirdness but begins with a tripped-out acid-style intro that reminds me of Grotesque and Aciid Burn (Whattaheck). Well, a little, and it's in stereo so worth watching.
The gameplay is simple, we start at the bottom of the screen and leap upwards using the platforms, avoiding the rising water levels. Along the way are nasties but our weapon appears to be "love" as we deliver a fatal kiss of death to anything in our way. So take no prisoners and enjoy killing loving everything!!
Considering this is full of eco-preservation, it contradicts itself by killing animals. Anyhow, you win when you reach the top, then the screen falls and you can collect lots of doughnuts and other items before starting the next stage. Nothing new or mind-blowing but I quite enjoyed this incredibly cr4p platformer!
Before we go any further, let's take a peep at the first screenshot (which is taken from the ST version)
Top Banana played on the Atari ST (the oldest model without a Blitter Chip)
Aesthetics
That's right, this is one of the few games taking advantage of both computers, so kudos to Hex for going that extra mile. However, the ST version is rather lacking with an empty feel. Weirdly, the STe is the complete opposite with a crazy, over-the-top display of graphical mess! Still, the STe scrolls using parallax-scrolling even though my eyes bleed and my head hurts... I think I'm going to die if I play for much longer!! lol
Top Banana is incredibly unique. Never have I seen a game with such an abstract style. At first, I hated it because it's cluttered so I would struggle to see the dangers ahead in time. After a few games, I eventually overcame that eye-burst feeling. Well, I must applaud the artists for daring to be different.
The audio isn't worth mentioning when played on the ST but the STe fairs differently. Hex uses the DMA hardware with lots of samples. It's crazy, it's insane, and they will drive you mad. I never expected that the audio would be as absurd as the visuals. Never have I heard a game that was obviously designed to inflict pain.
Okay, you've witnessed the ST (above) so here it is on the Atari STe...
Top Banana on the Atari STe. Eye-bursting visuals albeit with parallel scrolling.
The CryptO'pinion?
Top Banana is unusual and offers a weird challenge. It's like a nightmare version of Rainbow Islands!! Regardless, I've nothing but respect for Hex for supporting both Atari computers. In fact, Atari STe owners should take out health insurance because their ears might burst with the incredibly annoying DMA samples. Mix that in with the visuals - bloated parallax-scrolling that will give you a headache or a brain tumour. Be warned.
I do wonder what Hex was thinking when they made this bizarre game. It's one that I fear people will ignore, which is a shame. Why? Well, I ended up liking it (on the STe) and that scares me!!
The D-Bug boys have a hard drive version and Stonish has two floppy disk options you need to try:
1) Fuzion #151 (a one-disk download without the intro)
2) Pure Energy #6A and #6B (with the silly intro but it comes on two disks)
Glutton for Punishment Mike, of The New Retro Show, has released the second part of our Ironman Challenge. As you may remember, I gave him a list of Atari ST games which I thought would help push him over the edge. Well, he's still with us, so let's see what torture he endured for the final part of this challenge (above).
This new video features Fire And Brimstone, Crash Time Plumber and R0x. If you missed the first video from this Ironman Challenge then clickety-click to watch that video of Mike's torment! Get the popcorn - enjoy :)
Crackman was released for the Atari STe by Teenage [Pung] and has one of the most idiotic storylines I've ever heard - make sure you read the docs. Okay, I'm sure you've already guessed, Crackman is a PacMan clone but is also one of the most challenging I have ever played. Well, that's an understatement actually...
The maps are huge with a crafty design but it's the ghosts that cannot fail to impress with insanely intelligent AI. This dictates practice before considering matching wits as their AI isn't like previously seen, it's more like Lode Runner. My first game almost ended in tears - I needed many more attempts before recording a video.
Along with the crazy storyline are a few surprises like mines, hidden walls and power pad support. I love the ghosts and our little pill-popper has a full set of teeth but my favourite is when he dies and turns into a puddle of gore. The Atari STe produces silky smooth 50fps hardware scrolling and superb DMA audio.
Everyone knows Pac-Man but if you thought it was boring then take a look at this - I dare you!! Is it better than Crapman? I don't know... but what I do know is that we have yet another excellent Pac-Man game!!
This demo was released at Silly Venture 2013 by Genesis Project and is amazing. No, it's outstanding and I love ElefantaSTic because it breaks from the norm with unique and stunning styles. Plus the artwork is superb with beautiful effects and a perfectly apt chiptune. This is one of my personal favourites and is downloadable from Demozoo.
