2025

Another year closer to death

Being the miserable sod that I am, I don't usually welcome in the new year. It's something I've never been bothered about. I'm more of a Christmas guy; January only means work is looming around the corner! Thankfully, I’m retired, and I believe I’m probably a happier person? Don't quote me on that.

So, I wanted a way to celebrate this New Year, but I wasn’t sure how. Then, my iPhone suggested something called Gemini. Apparently, it can create an image that you describe. That sounded strange to me, but I thought, "Why not give it a try?" Even so, I assumed it would be terrible and that I’d uninstall the app!

After having a play, most of the generated images were (at best) hit-or-miss. And if you asked to include the text "Atari ST," it often produced a computer that's a bizarre mix of an older 8-bit Atari mashed up with bits of the ST. The results were, to put it mildly, disappointing. That said, a few images turned out surprisingly well, like the house in my Christmas post. Honestly, did you really think I could draw that myself? lol

I can imagine you're all bored reading about how I finally caught up with modern technology? Must admit, I'd have never imagined creating a picture by describing it to a computer. That's weird and a little 'August 29 1997' scary! Anyhow, let's crack on and show you some images that Gemini created for me.

I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year and I wish you all the beST... STay Atari... Stay Atari ST...

The worst part of Gemini was getting it to properly spell "Atari ST"!!

This was a simple request, fireworks with the "Atari ST" words & logo. Not bad!

"AtariCrypt" was often nigh on impossible without resorting to capitals. Very odd.

I asked for a horror image and it came back with this. Which I think is damn cool!!

I wanted the Atari ST to look explosive with flair. It came up with this image.

I love West Texas and asked for a variety of "ST" images. All bad. Except this one!

I asked for a battle scene with "Happy New Year", this was the best of a bad bunch.

I requested numerous "Party" & "New Year" images with the word "Atari ST".
This was literally the best one. To be fair, it's pretty good.

With Asterix in the Dungeons of Doom

Crawling with Asterix

Following the success of RogueCrypt (yes, that’s what I named it and I shall be forever sorry), Mug UK asked me to create a similar image for the Asterix-themed Rogue hack. This version is essentially the same game with graphical modifications. Asterix in the Dungeons of Doom allows us to take on the role of Asterix instead of the Rogue character while keeping most other aspects unchanged. I’m tempted to call this disk AsterixCrypt. Have I hit an all-time low? Yeah, maybe I’m taking this naming convention a bit too far.

Regardless, here are all the links you need for the file download and more...

• Download the (.ST) disk image of AsterixCrypt = https://www.dropbox.com/DownloadTheGame...
• In case you missed it, RogueCrypt = https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/2024/12/roguecrypt.html
• Atari Legend = https://www.atarilegend.com/games/asterix-the-adventure-game
• Rogue for Atari STe (uses STe DMA) = https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/2017/08/rogue.html
• Mug UK = https://demozoo.org/sceners/2542/
• JayMSA to convert to a real disk = http://jaysoft.atariportal.cz/stapps.htm#msa
• Other ST stuff made by me: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/MadeByMe

To tempt you to play, I'll end with screenshots of the Gaulish warrior's adventure...

Asterix isn't used to a dungeon so let's help him beat the monsters and grab the loot!

Shush, the bat is asleep. Quietly get that potion, treasure, and scroll...

Kestral's are mean beasts and this one wasn't alone.

I spent time searching for a hidden door but the exit was hiding under a sleeping bat!

I wanna run and escape but a slime beast is in my way.

Avoiding the Leprechaun as best I can in a darkened room.

Phantoms are strong, a zap from my wand helped a bunch!

I guess the dungeons proved too much for our little warrior?

Merry Christmas

Gaming in GEM

Santa Run was developed in 2002 by Dan Ackerman and works on all Atari computers but appears to be aimed more at the Falcon. It's a dodge/collect 'em all with us as Santa running through the snow. The object is to collect Christmas presents before the timer expires (collect the candy canes to increase that).

The game was designed for GEM with a minimum resolution of 640x400. Of course, the Falcon rocks that requirement and played great for me with 256/TC colours using my (ahem) virtual computer. But don't walk off in a huff because it plays just as well in ST High, albeit visually bland by comparison.

This is a simple game and a nice change from the stuff I normally play. Scrolling in GEM, whatever next? Yep, I thoroughly enjoyed Santa Run, especially on my virtual Falcon. Merry Christmas everyone †

AtariUpToDate has the download and more - https://www.atariuptodate.de/en/2765/santa-run

(Atari ST high resolution) That grey fatman at the bottom is Santa!!

Of course, it's best on the Falcon. Grr, I want one of those 32-bit beasts!!!

I never make the top of any high-score table... so I'm happy!!

This screenshot is of the Atari STe using Hatari's extended resolution feature.
It played great and I scored almost 40K to reach the top of the hi-score table!!

Everyone is welcome in the house of AtariCrypt. Heck, even Amiga people.
All the best and Merry Christmas everyone †

RogueCrypt

ROGUE!!

I've been considering doing this for a while. Why it's taken me so long is anyone's guess, but I can imagine most of you already use Peter's excellent hard drive version. Nonetheless, I have created my own preconfigured bootable version of Rogue, which I have named RogueCrypt. Yes, I know the name is awful.

My disk is built on Peter's excellent hack, but I've added a few optional extras to make the Rogue's quest even better. QuickST is used for a much faster display (hopefully), and XControl automatically disables the key clicks. You also have the option to switch between 50/60Hz, which I love to use. I've tested with Atari ST/STe running TOS 1.02(1MB) and TOS 1.62(4MB). Oh, there might be a couple of extra surprises!!

I hope someone finds this disk interesting enough to download. Rogue is such a fantastic game and the perfect reason to take a break from your PC or Xbox. Download my disk and enjoy the dungeons of Rogue.

• The RogueCrypt download: https://www.dropbox.com/.../RogueCrypt...
• Peter's original hack: https://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/R/rogue.php
• JayMSA if you wish to create a real disk: http://jaysoft.atariportal.cz
• Rogue again, but with a STe twist: https://ataricrypt.blogspot...rogue.html
• Game maps can be sourced here: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/game-maps
• Other ST stuff made by me: https://ataricrypt.blogspot.com/MadeByMe

After creating the disk image, I decided to test my luck and take a stroll through the dungeons...

Rogue is quite possibly one of the best Atari ST games. What say you?

Oh no, I've hit a dead end? Use the search, dummy!

In the dark and set upon by a zombie and a rattlesnake. Life's not fair.

Exploring another corridor, and something from a children's TV show appears!

My adventure ended soon after. I need a cheat (joke!)

Tony - Montezuma's Gold

Montezuma's Gold

Many excellent productions came from this year's Silly Venture, but it was a platformer that caught my eye. Tony Montezuma's Gold is a conversion of the C64 original by Rafał Dudek, based on the explorer Tony Halik. Coded by ST legend, George Nakos (aka GGN), its gameplay is like a mash of Rick Dangerous and Pitfall Harry.

"Embark on a pixelated journey inspired by Tony Halik, the real-life Polish explorer and filmmaker whose adventures spanned continents and decades. He was exploring ancient civilisations for NBC, Tony's love of discovery knew no bounds. Now it's your turn to step into Tony's digital shoes and unravel the mysteries of Montezuma's Castle in this nostalgic 8-bit homage."

You know me. I love platformers, and this one is outstanding with superb joystick controls that feel natural and responsive. Each screen features ledges to jump, spikes to avoid, crushing pillars, and more. Look out for helpful items like keys to unlock doors and potions to help prevent death. Only four items can be carried at once, so think before blindly encumbering yourself with something you might not immediately require.

Most games are tough, and soon I'm searching for a trained version. Let me ask, are there any LAMERS here? I'm looking for a show of hands... Good, because there is an option for infinite lives in the game's settings. What a fantastic feature, albeit at the expense of labelling you a lamer. Don't care; I've no shame :D

You may have looked at the graphics and assumed they were high-resolution. No, this is in low res with a black-and-white design by Rafał Dudek. His effect works flawlessly to represent the aged theme, but can be tinted using a variety of colours. Likewise, the audio can flip between sound effects or music, but you would be insane to disable the incredible tunes by Adam Gilmore. A minor quibble, I only wish the STe hardware was used so (as an option) we might be able to hear sampled sound effects alongside the incredible music.

I've only been playing for a short while, but I'm eager to report this as a wonderful platformer. It's extremely playable, and I'm enjoying the exploration and old-school excitement of reaching new screens!! Heck, I even managed to map the first level. I hope to find time over Christmas to complete all of the levels.

Don't waste any more time reading. Download the demo before purchasing the game - enjoy!!

• Demo and full commercial game https://monochrome-productions.itch.io/...atari-st
• The boxed version https://retronics.eu/?a=cat&id=50&l=en
• Silly Venture 2024 https://demozoo.org/parties/4780/#competition_19577
• GGN https://demozoo.org/sceners/10489/
• Rafał Dudek https://www.youtube.com/@rafaldudek3731/videos
• Adam Gilmore https://www.mobygames.com/person/5192/adam-gilmore/credits/

Settings can be changed for colour tints, sfx/music, and even a lamer mode!

The first level begins in the jungle. Loads of pitfalls and great fun.

The swamp level is a lot tougher. Go lamers!

The catacombs crank up the difficulty but remain so playable.

I mapped the ST's first level. Scroll back up for the download link!

Smile and be as happy as Tony because the ST has a brand-new platformer!

The Bugziacs man did us proud for a wonderful conversion!!

A boxed version is available to pre-order!!!!