KillThings

It's killing time!

KillThings, by Orm of Digi Tallis, is a 3D first-person shooter similar to something like Wolfenstein. Alas, it was never finished, but it is still very playable and I'm impressed by the speed of its 3D engine which is both fast and fluent. What's more, is the mapping screen which works just like the one seen in Doom - love it!!

Sadly, there are no audio effects and little to do other than wander stark corridors looking for a bug-eyed stickman to kill. Still, the potential is staggering when you think about what's completed for this unfinished version. Interestingly, there is a level editor if you're feeling bravely creative? Go on, I dare 'ya.

Let's check out a couple of screenshots of the map and level editor...

The game's mapping function works like a dream, much like we saw in Doom!

Why not design your own levels using the editor?

The CryptO'pinion?

KillThings was never going to replace Wolfenstein or Substation but I'm fascinated by oddities like this lurking within our archives. I'm impressed by the hopes and dreams of what this developer wanted to create back in the day. It's a shame his idea died before it was completed. The 'readme' explains a great deal.

But fear not, we have this demo which is neat and shows what might have been if completed. It's rather cool and can be downloaded from their website, along with the level editor and much more.

I hope that one day, Orm gets back to this project because it's funky cool with massive potential.

Ultrasatan

UltraSatan? More like UltraGOD!

When my hard disk decided to kick the bucket I replaced it with an Ultrasatan. It's built like a tank and incredibly versatile and (obviously) silent - the old hard drive sounded like a Vulcan Bomber!! I could have bought CosmosEx/Gotek but I would rather attempt open-heart surgery than risk cutting my Atari ST.

But what about games?? Not to worry, there are runnable disks thanks to Floppy Image Runner by Peter Putnik who has adapted hundreds of games to load directly off the Ultrasatan. The D-Bug guys have converted loads of games with stunning menus and cheats - I wish they'd continue on as they are amazing.

I sure love my Ultrasatan which is a superb clump of hardware and one I cannot recommend highly enough. Visit Lotharek's website for more information and lots of other goodies - get yourself one of these beasts!!

Goin' Down With The Captain

Wait... Come back!!

Goin' Down With The Captain was developed in GFA Basic by Terry King of Ninth Wave Software and must be one of the silliest titles since the robot monsters invaded. Or is it just me? Anyhow, imagine yourself as the unlucky cabinboy onboard a sinking ship who is running around for the lifebuoys. Can you help save him?

Collecting the lifebuoys is easy, but you must venture deep into the waters to find some scattered about the ship. Fetch them back to their hangers up on the top deck but you are only able to carry a maximum of two at a time. Later levels will require multiple trips into Poseidon's realm. This is a frantic race against the clock!

Sounds interesting, right? Okay, let's take a look at a screenshot...

Leaky pipes, rising water and now a crab has spotted sent us to heaven, ala Monty Mole!

This ain't no killing gameshow!

The flooding is constantly rising due to leaky pipes spurting out water. These can be patched with a sticky plaster and some decks have pump levers to reduce water levels. Flooded decks can be accessed - if you hold your breath and use air bubbles to replenish oxygen. Any treasures you find are yours to keep but beware of snippy crabs roaming the lower decks who love nipping at your toes. There's much going on but never feels OTT.

The joystick controls are incredible with responsive movements and no learning curve. Oh, and using the levers is an entertaining moment that brought back memories of Decathlon albeit waggling up & down!!

It's fun and very hectic - trust me! Hey, I think it's time for another screenshot...

Some levels are a little more puzzling with lifebuoys hidden behind locked doors...

Cheap & cheerful

The graphics aren't exactly Bitmap Bros standard but they do their job albeit with the occasional slowdown. Scrolling is great and I have massive admiration for the palette - especially when underwater.

The audio is in stereo on the Atari STe but I'd much rather have the crisp YM chip over poor-quality samples. Yep, the music and sound effects are made from low-quality samples which I didn't care for. Hence, this is another reason why chiptunes are timeless compared to many MODs. Flame me all you like but it's true.

Am I trying to start a fight? Bring it on Commies! No, let's chill with another screenshot...

Remember, not every door needs to be unlocked - so use your keys wisely before you drown!

The CryptO'pinion?

This is an oddball with more than a hint of a certain other action platformer. I enjoyed the gameplay style, it's fantastic with many interesting ideas. In fact, it's downright silly at times but you won't mind one bit. Ignore the weak visuals and fuzzy audio because the gameplay is top-notch and that's what matters.

Going Down With The Captain is challenging, addictive, and one of the best PD games I've played.

Goin' Down With The Captain download @AtariMania

Megapede

My bad (as the kids say)

After drooling over Sinister Development's Centipede, there seemed little reason for any other version of this game. Stupidly, I skipped Robert Dytmire's Megapede without giving it a second thought. Thankfully, I came to my senses and went back to it. I'm glad I did because this is nothing less than a fantastic homebrew effort with exhilarating gameplay featuring bosses, extra swarms, level-select and support for adults or kids. The audio is great and I adore the clunky 8-bit style with comically cute sprites and enormous mushrooms.

Don't be an idiot, like I was, this is a fantastic millipede conversion!!

--> DOWNLOAD MEGAPEDE <--

Whirligig

Spinning in space

Whirligig was developed by Maelstrom Games of Midwinter fame for Firebird, and I've recorded a short video which I thought might be fun to share. Why? Simply because I cannot play Whirligig for love nor money - zipping about in space without ever being able to properly control my direction is agonising. If I happened to kill one of the baddies, it was pure luck because I usually end up killing myself instead!! This is a good game, but could so easily have been great with a bit of thought... I don't know, but I appear to be grumpy today.

Technically, Whirligig is impressive, and I could have dug my heels in and mastered the controls. But I couldn't be bothered, which is my mood today. Enjoy my video recording, and I promise to try harder next time!

Sorry for this terrible article :o)

* Floppy disks can be nabbed off Exxos [Automation #10] and via Stonish [Klapauzius #1].

* AtariMania has links to reviews and the manual. In hindsight perhaps I should have read that? lol

Alien Blast

A quick news flash!!

Our Atari world is buzzing with news of Matthieu Isorez giving away his copy of Alien Blast!! Previous public releases crashed on level 3 due to data corruption and we've needed the original disks/files. Finally, we have them and can play the later levels - which is exactly how I plan to spend the rest of my Sunday!!!

More to come when I have the time. Thanks to Marko Latvanen @AtariMania for the heads-up :)