Fractal Landscape Generator

It's time to get creative

Fractal Landscape Generator was developed by David Billington, who offers us an opportunity to develop mountainous worlds. Now, it's worth stopping to read the disk's doc file before you do anything else, because of an excellent mini-guide. I know, I know, nobody reads the manual... but you should this time!

Creating a brand-new rugged landscape is extremely easy thanks to the fantastic user interface. Not only that, the results can be produced and viewed quickly, even on an 8MHz computer. Thankfully, the program made great use of my 16MHz Mega STe, which is superb. Hatari's versatile speed will be a huge bonus!

The 3D part was initially difficult to grasp but don't give up - keep on tinkering and you'll grasp it. Once you're happy, you can then add light-shading, alter various colour parameters, and increase the detail level. Heck, you can even animate a fly-by through your newly created world.

Dabbling in 16-bit creation was fun, and it's impressive to see what wonders I could knock out. To think I found it by chance: Floppyshop ART-3647. It's a nice feeling to find something "new", and this is a great program to get started in fractal landscaping. Give it a go and let me know what you think in the comments!

I hope you enjoy making mountains...

- My MEGA STe Creations -

 

 

Astro Marine Corps

Creepy monsters are coming to get you!

Sometimes a game doesn't need a long-winded storyline, puzzles, or life-sucking RPG elements. Sometimes all you want is a huge mother of a weapon (with unlimited ammo, of course) and lots of baddies in need of urgent annihilation. Be happy because Dinamic's AMC fits the bill with lots of gratifyingly brutal violence!

This multi-level scrolling shoot 'em up involves nothing more than walking through grim alien landscapes and hammering the fire button to kill everything in sight. Upgradeable weapons use a directional-firing technique, and our marine can crouch and leap high into the air (with wiggly legs). We are equipped with powerful bombs, which are needed when the main gun isn't effective. (tip: perhaps you can drop a few into a crater)

The aliens are an obscene bunch of misfits ranging from man-eating plants to mechanoids that even Robocop would run away from. Don't get close to the unassuming caterpillars, these will suddenly grow in size - with teeth!! I think AMC has some of the best enemies, and the monstrously huge Guardian proves it.

Technically, AMC could have been better; the scrolling is somewhat lacking, and the landscapes look rather "unfinished". Thankfully, the joystick controls are excellent. However, it is awkward reaching for the keyboard to throw a bomb - especially when mechanoids are chasing. With a bit of spit and polish...

AMC is crude and predictable but thoroughly entertaining. It features great baddies, crunchy sounds, and loads of action. I loved it, and being an Astro Marine is ace because it’s fantastic killing alien scumbags!


Waste no more time & play this game!!Install AMC on your hard drive.Grab the floppies from Atari Legend.

The plant life is out to get you in this crazy game, so watch out where you walk!!

Awe look, everyone, it's a strange little worm. No, wait... ARGHHH it's growing!!

This thingamabob is absolutely superb. Look at the detail in his eyes and teeth!!

AMC has some huge monsters, but the bosses are even bigger. This beast is ginormous!!

Gribnif Software

Today is a great day!!

Dan Wilga has released NeoDesk and Geneva as freeware, downloaded directly from the Gribnif website. I've quickly run through a test installation (within Hatari), and it worked without a hitch. My next project is to install this onto my Mega STe and get this amazing operating system running from an SD Card.

What a fantastic opportunity this is, but please don't forget to donate whatever you can. I would love to see your NeoDesk screenshots! Let me know what you guys think of Geneva/NeoDesk in the comments below...

- THE DOWNLOAD LINK -

Killing Machine

The killer from Atlantis

Killing Machine is a vertically scrolling shooter by Atlantis Software released in 1992. We're on a remote planet controlled by a giant brain that identifies your sassy spaceship as an invading bacterium: vermin that needs to be wiped out!! The battlefield spans three levels with lots of kamikaze enemies out for blood.

The first thing that struck me was the graphics, which are uniquely colourful using a sweet palette. The smooth scrolling is slow and steady, with impressive enemy sprites zipping across the screen. Sound effects go beyond mere bleeps for some rather raspy samples, and that grunge works well and suits the style.

Killing Machine is brutal and requires lots of practice before you get close to beating the first level. That learning curve is nothing less than painful. Keep at it - collecting the power-ups and learning the enemy attack patterns is a must. Or you die a suckers death. This isn't the best shooter, but it's still loads of fun.

• Atarilegend has floppy disks (Pure Energy #53)
• 8BitChip has a great version for hard disk installation.
• AtariMania has this listed along with scans of the manual.

Rambo III

80s action heroes box art

Rambo III, released by Ocean Software, is an overhead shooter similar to others like Into the Eagle’s Nest. I’m thrilled to finally own this game, which boasts impressive Hollywood artwork and a great back cover, too. So I decided to take a picture of both and double up on our love for movie legend Sly Stallone.

Sly Stallone plays our musclebound action hero, about to infiltrate a Soviet base holding Colonel Trautman captive. Our mission spans three levels: the first involves rescuing Trautman, followed by our escape. The final level is a shooting gallery reminiscent of Operation Wolf. Before you ask, the first part is the best.

Let's see a couple of screenshots, starting with the outstanding title screen...

I can't help but admire this superb screen. Yes, it is superb!!

Okay, we're in. Grab your knife because it's time to kick ass!!

Run. Shoot. Kill everything!

The gameplay on the first two levels is somewhat reminiscent of Gauntlet, but it’s not the same. Ironically, running around like Johnny Rambo will get you killed! Instead, carefully explore the complex, searching for the safest route. You’ll also need items like health, ammo, and infrared goggles to detect the invisible booby traps. Watch your health displayed using a meter that older games will find nicely (ahem) familiar.

Since each room is entered "blindfolded", always be cautious (ie, not shown until entered). Otherwise, the Russians will gang up and beat Sly. Yup, enemies occupy most rooms, but feel more like automated drones than the Soviet elite. They robotically patrol back and forth, unaware of your presence until you suddenly appear in their line of sight. Watch their movements and habits. If you get seen, an alarm sounds, and nearby soldiers come. Don’t be deterred by these tough soldiers who are creatures of habit.

This isn’t a run-of-the-mill Gauntlet rip-off; careful tactics are essential. Play more like the real US Army Special Forces than Hollywood claptrap. My only complaints are trying to memorise the massive map, which can easily lead to getting lost. I also think that there should be more collectables to help. But I'm entering into the territory of, "Steve's a bad gamer"! And yes, I doubt I’ll ever reach the third stage without a cheat!

I hear you cry for more screenshots! It’s nice getting feedback... Here you go…

Tread carefully because most rooms are heavily guarded with many tunnelled-vision soldiers!

These guys will patrol back and forth, so be slow and make sure you don't set off the alarms.

But is it any good?

I understand why Rambo III didn’t win over most reviewers back in the day. It’s Marmite - you’ll either love it or hate it. Despite its flaws, I think it’s fantastic. While it resembles Gauntlet, it’s totally different and more akin to our version of The Great Escape. Stealth is key, so prepare to spend hours sneaking (and mapping). Rambo III is challenging and tactical first and foremost, with arcade action as a secondary element.

Understand the type of game you're playing, and you’ll love it - I certainly do.

Tear your shirt off and grab Rambo 3 from Atari Legend.
Wanna see the maps? Right here: Speccy Maps/Hall Of Light.

The back of the box is absolutely awesome. Gotta love Sly!!

Atari ST friends

My new Atari ST merch!

I received my latest "Atari Games" mug by Peter Jørgensen (Enduro Racer / YMT). No, they're not all the same, just scroll down for the reverse side. These cups are superb, and it's so kind of Peter to send them. The mouse mat was a gift from my mate Tom, another ST nutter. Both Peter and Tom made the ZombieCrypt mug - probably because they were blown away by that slideshow I released last year. Hmm, probably not lol.

My greetings, Peter/Tom - nothing is better than suppin' coffee from these mugs!! 😎