Platform Capers was released in 1992 by Kay Downes for Budgie UK and has obvious 8-bit roots I'm instantly attracted to. Aesthetically, I feel it's a cross between Clod Hopper, Jumping Jack, and Donkey Kong with adorable, authentic graphics and sound effects. These transport me back to the early 80s when I was a kid sitting in my cold room in front of an old portable TV waiting for my Speccy to finish loading from tape.
The objective is simple: collect the keys on each level before exiting through the doorway. However, there is a myriad of frustratingly cunning enemies we need to avoid. Touch one, and a life is lost as we go tumbling down the screen like a fat plumber. It's brilliant and classically old-school gameplay, but it's very hard.
I believe there are 7 levels but I dare anyone to complete this game without resorting to a cheat!! At best, I have reach level 4. However, I more often than not, will struggle to complete level 3, if I'm honest. On bad days, I can struggle to beat level 2 and usually end up throwing the joystick down in temper!
Superbly programmed, but the design is far too difficult. I feel it's all down to the small jump, which needed to last a bit longer. It's so unforgiving. I find myself loving and hating Platform Capers in equal measure.
I was bored and converted a picture I found on the internet to 16 colours using Imagecopy 4. I figured it would make a great wallpaper background, so I booted up Deskpic - which is on ST Format cover disk #60.
That's my rock and roll lifestyle. Yep. Anyhow, that's enough for today. STay Atari.
The Lost World was developed in 1989 by John Leather, who, sadly, didn't find a publisher. The game is complete, except for the audio, and he "only" managed to create half of the planned 100 levels. What a slacker, eh? I've always loved platformers of this ilk. It's obvious John was inspired by various 8-bit games with superb level names and a character that even walks quite similarly to Master Willy, which I liked.
Well, cry no more because we can finally get to play this platformer - and with audio. Grazey has added an unreleased Mad Max chiptune that plays in the background. This ended the deafening silence and suited the gameplay too. So, I just had to tick this off my bucket list and take it for a spin.
Stop right there and take a look at this beautiful screenshot...
Look at the intricate layout and design. You ain't gonna complete this on your first go!!
Let's begin!
The Lost World is very challenging, and I struggled. The first screen is tough, and it took me a few attempts before I beat it. Thankfully, this game is generous with many bonuses littered throughout, along with stickmen for extra lives. Pressing the spacebar displays a dialogue of potential spells and potions for effects like invulnerability. Also, I love how each screen has a different name, like Pie Processing Plant!!
The controls are superb, with simple movements that feel natural for a 2D platformer. You'll appreciate that because the level design is shrewd with hazards, be it a sharp object, sinking ledges, or tricky jumps. Evil critters roam the screens and aren't limited to simply moving back 'n forth. Did I mention this is a tough platformer? Level two is actually easier, but the third cranked up that difficulty once again. Sadly, I didn't beat 'The Locksmith', so I fear it's doubtful I'll be disappointed John didn't fulfil the plan to create more screens!
Perhaps I should try the level editor? Yep, if dozens of levels aren't enough for you, then why not create some using the in-game editor? That's quite exciting and the potential is huge!
Right then, I can sense you want another screenshot? Here you are then...
Whatever you do, don't forget the keys... What's the little man doing there?
Willy's mansion never looked this good!
The graphics are a true 16-bit spin on an 8-bit genre and lovely. Every screen is stuffed to the brim with incredible decor using intricate attention to detail. I love the colour schemes, and the sprites are smooth.
Audio never made it into the original, making our Atari ST as loud as a ZX81. Thankfully, Grazey (Psycho Hacking Force) changed that so we can enjoy a fantastic Mad Max chiptune. It's brilliant, but I admit to missing sound effects for the jumping and collisions. I know, I'm being picky, but I do miss those effects.
This is an 8-bitter hiding behind 16-bit graphics, and I love it. Hey, it's screenshot time...
That purple flying monster is a pain in the £@$!! and killed me more than once!
The CryptO'pinion?
For a homebrew game, this is huge, and I don't simply mean the number of levels. The creativity that went into its development is exquisite, and there is always something new that keeps dragging you back. Sadly, it is hard, so be warned!! Please don't wimp out, learn the mechanics, and beat its cruel learning curve.
When you do, you have a tremendous platformer. Step back in time and enjoy a great platformer!
The Ultimate Arena was released in 1995 by STeam and must rank as one of the last real commercial releases. Of course, it's a beat'em up, and the first thing to do is choose our character: Sandy or Terry. After that big decision, we can then proceed to the first match against a series of dodgy villains, each of whom has their own skillset and special abilities. Some might say it is Atari Mortal Kombat, and why not, because we fight in various arenas against several lunatics whilst watched by a bloodthirsty crowd. Sounds good to me!
Each arena offers a different environment, but they're not just for looks, as they can have unique features: I chuckled when I noticed the electrified fence - just one touch, and you're crispy burnt toast!! Each warrior has their own personality with a degree of speed, talent and special abilities. Watch out for a T800, which is really well done, and there is also an Indiana Jones wannabe who is an incredibly tough opponent.
No beat 'em up would be worth its salt without fast and responsive controls to kick seven bells outta your opponent. The Ultimate Arena has what it takes, and I found it easy to learn the various moves along with their special abilities. Interestingly, your energy bar isn't fully replenished at the start of a round, thus increasing longevity for determined gamers to figure out all the moves. This is a fun beat'em up!
Got a friend? Yes, this type of game demands two-player support, and it's got it!! This is great and allows us to play as the other characters (all except the final guy). This is superb, tons of fun, the joystick controls and display never lag, and it's the best reason to play the game. A turbo mode is optional, but I found it pointless; I simply wasn't impressed. Oh, and the blood & gore can also be turned on/off (what... why?).
Now let's check out a couple of screenshots of a Terminator and some silly fighting...
Whether you're Samantha Fox or a Terminator - this game is kick ass!! Love it!!
Showing off some cool moves there? Or is he just defying gravity? You decide.
Don’t forget to breathe, very important!
Like Domark's Pit Fighter, each character is digitised, and they try their best to look macho whilst kicking seven bells outta you. It's quite remarkable the amount of detail squeezed into each pixel with smooth animations. The backgrounds are always interesting, like the Terminator watching you on a screen, and the crowd with their silly movements. However, I'm not so sure about the colour palette, which is too brownish.
The audio doesn't disappoint and makes use of the DMA hardware with good music and a range of silly sampled sound effects for every kick, punch, and grunt. For once, I'm glad the YM wasn't used. Love it!
Let's fight our way through some more screenshots without getting electrocuted...
Kick people to death while they're already being electrocuted. It's all allowed!!
Or just pounce from a great height until they are splattered. All good fun!
The CryptO'pinion?
I'm no expert when it comes to beat 'em up games, but I am genuinely shocked at how much fun I've had with this Mortal Kombat wannabe. I half expected it to suck, especially being released so late in the ST's life. Surprisingly, even though the STe has no hardware to move the sprites, it's shockingly brisk and lively. A delightful game and a possible replacement for Double Dragon 3 as my favourite game?
Also, I love how it doesn't take itself too seriously, and the fact that I can try my luck against a Terminator is kinda cool. It's obvious that a lot of hard work and love went into its production - and all during the twilight years. Beating the hell out of digitised guys is a great way to spend a couple of hours!! Play this.
The floppies are on Atarimania. (stay away from any betas as they are rubbish!)
The Golden Dawn released many PD and Mod Disks for the Atari ST during their time (Demozoo link). However, this particular disk is something quite different and features a humorous hack of Cannon Fodder. Click play to watch little ST soldiers graffiti the Amiga HQ, which obviously escalates into war. Of course, this will end in bloodshed :-)
A superb idea and one that represents the tensions between ST and Amiga users back in the day. Well, mainly Amiga users because we ST guys were too busy enjoying our machine rather than looking over our shoulders! After the intro, this disk is stuffed with cool tunes and supports various playback options, including stereo playback on the Atari STe.
Thanks to STompy for this piece of gold, and get it downloaded right now. Fantastic stuff!!
ImageWorks' 1988 hit Bombuzal is one of those games that I remember seeing in the magazines of the day. Those pixels - I couldn't believe the cartoon-like quality of the main character within a colourful isometric world. We play the part of an odd potato-shaped dude who performs a funny expression as the bombs are exploding!! There are some big names associated with this game, but is it any good to play?
This is quite a simple puzzler at heart. It requires us to detonate clusters of red bombs. Each level contains squares used to help calculate our best route. There are traps to look out for - crumbling tiles that can be walked on only once before they disappear forever. Others might be too slippery, some transport us, and slotted tiles can move bombs to different locations (usually to avoid being caught in an explosive chain reaction).
This is a fun game that looks great while it taxes the brain cells. It's bomb-blastingly excellent!!
It's a weird feeling when I come across a game that I've never heard of before. I mean, there are plenty I've heard of yet never played (which is strange enough!), but this is completely new to me. I'm baffled by my ignorance! How do these things happen? Well, I've slapped myself, so let's read the storyline...
A virus has infected the machines on Mars so the robots have captured our scientists and holding them captive. We have no anti-virus program so it's our job to destroy any robots that get in our way and help lead the boffins to safety. Jump inside your spaceship and get ready to save the day, again!
Rebellion is a top-down shoot-'em-up similar to a Gauntlet game. Each screen has several hostages, which are located in different parts of the level. Some are behind a forcefield which can be partially deactivated by disabling a section of its wall, but you won't have long before a repair droid appears. Others can be in locked rooms, which require a key card, which a robot may reveal when killed. Every level has a minimum number of hostages to rescue within a set time. Miss it, and the spaceship will leave without you. Yikes, so ruthless!
Nearly 30 years have passed without playing this game! Dang...
How are you going to break into that complex, rescue everyone, and get out in time?
Tactics, strategy, guns!
Enemy robots have a range of abilities: some are slow, whereas others are much faster, and some can even lay down explosive mines. Some have no projectile weapon, but others are only too eager to turn you into a blood splatter! Watch out for gun turrets, trapdoors, and tanks. Interestingly, when you do lose a life, the robots are paused for a few seconds, thus giving you extra time to whack 'em full of lead. Most satisfying!
Our weapons are superb, and the machine gun can be upgraded with greater power and faster action. Try not to kill any humans in the crossfire! You'll be pleased to hear that there are a variety of other power-ups to enhance shields, invincibility, a radar scrambler, and even a supply of extra lives. Oh yeah, we've got it all.
Visually, the graphics are small and detailed, but hardly groundbreaking for a 16-bit computer. Some might turn up their nose at the pace and tiny sprites, but it's ideal; otherwise, each level would feel cramped and difficult to navigate. Sounds are good, and you hear the bam-bam-bam of your weaponry the most.
Guns, tactics, strategy, and extreme military violence. I'm all in!! This game rocks...
As you can see, each level is swarming with enemies and folk to rescue. It's never easy!
The CryptO'pinion?
I don't normally enjoy games that have me worrying over the safety of people whilst being hunted myself. I panic too much, so people usually end up dead!! However, Rebellion works well, even though the hostages are lame at following you!! They can get stuck behind a wall, so remember that when planning your move.
Rebellion is great, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being anxiously entertained. Each level is captivating, progressing through increasingly challenging situations. It’s addictive and one of those games that keeps you coming back for more. The rush of killing the baddies while guiding the scientists to safety is exhilarating.
Magnificent, and one of the best games I have played in ages. I absolutely love Rebellion!!
