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. However, 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 love & hate 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 that John was inspired by various 8-Bit games with superb level names and a character that even walks quite similar 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...
Just 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 screenshots? 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 commercial releases. It's a beat'em up and the first thing to do is choose our character: Sandy or Terry. Now we can 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.
Each arena offers a different environment and I chuckled to myself when I noticed the electrified fence - just one touch and you're crispy burnt toast!! Each warrior has their own trippy personality with a varying degree of speed, talent and special abilities. Watch out for a T800 which I thought was really well done and there is also an Indiana Jones wannabe who is an incredibly tough opponent. Interestingly, your energy bar isn't fully replenished at the start of the following round, thus increasing longevity for determined gamers to figure out all the moves. This is a fun beat'em up!
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!
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. The two-player mode is great and allows us to play as the other characters (all except the final guy). A turbo mode is optional but I found that pointless so I cannot say I was impressed too much. Blood can also be turned on/off (what... why?)
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 and 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. Okay, I was tempted to let that slide but then I remembered other Atari ST games make better use of colour, ala Black Lamp. Yeah, umm, it is rather too brown!
Let's kick, punch and electrify through a couple more screenshots...
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?
As I've said in the past, I'm no expert when it comes to beat 'em up games. However, 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 long after the gaming side of the ST had died. 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 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 which is extra impressive. Beating the hell out of digitised guys is a great way to spend a couple of hours!! Play this.
The floppies can be found via Old Games Finder. (but stay away from the beta downloads 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 the 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 uniquely colourful isometric world. We play the part of an odd potato-shaped dude who performs a funny expression as the bombs are exploding - it's almost like he doesn't trust himself!! Interestingly, there are some big names associated with this game but is it any good to play?
Well, 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. However, 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 to walk on, some transport us, and slotted tiles can move bombs to different locations (usually to avoid being caught in an explosive chain reaction).
I like Bombuzal, it's a fun game that looks hot as it taxes the old 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 game looks incredible. Yet, here I am baffled by my ignorance!
Let's read the storyline...
A virus has infected the automated 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 (ish) to any type of Gauntlet game. Each screen has several trapped hostages which are often 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 so don't dawdle. 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!
How did I not know about this game back in the day? Nearly 30 years with this game! Wow...
Okay, so 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 different abilities: some are slow whereas others are much faster and another can even lay down explosive mines. Some have no projectile weapon but others are only too eager to turn you into a blood splatter! Also, watch out for gun turrets, trapdoors, and large tanks. Interestingly, when you do lose a life, the robots are paused for a few seconds thus giving you some extra time to whack 'em full of lead. This is most satisfying!
Rejoice the weapons are superb and our machine gun can be upgraded with greater power and faster action - just try not to kill any humans in the crossfire! Well... Anyhow, 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.
Aesthetically, the graphics are pretty nice albeit hardly groundbreaking for any 16-bit computer. I'm sure many might turn up their nose at the slow pace and tiny sprites but it's actually ideal otherwise each level would feel cramped and be very difficult to navigate. Sounds are fine and you'll 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?
Now, I don't normally enjoy games that have me worrying about the safety of computer-controlled characters whilst being hunted by the foe. I panic too much so people usually end up dead... Well, always! However, Rebellion works well even though the hostages are lame at following you and can often get stuck behind a wall so remember that.
Rebellion is simple, without irritating complications and has been perfectly executed. I've enjoyed this shooter which I've found to be anxiously entertaining - each level has an intricate and interesting military theme with gameplay that is progressively entertaining. Very addictive and one of those games that keeps dragging you back for more and it's always a fantastic rush killing the baddies whilst guiding the scientists back to safety. Yep, I loved Rebellion!!!!
